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Fidelity Bags Awards For Best Export, Trade Support And Innovation Innovation

 

Amaka Obiefuna

 

 

Fidelity Bank’s market leadership has been affirmed once again as the tier-one lender bagged double honours at the BusinessDay Bank and Other Financial Institutions’(BAFI) Awards 2025.

 

At the awards ceremony, which was held at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos on Saturday, 11 October 2025, Fidelity Bank was presented with the awards for the “Best Bank for Export & Trade Finance” and “Most Innovative Bank of the Year”.

 

Dedicating the Export and Trade Finance Award to its customers, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe,OON, who was represented by the Executive Director/Chief Operations and Information Officer, Stanley Amuchie, said, “This recognition underscores our unwavering commitment to promoting non-oil exports and supporting Nigerian businesses to compete globally through initiatives such as the Fidelity International Trade & Creative Connect (FNITCC) and the Export Management Programme (EMP).

 

“I dedicate this award to all our exporters who continue to showcase the best of Nigeria to the world, our loyal customers, and our partners for their steadfast support.”

 

The BAFI Awards is the benchmark of distinction for institutions in the Nigerian financial services sector. Now in its 12th year, the awards recognise and celebrate organisations that are excelling in the delivery of financial services in Nigeria. The award acknowledges organisations demonstrating leadership, vision and impact in driving Nigeria’s growth trajectory.

 

Fidelity Bank’s recent recognition is attributed to significant accomplishments over the past twelve months. Notable milestones include the inauguration of the first privately constructed onshore oil export terminal in Nigeria in fifty years at the Otakikpo Marginal Field, which was funded by Fidelity Bank and commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu last week. Additionally, the Bank launched the Fidelity SME Hub, a multipurpose facility designed to support small businesses through innovation, collaboration, and capacity-building initiatives.

 

Furthermore, Fidelity Bank organized the third edition of the Fidelity Nigeria International Trade & Creative Connect (FNITCC) in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, in September 2025. This event provided local businesses with opportunities to engage in deal rooms with U.S. buyers, including prominent retailers such as Walmart and Target, fostering potential partnerships.

 

“The innovation award is a special one for us as it validates our continued drive to enhance operational efficiency, elevate customer experience, and strengthen business performance. We sincerely appreciate BusinessDay Media for this recognition and reaffirm our commitment to introducing more impactful innovations that empower our customers and advance the Nigerian financial services industry”, commented Amuchie.

Online Poster by — October 13, 2025 in News
SON seeks improved stakeholders’ collaboration to strengthen trade through standards

 
 
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria has called for collaboration with stakeholders to strengthen trade through standards.
The Director General, SON, Ifeanyi Okeke at the 2025 edition of the World Standards Day themed “Shared vision for a better world,  spotlight on the Sustainable Development Goal 17” celebration in Lagos, said the event is not only to commemorate the global significance of standards, but also to demonstrate collective commitment through the work of standards, a symbolic expression of unity and shared vision for national and global development.
According to him, the theme is both timely and also compelling, noting that it reinforces the fact that sustainable development cannot be achieved by any single institution.
“Collaboration, cooperation, partnership are true drivers of progress and standards are the common language that makes such partnership possible.
“For Nigeria, this theme speaks to the realities of our development journey. Our goals, from food security to industrialization, from energy transition to trade expansion, require cooperation between the government, the private sector, academia and civil society.
“By spotlighting this Sustainable Development Goal 17, we affirm that partnerships are not simply supportive, but are the very backbone for achieving other Sustainable Development Goals.
Okeke said that national quality infrastructure is the underpinning, that determines Nigeria’s level of development, in terms of its ability to ensure that imported and exported products meet the required standards,  either national, regional and global standards.
“We cannot do conformity assessments alone.
We need the collaboration, we need the partnership, we need the cooperation.
“In this regard, for imported products, we need to have our internationally accredited experts, because SON cannot be found everywhere in the world.
“We need to have organizations that have been accredited and recognized globally to be able to help us test and certify our products.
“So we need that support, we need that collaboration internationally for imported products,” he added.
To boost export of locally produced goods, the Director General said, “We have the SONEXCAP which is our certification programme for exports. Nigeria cannot just continue dwelling on imports.
“What really sustains any nation is the ability to export. So SON is also playing in that field. Through the SONEXCAP, products that will leave this country to other countries with the SONEXCAP certification, those products can be accepted in most of the countries especially in Africa because of this African free trade area agreement.
“Because what it simply means is that with our SONEXCAP certification, we have a mutual recognised agreement with other African countries.
“This means that any products that leave Nigeria to other African countries will be wholeheartedly accepted,” he averred.
Online Poster by — October 13, 2025 in News
Archbishop Nzekwesi Celebrates Birthday In Grand Style 

By Nnedinma Michael
 
 
The Chief  Executive Officer ( CEO) of Pineeaf Estate and founder of Jesus Is Alive Church, Archbishop Onyekachukwu Joseph Nzekwesi, on Friday, October 10, 2025, celebrated his birthday in Eziowelle, Anambra State, Nigeria.
The celebration attracted numerous dignitaries, including politicians and business leaders, who gathered to wish him a happy birthday.
Some notable attendees include Chief George Muoghalu of Labour Party,
Chief Obinna Iyiegbu (Obi Cubana), Chief Chimezie Nwankwo (Abig Nwankwo), Chief Ikenna Iyiegbu (Ike Cubana), Hon Ikenna Offordeme of Anambra State House of Assembly, Chief Humphrey Anuna, President-General of ASMATA and others.
During the celebration, Archbishop Nzekwesi expressed gratitude to God for his blessings and prayed for his church members, business partners, sons and daughters in the real estate business, and for peaceful conduct of the November 8 Gubernatorial Election in Anambra State.
The Permanent Secretary,  Anambra State Ministry of Transport  and Commerce, Chief Engr. Michael  Obiekwe( Mmilioma Ogbunike),  praised Archbishop Nzekwesi for his  philanthropic efforts, noting that he has been a hope  for many,  a child of God that has created ripple effects of kindness  and generosity that has transformed lives and the community.
He prayed and thanked God for the celebrant’s life and that of his family, wishing him a peaceful birthday celebration.
A  consultant with Pine Leaf Estate, Mr Austine Eke,  described Archbishop Nzekwesi as a good man, a mentor in the real estate business, praising his exceptional work in real estate, and encouraged others to emulate his example to contribute to the development of the South East Region.
He added that his selflessness serves as a powerful reminder that everyone has the capacity to make positive impacts.
“Bishop has impacted many lives through his mentorship and empowerment to youths, women and others,” he concluded.
Online Poster by — October 13, 2025 in News
Stakeholders Seek End To  Infrastructure Deficits, Barriers to  Achieving $1trillion Economy for Nigeria.

The quest for economic intelligence and
strategies that will mitigate  infrastructure deficits and  barriers on pathways to achieving  $1trillion economy in Nigeria will dominate  discussions at the Finance and Business Online Publishers (FiBOP) Annual National Conference 2025.
Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of  the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun and his team will be aggregating emerging solutions to put the economy at an even keel at the upcoming event.
The Annual National Conference provides a platform for technocrats, economists, and  thought  leaders from across all sectors to  brainstorm on fundamental ways to fast track  the achievement of $1 trillion economy target.
The Ministry has confirmed full participation at the conference which is scheduled to hold on October 18th and 19th 2025 at Orchid Hotels Lekki, Lagos.
Specifically, the conference is also billed to identify innovative strategies for  diversifying from dependence on oil, by adapting technology, fostering innovation, investing in renewable energy, insurance, agriculture, and services.
Absolutely designed to chart  a clear plan for securing successful mutual accountability and investment strategies of crucial importance for Nigeria’s economic growth development.
Furthermore it is intended to show how  technology innovations, tax reforms, renewable energy, and agriculture will severally and jointly contribute to achieve the target of $1 trillion economy.
National development minded corporate Organizations have thrown their weights behind the conference.
Cornerstone Insurance PLC, NGX Group, Nigerian Agriculture Insurance Corporation (NAIC) and NASENI are amongst the latest  to join forces with emPLE Insurance, Universal Insurance, Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Nigerian Agriculture Insurance Corporation, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Nestle Nigeria PLC  and banks like Zenith, Polaris and Fidelity to ensure a grand and successful confab.
Commenting on preparations for the event, Chairman, Conference Planning Committee, Mr. Godson Ikoro, is very optimistic that FiBOP  will pull off a very  utilitarian conference that will generate fresh strategies to drive home Nigeria’s $1 trillion economy by 2030.
In the same vein, FiBOP President, Mr Charles Onwuatogwu in appreciating the support of the various partners backoned on more and organizations to join forces with other stakeholders to fast track the $1 trillion economy agenda and ensure better standard of living for Nigerians.
He reiterated that  partners and sponsors will enjoy a wide range of benefits from well articulated media exposure and publicity plan.
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, wealth creation, and contributing to the growth and development of the Nigerian economy and the continent of Africa.
The association’s annual conference provides the needed platform for experts and stakeholders to contribute to issues of great national importance aimed at fostering inclusive growth, unity, and national prosperity.
Online Poster by — October 13, 2025 in News
Clinical Trial : NAFDAC , NNMDA Chart Path For Safe, Effective Nigerian Herbal Medicines

By Winifred Bosa
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is collaborating with the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA) to develop scientifically proven, safe and effective herbal medicines that meet global standards through clinical trials.
According to a press release by Sayo Akintola , Resident Media Consultant, NAFDAC , the Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, who dropped the hint, disclosed that Nigerian herbal medicine practitioners have the capacity to formulate safe and effective indigenous natural remedies that meet international standards.
NAFDAC has two types of approval for herbal medicines. The first type is a listing (L) approval, and it is granted after the product has been evaluated in our laboratory for toxicology safety tests with satisfactory results. Products in this approval category are listed for a period of two years, with a NAFDAC number bearing the letter L at the end.
The second approval type requires that clinical trials be conducted on the product to prove the efficacy of such a product. If this is done (in a well-designed protocol) with proven efficacy, a full approval with five-year validity is given.
The Director General identified cost as a major obstacle preventing herbal medicine practitioners from subjecting their products to clinical trials.
‘If you have an herbal medicine that you cannot prove scientifically the extent to which it works without causing harm to the user by providing some data on the efficacy, then it cannot be fully registered by NAFDAC.
Prof Adeyeye disclosed that NAFDAC has listed thousands of herbal medicines, with only a few products that have gone through clinical trial outcomes, But we cannot give 5-year approval without passing the efficacy test through a clinical trial.
We know that herbal medicine works. It is how to ascertain through clinical trial the level it can be used below which patients will be safe, and above which there could be damage to the liver, the kidney, and other internal organs, she explained, emphasising that the fact that its natural doesnt mean that its all safe. Thats where NAFDAC regulation and control come in.
The DG recalled that NAFDAC launched the Herbal Medicine Products Committee just before the COVID-19 Pandemic, which brought the practitioners, the Ministry of Health, NAFDAC and researchers together. This collaborative effort is very important because the practitioners know what their forefathers have been using, while the researchers know the science.
According to her, the Agency is looking for funding to assist the practitioners in the conduct of clinical trials, which is highly capital-intensive.
She pointed out that the Agency is working assiduously with the    NNMDA to ensure that clinical trial is conducted for the medicines that have met the regulatory requirements for listing.
She said that NAFDAC is working together with the NNMDA to use some selected listed herbal medicines to conduct clinical trials, so that we will prove beyond doubt that the medicine works well and those can now be registered fully.
Such medicines can be placed in a national formulary for herbal medicines, even if there are few.
She stated that NAFDAC has been educating the herbal medicine practitioners who intend to register products through stakeholders meetings.
The Agency even published a simple floor plan on the website as a guide for the practitioners.
She averred that it does not necessarily have to be a big place to use for production. She, however, maintained that the factory must be well-ordered to allow a good workflow so that there will not be contamination.
We are working with our practitioners. We are approving herbal medicines daily in NAFDAC, but we are working towards a phase where we will have a national formulary for those that have had clinical trials and have been proven to be very effective, she said.
The Director-General disclosed that before her appointment at NAFDAC, she was a professor in the United States. While at the university, she led a project that developed an anti-sickling polyherbal medicine.
This medicine, which NAFDAC had listed many years before her tenure, was tested in laboratory settings by incubating it with blood samples from children with sickle cell disease to prove its anti-sickling effect.
 Two research papers were published, confirming both the anti-sickling and anti-infective properties of the medicine.
We conducted a clinical trial approved by the Ethics Committee of Bowen University and the Institutional Review Board of my University in the U.S on the polyherbal in July before my assumption of office in NAFDAC in November 2017.
 She added that the trial showed that the product was efficacious but needed more data and funding for completion.
We are determined to assist our practitioners in the area of clinical trials and together with NNMDA we shall mobilise resources to get some herbal medicines fully registered after going through due process, she said.
Winifred Bosa by — October 12, 2025 in Health
Waves Of Innovation: How First Bank Turned Lagos Into Africa’s Electric Playground

The Lagos Lagoon glistened in shades of blue and gold as electric powerboats sliced through the water, cheered on by an ecstatic crowd that lined Victoria Island’s waterfront from Saturday, 3 October to Sunday, 5 October. For two unforgettable days, Lagos became Africa’s capital of clean energy, glamour, and innovation, all powered by First Bank of Nigeria, the sponsor of the continent’s first-ever E1 Lagos Grand Prix.

From the rhythmic sounds of Afrobeats echoing across the Marina to the sight of sleek, futuristic boats gliding silently on water, the E1 Lagos GP was more than a race, it was a celebration of Lagos’ vibrant spirit and Nigeria’s march towards sustainability.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a goodwill message, hailed the event as a bold statement of intent by Nigeria and Lagos, praising Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, First Bank, and other partners for delivering a world-class spectacle.

“The E1 Powerboat series combines world-class entertainment with clean energy innovation. This championship is not just a thrilling spectacle on water but a commitment to a greener and more sustainable future,” the president had said at the opening ceremony of the great event on Friday, 3 October.


He described Lagos as “a gateway to innovation, technology, and global sporting excellence,” affirming the nation’s readiness to lead Africa’s transition to clean energy.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who led the regatta that opened the event, described the championship as a proud moment for Lagos and a reflection of its global potential.
“E1 Lagos GP is more than a race; it is a celebration of Lagos’ dynamism, the Spirit of Lagos,” the governor said, adding that “It shows our capacity to host world-class events and underscores our commitment to sustainability.”

Crowds thronged the Lagos Lagoon and fan zones, having fun, snapping selfies, and soaking in the festive atmosphere.

International sports icons, investors, and fans came from across the world, including former Chelsea and Ivory Coast football legend Didier Drogba, co-owner of Team Drogba Global Africa, who added a touch of celebrity magic to the weekend.

For First Bank of Nigeria, the event was not just about sports, it was about making history. Acting Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, Olayinka Ijabiyi, said sponsoring the E1 Lagos GP reflected the bank’s heritage of innovation and renewal.

“Innovation, sustainability, excitement, speed, we are a heritage bank that has been around for 131 years, and for every one of those years, we have constantly renewed ourselves,” Ijabiyi said, saying that “When this opportunity came, who else could bring the first E1 GP to Nigeria but First Bank? We are proud to have presented Lagos and Nigeria to the world.”

At the First Bank Pavilion, visitors enjoyed interactive experiences, lifestyle engagements, and product showcases, while music, fashion, and food added a distinctly Lagos flavour. Families and young professionals mingled with entrepreneurs, all celebrating a fusion of technology, culture, and sustainability, hallmarks of the bank’s brand identity.

“This race is a net-zero emitter,” Ijabiyi added. “We are strong on sustaining the environment and supporting a cleaner, greener future. It’s innovation meeting responsibility.”

The E1 partnership also connects with the bank’s #FirstBankDecemberIssaVybe series, an annual celebration of entertainment and lifestyle that lights up Nigeria’s festive season. “December is the Vybe,” Ijabiyi teased. “This is just a taste of what’s to come-fun, fashion, food, and amazing experiences.”

The finale on Sunday was nothing short of electrifying as Team Brazil claimed victory, with pilots Timmy Hansen and Leva Millere-Hagin steering their electric boat to glory, beating Team Blue Rising and Team Drogba to the podium.

As the sun set over the Lagoon, the waterfront transformed into a sea of lights and cheers, a moment that captured the heart of Lagos: energetic, ambitious, and always ready to lead.

With its sponsorship of the E1 Lagos Grand Prix, First Bank once again proved that it is more than a financial institution, it is a lifestyle brand championing innovation, sustainability, and national pride.

In the words of Latoya Johnson, a Lagosian who attended the event: “I grew up knowing First Bank as the reliable one. Seeing them behind something this big makes me proud. They’re not just banking our money, they’re banking our future.”

From clean energy to cultural celebration, from racing boats to smiling faces, the E1 Lagos GP was a powerful reminder that when innovation meets tradition, the result is pure magic.

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Winifred Bosa by — October 12, 2025 in brands and Marketing
Sanya By Oyin Olugbile Clinches NLNG 2025 The Nigeria Prize For Literature

…New Prize category on Creative Arts introduced

By Winifred Bosa

Sanya by Oyin Olugbile has emerged winner of the 2025 edition of The Nigeria Prize for Literature, clinching one of Africa’s most prestigious literary honour valued at $100,000.

The announcement was made on Friday, 10th October 2025 at the Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) Grand Award Night in Lagos by the Chairman of the Advisory Board for the Prize, Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, who revealed the winner out of 252 novels submitted for the NLNG-sponsored Prize.

According to Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, Olugbile’s mythology retelling approach was distinct and daring for casting Sango as a female and for the projection of Yoruba mythology through a story that captivates and meanders into a fantastical world. She stated that Olugbile achieved this through lucid and straightforward language, making for easy reading.

“We were impressed by the quality of the shortlisted books written by three writers with diverse backgrounds and experiences. The books, Sanya by Oyin Olugbile; The Road to the Country by Chigozie Obioma, both published by Masobe Books; and This Motherless Land by Nikki May, published by Narrative Landscape, indicate an improvement in the quality of local publishing.

“After much careful assessments and deliberations, we concluded that very little separates the novels and each is a potential winner of the award. However, Oyin Olugbile’s Sanya slightly takes the edge and is therefore our pick as the winner of the 2025 The Nigeria Prize for Literature,” she stated.

She further announced Okwudiri Anasiudu as the winning entry for The Nigeria Prize for Literary Criticism. Anasiudu won for his submissions titled Afropolitan Identity and Afrodiasporic Otherness in Selected African Novels; Allegorical Conjectures in Helon Habila’s Measuring Time; and Mimetic designs in Helon Habila’s Oil on Water. The Nigeria Prize for Literary Criticism comes with a $10,000 prize money.

In his opening remarks, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NLNG, Philip Mshelbila, highlighted the enduring influence of literature, describing The Nigeria Prize for Literature as “a reminder of the power of words to shape identity and deepen understanding. Winning the Prize is recognition of scaling the highest heights of literature. All the shortlisted books this evening are works of the highest calibre,” he said.

He also revealed that The Nigeria Prize for Science will be renamed “The Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation.” He said the new name reflects NLNG’s belief that progress depends as much on creativity and fresh thinking as on technology and infrastructure.

In another revelation, Mshelbila announced that NLNG would be resting The Nigeria Prize for Literary Criticism and introducing a new Prize category “The Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts,” with focus on Documentary Film. He stressed that the new Prize would inspire a new generation of storytellers to inform, challenge, and connect Nigerians more deeply to who they are as a nation and who they can become.

On energy, he stated that, according to the International Energy Agency, Africa requires over $200 billion annually in energy investments to achieve its climate and development goals. He added that Nigeria has the capacity and responsibility to lead this effort. He added that every kilometre of pipeline, every processing plant, and every household gas cylinder represents opportunities.

He stated further that NLNG takes pride in what it produces and enables, adding that “Train 7, now over 80% complete, is a $10 billion demonstration of what happens when policy, planning, investment and execution align. It is proof that investment yields results. A clear example of Nigerian content development at work. And it is a signal that Nigeria can remain competitive in the global LNG market if we stay focused, coordinated and ambitious.”

During his speech, Mshelbila unveiled a new book “Voices of Our Leaders,” a commemorative book on NLNG’s history and progress over three decades. He noted that the book captures the voices of some of those who have guided NLNG’s journey from dream to reality.

The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, in his keynote speech, remarked that while there was much to celebrate, it was equally important to pause and reflect. He noted that The Nigeria Prize for Science, with its theme “Innovations in ICT, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Digital Technologies for Development,” had not produced a winning work in 2025. He said it was a reminder that without innovation, Nigeria cannot hope to compete in a digital future.

He emphasised that Nigeria must deepen its investment in science, particularly in artificial intelligence and digital technologies, which he described as key to addressing many of the country’s developmental challenges. Concluding his remarks, he called on Nigerians to rededicate themselves to the broader national vision of nurturing both science and art, strengthening education, investing in digital technologies, and powering the engines of sustainable energy.

In September 2025, the Advisory Board of the Nigeria Prize for Science announced a no-winner verdict for the Prize.

Through The Nigeria Prizes, NLNG continues to reaffirm its enduring commitment to inspiring a sustainable future.

Winifred Bosa by — October 11, 2025 in Education
Two Nigerians Appointed As Independent Non-Executive Directors At Savannah Energy

By Winifred Bosa
Savannah Energy PLC, the British independent energy company focused around the delivery of Projects that Matter, has announced several planned Board changes, in line with the Company’s succession planning regime.
The company announced the retirement of Sir Stephen O’Brien and David Clarkson from the Board, extending its sincere thanks to both for their dedication and service as Directors over the past eight years.
 It said that during their tenure they have been instrumental in supporting the Company’s governance framework and Board processes.
Savannah also announced the intended appointments of Uyi Akpata and Kehinde Olamide Ogunwumiju as Independent Non-Executive Directors. Uyi and Kehinde bring significant experience in audit, finance and legal affairs, further strengthening the Board’s capabilities in these key areas. Upon joining the Board, Mr Akpata is expected to serve as Chair of the Audit Committee.
Joseph Pagop Noupoué, Chairman of Savannah, commented:
“The changes announced this morning form part of Savannah’s ongoing and dynamic Board succession planning process, which is designed to evolve in step with the Company’s strategic direction, operational priorities, and growth trajectory.
On behalf of the Board, I would like to wish Sir Stephen and David every success in the future. As part of our structured approach to Board renewal, their agreed retirement reflects the natural progression of our governance planning.
That said, both have been highly valued colleagues whose insight, integrity, and presence around the Board table will be genuinely missed. We are delighted that both have agreed to take on ongoing consultancy roles, ensuring the Company can continue to benefit from their extensive experience and deep understanding of our business. We wish them every success in the future and thank them wholeheartedly for their service.
I am also delighted to welcome Uyi and Kehinde as incoming Directors. Both are internationally respected professionals in their respective fields – finance and legal – and have proven track records supporting dynamic, high growth organisations. I believe their expertise will be instrumental as Savannah continues its growth trajectory across Africa.”
Sir Stephen O’Brien, Retiring Vice Chair and Non-Executive Director, Savannah, commented:
“Having been involved with the Company since its very inception 11 years ago, and after eight stimulating years as Vice-Chairman of Savannah, I am stepping down with pride in what has been built together as a team. Over this time, Savannah has transformed into a leading African energy company, advancing projects across the continent in both hydrocarbons and renewables. I am pleased to have had the opportunity to contribute to our journey. I wish everyone at Savannah every success and look forward to maintaining my support for the company in a new political advisory role.”
David Clarkson, Retiring Non-Executive Director, Savannah, commented:
“Since joining the Board in 2017, I have enjoyed a wonderful journey with Andrew and my Board colleagues as Savannah grew in stature delivering Projects That Matter. I wish the Company every success as it continues to build sustainable businesses across its portfolio of opportunities. I look forward to supporting the Company as Technical Advisor to the Board.”
New Director Biographies
Uyi Akpata
A Chartered accountant by background, with an over 40-year career, Uyi Akpata held multiple senior leadership roles at PwC, the leading international audit and professional services firm, prior to his retirement on 30 June 2024.
His key roles include Senior Partner for Nigeria and Regional Senior Partner for West Africa, Head of Oil and Gas for Africa and a member of both the firm’s Global Oil & Gas Leadership team and Africa Leadership team. With his assurance services background, Uyi led audit work for the energy supermajors active in Nigeria, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and a host of high growth emerging energy companies.
He has also supervised teams auditing companies outside of the energy sector, in areas such as financial services, consumer goods and agriculture. More recently, in October 2024, Uyi founded Rusa Advisory, where he specialises in providing governance and risk management advisory services, partnering with business leaders to drive sustainable growth, efficiency and profitability.
Uyi is currently Chairman of the Board of emPLE Life Insurance, Chairman of the Advisory Board of Unified Payments Limited, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Unity Schools Old Students Association and President of the Nigerian Cricket Federation. He also served as Chairman of the Professional Services Group of the Nigeria British Chamber of Commerce. Uyi holds a Bachelor of Science degree (BSc) in Accounting from the University of Lagos. He is a qualified Chartered Accountant of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and is currently a Fellow of the Institute.
In recognition of his contributions to the business environment in Nigeria, Uyi was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Management Science by Wellspring University in 2018. He is a member of the Board of Trustees of Miva Open University, where he also serves as Professor of Practice in Financial Accounting.
Kehinde Olamide Ogunwumiju O.F.R., S.A.N., FCIArb. (U.K.)
Kehinde is the Managing Partner at Afe Babalola & Co, a leading African law firm. Since his appointment in 2017, and continuing to date, he has remained one of the youngest Senior Advocates of Nigeria (“SAN”), the Nigerian equivalent of a King’s Counsel, ever appointed.
His practice has seen him successfully represent the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation in over 100 disputes and the Federal Republic of Nigeria in multiple international disputes, including against a near US$5 billion claim at the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (“ICSID”) in Washington DC.
He has worked on many Nigerian and international arbitrations.
Kehinde received the prestigious Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (“OFR”) as part of the National Honours List from the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2023.
He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) UK, a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (“CIIN”), the International Bar Association and the Abuja Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines & Agriculture, and is an associate of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (“ICSAN”), the professional body for corporate governance practitioners in Nigeria.
Kehinde began his legal education at the University of Ibadan, where he earned his LL.B with Honours.  He continued his studies at the Nigerian Law School, obtaining his B.L. in 2005, and then pursued an LL.M. in International Commercial Law at the University of Northumbria at Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, England, in 2007.
Regulatory disclosures (in accordance with Rule 17 and Schedule two paragraph (g) of the AIM Rules) are as set out below:
Uyiosa Nosawaru Akpata (aged 61) holds or has held the following directorships or partnerships in the past five years:
Current Directorships/Partnerships
Past Directorships/Partnerships
Maven Partners
Axum Constructs Limited
Proper Tee Limited
De-Petraco Leasing Co. Limited
Rusa Advisory
Kush Constructs Limited
Ecoba 74/79 Concept
PwC Africa Limited
emPLE Life Assurance Limited
PwC Nigeria Limited
Set-79 Investment Limited
Quince Prime Limited
Trishbeth Investment Limited
Unified Payments Limited
He has no shareholding in the Company.
Kehinde Olamide Ogunwumiju (aged 43) holds or has held the following directorships or partnerships in the past five years:
Current Directorships/Partnerships
Past Directorships/Partnerships
Abuad Management Company Ltd
N/A
Adga Investment Nig Ltd
Afe Babalola & Co.
Bita Exploration and Production Limited
Curlew Express Limited
Dekra International Services Limited
Doxology Oil Services Ltd
Doxology Oil Trading and Logistics Ltd
Kwaliteit Frieden Energy Resources Ltd
Lumen Energy Limited
Septagon Bros Limited
Strasbourg Shore Nig Ltd
Tee’s Mums and Kids Limited
He has no shareholding in the Company.
Financial Reporting Update
The Company now expects to publish its 2024 Annual Report and Accounts and its Half Year Results for the six months ended 30 June 2025 during the week commencing 13 October 2025, together with a comprehensive trading update for the nine months ended 30 September 2025. As a result of the delayed publications, and pursuant to the requirements of AIM Rules 18 and 19, trading in the Company’s shares will remain suspended until both sets of accounts and the trading update are published.
Winifred Bosa by — October 11, 2025 in Energy
2025 Media Awards : Nestlé Nigeria Calls For Entries

By Winifred Bosa
Nestlé Nigeria is pleased to announce the call for entries for the 2025 Nestlé Media Awards, an annual initiative that celebrates journalistic excellence and impactful storytelling across Nigeria.
Since its inception, the Nestlé Media Awards have celebrated journalists who use their platforms to highlight real issues that matter to Nigerians, from affordable nutrition and youth empowerment to sustainable livelihoods and community resilience.
This year, Nestlé Nigeria introduces a new category, Business and Economy Reporting, which recognizes outstanding journalism that explores Nigeria’s business landscape including economic trends, entrepreneurship, policy challenges, and opportunities for growth.
Unlike other categories, this is the only area where stories do not have to focus on Nestlé, allowing journalists to highlight broader solutions and developments shaping the nation’s economy.
This addition reflects Nestlé Nigeria’s commitment to promoting solution-driven reporting that informs, inspires, and contributes to national development.
Speaking on the continued impact of the Awards, Victoria Uwadoka, Corporate Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainability Lead at Nestlé Nigeria, said:
“Over the past five years, the Nestlé Media Awards have reinforced our commitment to advancing responsible journalism that drives meaningful progress in society. We are proud of the role this platform continues to play in recognizing stories that inform, challenge perspectives, and elevate conversations around national development.
 This milestone edition strengthens that commitment with the introduction of the Business and Economy category, reflecting the realities of doing business in Nigeria today. By spotlighting journalism that amplifies solutions and supports growth for both small and large enterprises, we aim to contribute to a more resilient and inclusive economy for all.”
Journalists are also invited to submit entries across the existing categories: Nutrition and Affordable Food Solutions, Environmental Sustainability, Youth Empowerment and Development, Women Empowerment, Community Development, Finance, Agriculture, and Best Photojournalist Award. Entries in these categories must focus on Nestlé Nigeria’s activities or initiatives, either locally or globally, that align with the theme.
The Awards are open to journalists and media professionals in print, broadcast and digital media. Submitted stories must have been published between November 9, 2024, and November 7, 2025, and must align with one of the award themes, highlighting activities of Nestlé Nigeria PLC or Nestlé globally.
Each entry must include a link or copy of the published work, a short profile of the entrant (minimum 100 words), and a brief description of the story (100 words). Also, each participant may submit one entry per category, and each piece of work may only be entered in one category.
Submissions must be made via the 2025 Nestlé Nigeria Media Awards Entry Form no later than November 8, 2025.They will be evaluated by an independent panel of experienced media and industry professionals using criteria such as accuracy, depth of storytelling, and relevance to societal needs.
Winners will be announced and celebrated at an award ceremony in Lagos on December 5, 2025.
Winifred Bosa by — October 11, 2025 in brands and Marketing
Three Visionaries Harnessing Project Management To Fight Climate Change

 TIME Studios and Project Management Institute (PMI), the world’s leading authority for project professionals, have teamed up to co-produce a new documentary series called The Solutionaries, highlighting three innovators driving scalable transformation to address the climate crisis. Cyrill Gutsch, Rebecca Hu-Thrams, and Lisa Dyson are The Solutionaries, making bold moves to tackle the world’s most urgent challenges and expanding their impact through project management.
United by a shared mission to drive cultural and social impact through storytelling, each innovator’s work is featured in an episode, the first of which premiered on Wednesday, October 8th, on time.com. Further episodes go live on Tuesday, October 28th, and Monday, November 10th.
“The Solutionaries demonstrate that the answers to our greatest challenges often come from individuals with the courage to build the world they imagine,” said Menaka Gopinath, Chief Marketing Officer at PMI. “To deliver real-world impact and address the urgent climate crisis, these innovations need to be unleashed – the world can’t afford to keep them in experimental labs. That’s where the power of project management to scale innovation makes all the difference, and The Solutionaries are doing just that.”
Episode #1: Parley for the Oceans – October 8
Episode one introduces viewers to Cyrill Gutsch, a German-born designer and founder of Parley for the Oceans, a global environmental organization that brings together creators, thinkers, and leaders to raise awareness about the fragility of our oceans and collaborate to end their destruction. Through Parley Future Material® they are introducing natural materials, biofabrication and green chemistry as alternatives to conventional and often harmful and toxic material standards, disrupting the status quo of the fashion and design industries and driving a material revolution.
• In 2024, Parley intercepted 1,609,979 kg of debris from the environment, cleaning a 16,028,161 m2 area.
• In partnership with Dior, Parley launched their third Beachwear Capsule collection, crafted entirely from innovative materials, including 30% made with Parley Ocean Plastic®, a bold step toward an eco-innovative future and a ‘Symbol of Change’ for fashion.
Parley’s mission is a powerful reminder that ocean health is the foundation of human and economic well-being. This is extremely evident in Africa, where the ocean is both a lifeline and a vast reservoir of opportunity. Africa’s oceans are among its greatest economic assets. Stretching over 30,000 kilometres of coastline and bordering two of the world’s most dynamic oceans, the Atlantic and the Indian, they sustain millions of livelihoods and power key sectors such as fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, and transport. Healthy oceans are essential to Africa’s food security, biodiversity, and climate resilience, but they are under increasing threat from pollution, overexploitation, and climate change. Protecting these blue ecosystems is therefore both an ecological and economic imperative. As global innovators like Cyrill Gutsch demonstrate through their work, reimagining our relationship with the ocean can spark a material revolution, one that aligns sustainability with creativity.
For Africa, maintaining ocean health is not just about conservation; it is about safeguarding a foundation for future prosperity, ensuring that the continent’s blue economy becomes a driver of inclusive growth rather than a casualty of neglect.
Episode #2: Glacier – October 28
The second episode spotlights Rebecca Hu-Thrams, co-founder of Glacier, a next-generation robotics company reinventing recycling to reduce landfilling and unlock a circular economy at scale. Today, Glacier’s robots process recycling streams for 1 in 10 Americans, a sign of how quickly material recovery facilities in cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, Detroit, Phoenix, and San Francisco are adopting the technology.
Glacier designs custom-built robots powered by proprietary AI models to trace and recover more recyclables from the waste stream. Their compact units install directly into recycling facilities, where robots extract valuable materials and computer vision captures real-time footage of every item, using AI to classify each one. The result: more materials recovered, higher-quality feedstock for manufacturers, and verified evidence for brands seeking accountability.
• Physical AI meets recycling: Glacier’s models already identify and sort more than 50 categories of materials—including plastics, fiber, metals, cartons, glass, and branded packaging—at industrial scale.
• From waste to feedstock: A single Glacier robot can recover over 10 million items per year, preventing 2,000 tons of CO₂ emissions (the equivalent of removing 500 cars from the road!)
• Circular manufacturing + brand intelligence: At full scale, Glacier could divert 200 million tons of recyclables annually and eliminate over 260 million tons of CO₂-equivalent emissions, while delivering the item-level data brands need to design more responsibly.
Episode #3: Air Protein – November 10
Episode three features Dr. Lisa Dyson, a physicist turned entrepreneur whose work was inspired by witnessing the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. She is the founder and CEO of Air Protein, a company that is pioneering AirFermentation™, a NASA-inspired process that transforms elements of the air (CO₂, oxygen, nitrogen, and water) into complete, highly nutritious protein. The result is a flour rich in essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that can function as a drop-in alternative to egg, dairy, and soy.
Air Protein’s technology is patent-protected and backed by leading partners including ADM and DARPA. By producing nutrition anywhere on Earth without relying on fragile agricultural supply chains, the company is creating what it calls the “Air Chain™”, a new category of ingredients designed for resilience, reliability, and scalability. For governments, food producers, and humanitarian organizations, it offers a stable, future-proof way to secure supply with efficiency and climate benefits built in.
• Air Protein is rich in vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, with all 20 amino acids, including all 9 essential amino acids and 2x the amino acids of soybeans. It contains more protein per kg than most other proteins and is free from GMOs, pesticides, herbicides, hormones, and antibiotics.
Menaka Gopinath adds: “More often than not, the barrier to implementing solutions tackling seemingly insurmountable challenges is just figuring out where to start and having the tools and mindset to move from idea to action. The project profession is a critical element to enabling action. At Project Management Institute, we’re redefining how the world tackles environmental challenges, championing for every project to be designed with sustainability at its core. Our research shows projects with sustainability baked in are nearly twice as likely to deliver successfully. Our mission is to inspire project professionals to use their skills to shape a more sustainable future to drive meaningful change.”
Directed by Academy Award nominee Edward Buckles Jr., whose film Katrina Babies demonstrated his ability to find hope and humanity within complex challenges, The Solutionaries brings emotional depth and visual artistry to the climate conversation.
Project Management Institute (PMI): PMI is the leading authority in project management, dedicated to guiding the way to project success. Since 1969, PMI has shone a light on the power of project management and the people behind the projects. With a global community, gold-standard professional certifications, and career-long learning opportunities, PMI empowers current and aspiring project professionals, as well as organisations, with knowledge and resources to lead effectively and create an impact in the communities they serve.
Winifred Bosa by — October 11, 2025 in News