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Customer Service Week/ Mission Possible – Unity Bank MD Celebrates Resilient Frontline Staff

By Winifred Bosa
Unity Bank staff bring ‘Mission: Possible’ to life with roleplays on Day-One of CSW 2025
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Unity Bank Plc, Mr. Ebenezer Kolawole, has said that a service culture built on responsiveness and innovation will differentiate the impact that customer service can make in any organisation.
Making the remarks at the flag off of the Customer Service Week 2025 in Unity Bank, Mr. Kolawole stated that “apart from constantly improving the way in which better customer support can be achieved, the increasing sophistication of our customers have made the Bank to also begin to focus more on customer experience innovation with investment being made in technology, systems, and people which enable us redefine our customer journey altogether”. 
A cross section of teams from Human Capital Development celebrate the Customer Service Week, 2025
While extolling the Bank for always rising to any occasion, the Managing Director celebrated the resilient frontline staff for their unwavering dedication and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to delivering exceptional customer service across all touch points, stating that this year’s celebration, themed “Mission: Possible,” underscores the Bank’s unwavering belief that every customer needs can be met through innovation, teamwork, and with service culture.
“The Bank’s customer service teams are well acclaimed for their passion, professionalism, and resilience in fulfilling the institution’s mission to provide exceptional service to its growing customer base”, the Unity Bank MD further stated.
In further acknowledgement, Mr. Kolawole stated: “At Unity Bank, our mission is clear — to make banking simple, accessible, and rewarding for every customer. ‘Mission Possible’ captures the spirit with which we approach every challenge and opportunity to serve; whether through our digital platforms, branch interactions, or customer support channels”.
Additionally, the Bank’s Chief Customer Service Officer, Elfrida Igebu, emphasised the
significance of recognising and celebrating staff who consistently go above and beyond to serve customers.
“This year’s theme reminds us that what may seem challenging is always achievable with the right attitude, teamwork, and customer-first mindset. Our frontline teams embody this every day by demonstrating that at Unity Bank, service excellence is not just a goal, it is our mission,” Igebu said.
Throughout the week, Unity Bank organised activities across its branches and offices
nationwide to reflect the Customer Service Week 2025, from customer appreciation
engagements, Award of recognition for Staff, setting up festive ambience and decor,
flamboyant service and cultural costumes donned by members to digital media activations.
In time past, Unity Bank was among the first financial institutions to introduce a multilingual USSD platform, *7799#, and from then onwards, the Bank continues to upgrade features of its mobile banking platform, Unifi app, for optimisation, reinforcing customer experience innovation and convenience.
Winifred Bosa by — October 11, 2025 in brands and Marketing
CSCS Hosts Second Webinar On T+2 Settlement Cycle Transition

Navigating Nigeria's T+2 Settlement Cycle: Expert Insights
 The Central Securities Clearing System Plc (CSCS), Nigeria’s capital market infrastructure, is set to host its second stakeholder webinar on the transition to the T+2 settlement cycle, themed “Trade Associations Roundtable: Ensuring Stakeholder Readiness for T+2 Settlement.” The webinar will hold virtually via zoom on Tuesday, 15 October 2025 at 10:00 AM.
This second webinar builds on the momentum of the first, reinforcing CSCS’s commitment to engaging stakeholders and ensuring the smooth transition of Nigeria’s capital market from the current T+3 settlement cycle to T+2 in line with global best practices.
Haruna Jalo-Waziri, MD/CEO of CSCS Plc stated “The transition to T+2 settlement is not just a regulatory milestone—it represents a collective achievement for our market. At CSCS, we recognize that the success of this transition depends on shared understanding and readiness across all stakeholder groups. This second webinar is part of our commitment to continuous engagement, ensuring that every participant in the value chain is equipped and aligned for a smooth and efficient implementation.”
The event will feature remarks from top industry leaders, including Dr. Emomotimi Agama, Director General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Temi Popoola, Chairman, CSCS Plc, and Haruna Jalo-Waziri, MD/CEO, CSCS Plc. They will be joined by key representatives from market trade associations who will share perspectives on industry preparedness.
Confirmed speakers include Samuel Onukwue, Chairman, Association of Securities Dealing Houses of Nigeria (ASHON), Babatunde Majiyagbe, President, Association of Asset Custodians of Nigeria (AACN), and Seyi Owoturo, President/Chairman of Council, Institute of Capital Market Registrars (ICMR).
The interactive session will feature a robust Q&A segment to enable participants engage directly with industry leaders and clarify operational adjustments required for the T+2 transition.
Through initiatives such as this webinar, CSCS continues to demonstrate its leadership in driving operational efficiency, market development, and alignment with international standards, ensuring that Nigeria’s capital market remains resilient and globally competitive.
Registration for the webinar is now open via this Zoom link.
Online Poster by — October 11, 2025 in News
Cornerstone Insurance Celebrates Customer Service Week 2025, Reaffirms Commitment To Customer Satisfaction

Cornerstone Insurance Plc joined organizations across the globe this week in commemorating the annual Customer Service Week, which runs from October 7 to 11.

This year’s celebration carried the bold theme “Mission Impossible,” highlighting the exceptional dedication and resilience of customer service teams in delivering top-tier service in challenging environments.

Throughout the week, Cornerstone Insurance rolled out a series of staff engagement activities, customer appreciation initiatives designed to reinforce the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction. The campaign celebrated frontline service personnel as unsung heroes who go above and beyond to ensure seamless client experiences.

In a statement, the management of Cornerstone Insurance Plc emphasized that the celebration serves as both recognition and motivation. “Customer Service Week gives us the opportunity to appreciate the individuals who make our service delivery possible and to reaffirm our promise to put customers first,” the company noted.

With interactive sessions, games, and awards recognizing outstanding staff performance, the insurer underlined its dedication to fostering a culture of excellence and innovation in customer engagement.

Cornerstone Insurance Plc, a leading player in Nigeria’s insurance sector, continues to distinguish itself through a combination of digital transformation and customer-centric policies—solidifying its reputation as a dependable and forward-thinking insurer.

Online Poster by — October 10, 2025 in News
APGA Stakeholders Working Underground for Ukachukwu’s Success, Says Okonkwo

By Nnedima Micheal
A former stalwart of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Prof Theodore Okonkwo, has revealed that many stakeholders of the party are currently  secretly working for  the success of Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the November 8, 2025 Anambra State governorship election.
Okonkwo, a professor of Law specialising in Environmental, Climate Change, Biodiversity and Maritime Law, hails from Ezenaja village, Oraukwu, in Idemili North Council had joined APGA in 2011.
He then officially resigned from the party on September 25, 2025 to join the APC.
Speaking about his defection, Prof. Okonkwo said APGA, once a vibrant movement founded on the principle of brotherhood, has lost its moral compass. “The truth is that APGA has been hijacked,” he declared.
 “Their slogan, ‘Onye Aghana Nwanneya’ (Be Your Brother’s Keeper), no longer hold true.
“The party is now filled with injustice, fake promises, and a broken reward system.”
He further disclosed that numerous APGA members are quietly working for Prince Ukachukwu’s impending victory. “Many stakeholders in APGA have sympathy for Ukachukwu,” he said. “They are working underground but can’t say it openly.”
Prof. Okonkwo said his decision to join the APC was divinely inspired.  Hear him, “It was not about inducement or persuasion. It was a spiritual revelation,” he explained. He drew guide from biblical parallels, saying, “In the Scripture, when Elijah was about to ascend into heaven, the sons of the prophets were aware of the moment but failed to grasp its deeper revelation. They rejoiced without understanding, but only Elisha caught the revelation and received the blessing. I, too, have caught the revelation of Ikukuoma’s (Ukachukwu’s) mission in Anambra. I don’t want to be like the sons of the prophet who clapped without understanding”.
According to him, the Soludo administration has failed to deliver on its promises. “We were excited when Gov Soludo came with the slogan, ‘I will fix it, it is not broken’. But now, it is broken into pieces,” he lamented. “The governor’s promises do not match the realities on ground. What happened to the ecological funds? My hometown, Oraukwu, is ravaged by erosion, yet nothing serious has been done.”
He questioned the utilisation of the excess revenue accruing to the state from the removal of fuel subsidy. “The money coming into Anambra does not reflect in infrastructure or human development. The government is not transparent about its spendings” he added.
On security, the professor described the situation in Anambra as “dire and unsustainable.” “I don’t travel into Anambra after 6 p.m. because of insecurity,” he said. “Even within the state, people avoid travelling at night. The security architecture is being used as a façade for political purposes ahead of the election.”
Prof. Okonkwo argued that the APC candidate, Prince Ukachukwu, represents a new hope for the state. “My encounter with him was refreshing,” he said. “I told him my only fear was that he might change when he becomes governor, and he laughed. I believe his humility and sincerity of purpose will drive meaningful development.”
He urged Prince Ukachukwu to prioritise security, human development, and institution building. “If there is no security, there will be no investment or development,” he noted. “He should focus on developing people, not just infrastructure. Once individuals are empowered, they build strong families and communities. That is how lasting progress begins.”
Drawing lessons from history, Okonkwo cited Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s free education policy as an example of visionary leadership. “When you develop an individual, you develop a nation,” he stressed.
 “Government does not create jobs; it creates the enabling environment for businesses to thrive and create jobs”
He advised Ukachukwu to maintain humility and a cordial relationship with the APC-led Federal Government. “Leadership requires humility,” he said. “To build strong partnerships with Abuja, the governor must wear humility like a badge.”
On the Soludo administration’s tax policies, he expressed dismay at what he described as crude enforcement method. “The so-called Akaodo revenue agents use pestles to threaten and force compliance on people. Even during colonial times, enforcement was not as harsh,” he said.
He noted that Anambra needs a leader with vision, courage, and divine conviction. “I don’t hate anyone,” he said. “But Anambra State is greater than any individual. We need a change that restores dignity, fairness, and security to our people.”
He therefore called citizens to massively support and vote APC, Ukachukwu on Nov 8, 2025 to usher in better life and new positive change experience.
Online Poster by — October 10, 2025 in News
Airtel Africa Champions Youth Empowerment With 100 Technology Scholarships

By Winifred Bosa
Following the recent announcement by its Chairman, Dr. Segun Ogunsanya, at a World Press Conference held in Lagos recently, the Airtel Africa Foundation, through Airtel Nigeria, has kicked off its Undergraduate Tech Scholarship Programme to benefit 100 Nigerian undergraduates.
This initiative will provide each recipient with a grant covering tuition, accommodation, study materials, and a stipend from the first year of study through the final year.
 This financial aid removes economic barriers, empowering students to dedicate their focus to academic and technical achievement in technology.
Eligible courses of study include Computer Science, Information Technology, Data Science, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, and other ICT-related disciplines.
Commenting on the initiative, Dr. Ogunsanya affirmed that the scholarships represent the Foundation’s continued commitment to breaking down barriers for young Africans.
“At Airtel Africa Foundation, our vision has always been to create opportunities where talent meets ambition. With this scholarship, we are investing in Nigeria’s future tech leaders, giving them the resources and confidence to thrive in an increasingly digital world,” he stated.
Beneficiaries are selected from 100-level students enrolled in approved programmes in participating public universities across the country.
These institutions include the University of Lagos (UNILAG), the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), and Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED).
Airtel Nigeria CEO, Dinesh Balsingh, noted: “The prioritization of education as a pillar of our social investments becomes much stronger with these 100 new scholarships. They build on such other initiatives as our partnership with UNICEF on the Reimagine Education Programme, our Adopt-A-School project, and our 1 billion naira investment in the Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) effort of the Federal Government.
 Ultimately, for us as an organisation, the best way to equip the future is to arm it with cutting-edge education.”
The undergraduate scholarship is a direct component of the Foundation’s four strategic pillars of Financial Inclusion, Education, Environmental Protection, and Digital Inclusion (FEED).
Online Poster by — October 10, 2025 in Industry
NETSCOUT Threat Intelligence Report For 1H 2025 Uncovers West Africa’s DDoS Endurance Test

Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso and Mali underscore the rise of ‘slow burn’ attacks

West Africa is facing a new dimension of cyberthreats. While the number of attacks often dominates headlines, a quieter but equally dangerous trend is emerging: prolonged, ‘slow burn’ distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks that can hold critical services offline for hours.

As noted by NETSCOUT SYSTEMS, INC. with the release of its latest global threat intelligence report, Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso and Mali were all subject to lengthy incidents within the first six months of 2025, effectively putting the digital infrastructure of these countries through a gruelling endurance test.

Côte d’Ivoire suffered through the longest DDoS attack within the region, at an average duration of more than 415 minutes (almost seven hours), followed by Burkina Faso at 356.49 minutes (close to six hours), and then Mali at 336.63 minutes (more than 5.5 hours).

Bryan Hamman, regional director for Africa at NETSCOUT explains: “These extended attacks demonstrate that West African countries are not just facing frequent onslaughts – they are enduring hours-long disruptions that put critical services to the test.

“This is of particular significance when looking at the types of organisations exposed to these attacks. Telecommunications was overwhelmingly the hardest hit in all three countries: of Mali’s 4,145 incidents, more than 95 percent (3,951) affected wireless telecommunications organisations. Likewise for Côte d’Ivoire where, although with far fewer strikes overall (611), wireless telcos were the top of the list, with wired carriers coming in second. Burkina Faso measured in at 168 attacks in total for the six-month period, with 85 percent (143) of these within the wired telecommunications carrier space.

“A DDoS that lasts for six or seven hours will most definitely affect service availability in a major way, impacting on user access, revenue loss and reputational damage. The fact is that cybercriminals are not just launching many small or brief attacks; in some places, they are sustaining pressure. This could indicate changes in objectives, such as disruption rather than data theft, hacktivism or even experimentation in testing resilience,” he comments.

Comparative insights across the region: Mali and Nigeria

As previously stated by Hamman, Mali not only experienced one of the longest DDoS attacks in West Africa during the first six months of 2025, but it also saw the most incidents.

When compared to historically high-volume countries, such as Nigeria, Ghana and Guinea, it’s clear that Mali has seen the fastest growth trajectory in the region – from 115 in the first half of 2024, to 1,637 in the second part of the year, skyrocketing again to a staggering 4,145 for 1H 2025 – more than double Nigeria’s total of 1,844 from January to July this year.

“This could potentially be the result of ongoing political instability within the country, and early-stage cybersecurity capacity, in combination with its growing internet penetration.”

Nigeria did, however, still experience the most complex incidents within the region. The maximum number of vectors observed in a single attack was 23, the highest on the continent, as seen in other African countries such as South Africa, Kenya and Libya.

“Interestingly, while its top industries targeted did include wireless telcos as number one, Nigeria uniquely recorded 108 incidents aimed at beauty salons, the only country in the world to have this sector noted in NETSCOUT’s global report. Commercial banking was placed in fourth spot, with household appliances, electric houseware and consumer electronic merchant wholesalers rounding out the list in eight position.”

Countries seeing declines in DDoS incidents

In contrast to Mali, Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso, which experienced protracted ‘slow burn’ attacks, other West African countries saw either lower volumes or a decrease in DDoS activity in the first half of 2025.

Ghana and Liberia for example, two countries that were highly affected in 2024, saw a significant drop for the first six months of this year.

From January to July 2024, Ghana led the West African region in both the frequency and diversity of cyber threats, subjected to a total of 4,753 attacks. This dropped significantly to 917 in the second half of 2024. The country has once more seen a drastic decrease in DDoS attacks of more than 80 percent, recording just 152 incidents for 1H 2025, albeit with a complex combination of attack vectors (18 seen in one incident). The telecommunications sector was almost exclusively under fire within the country, including wired telco businesses (94), wireless carriers (24) and satellite communications organisations (7) listed as the most targeted.

Similarly, 1,515 incidents were documented for the first half of 2024 in Liberia, with a slight decline to 1,189 for the latter part of the year. This has dipped again by more than 76 percent to 280 over 1H 2025, mostly focused on computing infrastructure providers (76) and wireless telcos (74).

Cameroon recorded 449 incidents; a notable decline compared to the previous reporting period of 811. The attacks primarily targeted wireless telecommunications carriers (448 of 449 incidents), and the average duration remained relatively short at just more than 35 minutes, highlighting a very different threat profile compared with the slow-burn nations.

The Republic of the Congo experienced 101 DDoS incidents, also mostly directed at wireless telecommunications carriers (26 incidents), with an average duration of around 22 minutes.

Guinea reported 141 incidents, with wireless telcos again the top target (37 attacks). Although the average duration was slightly longer than 41 minutes, the total number of incidents represents a significant reduction from the prior period (down from 341), indicating a regional easing in both frequency and impact.

“These countries demonstrate that not all West African nations are experiencing the slow-burn phenomenon,” comments Hamman. “While volumes and durations vary, the focus remains on telecommunications infrastructure, and sustained mitigation efforts appear to be paying off in places like Cameroon, the Republic of the Congo, and Guinea.”

NETSCOUT maps the DDoS landscape through passive, active and reactive vantage points, providing unparalleled visibility into global attack trends. NETSCOUT protects two-thirds of the routed IPv4 space, securing network edges that carried global peak traffic of over 800 Tbps in 1H2025. It monitors tens of thousands of daily DDoS attacks by tracking multiple botnets and DDoS-for-hire services that leverage millions of abused or compromised devices.

NETSCOUT SYSTEMS, INC. (NASDAQ: NTCT) protects the connected world from cyberattacks and performance and availability disruptions through its unique visibility platform and solutions powered by its pioneering deep packet inspection at scale technology. NETSCOUT serves the world’s largest enterprises, service providers, and public sector organizations.

Online Poster by — October 10, 2025 in News
Academy Press Plc Marks 60 Years Of Printing Excellence

Academy Press Plc., one of Nigeria’s foremost printing and publishing companies, is set to celebrate its 60 years of printing excellence and innovation.
The Diamond Jubilee Anniversary, themed “Celebrating the Past, Envisioning Tomorrow,” will take place on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at the Lagos Oriental Hotel.
The event will honor their legacy, recognize stakeholder contributions, and look forward to future growth and innovation.
Speaking on the milestone, Mr. Olugbenga Ladipo, Managing Director of Academy Press Plc., said:
“This Diamond Jubilee is not only a celebration of our past achievements but also a reaffirmation of our commitment to innovation, excellence, and service. We are proud of our heritage, grateful to our stakeholders, and excited about the future we are building together.”
The celebration will host government dignitaries, corporate leaders, industry stakeholders, alumni, employees, and international partners.
It will also feature a red carpet reception, goodwill messages, keynote addresses, and engaging moments that connect the past, present, and future of Academy Press Plc.
With a legacy built on quality, precision, and trust, Academy Press Plc. remains committed to delivering world-class printing solutions and creating value for stakeholders in the years ahead.
Online Poster by — October 10, 2025 in News
Mechanized Agriculture; Fast High Yielding Seedlings Coming , Ukachukwu Promises Citizens

The regime of exploitative taxation, and crude health risking collection methods may be going for good in Anambra State.
This was revealed late afternoon yesterday by Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, the Governorship flagbearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the fast approaching November 8,2025 election when traders from parts of the state numbering above two thousand paid him a solidarity visit in Awka.
The traders under the aegis of Anambra Elite Traders Forum drawn from the twenty-one Councils of the state pledged their total support and those of all their friends, well-wishers, neighbors, household and customers to Ukachukwu’s Governorship aspiration come November 8,2025.
Speaking on their behalf, one of the leaders, Onyebuchi Onwuteeaka lamented that they were tired of the “state government-backed intimidation” of traders, transporters and commutters by some notorious brigands called revenue collection agents.
These agents of the Anambra state government kill, injure, brutalize, maim them. They also seize and destroy their wares and goods daily with relish.
Ukachukwu assured them that, “As governor, I will put an end to the activities of these multiple government-backed armed touts who go about inflicting pains on innocent citizens under the guise of revenue collection.
They include the notorious ‘Akaodo’ group”, SASA, ASTA, etc.
“My administration will undertake a comprehensive review of the current tax and revenue collection system, to make it fair, transparent, and humane to all residents, visitors and passers bye.
“Today, people are being brutalized in the name of revenue collection, lives are being lost, while insecurity continues to soar.
“Is this truly the kind of government we want to keep in power?
” Is this the African, Dubai Taiwan (ADT)that we promised four years ago? He wondered.”
The forum chorused No !
The APC flagbearer said his government would prioritize justice and human dignity in all aspects of life, especially in taxation. He promised to ensure that revenue collection will no longer be “a source of terror and suffering” for traders, transport operators and residents”.
Calling for a collective positive change and reform, Ukachukwu urged Anambra electorate to unite and elect a government that genuinely serves their interests. And that is what he represents.
According to him, “The time has come for a change of government with milk of human kindness in Anambra State,
“But this change, he pointed out “is not just about me, it is about securing the future of our dear state. I envision a new Anambra that works for everyone, where fairness, sincerity, and unity guide our actions.”
He appealed for sincerity and commitment among his supporters, encouraging them to go out, campaign, and mobilise votes.
“As governor, I will not interfere in your activities. You will have the freedom to run your affairs and choose your leaders. Together, we will build a State where every citizen has a voice and every community has a stake in her progress…”
His administration, he added, would create cooperatives across all markets to enable traders access grants and financial support, while also modernising agriculture to make it more profitable and less labour-intensive.
“I will engage with your leaders to establish cooperatives across all markets,” he said.
Again, for the farmers, “my administration will move away from the current labour-intensive agricultural practices and embrace modern, mechanised methods that make farming easier and more yielding and rewarding.”
He explained that economic empowerment, especially for women and youths, would be central to his development plan, saying the state’s economic growth depended largely on the resilience of its traders and farmers
Going down memory lane, he shared a deeply touching personal story about his late mother, whom he credited with shaping his values and purpose in life.
“I can see many hardworking women here today, mothers who toil daily to support their families,” he began. “Everything I am today, I owe to my mother’s love, prayers, and wisdom. In my formative years, her midnight counsel shaped me deeply. Sometimes, given the choice between receiving her advice or being flogged, I chose the cane, because her words pierced my soul more than any pain could.”
He revealed that his mother’s words once saved him from suicide, saying her guidance gave him direction and strength during his lowest moments.
“My mother saw greatness in me long before I could see it in myself. She warned me against following those who had no direction. Her wisdom saved me,” he said. “So when I look at mothers, I understand the sacrifices and sleepless nights you endure to raise children like us.”
Ukachukwu pledged to make women empowerment a priority, adding that his government would support mothers, widows, and female entrepreneurs through targeted social and economic programmes.
“As your governor, I will not hesitate to do all within my power to support you. And just as my mother lived to witness my success, I pray that every mother here will live long to eat the fruit of her labour.”
He urged voters to see their ballots as instruments of change and renewal.
“As we approach the November 8, 2025 governorship election, I urge you to vote for a secure and prosperous future, and that future begins with your vote for me,” he said. “Use your vote as a seed of faith, a seed of hope, and a seed for a better Anambra. Together, we will make history.”
Online Poster by — October 10, 2025 in News
Moniepoint Set to Launch Second Edition of Nigeria’s Informal Economy Report in Abuja  

 
A new study by Moniepoint Microfinance Bank, a proudly Nigerian-founded and led financial institution, has revealed that 42 per cent of Nigeria’s informal sector operators do not have enough savings to survive beyond one month without income, underscoring the fragile financial position of millions of small businesses across the country. The yet to be released report has received generous support from the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, and Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria, SMEDAN.
The findings form part of the second edition of Nigeria’s Informal Economy Report, which Moniepoint is set to officially launch on Friday, October 17, 2025, at the Abuja Continental Hotel.
Nigeria’s informal economy is the backbone of the nation’s livelihood, accounting for over 80% of employment and driving the majority of economic activity. For millions of Nigerians locked out of formal employment structures, this sector is essential in serving as a bulwark against poverty.
According to Moniepoint, the Informal Economy Report is designed to provide evidence-based insights that can guide policymakers, regulators, and financial institutions in shaping interventions that strengthen and formalise informal enterprises.
“The Informal Economy Report is a robust and important study that examines the informal market more closely and curates fresh insights into its realities. We believe its key outputs will serve ecosystem players and government well in policy direction and execution,” said Babatunde Olofin, Managing Director of Moniepoint Microfinance Bank, in a statement ahead of the launch.
The event is expected to attract senior government officials, regulators, lawmakers, industry leaders, trade associations, academics, civil society, and development organisations. It will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, and presentations of the study’s findings, with participants exploring strategies to create a more inclusive and sustainable economic landscape.
The Informal Economy Report 2025 follows the success of the inaugural edition, which received commendation from the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, the Corporate Affairs Commission, SMEDAN, and leading business associations for providing credible data and actionable recommendations.
Online Poster by — October 10, 2025 in News
E1 Lagos GP: Lagos Trends Worldwide After Hosting Africa’s Maiden Water Racing Event

By Winifred Bosa

From L-R: Winners of The E1 Lagos GP Championship, Team Brazil; Timmy Hansen with Marit Stromoy, Team Drogba; Oban Duncan, Micah Wilkinson and Team Blue Rising; John Peeters and Sarah Misir, during the price presentation to the winners of the Championship at E1 Lagos GP 2025 in Victoria Island recently.

History was made on October 4 and 5, 2025, on the waters of the Lagos Lagoon as Team Brazil by Claure Group claimed victory at the E1 Lagos GP presented by FirstBank. The landmark event marked Africa’s debut on the global calendar of the E1 Series, the world’s first electric powerboat championship, and positioned Lagos at the forefront of sustainable sporting innovation.

The E1 Lagos GP drew thousands of fans to multiple viewing locations across the city, from the vibrant Official Fan Zone to the Ocean’s Club at Black Diamond Hotel and the Lagos Oriental Hotel Decks, which hosted premium hospitality experiences along the waterfront. The Official Fan Zone quickly became the heartbeat of the event, attracting young Nigerians with immersive brand activations, race simulators, live music, and a festival energy that perfectly matched the excitement on the water.

After an action-packed weekend of competition, Team Brazil by Claure Group finished first, fending off strong performances from Team Blue Rising who placed second, and Team Drogba Global Africa who finished third. Pilots Timmy Hansen and Ieva Millere-Hagin powered Team Brazil to victory, with Timmy Hansen named PIF Pilot of the Race. Racing was briefly delayed by a tropical storm over the Lagos Lagoon, but organisers and teams worked together to ensure the programme resumed safely and on schedule.

The outcome strengthens Team Brazil’s momentum as the season moves toward the Miami finale in November, while Team Brady retains the overall championship lead and a tight contest continues with Team Rafa. The Lagos event also reinforced the E1 Series’ sustainability mission, showcasing zero emission race technology and local legacy initiatives including coastal clean-up and mangrove restoration programmes.

The race weekend attracted local and international media, dignitaries and sporting figures and underlined Lagos’ capacity to host major global sporting events on its waterways. By successfully staging the first E1 race on African soil, Lagos joins Monaco, Dubrovnik and Doha as an E1 host city and affirms its positioning as a centre for innovation, culture and sustainable sport.

Winifred Bosa by — October 9, 2025 in News