Crystal Garden Estate CEO Urges Legislation Against Unregulated Property Agents, Landlords



Amaka Obiefuna
Union Bank of Nigeria recently hosted an informal and engaging meet-and-greet session with leading media professionals at The Stallion Plaza, its headquarters in Marina, Lagos.
The event, held at SpaceNXT, the Bank’s purpose-designed co-creation hub for innovators and creators, was conceived as a relaxed platform to foster personal connections and deepen mutual understanding between the Bank and media partners.
Rather than a formal media briefing, the gathering offered a convivial atmosphere for open conversation, reinforcing Union Bank’s recognition of the media’s essential role in shaping public discourse and amplifying the Bank’s mission.
In attendance were senior members of Union Bank’s leadership team, including Taiwo Shote, Executive Director, Corporate Banking, Lagos and West, Olufunmilola Aluko, Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, and Tosin Ibikunle, Head of Strategy and Planning. Olufunmilola and Tosin reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to transparent and collaborative engagement with the press, while underscoring Union Bank’s strong operational footing and readiness to meet all regulatory obligations.
Speaking at the event, Mrs Olufunmilola Aluko, Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, said:
“This event is simply about people. Union Bank has been around for 108 years, and we’ve seen it all – from telegram banking to digital wallets; from handwritten ledgers to AI-driven analytics. But through all that change, one constant has remained: the media.
We wanted to create a space that is unhurried and human, where we can meet without the weight of deadlines or the formality of press statements, because behind those exchanges are real people who share a deep commitment to storytelling, to truth, and to impact. So today, we wanted this session to simply be about reconnecting; banker to journalist, human to human.”
Echoing this spirit of partnership as the Bank looks ahead, Mr Tosin Ibikunle, Head of Strategy and Planning, added:
“Union Bank has diligently enhanced its systems and service experience in preparation for the next phase of growth. As we roll out new initiatives, we look forward to partnering with the media to tell our story with clarity, accuracy, and impact.”
The event also featured a tour of Stallion Plaza and a networking session, reflecting the Bank’s intention to create a warm, human connection beyond the usual formalities of corporate communication.
Union Bank remains steadfast in its commitment to building trust through open dialogue and meaningful partnerships with the media and all stakeholders, as it continues to serve customers and contribute positively to Nigeria’s economic landscape.


Amaka Obiefuna
Media professionals have been advised to adopt regular medical checkups as a proactive measure to safeguard their health and ensure early detection and management of potential health issues.
Speaking during a health talk session at a training organized by AIICO Insurance Plc for members of the Nigerian Association of Insurance and Pension Editors (NAIPE) recently in Lagos, Dr. Ademola Osokoya, Assistant Manager at AIICO Multishield Limited, emphasized the importance of routine health assessments.
“Regular medical checks help individuals understand their health status, which is crucial for timely intervention and effective management of any health condition,” Dr. Osokoya noted.
He encouraged journalists and other professionals to leverage available health insurance options to access quality healthcare services.
Introducing the AIICO Multishield Health Insurance Plan, Dr. Osokoya described it as a comprehensive and accessible solution tailored to meet the diverse healthcare needs of individuals, families, small businesses, and corporate organizations.
He said the Multishield Plan offers flexible coverage tiers that include in-patient and out-patient services, specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, maternity care, and emergency treatment, all at affordable premiums.
He noted that a standout feature of the plan is its broad network of accredited healthcare providers across Nigeria, enabling enrollees to access top-quality medical facilities nationwide.
In line with efforts to expand healthcare access for Nigerians, he added that AIICO has extended the plan’s benefits to informal sector workers and underserved populations.
“By collaborating with cooperatives, trade unions, and grassroots organizations, the company is contributing to the national push for Universal Health Coverage and supporting more Nigerians in securing reliable healthcare.
“Technology plays a central role in the Multishield offering, with digital platforms enabling seamless enrollment, claims tracking, and policy management. This integration enhances customer experience by providing transparency, reducing administrative delays, and building trust.
The Multishield Plan is fully compliant with the standards set by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), underscoring AIICO’s commitment to regulatory standards, service excellence, and integrity. Beyond medical coverage, the plan aims to deliver peace of mind by shielding individuals and families from the financial impact of unforeseen health emergencies.
With this initiative, AIICO Insurance Plc reinforces its dedication to improving healthcare accessibility and affordability for all Nigerians, while encouraging professionals—especially in the media—to take charge of their health through preventive care and insurance coverage.


Dr. Thompson Oludare Sunday.In a move that underscores his administration’s resolve to strengthen Nigeria’s financial stability architecture, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Dr. Thompson Oludare Sunday as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC). The Senate confirmed his appointment on 25th July 2025, marking the beginning of a new phase for the nation’s foremost deposit protection institution.
A distinguished financial strategist and regulatory expert, Dr. Sunday brings over three decades of robust experience in banking supervision, financial sector reforms, and policy development. His professional journey began in 1989 at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), where he dedicated 24 uninterrupted years to banking supervision – a feat that underscores his consistency, discipline, and institutional loyalty.
Throughout his career, Dr. Sunday demonstrated uncommon leadership in the formulation of key financial policies that have shaped Nigeria’s banking landscape. He chaired the Bank-wide Committee for the Review and Drafting of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020 and contributed to the development of landmark frameworks, including the Code of Corporate Governance and the regulatory blueprint for Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs).
He was also a pivotal member of the CBN/NDIC Technical Committee on Problem Banks, the 2004-2005 Banking Sector Consolidation Committee, and the 2009 Banking Sector Reform team. His influence extended beyond Nigeria’s borders, serving on the Expert Committee for the Harmonisation of Risk-Based Supervision Frameworks within the West African Monetary Zone.
Between February 2023 and January 2024, he represented the CBN as Independent External Examiner at Heritage Bank, participating at both board and executive levels – an assignment that further cemented his reputation for regulatory depth and strategic insight.
Dr. Sunday’s exemplary service earned him several recognitions, including the CBN Board’s Commendation in 2009 for Outstanding Performance and Integrity during the critical Banking Sector Reforms. Earlier in his career, he was named Best Staff of the Banking Supervision Department in 2001.
His academic laurels mirror his professional excellence. A First-Class graduate of Business Administration (Finance) from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (1985), he also earned an MBA from the same institution in 1988 and a Doctorate in Management from St. Clements University in 2009. His brilliance was recognised early with the Federal Government Merit Award for Academic Excellence and the prize for Best Graduating Student in his department.
A member of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) and a Doctoral Fellow of the Institute of Professional Financial Managers, Dr. Sunday is widely regarded as an advocate of sound corporate governance, financial prudence, and institutional capacity building.
With his appointment, industry observers anticipate a renewed emphasis on depositor protection, financial inclusion, and risk-based supervision within the NDIC. Analysts note that his extensive background in regulatory policy positions him to steer the corporation toward global best practices while strengthening public trust in Nigeria’s banking system.

…Plans Conference To Unlock Ethical Financing For Nigeria’s Prosperity
Amaka Obiefuna
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has disclosed that Nigeria’s non-interest capital market has grown significantly, reaching a valuation of over ₦1.6tn, a milestone it says signals growing investor confidence and deepening participation in ethical finance.
The Director-General of the SEC, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, announced this on Monday during a joint press briefing in Abuja ahead of the 7th African International Conference on Islamic Finance (AICIF), scheduled to hold in Lagos on November 4 and 5, 2025.
The conference, jointly organized by the SEC, the Metropolitan Law Firm, and Metropolitan Skills Ltd., is themed “Africa Emerging: A Prosperous and Inclusive Outlook.”
It aims to promote ethical financing as a viable tool for building a resilient and inclusive African economy.
Agama described the upcoming conference as “strategically positioned” to coincide with the conclusion of the Revised Nigerian Capital Market Masterplan (2021–2025), adding that it would serve as a platform for charting the next phase of sustainable financial development across the continent.
“This year’s theme is a call to action, it’s about harnessing ethical finance as a tool to build a more prosperous and equitable Africa,” he said.
According to him, the Nigerian non-interest market has shown remarkable momentum, with Sukuk dominating the sector.
He revealed that the last Sukuk issuance was oversubscribed by over 700 percent, underscoring the growing investor appetite for non-interest products and confidence in the regulatory framework.
“The non-interest capital market has attained a valuation of ₦1.6tn. The overwhelming subscription to our Sukuk issuances demonstrates strong investor confidence and an expanding demand for ethical financial instruments,” Agama said.
He explained that the enactment of the Investments and Securities Act (ISA) 2025 provides a strengthened legal foundation for non-interest financial products, empowering the SEC to register non-interest collective investment schemes and broaden the range of instruments available to investors.
“The new Act is a game-changer,” he noted. “It modernizes our regulatory framework, enhances transparency, and gives investors the confidence needed to engage more deeply with ethical finance.”
Agama stated that the AICIF will feature high-level discussions on unlocking capital for Africa’s infrastructure, green and ethical investments, agricultural financing, and the role of fintech in transforming Islamic finance.
The sessions, he said, are designed to produce practical solutions to some of the continent’s most pressing development challenges.
“This is not just another conference. It is a problem-solving platform that will deliver actionable strategies to drive new investment flows and inform future regulatory policy,” he emphasized.
The SEC boss added that the conference will bring together regulators, senior financial executives, scholars, and representatives of development finance institutions to collaborate on innovative policy frameworks.
According to him, promoting financial inclusion will be a key focus area, ensuring that ethical finance becomes a driver of prosperity for individuals and businesses alike.
“The insights generated will help shape the next phase of our capital market’s growth, ensuring it remains a strong engine for Nigeria’s economic development,” he said.
Agama underscored that the AICIF aligns with the government’s broader agenda of promoting sustainability, inclusivity, and transparency in the financial system.
He described ethical finance as a critical component of Nigeria’s long-term economic transformation plan, capable of funding infrastructure, empowering communities, and stimulating small and medium-scale enterprises.
“The 7th AICIF is a premier forum dedicated to advancing non-interest and ethical finance across Africa. It represents a shared commitment to building a financial ecosystem that is prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable,” he said.
He urged stakeholders and the media to actively participate in the Lagos conference, describing it as “a defining moment for Nigeria’s financial sector and a blueprint for Africa’s economic rebirth.”
Also speaking, Ummahani Amin, Managing Partner, Metropolitan Law Firm & Chairman, AICIF 2025 Planning Committee said that AICIF has grown into one of the most important gatherings for policymakers, regulators, investors, scholars, and innovators who share a common goal to advance ethical, inclusive, and sustainable finance in Africa.
She said, “This year, we are especially proud of our strategic partnership with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Nigeria’s highest regulator in the capital market. This collaboration underscores our shared vision to strengthen the Islamic finance ecosystem, deepen investor confidence, and support innovation that aligns with integrity and shared prosperity.
“This year’s conference comes at a critical time — as Africa continues to explore innovative, ethical, and sustainable pathways to finance development.”
She said Islamic finance has proven to be one of the fastest-growing segments of the global financial system, and AICIF provides a unique platform to bring together policymakers, regulators, scholars, investors, and practitioners to shape that future here on the continent.
Beyond the conference sessions, Amin said the partners will also be celebrating excellence and innovation through its Awards Night, as well as unveiling the winners of the AICIF Pitch Competition, a platform designed to spotlight young entrepreneurs and innovative ideas that can shape the future of Islamic finance in Africa.
LarryBravo Nwaiwu

Amaka Obiefuna
Vice President Kashim Shettima today commended the investments of Shell in Nigeria as he visited the company’s exhibition stand at the opening of the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit (NES) in Abuja.
The exhibition complements the participation of Shell in the summit and features the operations of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Ltd (SNEPCo), Shell Nigeria Gas (SNG), All On and Daystar Power.
Vice President Shettima who had earlier declared the summit open on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,was briefed on the contributions of the companies to the economic development of Nigeria, especially the energy sector.
Accompanied by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, the Minister of Trade and Investment Jumoke Oduwole and the Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Vice President Shettima said he was impressed with the investments of Shell in deep-water including the $5-billion Bonga North development. Work on the project is in progress following the FID which was taken early last year.
Business Value Manager Chidi Nkazi, who conducted the VIPs round the exhibition stand, also highlighted the impact of Shell’s social investments in health, education and employment generation. “Every year our operations generate revenues which are used to finance development,” Chidi said, adding; “In 2024 alone, Shell Companies in Nigeria paid $1.209 billion in taxes and royalties to the Federal Government.”


By Winifred Bosa
The Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art (YSMA), Pan-Atlantic University, is proud to announce the public unveiling of the second edition of its landmark exhibition, Collecting Now.
Opening on October 11, 2025, the exhibition presents 90 significant works on loan from six distinguished Nigerian collectors – Olufemi Akinsanya, Ifeyinwa Momah, Tayo Odunsi, Nonso Okpala, Bimpe Nkontchou and Yemi Ogunbiyi – offering audiences privileged access to a diverse range of traditional, modern and contemporary art rarely seen outside private collections.
Following the success of its maiden edition in 2024, Collecting Now has become an important platform for highlighting the practice of art collecting in Nigeria and its role in sustaining the country’s cultural and creative economy. Featuring works across painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media, the exhibition illuminates the interplay between individual taste and collective heritage.
This year’s showcase is particularly notable for spotlighting two women collectors whose perspectives illustrate the multifaceted power of collecting—as a way of living and as an act of advocacy.
“The Collecting Now series reinforces YSMA’s role as a pioneering institution that brings private visions into public spaces,” said Dr. Jess Castellote, Director of the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art. “We are not only presenting exceptional works of art but also shaping a critical conversation about collecting as a cultural practice that ensures continuity, strengthens our art ecosystem, and connects Nigeria’s artistic legacy with future generations.”
Reflecting on her participation in the exhibition, one of the featured collectors, Ifeyinwa Momah, shared: “For me, art is everyday living—it fills my spaces, shapes my memories, and inspires how I see the world. This exhibition is deeply meaningful because it allows these personal experiences to be encountered publicly, sparking conversations that affirm the value of art in our daily lives. I am proud to stand alongside fellow collectors in sharing our journeys through this platform at YSMA.”
The exhibition enjoys the continued support of Ark Insurance Brokers, who, for the second time, are sponsoring the insurance of the entirety of works on display.
Their renewed partnership underscores their position as a leading brokerage provider for the arts in Nigeria, with a longstanding commitment to supporting culture and creativity alongside their broader insurance expertise.
“Our partnership with YSMA for Collecting Now reflects our enduring belief that Nigerian art is a national treasure worthy of world-class protection,” remarked Kayode Awogboro, Managing Director of Ark Insurance Group. “As a trusted name in insurance, we take pride in safeguarding collections of immense cultural value, while affirming our commitment to the arts as part of the fabric of society.”
Through this initiative, YSMA affirms its position as a pioneering institution dedicated to advancing cultural scholarship, deepening public access to art, and celebrating the vision of Nigerian collectors as curators and preservers of history and heritage.