CBN Advert

All Posts in "COVER"

Court Strikes Out Ismaila Isa Funtua’s Suit Against 9mobile

The Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out a suit filed by businessman Abubakar Ismaila Isa Funtua, who alleged that his 43 million shares were transferred without his consent to Emerging Markets Telecommunication Services Limited (EMTS), operators of 9mobile.
Delivering judgment in the case marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1971/2024 on September 24, 2025, Justice Mohammed Umar held that Isa, the lone plaintiff, lacked the locus standi (legal capacity) to institute the action against the nine defendants.
The defendants in the case were: Seltrix Limited, Hayatu Hassan Hadejia, Teleology Nigeria Limited, Mohammed Edewor, EMTS, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), LH Telecommunication Limited, and General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma.
Isa, through his counsel Femi Atteh, SAN, had commenced the suit on December 27, 2024, seeking 11 reliefs, including a declaration that he was the beneficial owner of the disputed shares allegedly held in trust for him by Seltrix Ltd in Teleology Nigeria Ltd.
However, the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 8th, and 9th defendants, represented by Michael Aondakaa, SAN, C.I. Okpoko, SAN, R.O. Atabo, SAN, A.T. Kohol, Esq., and C.C. Ogbonna, Esq., filed a joint preliminary objection dated February 5, 2025, urging the court to dismiss the case for want of jurisdiction and as an abuse of court process.
After reviewing arguments from all parties, Justice Umar upheld the objection, ruling that Isa failed to show any legal interest in the subject matter.
Justice Umar held: “I carefully perused the said exhibit to see if the allegation of the Plaintiff is substantiated, I did not find any. Nowhere was there any figure of the 43,000,000 million ordinary shares held in trust for the Plaintiff by the 1st Defendant mentioned.
“In fact, the 2nd Defendant denied any business dealings with the Plaintiff and these facts were not controverted by the Plaintiff. The said exhibits cannot by any imagination constitute a trust to confer locus standi on the Plaintiff. The said exhibits were tendered by the Plaintiff, but nowhere did it link the Plaintiff to his claims to enable him to institute an action on the facts alleged therein.”
Furthermore, the court held that the plaintiff failed to establish the facts he asserted and to link his claims to the exhibits he himself tendered by virtue of averment in this suit.
“I find that the Objectors have adequately countered the said exhibits in their reply on points of law in tandem with the law that failure to respond to a counter affidavit is deemed to be an admission,” Justice Umar held.
In the final analysis, the judge added: “I resolve the issue of locus standi against the Plaintiff, and the law is that where a Plaintiff has been adjudged to lack locus standi, it does not matter what other issues have been raised for determination in the suit.”
The court noted that since the Plaintiff lacked the capacity to institute the action, there was no need to make a pronouncement on grounds two to nine (2-9) of the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 8th and 9th Defendants’ Notice of Preliminary Objections, which included claims that the suit was statute-barred, incompetent, and that Isa was a “meddlesome interloper” seeking to frustrate the operations of EMTS.
“I therefore make an Order striking out this action for lack of locus standi of the Plaintiff. This is the Order of this Court,” the judge added.
The case was marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1971/2024.
Online Poster by — October 7, 2025 in News
Fidelity Bank Commences Disbursement Of FGN MSME Intervention Funds: Reaffirms Support For Women Entrepreneurs


Amaka Obiefuna

 

 

Tier One Lender, Fidelity Bank Plc, has commenced the disbursement of the Federal Government of Nigeria’s (FGN) MSME Intervention Funds, administered by the Bank of Industry (BOI), to qualified SMES with a strategic focus on empowering women-owned businesses across the country.

 

The FGN MSME Intervention Fund is designed to provide accessible financing to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across all 36 states of the federation.

 

The intervention aligns with Fidelity Bank’s commitment to inclusive economic growth and its long-standing support for Nigeria’s SME sector. In this phase of the disbursement, the bank is prioritizing women entrepreneurs, reinforcing its belief in the catalytic role of women-led enterprises in driving sustainable development and job creation.

 

Speaking on the development, Osita Ede, Divisional Head, Product Development at Fidelity Bank Plc, said, “As a bank deeply committed to the growth of SMEs, we are proud to partner with the Federal Government and the Bank of Industry on this critical intervention. For this phase, we are placing women at the forefront because we recognize their resilience, innovation, and pivotal contributions to wealth creation and employment generation in Nigeria.”

 

Fidelity Bank has also put in place a robust structure to ensure seamless onboarding and fund disbursement. Leveraging its nationwide branch network, digital banking platforms, and experienced relationship managers, the bank is poised to reach and support entrepreneurs across urban and rural communities.

 

The bank’s emergence as a critical player in the disbursement of the FGN MSME intervention Fund strongly aligns with its ongoing initiatives as the leading supporter of SMEs in Nigeria. Recently, the Fidelity SME Empowerment Programme (FSEP) was launched at its Gbagada SME Hub in Lagos.

 

This flagship initiative provided 100 growth-ready SMEs with ERPRev-enabled POS systems, business software, receipt printers, barcode scanners, inventory support, bookkeeping and branding training, three-day masterclasses, and six months of post-installation monitoring—all at no cost.
Earlier in May 2025, Fidelity Bank also signed an MoU with SMEDAN, Nigeria’s Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency, to deliver SME-friendly low-interest financing, capacity-building support, and market access for SMEs referred under the agreement.

 

“Our vision goes beyond financing. We are building an ecosystem of support for SMEs by offering capacity-building programs, mentorship opportunities, and market access. Women entrepreneurs, in particular, will benefit from a larger share of the fund as part of our broader strategy to promote gender inclusion,”Ede added.

 

The FGN MSME Intervention Fund will further advance the bank’s commitment to empowering small and medium-sized enterprises by expanding access to affordable financing and strategic support. Through this fund, Fidelity Bank aims to deepen its impact on Nigeria’s MSME ecosystem, fostering sustainable growth, job creation, and economic resilience across the country.

 

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 the recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine.

 

Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards

Online Poster by — October 7, 2025 in Capital Market
Polaris Bank Reaffirms Commitment To Service Excellence As Customer Service Week Kicks Off

 

Amaka Obiefuna

 

Polaris Bank has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to deepen delivery of exceptional customer experiences as it joins institutions across the world to celebrate 2025 Customer Service Week, themed “Mission: Possible.”

 

The annual global event, which runs from today Monday, October 6 to Friday, October 10, is dedicated to recognising the vital role of customer service professionals and the value they bring to customers and businesses alike.

 

Speaking to customers and staff, the Managing Director/CEO of Polaris Bank, Kayode Lawal, emphasised that excellent service remains central to the Bank’s culture and success. He noted that while great service can sometimes seem like a challenge, it is always worth the effort.

 

According to him, Polaris Bank’s approach to service is anchored on consistency, thoughtfulness, and excellence, ensuring that customers experience genuine care and responsiveness in every interaction. Lawal expressed appreciation to customers for their trust and feedback, describing them as the reason Polaris Bank continues to push boundaries and innovate.

 

He reaffirmed Polaris Bank’s commitment to stand by its customers and deliver the kind of service they truly deserve every step of the way.

 

Throughout the week, Polaris Bank will host a variety of engaging activities across its branches and digital platforms to appreciate customers and recognise service champions within the Bank. These will include staff recognition events, customer appreciation sessions, and internal learning engagements aimed at deepening service excellence.

 

Customer Service Week is celebrated globally in the first full week of October to honour the importance of service excellence and the professionals who make it possible. For Polaris Bank, it represents yet another opportunity to celebrate its people and customers, while reinforcing that with dedication and teamwork, great service is always a Mission Possible.

Online Poster by — October 6, 2025 in Capital Market
Union Bank Champions Employee Wellness with Stay Recharged Health Walk

 

Amaka Obiefuna

 

 

Union Bank of Nigeria held its first-ever Stay Recharged Health Walk, a dynamic event that affirmed the Bank’s steadfast commitment to employee well-being and sustainable workplace development.

 

The walk kicked off at the Stallion Plaza, Union Bank’s Head Office in Marina. It concluded at the Bank’s Sports Complex, The Stable, on Bode Thomas Street, Surulere, tracing an energising 7.5km route through Lagos’ vibrant streets. The overwhelming participation and enthusiasm from employees from diverse departments and locations made it a celebration of physical fitness, mental health, and the power of community spirit.

 

Stay Recharged is a featured event drawn from a cornerstone of Union Bank’s employee value proposition: employee wellness, thoughtfully crafted to foster a culture where health, happiness, and productivity flourish. The initiative responds directly to the urgent need for purposeful wellness programmes that nurture both physical and mental health at work. It reflects the Bank’s recognition that employee wellbeing is fundamental to sustained productivity, engagement, and organisational excellence.

 

Omayuli Wale-Ajayi, Chief Talent Officer, emphasised the significance of this milestone event:
“At Union Bank, well-being is not an afterthought; it is part of how we work. Our inaugural Stay Recharged Health Walk reflects our commitment to building a culture where our people are energised, supported, and thriving. When we take care of ourselves, we build stronger teams and stronger institutions.”

 

The Stay Recharged Health Walk aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. This initiative reflects Union Bank’s commitment to fostering a workplace culture that prioritises employee wellness, supports decent and productive work, and contributes to long-term organisational sustainability.

 

By investing in these wellness experiences, Union Bank not only strengthens its internal community but also reinforces its reputation as an employer of choice.

 

Union Bank remains dedicated to developing innovative, health-focused programmes that inspire employees to adopt healthier lifestyles, supporting long-term growth for both individuals and the organisation.

Online Poster by — October 6, 2025 in Capital Market
Sterling Holdco’s Public Offer Gains Momentum… …as New Investors Rally

Investors scramble for Sterling Holdco shares as offer gains momentumWinifred Bosa
Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc. (‘Sterling Holdco’),
the parent company of The Alternative Bank, Sterling Bank, SterlingFI, and a
number of other novel business solutions, has witnessed a very positive response
to its public offer, as investors rally for a stake in the company’s future.
The public offer, launched on September 17, 2025, has quickly become one of the
most talked-about opportunities in the Nigerian financial market, with analysts
predicting that the offer will prove to be amongst the most lucrative in the
sector’s investment landscape.
The Sterling Public Offer has sparked widespread interest, with market experts
noting that the price, which is about 6% below its current trading price, presents
an attractive entry point for both institutional and retail investors. The offer is set
to close soon, but the rapid pace of interest has led many to speculate that
the full subscription has already been reached or even exceeded much earlier
than expected.
According to leading financial analysts, Sterling Holdco’s strategic expansion
plans, solid market position, and innovative financial products have positioned
it as a major contender in Nigeria’s banking sector.
The public offer is widely
regarded as an exciting proposition for investors looking to capitalise on a company with strong fundamentals and an ambitious growth trajectory.
With a price point set at a discount to current trading prices, the offer is seen as a compelling opportunity for both long-term and short-term investors.
Sterling Holdco has consistently demonstrated a commitment to innovation
and sustainable growth.
One of the most compelling indicators of the company’s underlying strength is the impressive growth of its share price. In the
past year, the Holding company’s share price has grown steadily from ₦4.00 to
nearly ₦8.00 per share.
This increase in the company’s stock price speaks volumes about the underlying value and confidence in its business model,
leadership, and growth trajectory.
Sterling Holdco, known for its strategic ownership of two banks, a wealth
management company, and a number of innovative consumer businesses, is
seeking to raise additional capital through the issuance of 12.58 billion ordinary
shares at ₦7.00 per share.
The proceeds from the public offer will be
strategically deployed to further strengthen the Holdco’s capital base and fund its growth initiatives over the next 36 months.
About Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc.
Sterling Financial Holdings Company PLC (Sterling HoldCo) is a leading Nigerian financial services group committed to enriching lives through innovation and impact with a
diversified portfolio that includes Sterling Bank Limited, The Alternative Bank Limited,
SterlingFI Wealth Management among others.
As a HoldCo, Sterling provides strategic direction, governance, and resources across its subsidiaries, enabling each to focus on its core mandate while benefiting from group-wide expertise, technology, and oversight.
With a heritage of trust built over six decades, Sterling HoldCo is committed to financial innovation, advancing inclusion, and shaping sustainable growth in Nigeria’s economy.
The group champions customer-focused solutions and socially responsible initiatives while creating value for shareholders, employees, and the communities it serves, and continues to pioneer offerings across its core businesses in banking, payments, and technologydriven financial services.
Online Poster by — October 6, 2025 in Capital Market
Seplat Energy Ties Africa’s Prosperity To Domestic Gas Development

 

Seplat Energy Plc, leading Nigerian independent energy company, says that domestic gas remains the engine of prosperity for Nigeria and Africa in general – from powering homes, to fuelling industry and providing a cleaner alternative for cooking and transportation. This informed the company’s heavy investment in gas processing capacity devoted to the domestic market, including the ANOH gas plant which is expected to come on stream before the end of the year.

 

The Director, New Energy at Seplat, Mr. Okechukwu Mba, said this at the 2025 Africa Energy Week (AEW) held in Cape Town, South Africa. Mba, who spoke during a panel discussion titled “Beyond Exports: Developing Commercially Viable Domestic Gas Markets”, said stakeholders need to ensure that the challenges in the gas to power value chain from molecules at the wellhead to electrons in homes are addressed for Nigeria to realize the goal of increased power supply to Nigerians. He also emphasized the importance of a commercially viable power sector which is critical to achieving growth in the domestic gas market. 

 

He said: “Bankable anchor customers are needed to underpin the development of new gas projects whilst identifying infrastructural challenges in power transmission and distribution as well as the liquidity crises in the power sector as two areas that require urgent attention in order to unlock new gas projects.   Mba highlighted that Seplat Energy currently supplies gas to five (5) power stations in Nigeria which underscores its commitment to the power sector, noting that gas is well positioned to provide reliable and affordable base load energy to drive to economic growth.

 

According to Mba, Seplat Energy adopts a comprehensive approach to growing the domestic gas market.  “Beside investments in pipeline gas projects, Seplat is also investing in Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) facilities,” he added.

 

In addition to the significant volumes of butane now supplied to the domestic market from its NGL plant in Bonny River Terminal, Seplat Energy also intends to commence delivery of LPG from its Sapele and ANOH gas plants before the end of the year. This, Mba said, will make Seplat Energy one of the leading suppliers of LPG, displacing biomass and providing a cleaner cooking fuel that will improve the health and living conditions of Nigerians.   He added that Seplat Energy’s investment into CNG was to make gas available to customers not currently connected to the domestic gas pipeline network.

 

The New Energy boss at Seplat stated that the company plans to take its operated gas production to over 1 Bcf/d by 2030, while noting that the recent incentives granted by government to the gas sector will aid the achievement of this goal. 

 

In a related development, the Director External Affairs & Social Performance, Seplat Energy, Chioma Afe, who featured in a panel discussed dubbed “Bureaucracy or Bridge? Tailoring Global ESG Approaches for African Realities”, said in all the company’s moves in driving to drive access to reliable and affordable energy for Nigerians, ESG fundamentals are strongly upheld and practicalised.  

 

According to her, the peculiarities of the Nigerian people and Africa at large remain very germane in implementing Seplat Energy’s ESG framework and affirming its commitments.

 

She said: “For a truly successful and impactful ESG implementation, it is highly imperative to move from a “one size fits all” mindset, to a co-created framework and implementation that is focused on value creation and empowers African nations to define their own sustainable growth plan. One that ensures ESG principles become a bridge across industries and countries driving growth and not a bureaucratic exercise.” 

 

“Adapting ESG to local needs is key. Therefore, we should explore customizing global ESG frameworks to address the unique socio-economic conditions, developmental challenges, including infrastructure, education and healthcare, as well as vulnerabilities to climate change and economic empowerment, across the continent.”

 

Speaking to the company’s model, she noted that: “At Seplat Energy, our approach has been a regular and systematic process of identifying and analyzing the development ‘gaps’ in our areas of operation and partnering with our communities to define project goals, prioritize resources and develop effective strategies to achieve them.”

Online Poster by — October 6, 2025 in Energy
SEC Committed To promoting Transparency, Investor Trust, Fair Value Reporting – Agama

SEC Committed To Promoting Transparency, Fair Value Reporting – Agama - TheFact Daily


> The Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama, has stressed the Commission’s commitment to promoting transparency, investor confidence, and adherence to international best practices in financial reporting.
>

 
> Agama emphasized that the transition to market valuation is crucial for ensuring that asset values accurately reflect real-time market conditions, thereby strengthening fair value reporting and investor trust.
>
 
> Speaking in an interview weekend, Dr. Agama outlined key modalities guiding Nigeria’s transition to the market-to-market (MTM) valuation of assets in the fixed income space of the capital market adding that the policy was a result of engagements with market participants.
>
 
>  “Timelines have been carefully considered, you know, especially with the concerns being raised by market participants. For us at the SEC, it is important that while we try to introduce new rules and regulations, we also listen to the market and say, okay, how do we meet, how do we meet at the junction where we can all agree to move forward?
>
 
> He noted that the October 2, 2025, deadline for the submission of implementation plans would enable the Commission to assess each institution’s preparedness and capacity, while the September 2027 deadline remains the target for full transition to IFRS 9.
>
 
> “Requesting for implementation plans is not a bureaucratic exercise—it’s to gauge capacity, identify challenges, and meet operators at the point where we can all achieve compliance with one purpose and one goal,” Agama said.
>
 
> “Equity funds are already reported at fair value. The aspect of the Fund Management that was not aligned with international best practice was in the Fixed Income Funds space and that is what this policy alignment covers.
>
 
> “Nigeria has come of age, and we must be seen to be doing things according to global standards. IFRS 9 requires market-to-market valuation of assets, and we cannot be left behind among the committee of nations. ”
>
 
> He added that the reform would ensure that Nigerian assets are comparable globally, allowing investors to assess market performance more accurately.
>
 
> “Our goal is to create a market that is internationally competitive,” he stated, adding, “Adopting IFRS 9 enables ease and compatibility among assets from different nations, clearly positioning Nigeria within the global market space.”
>
 
> Responding to criticisms that the shift to market valuation could expose investors to short-term volatility, Dr. Agama said the move is intended to strengthen, not destabilize, the market.
>
 
> “Some have expressed concerns about volatility, but our intention is not to disadvantage Nigerian investors,” he clarified. “It is to expose them to global standards and transparency. Over time, as the market adjusts, these concerns will ease off and everyone will benefit from a more transparent and credible system.”
>
 
> Beyond IFRS 9, the SEC is also leading Africa in adopting the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) framework. Dr. Agama revealed that Nigeria was among the first countries to accept and begin implementing the ISSB standards, emphasizing their importance for climate and sustainability disclosures.
>
 
> “We pride ourselves as performers—first among nations to accept and adopt the ISSB standards. But we are not oblivious of our contextual issues. We are taking a gradual approach so that our companies are not unduly burdened.”
>
 
> He added that the Commission’s objective is to implement standards that attract rather than restrict capital.
>
 
> “We will not implement standards that will shut companies out of capital. Instead, we are implementing those that will help bring in capital and promote sustainable growth,” he affirmed.
>
 
> Looking ahead, Dr. Agama expressed optimism about the Nigerian capital market’s performance in the final quarter of the year, citing the government’s macroeconomic reforms and the enactment of key laws such as the NIIRA 2025 and ISA 2025 as catalysts for stability and investor confidence.
>
 
> He noted that “markets do not operate in a vacuum, they thrive on stability. With the micro- and macro-economic stability being championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the market is positioned for significant growth. The NIIRA 2025 is a game changer that provides the framework for sustainable expansion.”
>
 
> The SEC Boss concluded that the SEC’s ongoing reforms, particularly the IFRS 9 transition and the adoption of sustainability standards, are part of a broader agenda to globalize Nigeria’s capital market, enhance transparency, and ensure wealth redistribution through a more resilient financial system.
>
 
> “We are on a path of progress and growth. The President’s reform agenda is already taking shape, ensuring that Nigeria’s capital market becomes a global reference point for transparency, regulation, and investor confidence.”



Online Poster by — October 6, 2025 in Capital Market
SON To Hold 2025 World Standard Day to support Sustainable Development Goals

...Walk for Standards holds October 11th

By Fidelia Okafor 

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria, SON, would join the rest of the world to celebrate the 2025 World Standards day with a focus on the Sustainable Development Goals,SDG.

Announcing SON’s participation in a statement, the organisation’s Director, Corporate Affairs –Mrs Talatu Ethan –stated that the event would be commemorated as usual with a “Walk For Standards” on Saturday, 11th October.

The day is celebrated globally to commemorate the collaborative efforts of thousands of experts worldwide who developed voluntary technical agreements known as international standards.

Last year’s edition was a huge success with the day used to draw necessary attention to Artificial Intelligence.

The Worlds Standards Day has therefore become a veritable platform which stakeholders in different sectors of the economy look forward to for enlightenment, not only on updates on standardization issues, but also on key global issues that are impacting businesses and living.

Giving details of the event, Ethan stated; “The Theme of the 2025 Worlds Standards Day is: Shared Vision For a Better World: Spotlight on SDG 17: Partnership For the Goals. The great occasion will be marked with a “Walk For Standards” to raise awareness on the critical role of Standards in everyday life and in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

“This will be on Saturday, 11th October, 2025, at 8.00am and participants would converge at SON’s Ogba office, from where we will be walking through Adeniyi Jones to Aromire street and then to Allen Avenue Junction, and from there to Ikeja bridge by Awolowo House Roundabout, to the popular Computer village, to Oba Akran avenue, back to SON’s Ogba office.”

The Director said the Director General of SON –Dr Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke – would be delighted to have as many Nigerians as possible, plus foreigners living in the country, to participate in the programme.

“Indeed, everyone is invited. Participation is free and we will be pleased to have people trooping in for the walk as a demonstration of their commitment to Standards and Sustainability, just as the event can be maximized for exercise, networking and possible business opportunities”, Ethan also stated.

Online Poster by — October 6, 2025 in Health
Renowned Broadcaster Osokpo Wins  Lifetime Media Award for her Outstanding Contributions 

A highly revered Lagos-based On Air Personality, Vera Osokpo has received a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the media industry, including her unwavering commitment to promoting free speech, balanced reporting, and developmental journalism.
According to the organizers, the award presentation, which was part of Isoko Mirror Newspaper’s 20th-anniversary celebrations, was held at Maṇo Hotel (Yaga) Oleh, Isoko South, in Delta State. Osokpo was also recognized for her selflessness and unwavering commitment to credible journalistic ideals.
Presently, Osokpo works as a prominent anchor on the Lagos-based MITV breakfast show, where she has carved a niche for herself in print, electronic, and online journalism, consistently demonstrating excellence and versatility.
In her acceptance speech, Osokpo described the award as a motivator to redouble her efforts and a challenge to make a greater impact on society through her work, while expressing appreciation to the organisers.
The awardee emphasized that journalism is a social responsibility that demands integrity and forthright disposition from its practitioners. “This honour serves as a challenge for me to improve my service to society. It came as a surprise. My aim was to continually improve myself, unaware that my actions were being monitored and recognised.
I am truly humbled by this honour,” she remarked. Other notable award winners included Hon. Godwin Ogorugba, Executive Chairman of Isoko North Local Government, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contributions to leadership and community development. DCP Joseph Alukoghene Esegine, Esq., was recognised for his significant contributions to nation-building, courtesy of Dr. Fedida Osede Essi, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief
Online Poster by — October 6, 2025 in News
MAN President Announces Aliko Dangote As Guest Speak On Nigeria First Policy At  MAN’s 53rd AGM

By Fidelia Okafor 
Alhaji Aliko Dangote GCON, Africa’s leading industrialist,  the President/CEO of Dangote Group, will be the Guest Speaker at the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) 53rd Annual General Meeting (AGM).
MAN will use the AGM to deepen the conversation on how to unlock the full potential of the Nigeria First policy.
The theme for this year’s Annual General Meeting “Nigeria First: Prioritizing Patronage of Made in Nigeria” underscores MAN’s unwavering belief that prioritizing local production is the surest path to sustainable growth, employment generation and national development.
President of MAN, Otunba Francis Meshioye disclosed this while delivering his speech at a press conference on Wednesday in Lagos to herald the upcoming 53rd AGM of the MAN, scheduled to hold from Tuesday, 14th to Thursday, 16th October 2025 at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
He said, “We are also thrilled to announce that our Distinguished Guest Speaker at this year’s Annual General Meeting is Alhaji Aliko Dangote GCON, Africa’s leading industrialist, President/ CEO of the Dangote Group. Aliko Dangote’s story is an epitome of the Nigeria First spirit.
“He has built one of Africa’s largest Conglomerates, spanning cement, sugar, salt, fertilizers, and oil refinery.  His investment has redefined the Nigeria industrial landscape, created thousands of jobs, and reducing dependence on imports.  His business decisions, over the past decades, capture the very essence of our theme: “Nigeria First: Prioritizing Patronage of Made in Nigeria.
“His presence will inspire our discussions as we navigate the next phase of Nigeria Industrial growth.
Meshioye said the three-day lineup of activities would be rich and impactful.
“Day one kicks off with the Opening Ceremony of the Made in Nigeria Exhibition which is slated for 12noon. Our distinguished Guest of Honour, who will be officially cutting the ribbon is the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume CON; we believe his presence will serve the purpose of further attracting the attention of Government to what is Made in Nigeria, in order to achieve that top of the mind awareness and credible support from the highest level of government. Our distinguished guest of honour will be joined by other dignitaries to draw attention to made in Nigeria products and preach the patriotic gospel of patronage of made in Nigeria at the Exhibition. More than 100 exhibitors will be showcasing their products and thousands of visitors are expected during the 3-day period.
“Day two is planned to be strictly MAN members affairs for the annual general meeting. After the AGM, members will be engaged at a value addition panel discussion on 3D Manufacturing & Risk and Enterprise Management. It is a session planned to give credible accounts to members, create awareness, and sensitize them adequately on thriving in the business of manufacturing.
“On Day three, the engagement will be climaxing with the 5th edition of the Adeola Odutola Lecture/Presidential Luncheon scheduled for Thursday, October 16th, 2025 at 11am with Alhaji Aliko Dangote as our Distinguished Guest Speaker. The exhibition ground will continue to receive guests from far and near, even as we engage at the high-profile lecture. Our Special Guest of Honour on this occasion is the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. Other Economic Ministers, heads of government departments and agencies, members of the diplomatic corps, our colleagues in the Organized Private Sector, and other stakeholders  will join our members to make the grand finale a huge success.
Meshioye said that these sessions are carefully designed to provoke critical discussions, foster partnership, and highlight the urgency of implementing the “Nigeria First” Policy.
“Over the past year, Nigeria’s economic environment has remained challenging, yet it is marked by renewed hope, as bold policy steps are being taken to reposition the economy for growth. Of particular importance is the introduction of the “Nigeria First”  Policy, a decisive strategy to prioritize locally manufactured goods and services.
“This policy represents a turning point for our nation, one that seeks to foster economic self-reliance, industrialization, and national pride. By mandating all Ministries, Departments, and agencies (MDAs) to patronize made in Nigeria goods and services that can be sourced locally, the Federal Government has signalled its resolve to place local industries at the heart of economic transformation.
“The “Nigeria First” Policy is more than a policy directive, it is a call to action to strengthen our industries, deepen local value chains and reposition Nigeria from being a consumer driven economy to a productive economy,” he encouraged.
Online Poster by — October 4, 2025 in Industry