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By Winifred Bosa

Nestlé Nigeria has reaffirmed its dedication to youth empowerment and skill development with the graduation of twenty young trainees from the 8th cohort of its Nestlé Technical Training Center, Agbara. This initiative is part of the broader Nestlé Needs YOUth program, a global commitment launched in 2013 with the goal of enabling 10 million young people worldwide to access economic opportunities by 2030.

 

Since its establishment in 2011, the Nestlé Technical Training Center, Agbara has invested more than ₦6 billion in equipping young Nigerians with hands-on technical and vocational skills. The program offers comprehensive training in food technology, engineering, and manufacturing operations, giving participants the practical expertise they need to thrive in today’s industrial landscape. By empowering youth with employable skills, the initiative not only supports individual growth but also contributes to Nigeria’s industrial capacity and sustainable economic development.

 

The latest graduates completed an intensive 18-month curriculum that blends theoretical and practical engineering education. Their training culminated in the prestigious City and Guilds of London Technicians’ Certification, significantly enhancing their employability in Nigeria and beyond.
Since its inception, the Nestlé Technical Training Center has trained more than 200 young professionals across its three locations: Agbara, Flowergate, and Abaji factories. Impressively, 95% of alumni have secured employment with Nestlé Nigeria, where they apply their technical knowledge in practical roles.

 

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Wassim Elhusseini, Managing Director/CEO of Nestlé Nigeria, said:
“Each graduation ceremony is a true privilege because it allows us to witness firsthand the life-changing impact of the Nestlé Technical Training Center. Many of our graduates have gone on to build remarkable careers, including one who now serves as a Factory Engineer in Angola, and several others excelling as Engineering and Production Supervisors. From this class, five outstanding graduates will embark on an eight-week internship in Switzerland starting this October, under the framework of our Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Embassy of Switzerland in Nigeria.

There, they will sharpen their technical expertise and gain valuable global exposure. These achievements go far beyond individual success, they uplift families, strengthen communities, and contribute to Nigeria’s industrial growth.”
Highlighting the broader impact of the Technical Training Centers within the Nestlé Needs YOUth initiative, Mr. Shakiru Lawal, Country Human Resources Manager at Nestlé Nigeria, said:

 

“The Nestlé Technical Training Center is a cornerstone of Nestlé Needs YOUth, which empowers young people across Nigeria through four key pillars: employability, skills development, support, and access to opportunities. Beyond the training centers, our initiative includes programs such as the Nesternship Program, a virtual internship platform that allows young people to gain practical experience remotely; the Nestlé Youth Development Program, which provides training and mentorship to enhance employability; and our active participation in the Alliance for Youth Nigeria, a collaboration offering apprenticeships, traineeships, and job opportunities. Through these efforts, we reach an average of 25,000 young people annually, helping them build fulfilling careers and contribute to the growth of our communities.”

 

In a goodwill message delivered on his behalf by Adenike Aderonke, Director of Social and Labour Affairs, the Director-General Mr. Adewale Smatt Oyerinde of the Nigerian Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) praised the Center’s role in shaping future talent.

“This program reaffirms our belief that skills are the future of work, especially for young people in today’s competitive environment. To the graduands, I extend heartfelt congratulations. Strive for excellence in your endeavors, uphold values of consistency, and make a positive impact in your chosen fields.”

Also present at the ceremony were His Royal Highness, the Alagbara of Agbara, Oba Lukman Jayeola Agunbiade, along with representatives from the communities.
“I am proud to see a program that gives our youth real skills and opportunities,” Oba Lukman Jayeola Agunbiade said. “It is especially wonderful to see young people from my community succeeding through this initiative. I encourage these graduates to lead by example and inspire others to make the most of education, training, and personal development.”

 

With every edition, the Nestlé Technical Training Centres continue to strengthen Nigeria’s industrial workforce, equipping young people with the skills to build sustainable careers and drive national growth.

About Nestle

Nestlé Nigeria is Africa’s top food and beverage company, known for its quality, excellence, and commitment to creating shared value. With a heritage of more than 63 years in Nigeria and its house-hold brands, the firm continues to ensure the availability and accessibility of nutritious food and beverage products. In addition, the firm supports the communities closest to its operations and takes action to safeguard the environment through sustainable business practices.

With over 2,300 direct employees, 3 factories and 7 branch offices across Nigeria, Nestlé produces and markets iconic brands including Maggi, Milo, Golden Morn, Nestlé Pure Life and Cerelac.

 

Online Poster by — September 25, 2025 in brands and Marketing
Polaris Bank Hosts Global Trade Forum To Strengthen Trade Relationships , Drive Growth

By Winifred Bosa

 

Polaris Bank, Nigeria’s leading digital retail, and commercial bank, on Tuesday hosted corporate customers in the non-oil sector at its Global Trade Forum. The event was designed to foster stronger stakeholder relationships, address trade-related challenges, and explore innovative solutions to drive business growth.

 

The forum, with the theme: “Trade Export: Partnering for Growth”, brought together key players in Nigeria’s trade and export ecosystem, including business leaders, exporters, regulators, Nigerian Customs and policy influencers. Participants engaged in robust discussions on the challenges and opportunities shaping the global trading landscape.

 

Speaking at the event, Polaris Bank Managing Director/CEO, Kayode Lawal, underscored the central role of trade as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth. He reaffirmed Polaris Bank’s commitment to delivering tailored solutions that empower Nigerian businesses to compete more effectively in international markets.

 

According to him, the purpose of the gathering was to address the real issues customers encounter in trade and export while identifying opportunities where Polaris Bank can provide practical, innovative solutions to support growth. He stressed that Polaris Bank sees itself not only as a financial institution but also as a trusted partner in progress and a driver of long-term value creation.

 

Also in attendance was Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Aondona Fanyama, who led a three-man delegation from the Nigerian Customs Service. He spoke extensively on the workings of the Nigeria Trade Portal B’odogwu and gave a practical demonstration of its application.
ACC Fanyama highlighted how the portal simplifies trade processes for exporters and importers, enhancing transparency, speed, and efficiency in cross-border trade. In a show of collaboration, he also pledged swift resolution to two participants at the forum who had been facing challenges with processing via the portal: thereby reinforcing the importance of such engagements in resolving real-time business concerns.

The event, held at Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, provided a platform for meaningful dialogue on trade finance, export readiness, compliance, market access, and the role of digital platforms in facilitating cross-border transactions. It also offered participants the opportunity to interact directly with financial experts, policymakers, Customs officials, and industry leaders – opening doors for collaboration and sustainable growth.

The Bank had full representation of its executive management including Executive Directors for Retail, Commercial and Corporate & Investment Banking, Chris Ofikulu and Abimbola Ozomah with scores of strategic business leaders from across Treasury, Global Trade, Business Directorate, and Divisions.

 

Through the trade forum, Polaris Bank once again demonstrated its role as a forward-looking lender committed to supporting businesses, fostering economic development, and strengthening Nigeria’s participation in global markets. The Forum reinforces the Bank’s positioning as a catalyst for trade expansion and customer empowerment, ensuring that its clients have the financial products, relevant advisory support, and opportunities required to thrive in today’s competitive global economy.

Online Poster by — September 25, 2025 in Capital Market
Ukachukwu  Vow to take Anambra to long Expected  promised land. 

 
 
By Ebele  Ofodile 
Prince Nicholas Chukwujekwu Ukachukwu, the All Progressive Congress (APC) Governorship Candidate for  Anambra State in the 2025 election, has outlined ambitious  plans for the state’s  development, focusing  on agriculture, security, creation of job and overall governance.
He made this statement during an inauguration  of the APC Anambra  State  governorship  Campaign  Council, held at  secretariat Awka.
Ukachukwu proposes of leveraging artificial intelligence to boost agriculture ,productivity  and efficiency, a structured  agricultural  values chain involving  farmers, seed companies, infrastructure providers, funding agencies to enable  productivity  and support  farmers.” We are declaring a revolution in agric- chain in Anambra State, aiming to empower  farmers and drive economic  growth, ” he said.”
He acknowledges  insecurity  as a major challenge  hindering development  and investors, promising to tackle it, ensuring of protection of lives and properties of Ndi- Anambra, aiming to end killings and maiming in the state.
He emphasised on creation of job opportunities, empowering of youths, attracting foreign investors, improvising on infrastructure  like roads, connecting council areas to the state capital, focusing on major commercial hubs, expansion of health-care access, improving on education, promising  of all- inclusive government benefiting  all the 179 communities  in Anambra State.
Earlier in his speech, his running mate senator, uche Ekwunife  said, the party is the best to take anambra state to a new dimension.
In their separate speeches,the inauguration committee advised all hands to be on deck come November 8 2025 election,  stating that APC will be on seat at light house” we are going to put in our best and not to disappoint him.”
Online Poster by — September 25, 2025 in News
Experts To Discuss Seasonal Investing, As INVESTDATA Holds Q4 Master Class Saturday

 

Experts, traders and investors in the Nigerian capital market will on Saturday gather for the Q4 Master Class organised by Investdata Consulting Limited to brainstorm on the historic moves seen so far on the nation’s bourse in the ongoing fourth quarter and beyond.

 

The Master Class, which will hold virtually, will be facilitated by equity traders and analysts such as Dr Sylvester Anaba (Ph.D), a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers and Head, Research, United Capital Plc; Alhaji Kasimu Garba Kurfi, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer APT Securities & Funds Limited; Mr Abdul-Rasheed Momoh, Executive Director, Operations, TRW Stockbrokers Limited; and Ambrose Omordion, Chief Research Officer, Investdata Consulting.

 

According to a statement by the organisers, Dr. Anaba will take participants through “The Power Of Seasonal Investing In A Recovering Economy,” Alhaji Kurfi will speak to “New Actionable Trade Ideas & Strategies In Changing Stock Market;” while “Mastering Contemporary Technical Tools For Wealth Building In Any Market Cycle,” will be discussed by Mr Momoh.

 

On his part, Mr. Omordion is expected to discuss “time & Price Analyses For Money Making In a Dynamic Market.”
A statement by the organisers noted that the Master Class is for investors and traders “preparing for the big changes underway in the economy and, indeed, the NGX.”

The statement quoted Omordion as saying that timing is very critical today, especially given the inflow of the country’s macroeconomic data, and how they influenced the outcome of the last Monetary Policy Committee meetings held on Monday and Tuesday, which saw a rate cut, with the possibility of another slash at the November, as well as corporate earnings and the usual year-end activities.

This is is in addition to the expected fundamental shift in global capital flows if the world’s big central banks cut rates, a situation that will ignite new opportunities in the market.

The question, Omordion continued, is: “what does these portend for market players like you? Opportunities. But, that is, if you know where to look, which is why you should join us at the next edition of the Q4 Master Class.

“It is a 100% virtual (online) meeting on the ZOOM App, to enable you participate from the comfort of your home, anywhere you are across the world,” he said, assuring that the Master Class will help participants follow exact steps in real time, using the current volatility and happenings in the market.
The Master Class, he continued, is will offer cutting-edge strategies for equity trading on the NGX and other markets; while providing insights on the need to blend technical and fundamental analyses to gain insights for all experience levels- whether beginner to advanced.

The statement further assured that participants will learn how to filter market noise and identify the most opportune time to join any trade, besides “tradeable chart patterns and candlestick formations that signal real money-making opportunities; and how to buy right on the two sides of equity investing, whether fundamental vs technical; risk vs profit; buy vs sell; and bears vs bulls.”
Participants, the statement further stressed, will discuss five recommended stocks that beat inflation and delivered over 50% return within a 91-day period, and trading opportunities that will make the difference in December, and 2026.

 

“This is not just an event, it is your opportunity to gain actionable strategies, proven technical tools and market tested confidence from market experts and professionals. Don’t miss this opportunity,” Omordion noted.

Online Poster by — September 25, 2025 in News
NLNG 2025 The Nigeria Prize For Science Ends Without A Declared Winner

By Winifred Bosa
(L-R) Anne-Marie Palmer-Ikuku, Manager, Corporate Communications & Public Affairs; Dr. Sophia Horsfall, GM, External Relations & Sustainable Development; Prof. Barth Nnaji, Chairman, Advisory Board, The Nigerian Prize for Science; Prof Yusuf Abubakar; and Dr. Nike Akande, Board Members at the press conference on the 2025 science prize outcome…in Lagos on Wednesday.
The Advisory Board of The Nigeria Prize for Science has announced that  no winner emerged for the 2025 edition, following the judges’ dissatisfaction with the overall quality of entries received.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, the Chairman of the Advisory Board, Professor Barth Nnaji, explained that after a rigorous adjudication of the 112 entries submitted this year, none was found suitable for the Prize.
 He stated that the decision, though difficult, reinforced the Board’s commitment to upholding the integrity of the selection process and protecting the reputation of the prestigious The Nigeria Prize for Science.
He noted that the Prize is not just about rewarding scientific output, but safeguarding the values of creativity, originality, and scientific rigor that define truly outstanding work.
“To lower the bar would be to betray the trust of the public and diminish the legacy of the Prize itself,” Prof. Nnaji affirmed.
He commended the courage and dedication of all who submitted entries, noting that their efforts reflect discipline and a desire to contribute to both national and global scientific discourse.
He stressed that excellence was beyond effort, and that it requires innovation, mastery of craft, and the ability to leave a lasting mark on human thought and development.
The Board chairman called on Nigerian scientists, researchers, and innovators to be inspired by the judges’ verdict to do more and  strive higher.
“The Nigeria Prize exists to celebrate only the finest achievements, work that embodies originality, withstands scrutiny, and elevates scientific discourse. Where these qualities are absent, we cannot, in good conscience, bestow the Prize,” he stated.
This 2025 outcome is not unprecedented. In previous years, in 2005, 2007, and then during the haitus between 2011 to 2016,  and again in 2021, The Nigeria Prize for Science was not awarded. Prof. Nnaji admonished Nigerian scientists that the high bar set for the Prize should not discourage future participation, but rather reinforce the fact that the Prize will never compromise on its standards of scientific innovation and excellence.
The Advisory Board also announced that the theme for this year “Innovations in ICT, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Digital Technologies for Development” will be repeated for the 2026 edition.
The Board stated that the decision was taken to attract a wider spectrum of innovators, particularly in the emerging field of Artificial Intelligence.
Furthermore, the Advisory Board unveiled the members of the panel of judges.
They include Dr. Omobola Johnson, the Chairperson of the Panel of Judges for The Nigeria Prize for Science, a Senior Partner at TLcom Capital. Omobola Johnson drives investment and value creation in technology companies across sub-Saharan Africa.
She previously served as Nigeria’s Minister of Communication Technology (2011–2015) and spent over 25 years at Accenture, including five years as Country Managing Director.
Prof. Collins Udanor is an Associate Professor of Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Prof. Udanor specialises in data analytics, intelligent agent systems, and multi-agent learning.
He leads the High-Performance and Intelligence Computing Group (HiPIC) and has secured multiple grants from organisations such as UNESCO-HP, Google, Nvidia, and TETFund.
Prof. Aminu Muhammad Bui, is a scholar at the Department of Computer Science, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Prof. Bui specialises in Artificial Intelligence, decision support systems, information retrieval, feature selection, Hidden Markov Models, and educational data mining.
His research contributes to advancing AI applications in decision-making and student performance prediction.
Now in its 21st year, the 2025 edition of The Nigeria Prize for Science opened for entries in February and drew a total of 112 submissions.
Winifred Bosa by — September 24, 2025 in brands and Marketing
Global Health Warning: Over 1 Billion People Endangered by Uncontrolled Hypertension

By Winifred Bosa

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its second Global hypertension report, showing that 1.4 billion people lived with hypertension in 2024, yet just over one in five have it under control either through medication or addressing modifiable health risks.

The new report – released at an event co-hosted by WHO, Bloomberg Philanthropies, and Resolve to Save Lives during the 80th United Nations General Assembly – also reveals that only 28% of low-income countries report that all WHO-recommended hypertension medicines are generally available in pharmacies or primary care facilities.

Hypertension is a leading cause of heart attack, stroke, chronic kidney disease, and dementia. It is both preventable and treatable – but without urgent action, millions of people will continue to die prematurely, and countries will face mounting economic losses. From 2011 to 2025, cardiovascular diseases–including hypertension–are projected to cost low- and middle-income countries approximately US$ 3.7 trillion, equivalent to around 2% of their combined GDP.

“Every hour, over 1 000 lives are lost to strokes and heart attacks from high blood pressure, and most of these deaths are preventable,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Countries have the tools to change this narrative. With political will, ongoing investment, and reforms to embed hypertension control in health services, we can save millions and ensure universal health coverage for all.”

“Uncontrolled high blood pressure claims more than 10 million lives every year, despite being both preventable and treatable. Countries that integrate hypertension care into universal health coverage and primary care are making real progress, but too many low- and middle-income countries are still left behind,” said Dr Kelly Henning, who leads the Bloomberg Philanthropies Public Health Program. “Strong policies that raise awareness and expand access to treatment are critical to reducing cardiovascular disease and preventable deaths.”

Persistent barriers

Analysis of data from 195 countries and territories shows that 99 of them have national hypertension control rates below 20%. The majority of the affected people live in low- and middle-income countries, where health systems face resource constraints.

The report highlights major gaps in hypertension prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term care. Key barriers include weak health promotion policies (on risk factors such as alcohol, tobacco use, physical inactivity, salt, and trans fats), limited access to validated blood pressure devices, lack of standardized treatment protocols and trained primary care teams, unreliable supply chains and costly medicines, inadequate financial protection for patients, and insufficient information systems to monitor trends.

Access to medicines: a cornerstone of progress

Blood pressure medication is one of the most cost-effective public health tools. Yet only 7 out of 25 (28%) of low-income countries report general availability of all WHO-recommended medicines, compared to 93% of high-income countries. The report explores the barriers and strategies for improving access to hypertension medication through better regulatory systems, pricing and reimbursement, procurement and supply chain management, and improved prescribing and dispensing of these medicines.

“Safe, effective, low-cost medicines to control blood pressure exist, but far too many people can’t get them,” said Dr Tom Frieden, President & CEO, Resolve to Save Lives. “Closing that gap will save lives — and save billions of dollars every year.”

Country-level progress

Despite barriers, progress is possible. Bangladesh, the Philippines, and South Korea have made significant progress by integrating hypertension care into universal health coverage (UHC), investing in primary care, and engaging communities:

Bangladesh increased hypertension control from 15% to 56% in some regions between 2019 and 2025 through embedding hypertension treatment services in its essential health service package and strengthening screening and follow-up care.
The Philippines has effectively incorporated the WHO’s HEARTS technical package into community-level services nationwide.
South Korea has integrated health reforms, including low costs for antihypertensive medications and limiting patient fees, which have resulted in a high rate of blood pressure control nationally: 59% in 2022.

WHO calls on all countries to embed hypertension control in UHC reforms. Implementing the measures recommended in the report could prevent millions of premature deaths and ease the massive social and economic toll of uncontrolled high blood pressure.

Online Poster by — September 24, 2025 in Health
‎Kano State Government Partners BrandEscort to Host Cycling Kano on December 20 ‎

By Winifred Bosa

‎The Kano State Government has announced a strategic partnership with BrandEscort Communications, a leading brand and event marketing company, to host Cycling Kano 2025, a landmark sporting event aimed at promoting healthy living, tourism, and youth engagement in the state.
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‎According to a press release by BrandEscort , scheduled for Saturday, December 20, 2025, the event will bring together professional cyclists, fitness enthusiasts, and sports lovers from across the country.
Beyond fostering sports development,  The  Cycling Kano 2025 , an event expected to kick off from the Sani  Abacha Stadium will showcase Kano’s rich cultural heritage, economic opportunities, and vibrant hospitality.
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‎Speaking recently on the event in Kano, the Special Adviser, Youth and Sports Development, Kano State, Sani Musa Danja, said the annual event organized by the.
 State Government in collaboration with BrandEscort Communications is designed to encourage healthy living through regular exercise for a wide range of participants, including cycling enthusiasts, corporate executives, professionals, and the youth in the state.
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‎Danja explained that the event, themed “Health and Wellness,” seeks to drive conversations on both mental and physical health across Nigeria.
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‎“We recognize the significant benefits of this event, which include promoting healthy competition among corporate organizations and young people, discovering and nurturing cycling talent, and elevating the status of cycling as a major sport in Nigeria.
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‎”We believe this event presents a unique opportunity for corporate brands to demonstrate their commitment to the well-being of society. By supporting this initiative, they can align themselves with the positive values of health, wellness, and community development,” Danja stated.
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‎He added that the Kano State Ministry of Youth and Sports will play a central role in securing the race route, coordinating relevant government agencies, enhancing logistics, and ensuring funding for the event.  He said the Ministry will also work closely with the Kano State Cycling Association and other key stakeholders to ensure the success of the event.
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‎ “With the strong backing of the Kano State Government and our partners, this event is poised to be a powerful statement on the importance of public health and sports development in our state,” Danja affirmed.
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‎On his part, Bamidele Adeleye, Managing Director, BrandEscort Communications, expressed gratitude to the Kano State Government for the collaboration, noting that the event would serve as a model for public-private partnerships in sports development.
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‎”“This partnership with the Kano State Government demonstrates the power of collaboration in driving innovation and impact. Cycling Kano 2025 will not only inspire healthy lifestyles but also create opportunities for tourism, investment, and brand visibility,” Adeleye said.
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‎Highlights of Cycling Kano 2025 will include Mini Tour of Kano, competitive cycling races, fun rides for families and amateurs, cultural displays, and an exhibition of local products and services.
The event is expected to attract thousands of participants in the State and across the country, reinforcing Kano’s role as a gateway to Northern Nigeria.
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Online Poster by — September 24, 2025 in News
Airtel Africa Foundation Unveils Plan For Improving 10 million Lives In Africa By 2030

L–R: Vice President, Corporate Communications & CSR, Airtel Africa, Emeka Oparah; Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Dinesh Balsingh; Chairman, Airtel Africa Foundation, Dr. Segun Ogunsanya; Group Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Africa, Sunil Taldar; and Director, Corporate Communications & CSR, Airtel Nigeria, Femi Adeniran, during the world press conference officially announcing the launch of Airtel Africa Foundation in Lagos, Nigeria on September 23, 2025.

By Winifred Bosa

Airtel Africa Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Airtel Africa plc, today unveiled its plans to directly improve the lives of 10 million people across the continent by 2030.
The strategy will be delivered through targeted initiatives under four core pillars namely Financial Empowerment, Education, Environmental Protection and Digital Inclusion (FEED).
Outlining the ambitious target, Dr. Segun Ogunsanya, Chairman of the Airtel Africa Foundation, stated, “Our 2030 vision is a transformed Africa where over 10 million lives are directly improved through our interventions. We are not just donating resources, we are building a pipeline of talent and fostering innovation to ensure the global digital revolution leaves no African behind. This is a strategic, measurable commitment to unlocking the continent’s demographic dividend.”
The Foundation’s mission will be executed by creating a cycle of empowerment through targeted programmes. These include ‘Connecting Schools’, which provides free connectivity and devices, and the ‘Airtel Africa Fellowship’, offering full undergraduate scholarships in tech and STEM fields, complemented by mentorship and internships.
A key early success underscoring the Foundation’s impact is its ongoing partnership with UNICEF. This collaboration has already connected more than 1,800 schools, benefitted over one million students, and trained more than 17,000 teachers in digital education across the Foundation’s 14 markets of operation.
In addition, the Foundation will leverage its dedicated Employee Volunteer Programme, channelling the skills and passion of its people directly into community initiatives. For the 2025/26 financial year, the Foundation has set specific expansion targets, with programmes now active across all its operating countries, from Nigeria to Zambia, Malawi, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Commenting on the company’s support for the Foundation, Airtel Africa’s Chief Executive Officer, Sunil Taldar, said, “We cannot thrive in a place that is not thriving.
This understanding is the very reason the Airtel Africa Foundation was born. It is our vehicle to catalyse transformation, by systematically investing in the pillars that underpin a resilient and dynamic society. We have remained dedicated to transforming lives both as a business imperative as well as our overarching philosophy.
 For us, helping to connect the unconnected, banking the unbanked and enabling businesses and economies to thrive are the three most significant objectives of our business.”
Online Poster by — September 24, 2025 in News
E1 Lagos GP Announces Sponsorship Lineup, With First Bank Of Nigeria At The Helm

E1 Lagos GP Announces Sponsorship Lineup, With First Bank of Nigeria At Helm - TheForesightBy Winifred Bosa
The Local Organising Committee of the E1 Lagos GP is proud to announce its sponsorship lineup for Africa’s first all-electric powerboat race, taking place from October 2–5, 2025, on the Lagos Lagoon.
The announcement was made at the Stakeholder Immersion Session, convened to ensure that every stakeholder – from sponsors and the media to creators and influencers – carries a unified understanding of the E1 Lagos GP’s identity, communication standards, and positioning.
 It was a unique platform to deepen stakeholder awareness of what the E1 Series represents globally and how Lagos is preparing to host its maiden edition on African waters.
The session also featured opening remarks by Mr. Gbenga Omotosho, Honourable Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Lagos State, a presentation from the Lagos State Waterways Authority on established safety protocols, and guidance from the Teksight Edge team on proper brand use and communications guidelines.
Speaking at the session, Mr. Samuel Egube, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor of Lagos State and Chairman of the E1 Lagos GP LOC, said: “Today marks not only an affirmation of our sponsors’ commitment, but a promise that we will uphold clarity, professionalism, and integrity in how Lagos tells its story on the global stage.
 We are proud to stand with First Bank as our Presenting Partner, and with all our partners who share in our vision for sport, innovation, and legacy.”
In his remarks, Honourable Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotosho, noted: “The E1 Lagos GP is more than a sporting event; it is a statement of Lagos’ readiness to lead Africa into a sustainable future, where innovation and culture meet global standards. Our responsibility is to ensure that the people, the media, and all partners tell this story with one voice.”
Mr. Olayinka Ijabiyi, Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, First Bank of Nigeria, added: “First Bank is honoured to take its place as the Presenting Partner of the E1 Lagos GP. Our heritage of over 130 years in supporting innovation and development in Nigeria aligns perfectly with this groundbreaking event. We are delighted to support a project that not only showcases sport at its finest but also emphasizes sustainability and youth engagement.”
The sponsors of the E1 Lagos GP are: First Bank of Nigeria (Presenting Partner), Oando, Spiro, Sunbeth, and Tolaram Group (with Guinness Stout, Johnnie Walker, and The Singleton).
These partnerships demonstrate the commitment of leading brands to Lagos’ vision of hosting world-class events that inspire pride and create lasting impact.
With these partnerships and the alignment achieved during the immersion session, the E1 Lagos GP is positioned to set a new benchmark for sports, innovation, and sustainability in Africa, while projecting Lagos as a hub of culture, commerce, and global excellence.
Online Poster by — September 24, 2025 in News
Exhibitors Laud FNITCC Atlanta As Game-Changer For Non-Oil Exports Growth

Exhibitors at the recently concluded Fidelity Nigeria International Trade & Creative Connect (FNITCC) in Atlanta, Georgia have lauded the event as a transformative platform for showcasing Nigerian non-oil exports and businesses on the global stage.
Hosted by Fidelity Bank Plc in collaboration with AFRICON from September 18 to 20, 2025, FNITCC brought together innovative, export-ready Nigerian enterprises across diverse sectors—including fashion, arts, manufacturing, and technology—creating a vibrant space for commerce, connection, and cultural celebration.
Praised for its energy and flawless execution, FNITCC Atlanta 2025 marked a significant leap forward from previous editions. With increased attendance, enhanced booth setups, and deeper engagement, participants described the experience as “a clear step up” and “more impactful than ever.”
“It was an honor to exhibit among such a vibrant community of creatives, entrepreneurs, and cultural ambassadors. We left FNITCC 2025 with new customers, meaningful connections, and a renewed sense of purpose. Well done to Fidelity Bank for championing Nigerian businesses and bridging global markets,” shared the By Nuga Designs team.
Exhibitors also highlighted the power of community and resilience, recounting moments of spontaneous international deals and heartfelt support.
“Last year, I was devastated when our goods didn’t arrive on time,” one exhibitor recalled. “But this year, even in my absence, my fellow AWE sisters stepped in. A surprise visit from a buyer led to an impromptu video-call deal that changed everything. FNITCC reminded me that connections often matter more than sales.”
Gratitude flowed freely for the Fidelity Bank team and the behind-the-scenes contributors who ensured the event’s success.
“On behalf of FSGF AFRICA LTD, I extend our deepest gratitude to Fidelity Bank for hosting such a wonderful event,” said another exhibitor. “To the Fidelity team—your warmth, professionalism, and commitment made this experience truly remarkable.”
FNITCC 2025 also celebrated Nigerian excellence and the rising influence of women-led businesses.
“Wow! Sisters online, making the impossible possible! This is the Africa we want. Nigerians are believing in Made-in-Nigeria products—and that belief is powerful,” shared one emotionally moved participant.
“Fidelity is carving out a big slice in Nigeria’s story of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship—and doing it with focus,” added another.
Reflecting on the vision behind FNITCC, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Managing Director and CEO of Fidelity Bank Plc, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to expanding Nigeria-U.S. trade beyond oil. She noted that while Nigeria’s non-oil exports currently stand at under $5 billion annually, the potential is immense. “At Fidelity Bank, we believe access to global markets is a pathway to shared prosperity. That belief inspired the creation of FNITCC,” she said.
FNITCC 2025 demonstrated that when Nigerian innovation meets global opportunity, extraordinary outcomes follow. As Fidelity Bank continues to invest in platforms that amplify local talent and drive cross-border growth, the future of Nigerian enterprise shines brighter than ever.
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 the 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 — September 24, 2025 in News