SAHCO Wins Best Cargo Handling Company In Nigeria At The 21st Akwaaba African Travel Market

By Winifred Bosa
Two Brazil returnees have excreted a total of 116 wraps of heroin and cocaine they ingested after days in observatory custody following their arrest by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos.
The agency said one of the suspects, Ofoma Sunday, aged 46, was arrested on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at Terminal 2 of the Lagos airport upon his arrival from Laos, Brazil, on an Ethiopian Airlines flight.
“He was taken for a body scan, which confirmed ingestion of illicit drugs. Ofoma had left Nigeria for Brazil on September 3 to courier the consignment to Lagos for a reward of $2,500 upon successful delivery.
“A swift follow-up operation was conducted at Eliata Hotel in Amuwo Odofin area of Lagos, where Ofoma was instructed to meet Nweke Jude Chuckwudi, who was designated to oversee the excretion of the drugs at the hotel and recover them.
“The 55-year-old Nweke was arrested in the process. A total of 111 wraps of heroin weighing 1.452 kilograms were egested in eight excretions by Ofoma,” a statement by the agency’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, partly read.
Similarly, the NDLEA stated that another Brazil returnee it identified as Ukachukwu Frank Ikechukwu was arrested at the Lagos airport during the inward clearance of Ethiopian Airlines passengers from Brazil via Addis Ababa on Friday, September 19.
According to the agency, he was taken for a body scan, which confirmed illicit drug insertion, while the suspect, under excretion observation, expelled five big wraps of cocaine weighing 145 grams.
“In his statement, he confessed to having bought nine wraps of the class A drug in Brazil and inserted all into his anus, a process he claimed took him nearly two hours.
“During his transit through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, he said he began to experience severe anal pain and decided to remove the wraps from his body.
“He stated that in an attempt to meet up with his connecting flight to Nigeria, he could only manage to reinsert seven wraps, after which he flushed the remaining two wraps in a toilet,” it added.
The suspect was said to have revealed that while on board his flight to Nigeria, he felt uncomfortable, which compelled him to use the lavatory, during which “he expelled an additional two wraps, leaving him with only five wraps in his anus”.
“He claimed to have been in the clothing business before traveling to Brazil in 2017. In 2020, he moved to the United States, where he was arrested for an immigration offence and was detained for over a year before being deported to Nigeria in 2022.
“In March 2025, he returned to Brazil, where he currently works, having already obtained a Brazilian residence permit,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, a businesswoman was taken into custody on Sunday, September 14, after aviation security officers of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, in collaboration with NDLEA operatives attached to the screening point of Terminal 2 of the Lagos airport, arrested her for concealing illicit drugs in her underwear while attempting to board a Qatar Airways flight to Doha, Qatar.
The NDLEA said after a thorough search, two big parcels of white crystalline substance that later tested positive for methamphetamine with a gross weight of 1.40 kilograms were recovered from the butt-pad underwear of the suspect, who was identified as Okolonkwo Theresa.
The statement added, “During a preliminary interview with Ebere, she claimed she trades in used clothing and also operates a POS business in Enugu, where she was recruited into the illicit drug business.
“At the NAHCO export shed of the Lagos airport, NDLEA operatives on Monday, September 15, intercepted a consignment of food items used to conceal 40 wraps of methamphetamine with a total weight of 2.30 kilograms heading to Hong Kong via Turkish Airlines.
“A 59-year-old suspect, Umelo Ifeanyi Venatus, who presented the consignment as part of a consolidated cargo, has been taken into custody.”
By Winifred Bosa
As was contained in a press statement by SERAP and Amnesty International , they urged him to “direct the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security and law enforcement agencies to immediately stop misusing the judicial processes to silence public criticism and violate Nigerians’ rights through the use of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) or similar forms of harassment.”
SERAP and Amnesty International also urged him to “direct Mr Fagbemi to urgently prepare an anti-SLAPP legislation for the National Assembly, to protect Nigerians from the weaponization of the justice system by the DSS and other security and law enforcement agencies and to safeguard the right to freedom of expression.”
In the letter dated 20 September 2025 and jointly signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare and AI Nigeria director Isa Sanusi, the groups said, “the weaponization of the justice system to crackdown on peaceful dissent is entirely inconsistent with the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and the country’s international human rights obligations.”
The groups said, “SLAPP and criminal defamation lawsuits are neither necessary nor proportionate under the Nigerian Constitution and human rights treaties to which Nigeria is a state party. Such lawsuits generate a chilling effect that inhibits the enjoyment of human rights and circulation of ideas and information.”
According to the groups, “A lawsuit challenging the legality and compatibility of the provisions of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act 2024 with the rights to freedom of expression and information is also pending before the ECOWAS Court.”
The groups said, “As a matter of the rule of law, the DSS and other security and law enforcement agencies cannot and should not use the amended Act to silence peaceful dissent pending the hearing and determination of the lawsuit by the court.”
The letter, read in part: “Your government has the legal obligations to prevent harassment through legal processes against Nigerians peacefully exercising their human rights, and to protect the legitimacy, independence and impartiality of the hearing of the lawsuit on the Cybercrimes Act pending before the ECOWAS Court.”
“The use of SLAPP and criminal defamation lawsuits is incompatible with the fundamental principles of a democratic society, to which Nigeria aspires. Politicians and other public officials and agencies should tolerate a high degree of criticism due to their public position in democratic societies.”
“Nigerian authorities not only have a negative obligation to abstain from unduly interfering with human rights but also have a positive obligation to facilitate and protect these rights.”
“Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right and full enjoyment of this right is central to achieving individual freedom and to developing democracy. It is not only the cornerstone of democracy, but indispensable to a thriving civil society.”
“Any restrictions on human rights including the right to freedom of expression must meet the conditions of legality, serve as one of the legitimate purposes expressly provided for in the Nigerian Constitution and human rights treaties, and must be necessary, and proportionate to that purpose.”
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“Nigerian courts and regional human rights courts have consistently held that politicians should expect far greater criticism of their actions and their functioning than ordinary individuals. These courts and other human rights mechanisms have renounced the use of defamation as a legal tool to suffocate dissent.”
“The use of SLAPP and criminal defamation lawsuits by security and law enforcement agencies with the purpose of silencing criticism is a threat to freedom of expression. SLAPP lawsuits pose serious risks to democracy and the rule of law as they limit public participation.”
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, we would consider all appropriate legal actions including before the ECOWAS Court of Justice to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.”
“According to our information, the Federal Government recently charged Sahara Reporters publisher and activist Omoyele Sowore alongside X and Facebook owners over Mr Sowore’s recent alleged ‘anti-Tinubu’ posts on the social media platforms.”
“Two of the counts are brought under the Cybercrimes Act while the other three charges of criminal defamation, causing public fear and disturbance are brought under the Criminal Code Act.”
“The suit dated 16th September,2025, was lodged at the Federal High Court in Abuja after Sowore allegedly refused to delete certain posts allegedly critical of President Tinubu. The charges were brought on behalf of the DSS and the Federal Government by the Director of Public Prosecutions at the Ministry of Justice.”
“The DSS in May 2025 also filed a SLAPP lawsuit against Professor Pat Utomi, a former presidential candidate, accusing him of attempting to illegally usurp President Bola Tinubu’s executive powers by setting up a shadow government.”
“In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/937/2025, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, the DSS alleged that Utomi’s actions posed a threat to national security and constitutional order.”
“The 2007 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress was named as the sole defendant in the suit. DSS operatives in October 2024 also filed a SLAPP lawsuit against SERAP over allegations of an unauthorised office invasion.”
“These cases illustrate the growing use of SLAPP lawsuits by the DSS and other security and law enforcement agencies in Nigeria to target, harass and intimidate Nigerians for the peaceful exercise of their human rights.”
“We are concerned that SLAPP lawsuits have a chilling effect on the exercise of the right to freedom of expression and other fundamental human rights protected under the Nigerian Constitution and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.”
“The Nigerian Constitution and these human rights treaties require your government to guarantee a range of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression, freedom of peaceful assembly, freedom of association and the right to take part in the conduct of public affairs.”
“We note your repeated commitments to uphold the fundamental rights of Nigerians including in your inaugural speech and recent address to the Joint Session of the National Assembly to mark Nigeria’s Democracy Day on 12 June 2025.”
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“Specifically, in paragraph 39 of the address you stated that, ‘We dare not seek silence because the imposed silence of repressed voices breeds chaos and ill will, not the harmonics of democracy in the long term.’”
“In paragraph 40, you stated that, ‘no one should bear the brunt of injustice for merely writing a bad report about me or calling me names. Democracy requires a fair degree of tolerance for harsh words and stinging insults. Call me names, call me whatever you will, and I will still call upon democracy to defend your right to do so.’”
“We note that the ECOWAS Court of Justice had in its judgment dated 25 March, 2022 ‘ordered Nigerian authorities to stop using section 24 of the Cybercrime Act 2015 to prosecute anyone on the grounds of insulting or stalking public officials online.’”
“The Court declared section 24 as ‘arbitrary, vague and repressive’ and ordered Nigerian authorities ‘to repeal it in conformity with the country’s human rights obligations.’ But while the Cybercrime (Amendment) Act 2024 has repealed section 24, it has not cured the arbitrary, vague and repressive nature of the provisions.”
“We are concerned that what constitutes ‘causing a breakdown of law and order’ in section 24(1)(b) of the amended legislation is unclear and undefined, threatening to punish peaceful and legitimate expression and opening the provisions up to abuse.”
“The Cybercrime (Amendment) Act 2024, in addition to its arbitrary, vague and repressive section 24 provisions, broadly defines ‘cyberstalking’ in section 58 as ‘a course of conduct, directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear.’”
“The provisions of the Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act 2024 represents a harshly punitive attempt to address the problems relating to stalking and harassment and fails to provide sufficient safeguards against misuse, particularly for peaceful and legitimate exercise of human rights.”
“Whether labelled as cyberstalking, criminal defamation, seditious libel of government officials or false news, the provisions of section 24 of the Cybercrime (Amendment) Act 2024 disproportionately penalize the accused and inevitably limits protected public discussion and debate on matters of legitimate public concern.”
“Furthermore, the UN Human Rights Committee, the independent expert body that monitors state compliance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, in its General Comment No. 34 states that in circumstances of public debate, ‘the value placed by the Covenant upon uninhibited expression is particularly high.’”
“According to the Committee, ‘the mere fact that forms of expression are considered to be insulting to a public figure is not sufficient to justify the imposition of penalties.’”
“The Committee also stated that, ‘all public figures, including those exercising the highest political authority such as heads of state and government, are legitimately subject to criticism and political opposition.’”
“In addition, the Committee has called on states including Nigeria to decriminalize defamation because criminal penalties are always disproportionate punishments for reputational harm.”
“The Committee has stated that defamation laws must ensure they do not serve, in practice, to contravene the rights to freedom of expression and information.”
Moniepoint Microfinance Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to financial inclusion as the cornerstone of its business, declaring that its mission goes beyond market share to transforming lives across Nigeria and Africa.
Speaking at the 2025 annual conference of Finance Correspondent Association of Nigeria (FICAN) in Lagos on Saturday, the bank’s Chief Executive, Babatunde Olofin, told a story that captured both the fragility and resilience of the Nigerian dream.
The theme of this year’s conference ‘Bracing for the Digital Economy in Nigeria: Taxation, Banking and Finance,’ brought together experts and stakeholders across the key finance sector of Africa’s largest economy, among whom was Moniepoint boss.
Olofin who was represented by the Head, Corporate Communications, *Mr. Bemigho Awala,* recounted the journey of a certain Iyaruka, a mother of four who relocated to Lagos after losing her homes in Abuja.
Starting out as a petty trader, she was onboarded onto Moniepoint’s payment platform two years ago, later gaining access to credit. Today, she runs three thriving stores and records daily revenues that once seemed impossible.
“That is the power of access. That is the meaning of inclusion,” the CEO declared. “Financial services should mean only one thing: progress.”
According to him Moniepoint’s new campaign, “We’re Made for Your Progress,” reflects its broader mission to power the dreams of Africans by using technology to provide speed, trust, and simplicity in financial transactions.
He stressed that the digital economy is not a distant prospect but a lived reality, underpinned by tools such as mobile connectivity, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence. Yet, for technology to truly catalyse development, three pillars must be prioritised: trust, talent, and literacy.
Moniepoint, he noted, is investing heavily in these areas. Its “Dream Developments” incubator trains young Nigerians to build financial solutions, while the company also champions financial literacy as a safeguard against exclusion and misinformation. “Without knowledge,” he warned, “we are building on sand.”
Beyond banking transactions, Moniepoint is extending its solutions into areas such as inventory management for small retailers, enabling mom-and-pop shops to track stock and improve profitability. The bank is also documenting local case studies to better understand regional economies, including livestock and crop markets in Northern Nigeria.
The CEO emphasised that Africa’s financial future will not be scripted in Silicon Valley but determined by homegrown solutions, regulatory oversight, and informed journalism.
“At Moniepoint, we are not just interested in
growing the market. We are committed to transformation. Everyone can bank on technology as a force for good,” he concluded.
For marking its 35th Anniversary, the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and Lagos Business School (LBS), during the weekend joined other stakeholders to commend the Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria (FICAN) for remaining resilience in transforming finance journalism and contributing to the Nigeria’s economy growth.
Managing Director NDIC, Mr. Thompson Sunday who was represented by Director, Claims Resolution Department, Mr. Sule Olawale and Managing Director, NSIA Aminu Umar-Sadiq who was represented by Head Corporate Communications, Joyce Onyegbule in their goodwill message at the 2025 annual conference of FICAN in Lagos praised the executives and members of the association for collaborating with government’s agencies in effective dissemination of Information.
Olawale noted that 35 years is not a small feat, stressing that FICAN has positioned itself to be the hallmark of finance reporting in Nigeria.
“My goodwill message will centre around appealing to you to continue the good works. I commend the past and current leadership of FICAN for sustaining the association for over 35 years.
“NDIC and FICAN have had a very warm and cordial relationship over the years. FICAN has been there to tell our stories, give us the platform to share our narratives and to show to Nigerians the great work that the NDIC has done and will continue to do”, he said.
In her goodwill message, representative of NSIA, Onyegbule congratulated FICAN on the 35th anniversary, stressing that executives and members of the association have done a great job.
“On behalf of the management and staff of the entire NSIA, we extend our very warm regards and congratulations on this very laudable milestone that you crossed.
“FICAN has also showcased all the work that we have done across the six geo-politicial zones and also given us a platform to say the things that we even wanted to do in future.
“We say a very big thank you to FICAN and we look forward to many more years of impactful association to tell the stories that impact and shape the outcome that we as Nigerians want to see again and again,” she said.
In his speech, the Deputy Comptroller of Customs ,Christopher Famyam, who represented the Nigeria Customs Service said the service is aware of the tremendous education and enlightenment the association is doing through stories members churn out on daily basis.
According to him the NCS, who has been at the forefront of the federal government’s modernisation and streamlining of processes in revenue collection and taxation, appreciates the laudable efforts of Journalists and especially FICAN.
He said NCS commenced its digital transformation as far back as year 2006 with Asucuda, but has recently achieved a localised modern platform known as B,Odogwu.
He said the introduction of the local platform has boosted revenue collection as well as enhancing trade facilitation.
“B’Odogwu refers to the Nigeria Customs Service’s unified, indigenous software system designed to modernize trade processes and improve efficiency at Nigerian borders.
” It acts as a single platform for all customs clearance processes. It centralizes customs operations for better management and monitoring and risk control”, he noted.
Also Professor Akintola Owolabi, Dean of Accounting, Lagos Business School,
said FICAN stands as the beacon for financial journalism in Nigeria.
He stressed that for 35 years, the association has catalysed economic discourse by forging robust connections between the media, academia, and industry leaders.
” Your unwavering commitment to rigorous capacity building, incisive reporting, and fostering transparency has enriched public understanding of Nigeria’s complex financial sector”, he added.
Owolabi said that the theme of the conference was timely and vital for Nigeria,s sustainable development,
adding that “at Lagos Business school the strategic vision is in consonance with advancing digital transformation, promoting and,cultivating the leaders Nigeria requires to navigate and pioneer the evolving frontier.”
Amaka Obiefuna
Tier-one lender, Fidelity Bank Plc, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigerian businesses in scaling up and competing effectively on the global stage. This commitment was underscored at the 2025 Fidelity Nigeria International Trade & Creative Connect (FNITCC), held over the weekend in Atlanta, Georgia.
Reflecting on FNITCC’s evolution over the past four years, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, described the initiative as a strategic expression of the bank’s vision to empower homegrown businesses for global competitiveness.
“FNITCC is a vision that has come a long way. We began by equipping Nigerian exporters with foundational knowledge through capacity-building programs in partnership with the Lagos Business School. From ground zero, we taught small businesses the fundamentals of export. Once they were ready, we created this platform to showcase them to the world. Our goal has always been to help shift Nigeria from an oil-dependent economy to a diversified, non-oil-driven one—and exports are key to that transformation,” said Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe in her welcome address.
She emphasized the unique value of FNITCC in connecting buyers and sellers directly, fostering trust and confidence through face-to-face interactions. “At this event, we have a wide range of buyers—from major retailers to small-scale distributors. Fidelity Bank has emerged as the leading bank in non-oil exports from the agricultural sector,” she added. She also encouraged participants to attend sideline sessions where regulatory agencies from Nigeria and the U.S. would share insights on compliance standards and export processes.
In his remarks, the Mayor of Atlanta, Mr. Andre Dickens, welcomed FNITCC to the city and highlighted the deep-rooted ties between Atlanta and Africa.
“This conference presents a unique opportunity for thought leaders from Atlanta and Africa to collaborate. Our shared legacies—from civil rights icons like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela to our mutual strengths in logistics, finance, technology, and the creative industries—form a strong foundation for trade and investment. We are not just networking; we are building lasting networks,” he said.
The third edition of FNITCC Atlanta featured deal rooms, panel discussions, exhibitions, and a gala dinner—all aimed at spotlighting Nigeria’s non-oil export potential and exploring pathways for expansion into the American market.
As part of efforts to deepen bilateral trade, a delegation from Lagos State also visited the Georgia State Capitol. Speaking at the event, Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu declared the state open for business and investment. He emphasized Lagos’ readiness to forge enduring partnerships and proposed the establishment of a sister-city framework to strengthen ties between Atlanta and Lagos.
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.
AIICO Insurance Plc, Nigeria’s leading composite insurer, today hosted another successful edition of its Annuity Forum, a yearly engagement platform designed to strengthen ties with its annuity customers, listen to their feedback, and create opportunities for meaningful interaction.
This year marks a significant expansion of the Forum. For the first time since its inception, the event, traditionally held only in Lagos, is spreading its reach to other regions of the country. The Lagos edition sets the pace, with another scheduled to hold in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, targeting annuity customers in the South-South region.
The atmosphere at the Lagos event was lively and refreshing, with customers treated to a mix of business and leisure – including health checks, entertainment, quizzes, and refreshments, alongside constructive conversations on enhancing customer experience.
Speaking at the event, satisfied annuitants expressed their gratitude to AIICO for creating a platform that fosters connection and trust. His Royal Majesty Oba Ogungbayi Akanni Wasiu, the Onitetiku & Oluowode of Ota, Ogun State, and a retired officer from the Ministry of Education, is one of AIICO’s delighted annuity customers who attended the event. Sharing his experience, he said: “I retired 15 years ago and started my annuity immediately after retirement. I have no regrets because AIICO has paid me every month without fail. I strongly recommend AIICO to anyone preparing for retirement because the company has been very consistent.
Mrs. Judith Chibuogwu, who retired as a Director of Nursing from Lagos University Teaching Hospital, began her annuity with AIICO earlier this year in March. Sharing her experience, she said: “It’s been wonderful. I took the advice to take on annuity with AIICO, and it has been an amazing experience with the steady, constant payments. Today’s event has also been very enlightening, especially the conversations around retirement life, health, and wellbeing. In fact, I’ve already started talking to my former colleagues who are still in service about AIICO’s annuity.”
The MD/CEO of AIICO Insurance Plc, Mr. Babatunde Fajemirokun, while welcoming the annuitants stated “This annual gathering is not just a meeting – it is a celebration of your achievements, resilience and the trust you have placed in us as your partner on life’s journey. You are not just clients – you are family. This forum is an opportunity to strengthen our bond, share updates on our industry and re-affirm the promises we have made to you.”
He addressed head-on the negative claims circulating online about the alleged mismanagement of annuity funds, stating “AIICO Insurance ensures that your funds are kept with pension fund custodians – that means there’s no individual within the AIICO team that has access to your funds. This is the case with all insurance companies in the annuity business. – the funds are professionally managed in line with strict regulatory guidelines that have been provided”.
Mr. Gbenga Ilori, Executive Director, Retail Business Division, echoed the sentiment:
“Our business exists because of our customers, and we believe it is important to create avenues for physical interaction and engagement. These forums give us the opportunity to listen, respond to their questions, and hear their ideas on how we can serve them better. They have entrusted their pensions to us, and we consider it a sacred duty to always stay connected to them.
More and more people are placing their trust in AIICO for their annuity needs — today, we serve over 25,000 annuitants across the country, and the number keeps growing. This is why we are taking the forum beyond Lagos, with the South-South region as our next stop in a few weeks.”
With a large and growing number of annuitants nationwide and monthly disbursements of over N1.7 billion, AIICO Insurance has built a reputation as a leading player in Nigeria’s annuity market. The company continues to back this leadership position with unmatched customer service, strong financial performance, and innovative engagement platforms like the Annuity Forum.
The journey continues in Port Harcourt, where AIICO will bring the Annuity Forum experience to annuitants in the South-South. This marks the beginning of a broader mission to take the Forum across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones over time, ensuring that retirees everywhere can share in the warmth, interaction, and assurance that define our commitment. For AIICO, every retiree deserves not just timely income, but also a community that celebrates and supports them throughout their retirement journey.
Hit FM, the leading radio station in Cross Rivers state, and organizers of Calabar Entertainment Conference (CEC) has announced First Bank of Nigeria Limited as official bank partners for the flagship youth engagement program in the Creative Sector.
CEC has held every year since 2017, and now in its 9th year, executive producer and CEO of Hit FM Patrick Ugbe says the creative sector “has not been in more urgent need of interventions that facilitate capacity building, funding, distribution, and thought leadership.”
This year’s event will hold on the 17th and 18th of October at Hogis Royale, in Calabar, Cross River State, bringing together young talents, industry leaders, investors, and policymakers to explore opportunities, tackle challenges, and chart pathways for sustainable growth within Nigeria’s dynamic creative economy.
FirstBank’s partnership underscores the bank’s long-standing commitment to supporting youth empowerment, innovation, and entrepreneurship across diverse sectors.
Ugbe adds: “by coming on board as the Official Bank, FirstBank further demonstrates its role as a catalyst for growth, providing financial inclusion and fostering creativity among young Nigerians. “
“We are thrilled to welcome FirstBank as the Official Bank of the Calabar Entertainment Conference. Their support not only validates the importance of the creative sector in driving national development but also provides a strong platform for youth to access resources, knowledge, and networks that will help transform their ideas into sustainable ventures”.
Also speaking on the partnership, Olayinka Ijabiyi, the Acting Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, FirstBank, stated, “At Firstbank, we are passionate about supporting platforms that empower young people and nurture talent. Our partnership with the Calabar Entertainment Conference aligns with our drive to promote innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship as key drivers of Nigeria’s future”.
“Through our First@Arts initiative, which is geared at consolidating support for the creative arts, we are leveraging platforms like the Calabar Entertainment Conference to enable our stakeholders to explore the wealth of opportunities that the creative industry has to offer.”
The two-day event will feature keynote addresses, masterclasses, panel discussions, and networking sessions designed to inspire and equip participants to maximize the opportunities in the creative industry.
The Lagos Business School (LBS) has emphasised the need for Nigeria to embark on a transformative digital journey that can redefine its economy and significantly improve the quality of life for its citizens. The School noted that the country’s e-commerce market is expected to exceed $16 billion by 2030, supported by pioneering platforms like Jumia and Konga.
The Dean, Lagos Business School, Professor Olayinka David-West stated this at the 35th annual conference of the Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria (FICAN) held over the weekend in Lagos under the theme, “Bracing for the Digital Economy in Nigeria: Taxation, Banking and Finance”.
Industry stakeholders, including the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and leading banks converged to share insights and shape Nigeria’s digital economy roadmap. Representing David-West, Prof. Akintola Owolabi, Department of Cost and Management Accounting at LBS, stated that “the conference theme, ‘Bracing for the Digital Economy in Nigeria: Taxation, Banking and Finance,’ is timely and vital for Nigeria’s sustainable development.” David-West affirmed that the strategic vision at LBS aligns closely with advancing digital transformation and promoting financial inclusion, aiming to develop the leaders needed to navigate and drive this emerging landscape.
Nigeria’s digital economy is undergoing remarkable growth, energised by a young and dynamic population alongside rapid digital adoption. According to the Nigerian Communications Commission’s 2024 report, internet penetration has reached 43.5 per cent, with over 163 million Nigerians online as of March 2024. The telecommunications sector contributes around 18 to 20 per cent to Nigeria’s GDP, highlighting the vital role of information and communication technology (ICT) as a driving force in the economy.
David-West pointed out that “this digital revolution transcends statistics; it reshapes commerce, services, and livelihoods. Our burgeoning e-commerce market, projected to exceed $16 billion by 2030, is fuelled by trailblazing platforms like Jumia and Konga. “Innovative logistics startups such as Kwik and GIGL illustrate how digital technologies spawn entirely new value chains, enhancing efficiencies and expanding economic opportunities. Such developments promise exponential employment gains, diversification away from oil dependence, and transformative service delivery across sectors.”
She explained that “the Nigerian financial sector is both a driver and beneficiary of the digital revolution. In 2024, Nigeria’s fintech ecosystem attracted over $2 billion in investments, sustaining its position as the continent’s financial technology powerhouse. This capital influx is propelling groundbreaking innovations that redefine financial transactions and inclusion.”
She also said, leading Nigerian banks, including Access Bank and GTBank, harness cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to enhance fraud detection, personalise services, optimise credit scoring, and deploy AI-enhanced customer support.
She noted that “in addressing taxation within the digital economy, there are both challenges and substantial opportunities for revenue generation. Since January 2022, Nigeria has implemented a six per cent Digital Services Tax (DST) on non-resident digital service providers, complementing existing VAT on foreign digital services and capitalising on the expanding digital marketplace.”
She cited an example of this initiative is the electronic money transfer levy, which imposes a N50 fee on recipients of bank transfers of N10,000 and above, serving as a valuable revenue stream in Nigeria’s evolving digital payments landscape. David-West highlighted how digital payments and mobile money services can serve as a foundation for formalising vast informal sectors, enhancing tax compliance, and integrating businesses into formal financial systems.
Looking ahead, she noted that “the interconnection of digital transformation across banking, finance, and taxation is a powerful catalyst for Nigeria’s economic growth. Seamless digital payment systems facilitate efficient tax collection, broaden financial inclusion, and provide critical data for evidence-based policy-making and enforcement.”
She, however, said, “several challenges remain that require immediate attention, including infrastructure deficits such as unreliable electricity and limited broadband access in rural areas, as well as a shortage of digital skills that restrict economic participation. It is essential for regulators to carefully navigate the balance between fostering innovation and ensuring consumer protection amid rapid technological advancements.”
According to her, encouragingly, the Central Bank of Nigeria’s sandbox framework, which is already operational, offers a controlled setting for innovation within fintech, allowing for regulatory experimentation that supports the growth of Nigeria’s digital financial landscape.
“Nigeria stands on the brink of a digital revolution that has the potential to redefine its economic landscape and significantly uplift the quality of life for its citizens.” Also, the chairman of the Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria (FICAN), Mr Chima Titus, said, “This year, our conference theme is both timely and urgent, focusing on the digital economy, taxation, banking, and finance.”
He said that “globally, the digital economy has evolved from being merely a promising frontier to a critical backbone of modern growth. In Nigeria and across Africa, we find ourselves on the brink of a significant transformation driven by data, digital payments, artificial intelligence, and cross-border innovation.”
He noted that “Current statistics underscore our potential: the ICT sector contributed 18.3 per cent to Nigeria’s GDP in the second quarter of 2025, and digital payment transactions exceeded N600 trillion in the first half of the same year, showcasing a 22 per cent year-on-year growth. Mobile money usage has surpassed 73 million, successfully reaching rural communities that were previously excluded.
“To further solidify these advancements, the Central Bank of Nigeria has introduced the Payment System Vision 2020, a comprehensive blueprint for our digital future, incorporating AI, block chain settlements, and cross-border payments enabled by the African Continental Free Trade Area.”
Titus added that no robust digital economy can flourish without an equitable and effective tax Framework.”
By Winifred Bosa
Marketing experts have urged brands to build trust and deliver holistic value beyond price in today’s changing marketing landscape, saturated with choices and increasingly discerning consumers.
They made this assertion at the third edition of the MediaConsortium Conference and Awards, held on Thursday at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI). Industry stakeholders and captains of industry gathered to dissect the theme, “Defining ‘Value’ in the Modern Marketplace: Beyond Price, Quality, Experience and Ethics”.
Speaking on the choice of the theme, Adetunji Faleye, Co-Convener of the MediaConsortium Conference and Awards, said, “Our chosen theme reflects a pressing question for today’s brands, businesses, and leaders.” Faleye stated, “We believe the answer lies in a holistic approach—one that integrates all these elements and goes further to capture the intangible: trust, relevance, purpose, and sustainability. These are the benchmarks of success in the modern marketplace.”
Delivering the keynote address, Femi Opadere, Head of Digital Media at Globacom, challenged brands to shift their focus from cost to benefit. He emphasised that today’s consumers are digitally active, have numerous options, and make decisions based on more than just price.
Using Globacom’s introduction of per-second billing as a prime example, he illustrated how delivering genuine value can revolutionise an industry. “Somebody somewhere was not thinking about making money immediately. He was thinking about what kind of value I can give to Nigerians,” Opadere recalled, noting that this value-driven strategy led to over one million subscribers in a few months. He concluded with the adage, “Price is what you pay, value is what you get.”
The conversation deepened during a panel session moderated by Zion Rufus, Senior Brand & Content Strategist at Livespot360. The panelists, drawing from diverse industry experiences, offered practical insights.
Samuel Akinrimisi, New Product Development Lead at Eko Supreme Resources, warned that brands often fail when they operate on flawed assumptions about their customers. “The gap I identified is that we do not bring the point of the consumer into the product perspective,” Akinrimisi explained. He argued that true value is “needed satisfaction” and requires brands to understand the cultural relevance of their products and messaging.
Ayodeji Ajayi, Strategy/Creative Director at Hephzibah Experiential Ltd, spoke about the power of building an emotional connection and trust to foster unwavering loyalty. “You cannot take away emotions,” Ajayi noted, explaining that a deep connection is what makes a consumer choose a brand repeatedly. He stressed that “the culture that defines the experience is one thing that brands must prioritise to succeed.”
Representing the fast-evolving fintech space, Obinna Ojekwe, Marketing Lead, Hydrogen Pay described value as a powerful differentiator, which can even be found in simple accessibility. He called value a “cheat code” for brands, especially niche players, to excel by deeply understanding their specific market segment.
He added that in today’s digital age, brands must define value through co-creation with their customers. He states that co-creation means you “create products with your target.” He explained that co-creation typically refers to a collaborative process where you involve your target audience or stakeholders directly in the development or creation of products, services, or solutions. Instead of just designing with their needs in mind, co-creation actively invites their input, ideas, and feedback throughout the process to ensure the final outcome truly reflects their preferences and insights.
The experts underscored the message that: in today’s marketplace, sustainable success is built not just on what a brand sells, but on the comprehensive value it delivers to its customers.
The enlightening summit culminated in a prestigious awards ceremony, celebrating the brands, agencies, and individuals who have exemplified excellence and successfully delivered outstanding value. The consumer goods sector was well-represented, with Checkers Custard named Outstanding Custard Brand of 2025 and Golden Penny Semovita taking home the Consumer Brand of the Year 2025 award. Culinary excellence was further celebrated as Ajinomoto was crowned Outstanding Culinary Brand of The Year 2025. In the beverage category, Amstel Malta was recognised as the Malt Drink of the Year 2025. Demonstrating innovation in the homecare segment, SoKlin received double honours as the Innovative Detergent Brand of the Year 2025 and for its Smart Liquid, which won Innovation of the Year in the Detergent Category. A special commendation for delivering tangible consumer benefits went to WideScope International Logistics Limited for Creating Real Value for Consumers.
Commitment to social responsibility was also celebrated, with BATN Foundation receiving the Social Impact Award of 2025 and Bet9ja Foundation earning the CSR Award of 2025.
Broader corporate excellence was also spotlighted, with Iron Resources named Outstanding Company of the Year 2025. In the financial sector, ALAT was recognised as the Outstanding Digital Bank of the Year 2025.
The agency and professional categories saw a wide array of talent recognised. SBI Media Ltd was awarded Innovative Media Agency of the Year, while SOULCOMMS PR was named Outstanding Public Relations Agency of the Year 2025.
Specialist firms also received accolades, with P+ Measurement Services celebrated as the Innovative Public Relations Measurement Agency of the Year 2025 and CI Public Relations Consulting Limited honoured as the Outstanding firm in Crisis/Strategic Communication. The future of the industry was also in the spotlight, as Seedar Group won Innovative Young Public Relations Agency of the Year 2025 and WhirlSpot Media was recognised for its Outstanding Contribution To Startups.
Individual excellence was lauded across the marketing and media landscape. Rotimi Bankole won Outstanding Media Personality of the Year 2025, while Melvin Udosen was named Outstanding Media Entrepreneur of the Year 2025. In journalism, Azeez Disu was crowned Brand Journalist of the Year 2025, and Afolabi Idowu was recognised as the BJAN Personality of The Year 2025. In marketing leadership, Ilyas Kazeem was awarded Marketing Director of the Year (Food Division), and Roseline Abaraonye won Marketing Director of the Year 2025 (Cosmetics). The rising stars were not overlooked, with Onoriode Akusu celebrated as the Fast-Rising PR Practitioner of the Year.
The MediaConsortium Conference and Awards is an annual event dedicated to fostering knowledge exchange, celebrating industry excellence, and inspiring the future of marketing, media, and communications in Nigeria. It brings together industry leaders, brand custodians, and innovators to discuss pressing issues and recognise outstanding contributions to the marketplace.