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Blord Group Launches Blunt Gadgets, Targets Made-in-Nigeria Production by 2026

In a bold move to redefine the gadget and accessories market in Nigeria, Blord Group, a Bitcoin-based financial services company, has officially launched its wide range of Blunt Gadgets and Accessories at the Hilton Leisure Resort and Hotel, Awka.
The launch, held over the weekend, marked a significant milestone in the company’s diversification journey and was themed “Enough Is Enough for Fake Products.”
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Blord Group, Linus Williams Ifejika, said the decision to venture into gadgets was borne out of a difficult personal experience – an unwarranted detention by security agents that disrupted his financial services business.
“After that incident, God gave me the vision to go into gadgets and accessories that will be useful and durable for Nigerians,” he said.
Sharing his experience sourcing suppliers in China, Ifejika revealed that he was initially offered substandard products simply because he was Nigerian.
“The first factory I visited tried to sell me the same low-quality gadgets they offer to most Nigerian traders. I walked away. I later met a principled manufacturer whose products meet global standards. Ironically, most Nigerian importers avoid them because they refuse to cut corners,” he recounted.
Blord Group has since partnered with the high-quality Chinese manufacturer and is confident enough in the durability of its Blunt products to offer a six-month to one-year warranty.
Beyond importation, Ifejika disclosed that the company is laying the groundwork to begin local manufacturing of Blunt-branded smartphone accessories and electronics in Ebenebe, Anambra State.
“Blunt products will be manufactured in Nigeria. By 2026, we hope to have fully made-in-Nigeria gadgets,” he said.
According to him, the Ebenebe facility will serve not only as a production hub but also as a platform for youth employment, with the initial phase expected to engage over 500 workers.
He also noted that the firm is investing in product repackaging and brand repositioning to tackle the proliferation of fake and substandard gadgets in the Nigerian market.
“We launched these products to eradicate fake chargers. Nigerians have suffered for too long,” he added.
The event drew a crowd of enthusiastic guests, including notable personalities like White Smoke, Osinachi Blord, and Iyke Best, who praised the innovation and quality of the products.
They lauded the initiative as a model of the think-home philosophy and urged other affluent Ndi Anambra to channel investments back into the state.
A key highlight of the evening was the unveiling of Blunt products, including smartphone chargers, power banks, trackers, and sundry accessories, which immediately attracted interest from distributors and retailers.
With its bold expansion plan and quality assurance commitment, Blord Group is positioning Blunt as a trusted brand in Nigeria’s growing consumer electronics market.
Online Poster by — July 3, 2025 in News 0
Union Bank Strengthens Sustainability Leadership With Symposium On World Environment Day 2025

World Environment Day: Union Bank strengthens sustainability leadership with donations - Blueprint Newspapers Limited

 

Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, a leading advocate for environmental sustainability and ESG in Africa, marked World Environment Day 2025 by partnering with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) to host a high-impact symposium themed “Ending Plastic Pollution” at the Lekki Conservation Centre, Lagos.

 

The event brought together corporate leaders, environmental experts, and stakeholders to address the urgent challenge of plastic pollution and champion innovative solutions for a cleaner future.

 

The symposium featured thought-provoking discussions on the environmental and economic risks posed by plastic waste.

 

Speaking at the event, Union Bank’s Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, Olufunmilola Aluko, said, “At Union Bank, sustainability goes beyond banking. We are dedicated to empowering communities with knowledge and resources, like recycling initiatives to tackle plastic pollution and rejuvenate our environment.”

 

In line with this commitment, Union Bank extended its impact through an educational outreach in Lagos secondary schools, donating recycling bins and raising awareness about environmental preservation among young Nigerians.

 

These efforts are part of the bank’s broader UnionCares platform, which drives impactful Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives across Nigeria.

 

The bank remains steadfast in promoting ethical business practices, social responsibility, and sustainable community development.

About Union Bank Plc:

Founded in 1917, Union Bank is a pioneer in the Nigerian financial industry, renowned for its “Simpler, Smarter Banking” and unwavering commitment to empowering individuals, businesses, and communities through innovative solutions and sustainable initiatives.

The Bank is a trusted and recognisable brand with an extensive network of over 300 branches across Nigeria. The Bank offers various banking services to individual and corporate clients, including current, savings, and deposit account services, funds transfer, foreign currency domiciliation, loans, overdrafts, equipment leasing, and trade finance. The Bank also offers customers convenient electronic banking channels and products, including Online Banking, Mobile Banking, Debit Cards, ATMs, and POS Systems.

Online Poster by — July 3, 2025 in News 0
Shell Pledges Support For Nigeria’s Ambitions For Energy Sufficiency

By Amaka Obiefuna

Managing Director, Shell Nigeria Exploration and production Company Limited, Ronald Adams… Speaking at a panel session at the 2025 Nigeria Oil and Gas Conference in Abuja.

Shell says it will continue to explore opportunities to invest in Nigeria as the country aims to achieve energy abundance.

Speaking at a panel session at the 2025 Nigeria Oil and Gas Conference in Abuja , Managing Director, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Ltd (SNEPCo) Ronald Adams referred to the expansion of its stake in the Bonga field, the FID on Bonga North and several other projects being considered including Bonga Southwest and HI as Shell’s vote of confidence in the future of Nigeria. But he declined to give specific timing on FIDs including that on HI.

 

Discussions at the panel session were based on the theme, “Pragmatically Achieving Energy Abundance,” and featured chief executives of oil companies and government functionaries who proposed steps towards achieving energy sufficiency as Nigeria targets net-zero emissions from fossil fuel by 2050.

 

Ronald said SNEPCo would build on its contributions to energy abundance by becoming more efficient and improve value across the value chain by working closely with the Nigerian Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS) and other stakeholders. “There is a requirement for us to push the envelope. We cannot rest on our oars,” he said.

 

He explained that Nigeria can achieve the ambition of net-zero emissions and at the same time provide cost-effective and efficient energy for a rising population by optimizing investments in hydrocarbon energy sources and quick renewable opportunities.

 

On the efforts of Shell towards net-zero emissions, the Managing Director said the company’s refreshed Powering Progress strategy aims to accelerate the transition “purposefully and profitably to low-carbon businesses by the early 2030s.”

 

He added: “It is important that government continues to support these efforts and those of other industry players through the right polices and creation of a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.”

Online Poster by — July 3, 2025 in News 0
SquirrelPR Launches GoBorderless.Africa To Reinvent Sponsored Content Distribution

By Winifred Bosa

 African PR technology company, SquirrelPR has unveiled GoBorderless.Africa, a no-subscription, on-demand sponsored content marketplace designed to radically improve how brand, communication, and marketing teams execute media visibility campaigns across Africa.

GoBorderless.Africa enables users to place sponsored press articles directly with verified news outlets in multiple African markets, including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Egypt, and Côte d’Ivoire, all from a single, self-serve platform. Whether launching a new product, announcing a strategic partnership, running a perception campaign, or implementing a regional SEO backlink strategy, users can now browse a catalogue of top-tier publishers, view their pricing and publishing terms, and submit stories directly for review.

“For far too long, African communications professionals have had to work with fragmented, informal processes just to secure media placements,” said James Ezechukwu, Co-founder of SquirrelPR. “GoBorderless.Africa replaces that friction with structure, transparency, and speed – it’s modern media buying for modern storytelling.”

Publications available on the platform include TechCabal, Pulse Ghana, Nairametrics, The Africa Report, BusinessDay, Business Insider Africa, and others. Each listing includes the outlet’s name, pricing, turnaround time, and category – allowing users to build targeted, cross-border campaigns with speed and clarity.

Africa’s media landscape remains among the most fragmented in the world. Thousands of newsrooms operate independently across regions and languages, with no centralized pricing or editorial standards. As a result, communications teams often struggle to scale their visibility across multiple markets without relying on expensive PR agencies, ad hoc freelance agents, or inconsistent delivery timelines. Worse, payments to media partners are often difficult across borders, leading to project delays and failed executions.

GoBorderless.Africa bridges this gap. By centralizing discovery, pricing, publishing, and payment into one trusted platform, it helps agencies, government communication teams, and in-house marketers execute with confidence. It also offers media outlets a new revenue model by monetizing sponsored editorial space without compromising credibility.

“We’re enabling professionals to tell bigger stories, in bigger places,” Ezechukwu added. “And we’re giving African media a stronger bridge to the brands that want to support them.”

Online Poster by — July 3, 2025 in News 0
ADVAN Congratulates Dr Bolajoko Bayo-AjayiI On Election As NIMN President

By Winifred Bosa
The Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) has extended its heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Mrs. Bolajoko Bayo-Ajayi, FNIMN, on her recent election as the first female President and Chairman of Council of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN).
Her appointment is a fitting recognition of her exceptional leadership, longstanding commitment to excellence, and passionate advocacy for the growth and professionalism of marketing in Nigeria.
Speaking on the development, the President of ADVAN, Mr. Osamede Uwubanmwen, said: “Dr. Bayo-Ajayi’s emergence as NIMN President marks a significant milestone for the marketing industry. Her track record of dedication and impact gives us great confidence in her ability to steer the Institute toward new levels of relevance and excellence.”
He noted that her distinguished career and consistent dedication to the development of the marketing profession have earned her this well-deserved recognition.
“Her leadership comes at a critical time in Nigeria’s evolving marketing and communications landscape and we are confident that NIMN will continue to thrive under her visionary guidance, championing innovation, professionalism, gender inclusion, and sustainable growth in the sector.’’
“ADVAN recognizes the pivotal role NIMN plays in promoting ethical standards, capacity development, and progressive policy frameworks in the Nigerian marketing ecosystem. We extend our best wishes to Dr. Bayo-Ajayi for a successful and impactful tenure, while we remain excited about the future of marketing in Nigeria under her capable leadership.
ADVAN looks forward to a strong and strategic partnership that will further strengthen the industry and drive sustainable development’’, he concluded.
ADVAN has reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Institute and other stakeholders to foster innovation, knowledge-sharing, and initiatives that will uplift the profession and contribute meaningfully to national development.
Online Poster by — July 3, 2025 in News 0
900+ AXA Employees Campaign Against Domestic And Sexual Violence 

AXA Employees Take Campaign Against Domestic, Sexual Violence to Schools | Business Post Nigeria
More than 900 employees of Nigeria’s leading Insurance Company, AXA Mansard, have volunteered for different activities to combat the scourge of domestic and sexual violence against children across the country.
In commemoration of its annual social responsibility week, AXA Week for Good, hundreds of the company’s employees visited various schools across Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, educating students and teachers on the identification, prevention, and reporting of sexual and domestic violence.
AXA Week for Good is the flagship volunteering programme of AXA Hearts In Action (AHIA), a programme through which AXA encourages its employees to contribute to positive societal and environmental impacts through volunteering, expertise, related financial support, and in-kind donations.
 “Through the AHIA, our employees do not just give time to great causes; we work together for a better future. We share our knowledge and expertise as a people with a shared purpose of acting for human progress by protecting what matters by helping vulnerable communities and people around us,” said Rashidat Adebisi, Chief Client Officer, AXA Mansard.
 Under the theme “Being a Girl Shouldn’t Be A Risk,” AXA Mansard employees participated in awareness walks to sensitize the public about the danger of domestic and sexual violence on children and the nation’s future.
 According to Adebisi, this theme presents the organization with an opportunity to demonstrate the social, economic, and ethical benefits of protecting the girl child. She said Nigeria’s 105 million children and adolescents aged 0–17 years represent about half of the country’s population.
“For a country betting its economic growth on the strength and human capital of its young population, the alarming rate and spate of Violence Against Children (VAC) threatens the future not just of our country, but of the African continent.”
 She noted that the staggering reality that 60% of Nigerian children experience one or more forms of violence before age 18 is a call to action for everyone, and “our employees are responding to this clarion call so that the thousand of Nigerian girls who go through physical, emotional, sexual and psychological violence can find safe places to get help; but most important, we can rid our society of perpetrators,” she furthered.
 In 2024, more than 50% of AXA Mansard employees, through various volunteering activities under the AHIA, clocked over 23,000 volunteering hours. Their dedication underscores the company’s deep-rooted belief that real impact begins with people.
As they continue to lead by example, AXA Mansard remains committed to championing initiatives that protect the most vulnerable in society. By empowering its employees to take meaningful action, the company continues to demonstrate that corporate responsibility goes beyond business  it is about building a safer, more inclusive future for all.
Online Poster by — July 3, 2025 in News 0
NAICOM Hands Over New Licenses To SanlamAllianz Life And General Insurance

 

The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) handed over new licenses to SanlamAllianz Life and General Insurance Nigeria Ltd. in a brief ceremony held in Abuja.

 

Commissioner for Insurance, Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, emphasized the Commission’s commitment to supporting the growth of insurance entities in the country, while ensuring strict compliance with regulatory requirements. He urged the companies to prioritize good corporate governance, stability, and timely claims settlement processes.

 

The Commissioner reiterated NAICOM’s dedication to removing unnecessary bottlenecks and improving the insurance industry’s overall performance. He expressed confidence that the merger would enhance the companies’ capabilities and contribute to the industry’s growth.

Online Poster by — July 3, 2025 in News 0

By Winifred Bosa

FirstBank, the West Africa premier financial institution and financial inclusion services provider has launched an advanced facial biometric technology on its mobile banking application- FirstMobile, along with other exciting features that includes:

• Facial recognition sign-up and activation

• Virtual credit cards for secure online shopping

• Instant credit card activation

• Flexible salary advances with 3-month repayment options

• General improvements, bug fixes,

These upgrades all aim to provide customers with a seamless, secure, and efficient digital banking experience.

The new facial biometric feature enables users to activate or register on FirstBank’s mobile app- FirstMobile securely, using facial verification. This feature also includes an advanced anti-spoof detection, to enhance customer account protection and ensure robust security.

This innovative solution effectively addresses the diverse needs of customers, including new customers, diaspora customers without cards, individuals with lost or expired cards, those who have opted out of card use, as well as customers facing card verification failures or lacking convenient access to card details.

This feature will provide seamless access to essential banking services, such as fund transfers and bill payments ensuring swift, reliable, and convenient transaction processing for all users.

The newly enhanced FirstBank mobile banking platform, FirstMobile, offers a comprehensive array of features and services designed to provide our customers with a seamless and innovative digital banking experience, no matter where they are in the world. With these substantial improvements, users can easily sign up and activate the app using just their face.

They can shop online securely with a virtual credit card that is instantly issued and always accessible within the app. Additionally, customers can activate their new credit card directly from the app to start spending immediately. They also have the option to access salary advances with a convenient 3-month repayment plan.

“With these new services now live on FirstMobile, we are confident we will undoubtedly enhance our customers’ digital experience.” remarked Chukwuma Ezirim, Group Executive, E-Business and Retail Products Division, FirstBank. “FirstBank is committed to innovative ways of delighting our customers so that they can carry out their transactions with no stress and with utmost convenience.

We understand the importance of keeping up with the evolving digital landscape, and we are dedicated to providing our customers with cutting-edge solutions that make banking simpler, faster, and more accessible. Our goal is to ensure that every interaction with FirstBank enhances customer satisfaction and builds long-lasting relationships”

 

To deliver on its promise of gold-standard banking services, FirstBank remains committed to advanced innovative solutions and robust secure security measures, to protect customer data and empower them to transact effortlessly and manage their finances effectively.

Winifred Bosa by — July 2, 2025 in brands and Marketing 0
Fidelity Bank Extends Relief Efforts To Eti-Osa Community With Food Bank Initiative

As part of its unwavering commitment to reducing food insecurity and supporting vulnerable communities, Fidelity Bank Plc, a leading financial institution, has distributed food packs to residents of Victoria Island in the Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos as part of its nationwide Fidelity Food Bank initiative.
This initiative, which attracted beneficiaries from diverse backgrounds, forms a key pillar of the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy and reinforces its dedication to driving meaningful impact across Nigerian communities.
Speaking during the distribution event, Mr. Adebayo Adeyinka, Executive Technical Assistant to the Managing Director/CEO of Fidelity Bank Plc, emphasized the long-term impact of the initiative. “The Fidelity Food Bank was established to address the pressing challenges of poverty, hunger, malnutrition, and infant and maternal mortality within our communities,” he said.
“It aligns with Goal No. 2 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals – Zero Hunger – and reflects our long-term commitment to improving lives across the country. From IDP camps to flood-affected regions like Niger State, this is a nationwide outreach that we are proud to continue,” Adeyinka added.
Also present at the event was the Divisional Head, Operations, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Henry Asiegbu, who highlighted the growing support and impact of the program.
“This intervention has been positively received at all levels – from community members to government and partner organizations,” he noted. “The support has been overwhelming, and it encourages us to sustain and expand the initiative further.”
For many of the community members, the gesture offered more than just nourishment – it restored dignity and hope. Victoria Olubiyo, resident and representative of the members of the community, expressed her gratitude, saying, “Fidelity Bank has brought joy to our lives. Even during the no-cash crisis, their ATMs were always working. They’ve provided boreholes, fulfilled their promises, and shown genuine care. Today, people – men, women, children, even those living with disabilities – are supported. I urge other banks to follow their example.”
Another beneficiary, Jerome Igbe, echoed this sentiment, saying, “This means so much to struggling families. I honestly didn’t expect this kind of support. May God bless them and replenish their resources.”
Through initiatives like the Fidelity Food Bank, the bank continues to demonstrate its role as a socially responsible corporate organisation committed to impacting Nigerians positively.
Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.
The Bank is a recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.
Online Poster by — July 2, 2025 in News 0
Shell Companies In Nigeria Commended For Elaborate Exhibition At Nigeria Oil and Gas Conference

 

Dignitaries at Shell Booth during the 24th NOG Energy Week Conference & Exhibition…in Abuja

Shell Companies in Nigeria (SCiN) today kicked off their participation at the 24th Nigeria Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition in Abuja with an elaborate exhibition on their operations which drew commendation from top government functionaries and other conference participants.

 

Among the visitors to the stand were the Minister of State for Petroleum, Heineken Lokpobiri and the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Bayo Ojulari, who were conducted round by Business Value Manager, Chidi Nkazi.

 

SCiN are Diamond sponsors of the conference and are among many exhibiting companies from 85 countries. The exhibition features the positive impact of the Shell presence on the development of the country through the businesses run by Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company of Nigeria Ltd (SNEPCo), Shell Nigeria Gas (SNG), All On and Daystar Power. These companies have achieved many milestones in deep-water production, gas supply to industries as well as provision of off-grid energy and renewables.

 

Highlighting some milestones, Chidi said SNEPCo and SNG paid combined royalties of $1.208 billion dollars to the Nigerian government last year. Shell is also investing in the future of Nigeria with the Final Investment Decision on the $5 billion Bonga North deep-water project, and SNEPCo increasing its interest in the OML 118, which includes the Bonga field, from 55% to 67.5%, through the acquisition of the 12.5% stake of TotalEnergies.

 

On its part, SNG serves more than 140 industrial and commercial customers in Ogun, Abia, and Rivers states while All On now has a total portfolio of 51 renewable energy companies, which have delivered more than 210,000 energy connections across the country. Daystar Power is offering integrated solar power to businesses in five countries in Africa, including Nigeria.

 

Chidi added: “A robust social investment portfolio by SCiN has also led to the implementation of programmes in education, health, employment generation as well as infrastructural development across communities in Nigeria.”

 

The participation of SCiN at NOG continues with Shell leaders making presentations and participating in key panel sessions.

Online Poster by — July 2, 2025 in News 0