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PenCom Unveils PenCare, Targets Worry-Free Retirement With Free Healthcare For 30,000 Retirees

Amaka Obiefuna

 

 

 

 

The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a peaceful and dignified retirement for Nigerians, announcing the pilot launch of the Pension Industry Healthcare Initiative (PenCare) in March 2026.

 

Speaking at the 2025 Pension Revolution Summit and Media Conference in Lagos on Thursday, PenCom Director General, Omolara Oloworaran, said the initiative is designed to eliminate retirees’ anxiety over medical expenses by providing free and accessible healthcare, particularly for low-income pensioners.

 

Oloworaran revealed that the Board of Trustees for PenCare has already been inaugurated, describing the scheme as a historic, industry-wide intervention. She disclosed that the pilot phase aims to enroll 30,000 retirees across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

 

“Retirement should be a season of peace, not a period defined by anxiety over medical bills. I am pleased to announce that the pilot scheme will be launched in March next year, with plans to expand coverage to more retirees over time,” she said.

 

The Director General explained that PenCare forms a key pillar of the Pension Revolution 2.0 agenda, which has driven major structural reforms in the pension industry over the past year.

 

She outlined several milestones achieved by the Commission, including the full automation of critical pension processes, the introduction of accredited pension agents, and the rebranding of the Micro Pension Plan as the Personal Pension Plan to broaden coverage for artisans, traders, gig workers, and other informal sector participants.

 

Oloworaran also highlighted progress in clearing long-standing pension backlogs, noting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved and disbursed ₦758 billion to settle all outstanding pension liabilities—an action she described as a clear signal that Nigeria honors its obligations to workers and retirees.

 

She assured stakeholders that the zero-waiting-time policy for approved retirement benefits, which took effect in July 2025, would be sustained to ensure immediate payment upon retirement.

 

On compliance and regulation, the DG disclosed that strengthened enforcement measures have resulted in pension recoveries of ₦4.04 billion between January and November 2025—representing a 180 percent increase compared to 2024.

 

According to her, the recent increase in capital requirements for pension operators was a strategic move to build stronger, more resilient institutions with improved risk management, enhanced expertise, and greater capacity to attract and retain skilled professionals.

Online Poster by — December 19, 2025 in News
Anambra biz mogul, father of Unizik dies

*Archbishop charges citizens to emulate his philanthropy
The ancient blacksmith town of Awka and steadily developing capital of Anambra State has lost one of her key pillars, Chief Michael  “German” Nwofor.
Born 95 years ago, Chief Nwofor through sheer personal hardwork, perseverance and industry rose to become one of the richest men Anambra State has ever known.
According to his friends, business associates, and partners, it was his untiring and diehard working spirit that earned him the name “German”.
The Archbishop of the Province of Niger, His Grace, Most Rev Alexander Ibezim, described the late business mogul as a friend and pillar of support to the church throughout his lifetime. He urged all to emulate his peaceful disposition, gentle character and wonderful almost limitless philosophy.
He was the President of Ozo Awka, a position earned as the most senior of this revered and most distinguished power brokers.
He took the title Ozo Enyikwonwa.
Ozo Awka remain the most powerful organization in the community. It ranks number one in the entire state.
The laws and policies of this honourable group were sacrosanct, inviolable and binding on every citizen in the community.
Nwofor had the unique honour of being honoured and decorated with two Doctorate degrees by the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) same day.
He was described as pillar of the University as he gave out his estate of about forty twin duplexes for take-off about 1982. He did the same when Awka became the capital of new Anambra State.
His passing drew all his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren numbering above twenty, as well as global business friends, associates and well-wishers to Awka.
He was interred immediately according to his instructions, while the ceremonial activities would come up early in the new year.
Chief Nwofor, according to his eldest son, Barrister Kingsley Chuma Nwofor left indelible footprint in diverse business-including equipment leasing, road haulage, estate development /management, oil/gas services, hospitality services, etc, sectors in parts of the world including  United Kingdom, Abuja, Warri, Port Harcourt and Awka.
Online Poster by — December 19, 2025 in News
MAGGI Unveils “Taste of Christmas” Campaign, Collaborates with Qing Madi and The Loud Urban Choir

 

 

Amaka Obiefuna

 

 

MAGGI, the culinary brand from Nestlé Nigeria, has announced the launch of its festive campaign, “Taste of Christmas,” designed to celebrate the sights, sounds, and flavours that define the Nigerian Christmas experience.

 

Central to the campaign is a collaboration with Nigeria’s fast-rising pop star Qing Madi and the renowned Loud Urban Choir, resulting in a new Christmas anthem titled “Taste of Christmas.” Now available across all major music streaming platforms, the song blends contemporary sound with cultural warmth, evoking the joy of family, togetherness, and shared meals that characterize the season.

 

Extending beyond music, the Taste of Christmas campaign will roll out a curated series of festive recipes and culinary inspiration over a 12-day period. The collection features creative twists such as Coco Bongus, alongside beloved Nigerian classics, encouraging families to explore new flavours while enjoying MAGGI’s trusted range of seasonings.

 

Commenting on the campaign, Funmi Osineye, Category Manager, Culinary (MAGGI), said:“Christmas is a time when family, culture, and shared experiences come alive. With the Taste of Christmas campaign, we set out to create a platform that resonates strongly with today’s young adults while still celebrating the warmth of home. Partnering with Qing Madi and The Loud Urban Choir allows us to connect music and food in a way that feels authentic, modern, and deeply Nigerian.”

 

The campaign further reflects MAGGI’s commitment to celebrating home-grown talent, nurturing culinary creativity, and strengthening the role of food as a unifying force in Nigerian homes.
Consumers can access festive recipes, campaign content, and the “Taste of Christmas” anthem on MAGGI’s digital platforms and social media channels. Conversations around the campaign can be followed using #MAGGIChristmas.

MAGGI is a leading culinary brand from Nestlé Nigeria, committed to inspiring better cooking habits and bringing families together through delicious, nutritious meals.

Online Poster by — December 19, 2025 in News
Fidelity Bank Enhances Maternal And Child Healthcare Delivery At ESUTH

L-R: Public Relations Officer, Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUTH), Amarachi Amusi; Team Member, Optimizers Inductees Class of 2025, Precious Uchechi-Uneke; Class Governor, Optimizers Inductees Class of 2025, Chinedu Hilary-Elijah (both of Fidelity Bank Plc); Matron, Children’s Ward ESUTH, Esther Nnaji; and Team Lead, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Fidelity Bank Plc, Victoria Abuka; during the Fidelity Helping Hands Program (FHHP) outreach to ESUTH recently.

Fidelity Bank Plc has brought relief to indigent patients at the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUTH) Parklane, by offsetting medical bills and providing financial support to children battling chronic health conditions alongside donations of ante-natal kits to pregnant women.

 

The intervention, which was carried out under the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative known as Fidelity Helping Hands Programme (FHHP), was funded and executed by newly inducted employees of the bank, the Optimizers Inductees Class, as their community impact project, with matching financial support from the bank.

 

Commenting on the outreach, Divisional Head, Brand and Communications Division, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr Meksley Nwagboh, highlighted that the initiative underscores the bank’s commitment to improving lives through targeted social interventions across its four CSR pillars.

 

“This project reflects the spirit of who we are as a bank. Beyond providing financial services, we are committed to touching lives within the communities where we operate. Today, we are donating ante-natal kits to pregnant women and also supporting indigent patients who have remained in the hospital due to unpaid bills. Some of the children also require long-term medical care, so we have given additional financial support to aid their continued treatment,” Dr Nwagboh said.

 

Whilst wishing the beneficiaries quick recovery and good health, Nwagboh described the intervention as both significant and timely, enabling many families to reunite and celebrate the festive season without the burden of outstanding hospital debts.

 

Receiving the donation, the Chief Matron of the Children’s Ward, Esther Nnaji, commended Fidelity Bank for the timely intervention, describing it as a lifeline for families grappling with rising healthcare costs.

 

“There are so many families here in desperate need. Some of the children are battling cancer, sickle cell disease and other chronic conditions. Fidelity Bank’s support will go a long way in relieving their pain. Because of what you have done, some of these children will now be able to see their siblings again,” she said.

 

Several beneficiaries expressed deep gratitude to Fidelity Bank for easing their financial burdens. Mrs. Adaeze Ilo, whose baby’s bill was cleared, said the support came at a moment of despair.

 

“After spending months in the hospital, we had no idea how to raise the money,” she said. “Fidelity Bank came through for us when we needed it the most. We are deeply grateful.”

 

Another relieved parent, Jane Anthony, whose son’s bill was cleared, said her family had already accepted that they would spend Christmas in the hospital.

 

“God used Fidelity Bank to send us home to enjoy Christmas. My heart is full.” she said.

The recent outreach to Enugu State University Teaching Hospital further highlights Fidelity Bank’s continued commitment to supporting vulnerable groups and strengthening community well-being across Nigeria through community-driven CSR efforts.

 

Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.

 

The Bank is a recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.

Online Poster by — December 18, 2025 in News
NDIC Commences Liquidation Of Aso Savings, Union Homes

Following the revocation of the licenses of Aso Savings and Loans Plc and Union Homes Savings and Loans Plc by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has commenced liquidation of the two financial institutions.
NDIC was appointed as the liquidator of the defunct banks in line with the provisions of Section 12(2) of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020 and the corporation

Commencement of Liquidation:

In line with Section 55, subsections 1 & 2 of the NDIC Act 2023, the Corporation has commenced the liquidation process for Aso Savings and Loans Plc and Union Homes Savings and Loans Plc. Accordingly, the verification and payment of insured deposits to depositors of the closed banks have begun as outlined below:
Verification and Payment of Depositors

Depositors will be paid their insured deposits up to the maximum amount of N2,000,000 (Two Million Naira) per depositor, using the Bank Verification Number (BVN) as a unique identifier to locate their alternate bank accounts, into which the insured sums will be automatically credited.
Depositors with balances in excess of N2,000,000 will be paid the initial insured amount, while their outstanding balances will be settled as liquidation dividends upon the realisation of the assets and recovery of debts owed to (of) the failed banks.

To this end, the Corporation will commence the sale of the banks’ assets and continue recovery of outstanding loans in order to expedite payment of uninsured sums.
Submission of Claims
Verification and processing of depositors’ claims may be carried out online or physically, as follows:

Online Submission of Claims:

Depositors are advised to submit their claims online by visiting the NDIC claims portal at https://ndic.gov.ng/claims-verification-forms/ completing the digital claims form with all required information, and clicking the “Submit” button.

Physical Submission Of Claims:

Depositors who prefer physical verification are advised to visit the nearest branch of the closed banks between Tuesday, December 16, 2025 and Thursday, December 30, 2025, where NDIC officials will be available to attend to them.
For verification of deposits and subsequent payment of insured sums, depositors are required to present:
Proof of account ownership;
A verifiable means of identification (Driver’s License, Permanent Voter’s Card, or National Identity Card); and
Details of their alternate bank account and Bank Verification Number (BVN).

Activate Transaction Alerts

Depositors are advised to ensure that transaction alerts are activated for their alternate bank accounts in order to receive notifications of payments. Where alerts are not active, depositors may check their account balances using their banks USSD codes or by visiting their bank branches.

Verification And Payment To Creditors

Creditors of the closed banks are advised to submit their claims online or by visiting the nearest branch of the banks between Tuesday, December 16, 2025 and Thursday, December 30, 2025.
In accordance with the provisions of the law, payment of liquidation dividends to creditors will commence after all depositors have been fully paid.

Payment To Bank Staff

After the full payment to all depositors, payment of deposit of staff of the defunct banks will be made from the proceeds of the sale of the banks’ assets, as liquidation dividends.
Payments to Shareholders
Following the full payment to Depositors and Creditors, Shareholders shall subsequently be paid from further realisation of the banks’ assets and the recovery of outstanding debts, as liquidation dividends.

Debtors’ Repayment of Outstanding Loans

Debtors of the defunct banks are advised to visit the Corporation’s Asset Management Department to ensure the settlement of their indebtedness in full.

Enquiries and Further Information
For further information or clarification on claims verification and payments, depositors and other stakeholders may contact the Corporation through the following channels:

E-mail: claimscomplaints@ndic.gov.ng

Claims Resolution Department:
(Weekdays: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
Telephone Numbers:
09037273810, 09038197064, 08109313326, 08104220807,

Online Poster by — December 18, 2025 in Insurance and Pension
Depositors’ Reimbursement To Receive Major Boost As NDIC, NIBSS Set To Sign MOU

L – R: EXPLORING COLLABORATION: Deputy General Manager, Enterprise Support Services, Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS), Mr Bola Enigbokan, Managing Direxctor/CE, Mr. Premier Oiwoh; Managing Director/CE, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, Mr. Thompson Oludare Sunday; and ED (Corporate Services, Emily Osuji during a courtesy visit by NIBSS Management team to the NDIC.
The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) and the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) Plc. are set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at ensuring a more efficient process of reimbursement of depositors in the event of bank failure.
This development was disclosed by the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the NDIC, Mr. Thompson Oludare Sunday, during a courtesy visit to the Corporation’s Head Office in Abuja by the NIBSS Executive Management team led by its Managing Director/Chief Executive, Mr. Premier Oiwoh.
Mr. Sunday commended NIBSS for its longstanding partnership and invaluable contributions to strengthening the Corporation’s mandate of protecting depositors and enhancing public confidence in the banking system. He highlighted the pivotal role played by the NIBSS in driving digital verification processes, particularly through the deployment of the Bank Verification Number (BVN) platform, which enabled seamless payment to the alternate bank accounts of depositors of failed Heritage Bank Limited.
“You have been a reliable partner and NDIC remains committed to that partnership. Without NIBSS’s support, it would have been difficult to achieve the milestone we attained with the closure of failed Heritage Bank despite the impromptu nature of the arrangement. That is why it is important for us to concretise our partnership through this MoU”, the NDIC MD/CE stressed.
Sunday highlighted key areas to be covered by the MoU such as real-time synchronization of NDIC’s deposit registers and electronic records to allow for swift verification of eligible accounts during bank resolution; expansion of disbursement channels for depositor claims to include Mobile Money Operators (MMOs) and possible NDIC-branded mobile interface; and investment in Single Customer View (SCV) and interoperability infrastructure for instant validation in the event of bank failure.
The NDIC Boss commended NIBSS for reforming the payments system in Nigeria and putting it ahead of its peers in most part of the world, adding that efforts of the NIBBS platform in mitigating frauds in the financial system are laudable.
In his response, the NIBSS MD/CE, Mr. Premier Oiwoh, expressed appreciation to the NDIC leadership for the sustained partnership that is geared towards a safer and smooth payment system in Nigeria over the years. He reaffirmed NIBSS’s full commitment to supporting the Corporation in the delivery of its mandate of depositor protection, emphasizing that NIBSS exists to serve Nigerians and stands ready to provide the technological backbone required to enhance financial system stability.
Mr. Oiwoh emphasized the critical importance of prompt and efficient reimbursement during bank failures, noting that the NDIC’s efforts in this regard directly contribute to public trust and financial inclusion. He assured that his organisation is working closely with law-enforcement agencies to proactively reinforce the safety of the nation’s payment system, as well as strengthen its infrastructure to lower the cost of transactions on its platforms.
The MoU between both institutions is expected to usher in a new era of digitized, responsive, and technology-driven depositor reimbursement process, ultimately reinforcing confidence in Nigeria’s financial safety-net framework.
Online Poster by — December 18, 2025 in News
NDIC Begins Liquidation Pays Insured Deposits to Aso Savings, Union Homes Customers

By Fidelia Okafor 

 

The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has commenced the liquidation of Aso Savings and Loans Plc and Union Homes Savings and Loans Plc, following the revocation of their operating licences by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on December 15, 2025.

In a statement to depositors and the general public, the NDIC said it was appointed liquidator of the two defunct primary mortgage banks in line with Section 12(2) of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020, and has already begun the process of verifying and paying insured deposits.

The Corporation explained that the liquidation is being carried out pursuant to Section 55 (1 and 2) of the NDIC Act 2023, which mandates it to reimburse insured depositors of failed banks without delay.

Under the arrangement, depositors of Aso Savings and Union Homes will be paid up to the maximum insured limit of ₦2 million per depositor. Payments will be processed automatically using customers’ Bank Verification Numbers (BVN) to locate their alternate bank accounts, into which the insured sums will be credited.

Depositors with balances above ₦2 million will first receive the insured amount, while the outstanding portion of their funds will be settled later as liquidation dividends, subject to the realisation of the banks’ assets and recovery of outstanding debts. To fast-track these payments, the NDIC said it will commence the sale of the banks’ assets and intensify loan recovery efforts.

To facilitate verification and claims processing, the NDIC has provided both online and physical submission options. Depositors can submit claims digitally through the NDIC claims portal by completing the required form.

Those who prefer physical verification are advised to visit the nearest branch of the closed banks between Tuesday, December 16, 2025 and Thursday, December 30, 2025, where NDIC officials will be available to attend to them.

For verification and payment, depositors are required to present proof of account ownership, a valid means of identification—such as a Driver’s Licence, Permanent Voter’s Card or National Identity Card—and details of their alternate bank account and BVN.

The NDIC also urged depositors to ensure that transaction alerts are activated on their alternate accounts to enable them to receive notifications of payments. Where alerts are not active, depositors may confirm payments through USSD codes or by visiting their bank branches.

Beyond depositors, the Corporation said creditors of the defunct banks should also submit their claims within the same December 16–30 window, either online or physically.

However, payment of liquidation dividends to creditors will only commence after all depositors have been fully paid, in line with existing laws.

Payments relating to bank staff deposits will be made after depositors are settled, while shareholders will only be considered after full payment to depositors and creditors, subject to asset realisation.

The NDIC also directed debtors of the closed banks to report to its Asset Management Department to settle outstanding loans, noting that recoveries are critical to expediting liquidation payments and protecting the interests of all stakeholders.

Online Poster by — December 17, 2025 in Insurance and Pension
Seplat Energy Appoints Mohammed, Ettah As Independent Non-Executive Directors

Seplat Energy Appoints Mohammed, Ettah As Independent Non-Executive Directors • Channels Television

The Board of Seplat Energy today announces the appointment of Engineer Saidu Aliyu Mohammed and Mr. Larry Ephraim Ettah as Independent Non-Executive Directors of the Company with effect from 1 January 2026. 

Following the resignation of Mr. Bello Rabiu and Mr. Babs Omotowa from the Board in April 2025 due to their appointments to the Board of NNPC Limited by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Company embarked on the recruitment process for their replacements in line with the Board of Directors’ Succession Plan and today announces the appointment of Engineer Saidu Aliyu Mohammed and Mr. Larry Ephraim Ettah as Independent Non-Executive Directors of the Company effective 1 January  2026.

Engr. Saidu Aliyu Mohammed is a seasoned energy executive with over 37 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, specializing in natural gas development, commercialization, and infrastructure. He served as Group Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer, Gas & Power Directorate at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), where he provided strategic leadership for major gas projects and policy frameworks, including the Gas Masterplan, Gas Network Code, and contributions to the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

 

He played a pivotal role in conceptualizing and delivering critical gas infrastructure projects such as the Escravos–Lagos Pipeline Expansion, Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline, and Nigeria LNG Train 7. His leadership extended to international engagements, representing Nigeria at the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) and the West African Gas Pipeline Authority.

 

Engr. Mohammed previously held top executive positions as Managing Director of Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company, Managing Director of Nigerian Gas Company, and chaired boards of several strategic entities, including West African Gas Pipeline Company, Nigeria LNG subsidiaries, and NNPC Retail. He is a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE) and the Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers (FNSCHE), and a registered engineer with COREN. He holds a B.Eng. in Chemical Engineering from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

 

Mr. Larry Ephraim Ettah is a highly respected Nigerian business leader with nearly four decades of corporate experience. He spent 30 years at UAC of Nigeria Plc (UACN), rising from Management Trainee in 1988 to Group Managing Director/CEO, a role he held from 2007 to 2018. As CEO, he reshaped UACN’s portfolio through strategic partnerships with global firms such as Tiger Brands, Imperial Logistics, and Famous Brands.

 He also led key acquisitions including Livestock Feeds Plc and Portland Paints Plc, repositioning the conglomerate for sustainable growth across multiple sectors.

Following his retirement from UACN, Mr. Ettah founded Barracuda Capital Partners Ltd in 2018, where he serves as Executive Chairman. He holds several board roles, including Founding Director of Coronation Merchant Bank Ltd and Non-Executive Director of Mixta Africa Plc, and until February 2025, he co-chaired the board of LEAP Africa. He has chaired and served on the boards of several publicly listed companies and advised major consumer goods firms.

 He has played influential roles in industry associations such as Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), and Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), and contributed to national economic policy through presidential and technical advisory committees.

Mr. Ettah holds a B.Sc. in Industrial Chemistry and an MBA from the University of Benin, complemented by extensive executive education from leading global institutions including Harvard, Stanford, Oxford, INSEAD, IMD, and the University of Michigan. His international exposure, strong governance expertise, and broad sector experience underpin his reputation as a strategic, principled, and effective boardroom leader. Overall, he is recognized for his vision, leadership, and commitment to corporate excellence and economic development.

 

Mr. Udoma Udo Udoma, Chairman of Seplat Energy commented: “On behalf of Seplat Energy, I am delighted to welcome Engineer Saidu Aliyu Mohammed and Mr. Larry Ephraim Ettah to the Board. Their experiences are complementary, combining extensive industry knowledge with extensive business success. We look forward to the significant contributions they will make in advancing the Company’s strategic growth objectives and driving our continued success”

Online Poster by — December 17, 2025 in News
ROADBLOCK Clinches Dual BJAN Honours As Nigeria’s Top Dance Event And Rave Project

ROADBLOCK has been officially voted Nigeria’s Biggest Dance Event and Nigeria’s Most Modern Rave Project 2025 by the Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria (BJAN), a prestigious recognition celebrating innovation, cultural influence, and youth engagement in the Nigerian entertainment landscape.

This was contained in a statement signed by the 2025 BJAN Awards Committee Chairman, Mr. Lukman Ayobami Ishau, and titled ‘Announcing Roadblock as the Biggest Dance/Engagement Event 2025’.

The letter, which was sent to the Founder/Chief Experience Architect of ROADBLOCK, Dr. Felix King Eiremiokhae, stated that “On behalf of the Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria (BJAN) Awards Committee, it is with great enthusiasm that we announce that Roadblock has been voted Nigeria’s Biggest Dance Event for 2025.”

The statement added, “This landmark recognition celebrates a movement that continues to redefine nightlife and ADM (African Dance Music) culture across the country. Roadblock’s unparalleled energy, innovative programming, and unwavering commitment to showcasing homegrown talent have set a new benchmark for dance events in Nigeria.

The award will be presented at the upcoming BJAN Marketing Conference/Awards ceremony, where we look forward to honoring the visionaries behind Roadblock and sharing this milestone with industry peers, artists, and fans alike.”

According to Ishau, “We trust that this recognition will further amplify the impact of Roadblock and inspire even greater creativity within Nigeria’s Afrobeat and Afro Dance Music scenes. Thank you for your continued support in promoting the vibrant cultural landscape of our nation.”

Speaking on the development, Dr. Eiremiokhae said, “This landmark announcement has solidified Roadblock’s position as the country’s leading modern rave movement, pushing forward the new genre and culture known as ADM (Afro Dance Music) while redefining the future of nightlife, festival culture, and experiential youth entertainment across Africa.”

The formal crowning ceremony will take place during the BJAN National Conference, scheduled for November 28, 2025, in Lagos. The event will bring together top brand custodians, media executives, cultural influencers, and industry leaders as Roadblock receives these distinguished honours.

Dr. Eiremiokhae, expressed gratitude to BJAN and to the thousands of young ravers who have embraced the movement adding that “This award is a historic milestone, not just for Roadblock but for Nigerian youth culture. ADM is becoming a voice, a movement and an energy beyond anything we imagined. We are honoured to be seen, to be celebrated, and to lead the new wave of African dance experiences.”

This award precedes Roadblock’s highly anticipated December edition, themed: ‘RISE. REBEL. GET DETTY.

“Roadblock will continue to champion creativity, dance culture, and immersive youth experiences, setting new standards in festival production, stagecraft, and cultural storytelling,” he added.

Online Poster by — December 17, 2025 in News
Sterling Bank Champions Collective Action……To Accelerate Nigeria’s Renewable Energy Transition

L-R: Mr. Ayo Ademilua, President, Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria; Dr. Jekwu Ozoemene, Group Executive, The Alternative Bank; Mr. Biodun Ogunleye, The Honourable Commissioner, Lagos State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources; Mr. Dele Faseemo, Group Executive, Coprporate and Investment Banking, Sterling Bank; Engr. Bem Samuel Anyangeuor, Representative, Honorable Minister of Power and Mr. Oluwaseyi Okunnuga, Group Head, Renewable Energy & Sustainability Finance, Sterling Bank at the just concluded Renewable Energy Colloquium held in Lagos recently.
Sterling Bank Limited has brought together stakeholders in the renewable energy industry to explore ways to accelerate action in the sector.
The premier colloquium, held in Lagos on Monday, aimed to identify priority areas for action to increase energy access and drive economic growth in the quest to attain a one trillion-dollar economy.
Managing Director and CEO of Sterling Bank Limited, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman, gave the charge in his address at the colloquium organized with the theme: Beyond The Grid; Unlocking New Frontiers in Renewable Energy.
The   CEO,   who   was   represented   by   Dele   Faseemo,   Group   Executive, Corporate & Investment Banking, explained that Sterling Bank will be paying closer attention to policy actions in two or three key priority areas, especially regulation and financing.
He noted that by focusing on these areas, the Bank can do more  to   drive   progress  and expand access to energy, which he described   as   essential   for   supporting   economic   growth   and   overall development.
In a keynote address titled Scaling Electrification in Nigeria, The REA Impact, Managing Director and CEO of The Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Dr. Abba Aliyu, spoke on the vision, mission and mandate of the agency.
He noted that Nigeria requires about $26 billion to address its energy deficit. He said the energy transition in Nigeria is a strategic shift towards achieving universal, reliable and sustainable energy access by integrating the grid, mini-grid and off grid technologies while aligning with national development and climate goals.
The CEO who was represented by Mr. Abba Hayatudden, Senior Advisor to the   MD,   said  “REA  is  strategically  expanding  and  optimizing  channels  to accelerate the adoption and sustainable growth of renewable energy acrossthe   country   in   the   areas   of   value   chain   development,   regulation enhancement,   funding   windows,   alternative   resources   and   technical standardization.”
Minister   of   Power,   Adebayo   Adelabu,   commended   Sterling   Bank   for convening the conversation on renewable energy.
He stated that the Federal Government has placed renewable energy and rural electrification at the heart of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The minister who was represented by Engineer Samuel Ayangeaor said, “The Federal   Ministry   of   Power   has   continued   to   expand   electricity   access   to underserved communities in a bid to drive economic growth, foster industrial activity and create jobs across the nation.”
In his goodwill message, Mr. Biodun Ogunleye, Lagos State Commissioner for Energy   and   Mineral   Resources,   noted   that   the   current   administration   is implementing the most ambitious energy transformation ever undertaken.
He highlighted the state’s efforts in renewable energy and sustainability, including the two-gigawatt Lagos grid scale solar project.
The CEO of Sterling One Foundation, Mrs. Olapeju Ibekwe, emphasized the need for collective action. She urged participants not to allow the day’s deliberations   to   end   as   mere   conversations   or   points   documented   in   a communiqué.
Instead, she encouraged everyone to leverage the strength of their   networks,   act   with   intention,   and   remain   focused   on   delivering meaningful impact.
The colloquium featured two panel sessions on financing and scaling green energy solutions in Africa, among others.
Online Poster by — December 17, 2025 in News