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FirstBank Partners Lagos For E1 Lagos GP

FirstBank Partners Lagos for E1 Lagos GP - THISDAYLIVEBy Winifred Bosa
In line with its commitments of promoting sports and developmental initiatives at all levels, First Bank of Nigeria Limited is partnering the organizers of the first of its kind E1 Lagos GP an all-electric powerboat racing championship, set to hold between the 3rd and 5th of October 2025.
 According to a press release by the bank , disclosing this at the E1 Lagos GP Stakeholder Immersion session in Lagos recently, Olayinka Ijabiyi, the Acting Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communication of FirstBank, reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to supporting initiatives that engender human development across the country while cementing legacies.
“Our involvement in the E1 Lagos GP is about driving legacy and enabling the passions and aspirations that unite Nigerians. We are a bank that has been in business for over 131 years and we recognize that sports drives us as a country, which is why through our First@Sports initiative, we continue to invest in platforms that inspire and elevate our people. We have been supporting legacy sport tournaments like the Georgian Polo Cup which we have hosted for 105 years, and the Lagos Amateur Open Golf Championship for 64 years now,” Ijabiyi said.
With the event slated for the start of the fourth quarter, FirstBank is aligning its partnership with the annual DecemberIssaVybe initiative, a campaign that celebrates the vibrant spirit of Nigerians during the festive season by curating unforgettable experiences that blend culture, entertainment and lifestyle.
 “FirstBank is deeply woven into the fabric of society and the lives of our customers. As presenting partner, we are creating meaningful touchpoints with customers and prospects, offering them a world-class experience of relaxation and celebration that captures the true essence of Lagos during the festive season,” he added.
Lagos State Commissioner for information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, who was also at the event, described the initiative as an event that will grow not just the sports but also showcase Lagos’s vibrant culture, dynamic people, and global relevance, while commending FirstBank for their support.
The teams owned by notable stars like Tom Brady, LeBron James, Didier Drogba, Will Smith, Marc Anthony, Steve Aoki, Rafael Nadal will compete in the Lagos leg before the 2025 season of the competition terminates in Miami in the United States.
Online Poster by — September 23, 2025 in News
YBO Inaugurated As 12th President , Chairman Of Council, Igbobi College Old Boys Association

Chairman, Board of Trustees, Mr. Bode Thorpe; Newly inaugurated President and Chairman of Council, Chief Yomi Badejo-Okusanya (YBO); newly elected 2nd Assistant General Secretary, Mr. Olawale Abiola (standing behind YBO); and outgoing President of the Association, Mr. Olufemi Olubanwo, all of Igbobi College Old Boys’ Association (ICOBA), during the inauguration of Yomi Badejo-Okusanya as the 12th President and Chairman of Council at the 2025 Annual General Meeting and Election, held at Rev. Angus Memorial Hall, Igbobi College, Yaba, Lagos, on September 20, 2025.

By Winifred Bosa

The Igbobi College Old Boys Association (ICOBA) has proudly announced the inauguration of Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, IMR as the 12th President and Chairman of Council of the association.
The inauguration which took place during the 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) and election on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the Rev. Angus Memorial Hall, Igbobi College, Yaba, Lagos drew distinguished alumni, dignitaries, and friends of the college, all gathered to celebrate this significant milestone in ICOBA’s legacy of tradition, leadership, nobility, and service.
In his inaugural address, Badejo-Okusanya expressed gratitude for the trust reposed in him by the ICOBA community and reaffirmed his dedication to strengthening the bonds among old boys, advancing the college’s mission, and fostering a culture of excellence and service.
“This moment is not just about me but about the generations of Igbobians who have passed through these hallowed halls and contributed to the making of our nation. Together, we will strengthen ICOBA’s impact and ensure its values remain relevant for future generations,” he stated.
He further said that he chose Igbobi College first, but today, Igbobi College has chosen him in turn. His only assignment as the 12th President of ICOBA is to leave the association better than he met it, building an inclusive, purpose-driven ICOBA where no set, no branch, no decade is left behind.
Highlighting the association’s traditions, he mentioned that Igbobi College is not just an institution. It is a tradition that distinguishes us as Noble Nigerians in thought, creed, and deed.
 He added that the tradition must be preserved, protected, and promoted as well as worn proudly as a badge, much to the envy of other alumni associations.
Setting the tone for his tenure, Badejo-Okusanya unveiled a bold and inclusive agenda aimed at revitalizing ICOBA and deepening its impact across generations.
“We will build a formidable ICOBA Endowment Fund, drive significant improvements in the College’s infrastructure, facilitate the construction of a new hostel for Parker House, enhance students’ welfare, project the Igbobi College brand globally, and foster a more cohesive, inclusive ICOBA.” He said.
A renowned communications strategist and industry leader, Mr. Badejo-Okusanya brings decades of experience in corporate leadership and public relations to his new role. His tenure is expected to further consolidate ICOBA’s initiatives in education, mentorship, and community development.
 Badejo-Okusanya is one of Africa’s leading public relations practitioners, with decades of experience in government relations, perception management, and crisis communications.
A Fellow and past Chairman of the Lagos Chapter of NIPR, he has served on the Board of IPRA, is a two-term Secretary-General and current President of APRA, and recently became West Africa Chair of PRCA. His numerous awards include the PR Golden Eagle Award, Bob Ogbuagu Leadership Award, and induction into the ICCO PR Hall of Fame.
Online Poster by — September 23, 2025 in News
Sanwo-Olu Flags Off FNITCC 2025 At Georgia State Capitol

L – R: First Lady of Ogun State, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun; Former Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mrs. Aisha N. Ahmad,CFA; Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe,OON; and Chairman, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Mustafa Chike-Obi; at the 2025 Fidelity Nigeria International Trade and Creative Connect (FNITCC) held in Atlanta, Georgia over the weekend.
Amaka Obiefuna
The Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, officially launched the 2025 edition of the Fidelity Nigeria International Trade and Creative Connect (FNITCC) at the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, on Thursday, 18 September 2025.
In his keynote address, Governor Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed Lagos State’s readiness to collaborate with corporate organizations and sub-national governments across the globe to unlock the state’s vast economic potential. He spotlighted Lagos as a powerhouse of non-oil revenue, noting that in 2024 alone, the state attracted $5.95 billion in foreign capital inflows—over two-thirds of Nigeria’s total. In Q1 2025, Lagos maintained its lead, drawing $2.56 billion despite global economic headwinds.
He further emphasized Lagos’s trajectory toward becoming the ninth-largest city economy in the world by 2030, with a population exceeding 30 million and one of Africa’s most vibrant consumer markets. The Governor also highlighted Lagos as the heartbeat of Africa’s tech ecosystem, home to over 2,500 startups, including unicorns like Flutterwave and Andela.
Hosted by leading Nigerian financial institution Fidelity Bank Plc, FNITCC is the bank’s flagship market access platform for non-oil exports. Over three days, the event welcomed more than 3,000 participants—including investors, trade agencies, exporters, and diaspora professionals—with projected trade and investment deals exceeding $500 million.
In her remarks, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Managing Director and CEO of Fidelity Bank Plc, emphasized the bank’s commitment to shifting 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. Lagos alone contributes over 30% of Nigeria’s GDP and is home to thousands of export-ready businesses spanning agriculture, fashion, creative industries, and professional services.
“Georgia, with its world-class logistics infrastructure, vibrant diaspora, and progressive trade policies, is a natural partner in Nigeria’s transformation toward a non-oil export-driven economy,” said Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe. “Its ports, airports, and innovation hubs offer Nigerian exporters a strategic gateway into the U.S. market.”
She added, “At Fidelity Bank, we believe access to global markets is a pathway to shared prosperity. That belief inspired the creation of FNITCC.”
FNITCC Atlanta 2025 marks the third edition of Fidelity Bank’s global trade initiative, following successful outings in London and Houston that unlocked over $500 million in export business. This year’s edition is expected to generate a trade and investment pipeline of over $300 million.
Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged commercial bank with over 9.1 million customers who are serviced across its 251 business offices and various digital banking channels in Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
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 23, 2025 in Capital Market
AAC Candidate Chioma Ifemeludike Affirms Commitment to Anambra  Governorship Race

By  Chikaodi Chukwuleta
Comrade Chioma Ifemeludike, the African  Action Congress ( AAC) Candidate for the November  8, 2025 Anambra  State  gubernatorial  election, has denied allegations  of withdrawing  from the race, describing  such reports  as” fake news “.
Ifemeludike  affirmed  she is still much in the race countering speculation  about her pulling out of the governorship  contest.
She attributed  the false reports  to individuals  opposed  to Anambra’s progress, calling it a product  of evil machinations  by those accustomed  to holding the state back.
She stated her candidacy is widely accepted  by Anambra  people and she is driven by passion for the welfare of Ndi – Anambra.
Ifemeludike assured of a different  leadership  if elected, emphasising  that no candidate  represent  Anambra  people  or has better plans like she does.
She vowed to fight to the finished  lines, as long as her name remains  on the ballot, refusing to step down.
AAC Candidate made this statement during the unveiling  of her ” Chioma for Governor Tournament  2025″, a football  tournament  for Anambra  youth, indicating engagement with young people as part of her campaign  activities.
Online Poster by — September 22, 2025 in News
Enugu Gov’t Seals Landmark N100B Deal To Revitalize Songhai Heneke Farm

LarryBravo Nwaiwu
As part of efforts to reposition Enugu State as a hub of agro-industrial excellence, the state government has signed a landmark N100 billion joint venture agreement with Songhai Sustainable Initiative in Nigeria and Tribu Limited for the rehabilitation and transformation of the moribund Heneke Integrated Farm into a world-class agro-industrial hub.
The deal, signed on Tuesday at Government House, Enugu, formally establishes Enugu Tribu Songhai Farms Ltd, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) that will oversee the revitalization, expansion, and management of the project spanning 10,000 hectares of land in Ezeagu Local Government Area.
While conducting the formal signing of the joint venture agreement, JVA, Governor Peter Mbah, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, described the agreement as a turning point in Enugu’s redevelopment agenda to industrialize production in the agro-allied sector.
“Today, we formalize a partnership that will breathe new life into the Enugu Songhai Initiative, transform abandoned assets into thriving agro-industrial hubs, and advance food security, regenerative development, and inclusive growth for Ndi Enugu,” he said.
The governor disclosed that the farm, originally established in 2013 but left incomplete, will now be revived into a multi-sectoral agro-industrial ecosystem comprising crop production, animal husbandry, aquaculture, processing plants, renewable energy systems, and eco-tourism facilities.
He added that the project was expected to rehabilitate the 10,000 hectares with secured land titles, establish a 25-hectare training and incubation centre for youth and women, create thousands of jobs across agriculture, processing, and export value chains, and drive the adoption of modern, sustainable farming practices.
Mbah further emphasized that the partnership was underpinned by a robust governance framework to ensure transparency, compliance with applicable laws, and protection of state interests.
Speaking, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialization, Hon. Patrick Ubru, assured that the project will be sustainable and transformative.
“We have the land, water, good soil, and the right people. This initiative will create thousands of jobs, boost food production, and change the mindset of our people towards agriculture.
“It is going to be an integrated system —crop, livestock, aquaculture, processing, export, and ecotourism-driven by the community, private sector, and government,” he said.
According to him, the partnership underscored the governor’s broader mission to turn Enugu into Nigeria’s food production powerhouse and achieve self-sufficiency while attracting foreign investments.
“With an expected injection of N100 billion in capital and expertise, the project positions Enugu State at the forefront of modern agribusiness, ensuring both food security and economic diversification,” he said.
On his part, the Director of Songhai Sustainable Initiative, Prof. Godfrey Nzamujo, pledged Songhai’s expertise and technical capacity, calling the project strategic agriculture.
“We are committed to producing more and better with less. This is about integrated farming that combines crops, livestock, aquatics, renewable energy, and human capital development. All of us must stay committed to succeed,” he noted.
He called on young people to embrace agriculture and seize the opportunity the agreement presented to earn a decent living.
Reacting to the execution of the agreement, the project financier and CEO of Tribu Limited, Ozor Silas Nnamdi, declared that the farm would not only transform agriculture but also serve as a model resort for eco- and agro-tourism.
“We are going to build one of the best Songhai resorts in Africa. It is a shame that Nigeria still imports what it eats. This project is proof that we can change that narrative,” he concluded.
Online Poster by — September 22, 2025 in News
Governor Mbah Backs Kenneth Omeruo’s Grassroots Football Initiative

Governor Mbah Backs Kenneth Omeruo's Grassroots Football Initiative - newscornerLarryBravo Nwaiwu
Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, on Wednesday received the Super Eagles defender, Kenneth Omeruo, in his office.
Omeruo, who was accompanied by the General Manager of Rangers International FC, Amobi Ezeaku, briefed the governor on his proposed scouting project for Enugu and the South East, aimed at identifying and nurturing young football talents across the region.
Governor Mbah, in a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, @PNMbah, assured Omeruo of the state government’s full support.
“I was delighted to receive Super Eagles defender, Kenneth Omeruo, today. His vision to groom young talents aligns with our drive to empower youths through sports,” the governor said.
He commended Omeruo for his commitment to grassroots football, assuring that the state government would provide all necessary support to ensure the project thrives.
“As a government, we remain committed to advancing grassroots sports and strengthening Rangers International FC as a symbol of pride for Enugu and Nigeria,” Mbah stated.
Online Poster by — September 22, 2025 in News
NACCIMA signs agreement, as institutional partner, for agrofood Nigeria’s trade exhibitions 2026.

By Fidelia Okafor 

Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines & Agriculture, NACCIMA, has signed an agreement, as an institutional partner for this year’s agrofood Nigeria’s international trade fair for agro-allied, food, beverage and packaging industries.

This partnership, according to the Chief Executive Offiicer, Modion Communications, Mr Odion Aleobua noted that the partnership shows NACCIMA’s pivotal roles in promoting the nation’s trade, industrial and agricultural developments.

He also noted that such strategic moves aligns with agrofood Nigeria’s 2026 mission to foster innovation, investment, and sustainable growth.

“Through this collaboration, Nigerian businesses will gain enhanced access to global partnership, exposure to emerging technologies, as well as opportunities to showcase local innovations, across the agrofood and packaging value chains”, Aleobua stated.

Stressing on the collaboration, the Director General, NACCIMA, Mr. Olusola Obadimu said, “we are delighted to collaborate with agrofood Nigeria 2026″

“This partnership provides our members with a unique opportunity to connect with global markets, embrace innovation, and play a central role in transforming Nigeria’s agrofood and allied industries”.

It however reaffirms NACCIMA’s commitment to driving commerce, industry, and sustainable enterprise development.

In the same vein, the Managing Director of fairtrade Messe, organisers of agrofood Nigeria, Mr. Paul Maerz said, “we are honoured to welcome NACCIMA, as our institutional partner for the 2026 edition.

“Their involvement reinforces agrofood Nigeria’s role as a catalyst for business growth and industrial advancement”.

“Together, we are creating a platform that fosters investment, trade, innovation, and sustainable progress within Nigeria’s food and packaging industries”.

Scheduled to take place from March 24–26, 2026 at the Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, Agrofood Nigeria 2026 will convene leading stakeholders, including manufacturers, suppliers, policymakers, investors, and innovators from more than 16 countries.

The event would among other things, provide a robust platform for dialogue and partnership, designed to address challenges and unlock opportunities within the nation’s growing agrofood and packaging industries.

As noted, the nation’s sector outlook, remains one of the fastest-growing investors in food and packaging technology in Africa and Middle East, recording steady annual growth of 4.2 percent between 2016 and 2023 (VDMA).

With a population projected to rise from 235 million in 2025 to 411 million by 2050, sustainable investment in food production, processing, and packaging is critical to meeting the demands of this growth.

Nigeria imported €304 million worth of food and packaging technology in 2023, making it Africa’s second-largest investor after South Africa.

 

The Nigerian food market is projected to reach around $233.53 billion in 2025, with an expected annual growth rate of 10.76 percent from 2025 to 2030. (Statista)

Nigeria is also Africa’s fourth-largest investor in packaging technology, recording imports of €139 million in 2023 (VDMA).

Nigeria is West Africa’s No.1 annual business platform for the agrofood industry and Nigeria’s premier international trade fair for agro-allied, food, beverage and packaging.

Organised by Fairtrade Messe, the event features exhibitions, conferences, and networking opportunities that would bring together global and local industry leaders to explore trends, technologies, and solutions, shaping the future of these vital sectors.

NACCIMA is the umbrella body of city, state, and bilateral chambers of commerce across the country.

 

Established to promote and protect the interests of Nigerian businesses, NACCIMA plays a leading role in trade facilitation, policy advocacy, and industrial development, fostering an enabling environment for commerce and enterprise to thrive.

Online Poster by — September 22, 2025 in News
The  Fall of Anambra: A State’s Descent into Uncertainty 

 
Catholic priest slumps, dies suddenly while playing tennis in Anambra
By Chikaodi Chukwuleta 
 
In a shocking turn of events, Anambra State, once hailed as the ‘Light of the Nation’ has plummeted to 34th position out of the 36 states in Nigeria in the 2025 PCL State Performance Index (PSPl), released by Philips  Consulting.
Philips Consulting claims that the state, which ranked 8th in 2024, has drastically reduced, falling from 8th to 24th. This marks a profound  crisis in government  and  development under the current administration led by Professor  Chukwuma Soludo.
The PSPl reports paints a troubled  picture of Anambra’s struggle across  critical  sectors, in governance and service  delivery. Persistent gaps highlight a disconnect between the government’s  promises  and tangible  outcomes for citizens.
The group emphasised on poor ranking in education; that schools suffer from poor infrastructure, failure to impact learning quality and young people’s future, and  capital expenditure, adding that Anambra is 33rd in ranking in per capita spending signals, inadequate investments in pubic infrastructure like roads and community  projects.
Philips Consulting released  a list with Anambra taking the 30th position in pubic health, that reflects health-care challenges, including strikes by professionals and subpar care conditions, pointing that the state is now listed among the least preferred   to relocate to a strak shift from its historical  reputation.
The group saw it as a proof of failed leadership and unmet promises under Governor Soludo, pointing to hardship, especially on education, health and infrastructure faced by the people, while the government  of Charles Chukwuma Soludo attributes the low ranking to flaws in assessment process, defending their governance efforts amidst  criticisms.
In reaction to the metrics, the Anambra State Government, through the Commissioner for  Budget and planning, Mrs Chiamaka Nnake, contested the  PSPl ranking, describing  the report as ” methodologically weak and misleading,” questioning the use of a small sample size of 78 respondents to represent over six million people.
As the state grapples with this downturn, questions linger about the state’s trajectory and the  aspirations of the people. Debates intensify around issues of governance, accountability and pathways to revitalise the state’s development.
Amid the uncertainty, some observers bellieve that the likes of Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu and Senator Uche Ekwunife, if voted in during the November 8 governorship election, will move the state to a greater height and effectively tackle Anambra’s challenges in addressing  developmental deficits in the state.
Online Poster by — September 22, 2025 in News
Ukachukwu, Ekwunife Celebrate Nigeria’s First Lady At 65

 
By Chikaodi Chukwuleta
The All Progressive Congress ( APC) Governorship  Candidate  for  Anambra  State  2025 Governorship Election,
Prince Dr. Nicholas Ukachukwu, MFR, and his running mate, Senator Uche Ekwunife have extended  warm birthday felicitations to Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Nigeria’s First Lady, on the occasion of her 65th birthday.
The duo, who  conveyed joyful greetings on behalf of their families, campaign team, and the  people  of  Anambra State,  described  the  First  Lady’s  life as a beacon  of grace, faith  and service, marked by leadership, resilience and compassion.
They commended her for humanitarian interventions and her contributions to the lives of widows, children and the less privileged, and prayed for her continued  good health, strength  and wisdom to support  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Nigeria’s national renewal  mission.
They observed that Nigeria is blessed to have her as First Lady, portraying her as a mother of the  nation  and symbol of hope.
Online Poster by — September 22, 2025 in News
FiBOP Gathers Momentum As More Organisations Lends Support For 2025 Conference 

By Fidelia Okafor 
The 2025 national conference of the Finance and Business Online Publishers (FiBOP) has continued to attract support and sponsorship from more reputable organisations and institutions in the nation’s economy.
The conference which is scheduled to take place at Orchid Hotels, Lekki on October 18th to 19th, has attracted the support of the following organisations: Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), emPLE Insurance Limited, Polaris Bank, Zenith bank, Fidelity Bank , Universal Insurance, and Nestle Nigeria Plc.
Themed “Leveraging Technology Innovations, Tax Reforms, and Opportunities in Renewable Energy and Agriculture to Achieve $1 Trillion Economy”, the Conference is intended  to achieve a clear plan for securing successful mutual accountability and investment plans, crucial for Nigeria’s economic growth and development, particularly in areas like technology innovations, tax reforms, renewable energy, and agriculture
The event which promises to bring together technocrats and speakers from different sectors of the economy, will also identify growth strategies for diversifying from dependence on oil, adapting technology, fostering innovation, investing in renewable energy, insurance, agriculture, and services
The conference organizers have expressed optimism that more institutions will join the train based on the understanding of the federal government’s desire to better the lives of the citizens of this country.
The President, Finance and Business Online Publishers FiBOP, Mr. Charles Onwuatogwu has called on more companies and organizations to partner with the association, assuring that the partners and sponsors will gain a wide range of benefits including well articulated media hype, through presentations, press interviews, media promotion, display of their organization’s backdrop and inscription of their logo on souvenirs and all publicity materials.
Distinguished personalities, from the academia, captains of industries top ranking government officials, amongst which are the Minister of Finance and coordinating Minister of the economy, Mr.Wale Edun,  Minister of Environment, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security,  Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso are expected to grace the occasion.
Others are  Chairman/CEO of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Commissioner for Insurance and CEO of the National Insurance Commission, and CEOs of Fintech  companies and renewable energy firms.
FiBOP is a registered body by the Corporate Affairs Commission made up of seasoned online publishers and editors, with wealth of experience in the print and electronic media, who are dedicated to promoting informed and balanced reporting of economic events and activities, contributing to the growth and development of the Nigerian economy and the continent of Africa.
The association’s annual conference provides a platform for experts and stakeholders to contribute to national discourse, aimed at fostering inclusive socioeconomic growth, unity, and national prosperity.
Online Poster by — September 22, 2025 in News