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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
NDIC, CIBN Strengthen Collaboration In Emerging Issues In The Financial Sector

Amaka Obiefuna

 

The Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Mr. Thompson Oludare Sunday, has called for enhanced collaboration between the Corporation and the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) in addressing emerging risks and challenges within Nigeria’s banking sector.

 

The MD/CE made the call during a courtesy visit by the President/Chairman of Council of the CIBN, Prof. Pius Deji Olanrewaju, and members of his executive team to the NDIC Head Office, Abuja.

 

The NDIC Chief Executive emphasized the need for stronger partnership between both institutions in critical areas such as digital banking, cyber- security, fraud and forgery prevention, and sound risk management.

 

Mr. Sunday noted that while the phenomena of the emerging issues are on the rise, regulators and operators must come together to proffer solutions which help build a stronger financial ecosystem that withstands the vagaries of the innovations to deliver value to the economy.

 

While commending the growth of the CIBN as a professional body over the years, and its positive impact on the banking system, the NDIC Boss further called on the Institute to take critical interest in working more closely with regulators to fashion innovative failure resolution strategies that strengthen the overall resilience of the banking sector.

 

The NDIC boss reiterated the Corporation’s commitment to supporting professional institutions such as the CIBN in developing and implementing programs that foster innovation while maintaining sound risk management frameworks and financial system stability.

 

President/Chairman of Council of the CIBN, Prof. Pius Deji Olanrewaju congratulated Mr. Sunday on his appointment as Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Corporation. He expressed confidence in the capacity of the MD/CE to uphold the trust reposed in the Corporation by the public based on his sound track record and expertise.

He particularly commended the NDIC for its notable milestone achievements, highlighting the upward review of deposit insurance coverage aimed at strengthening public confidence in the banking system; the deployment of technology to expedite the reimbursement of depositors of the failed Heritage Bank; and the commencement of liquidation dividend payments within one year of the bank’s closure. Prof. Olanrewaju noted that these accomplishments have significantly enhanced depositor and investor confidence in the financial system.

 

The CIBN President also expressed appreciation to the NDIC for its invaluable contributions and active role as a member of the Institute’s Governing Council, noting that its participation has greatly strengthened the Council’s oversight functions, policy direction, and ethical leadership.

 

Online Poster by — October 9, 2025 in Insurance and Pension
Fidelity Bank Set To Disburse NCGC N5bn Credit Guarantee Facility To Boost MSME Financing

 

Amaka Obiefuna

 

Tier one Lender, Fidelity Bank Plc, has announced its readiness to begin the disbursement of funds under the National Credit Guarantee Company (NCGC) N5 billion Credit Intervention Scheme. The initiative is designed to expand access to finance for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), as well as businesses owned by women and youths across Nigeria.

 

This was disclosed by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the bank and NCGC.

 

According to Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe, the partnership with NCGC represents a significant step in the bank’s ongoing efforts to enhance financial inclusion and stimulate economic growth through increased access to credit. “This guarantee will enable us to further expand financing opportunities for those who need it most, while strengthening our capacity to support businesses across key sectors of the Nigerian economy,” she said.

 

The facility will cover critical sectors including food processing, secondary agriculture (such as fish and poultry processing), fashion, green energy, light manufacturing, the agricultural value chain (feed mills and equipment fabrication), export-oriented businesses, and education.

 

Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe highlighted that Fidelity Bank has consistently supported diverse sectors through targeted initiatives such as the Green Energy Financing Programme for renewable energy entrepreneurs, the Fidelity SME Hub for small businesses with a special arm – Creativerse, dedicated to the creative industry and the Fidelity Bank Education Support Scheme which provides affordable financing for educational infrastructure and technology upgrades.

 

“With the backing of the NCGC credit guarantee, we can now extend financing to businesses that have traditionally been excluded from formal credit systems—without compromising our risk standards or operational efficiency,” she added. “While we have supported MSMEs with short-term facilities in the past, this partnership allows us to provide long-term credit facilities that empower businesses to expand sustainably.”

 

Over the past five years, Fidelity Bank has disbursed over N500 billion in loans to MSMEs, empowering thousands of entrepreneurs and creating sustainable livelihoods.

 

Also speaking at the event, Managing Director of NCGC, Mr. Bonaventure Okhaimo, emphasized that the organization was established to bridge the financing gap faced by MSMEs in Nigeria by mitigating lender risks through credit guarantees.

 

“Although MSMEs are key contributors to Nigeria’s economic development, many of them struggle to secure funding from financial institutions due to perceived high risks,” he said. “Through the credit guarantee scheme, NCGC shares this risk with banks, making it easier for MSMEs to access much-needed capital.”

 

Mr. Okhaimo added that NCGC and Fidelity Bank will also collaborate to provide financial literacy and business management training to MSME beneficiaries, ensuring they have the knowledge and skills to effectively manage their loans and achieve sustainable growth.

 

The Fidelity Bank–NCGC partnership reinforces both institutions shared commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, strengthening MSMEs, and driving inclusive economic development across Nigeria.

 

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 — October 9, 2025 in Capital Market
Crystal Garden Estate CEO Urges Legislation Against Unregulated Property Agents, Landlords 

By Ebele Ofodile
The Chief Executive Officer, Crystal Garden Estate, Amb. Kelvin Simeon Chukwu has called for legislation against unregulated property agents and Shylock landlords who engage in arbitrary increase of house rents.
Speaking during the celebration of 10 years anniversary of Crystal Garden Estate, the CEO urged governments at all levels to come to the rescue of tenants most of whom are not able to cope with the present economic situation.
According to him, the ugly situation prompted his bid to assist tenants to become landlords through the establishment of Crystal Garden Estate, which has turned scores of tenants to land and car owners.
“Today, we presented 14 cars as empowerment to our hard-working realtors. There is no free lunch. Whatever you achieve, know that it is a new beginning and as such, you don’t need to relax. You should push higher. It is sweeter if you get higher,” he said.
 He recalled the journey to Crystal Garden Estate  development, saying “it has been tasking with pressure, but it is part of life. We embraced them all and found a solution.”
 Sunday Owe Emmanuel, one of the lucky winners of the cars, said: “I am so happy being part of those who won cars in Crystal Garden Estate. Last year December, I saw people who won cars and said to myself, you must win a car this year in Crystal Garden Estate. And today, God has made it possible for me.
“In Crystal Garden Estate, you must be hard working, dedicated and focused for you to win a car or own a property.
 “They never promised or said something and failed to fulfill what they promised. They are reliable and trustworthy,” he stated.
Chief Godwin Okeke, Chairman, G.U.O Group,  Dr. Cosmas Maduka, CEO, Coscharis Group, Anambra State House of Assembly lawmaker, Hon. Jude Umennajiego, Anambra  State Chairman of Civil Liberties  Anambra  Organization, CLO, Com Vincent Ezekwueme were among the dignitaries that graced the occasion.
Online Poster by — October 9, 2025 in News
Union Bank Strengthens Media Ties At Informal Mixer Event

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.

Online Poster by — October 9, 2025 in News
Tinubu’s Endorsement Of Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu : The Echo Of A New Beginning In Anambra 

By Nnedinma Michael
When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu placed the APC flag in the hands of Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu and his running mate, Senator Uche Ekwunife, and declared, “Go and get me Anambra. We will work with you, come rain, come shine,” those words were not mere political utterances. They were a declaration of faith, a call to destiny, and a solemn commitment that still echoes powerfully across Anambra today.
That moment ignited a new hope in the hearts of Ndi Anambra — hope that after years of disconnection from the center, the state is finally on the path to reclaiming its rightful place in Nigeria’s mainstream development. It was a symbolic transfer of trust and responsibility, an expression of confidence in the capacity of Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu to bring home victory and deliver purposeful governance that speaks to the dreams of the people.
Since that charge was made, it has continued to reverberate across communities, towns, and political circles in Anambra. For many, it was not just the President speaking to a candidate; it was the leader of the nation placing the destiny of an entire people into the hands of a man he believes can transform their lives and lift their hopes.
Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, fondly called Ikukuoma, is not a stranger to the people. He is a man whose life has been defined by service, generosity, and integrity. Over the years, he has touched lives in countless ways — building schools, offering scholarships to thousands of children, empowering widows and artisans, providing healthcare for the sick, and supporting churches and community development projects. He is a man who lives for others, a man whose philanthropy has long spoken louder than politics.
Born into a humble but noble family in Osumenyi, Nnewi South, Ukachukwu rose through sheer determination, faith, and hard work. He built a successful career in business, real estate, and public service, creating opportunities for others along the way. His story is the story of resilience and grace — the story of a man who believes that true leadership begins with compassion.
It is this same compassion that now drives his vision for Anambra State. For Ukachukwu, politics is not about power; it is about people. His mission is simple — to make Anambra work again, to restore peace and order, to create jobs for the youth, and to return dignity to governance. His dream is to see an Anambra where every child has the opportunity to succeed, where the elderly are cared for, and where hard work is rewarded.
President Bola Tinubu’s endorsement of Ukachukwu is, therefore, not just political strategy — it is a seal of trust. Tinubu, a man who has built his legacy on identifying and nurturing capable leaders, has seen in Ukachukwu the qualities that produce results. The President’s confidence in him is a reflection of his understanding that the man who once built successful ventures from scratch, who has given back to his people even without holding office, will certainly deliver excellence when given the platform to lead.
The President’s words, “We will stand by you, come rain, come shine,” are still ringing with renewed energy. They represent a partnership that promises to bring Anambra closer to the center of national development. They represent a future where Anambra will no longer stand alone but will stand tall among states driving the engine of Nigeria’s growth.
The APC has shown readiness and unity of purpose. From the leadership at the national level to the grassroots in Anambra, there is a renewed sense of mission. The support behind Ukachukwu is broad and determined, driven by the belief that the time has come to end years of stagnation and isolation. The people are eager for change — for a leadership that is accessible, competent, and compassionate.
President Tinubu’s confidence in Prince Ukachukwu is rooted in his belief in performance and results. His own story in Lagos remains a testament to what vision and discipline can achieve — turning a state once burdened with challenges into a global economic hub. That same model of effective governance is what he envisions for Anambra through Ukachukwu — a leadership that will prioritize development, attract investments, ensure security, and build prosperity from the grassroots up.
Ukachukwu’s leadership style embodies humility and inclusiveness. He is a bridge between the old and the young, the wealthy and the struggling, the traditional and the modern. His partnership with Senator Uche Ekwunife further strengthens this ticket, combining experience, gender balance, and grassroots reach. Together, they present a credible and balanced team that understands both the pulse and the pain of the people.
The message they carry is clear: it is time to bring Anambra back to the center of national decision-making, to reconnect the state to the heartbeat of Nigeria’s progress. The people of Anambra are hardworking, creative, and enterprising. What they need is a government that matches their energy with vision — one that can unlock their full potential through access to opportunities and federal partnerships.
The endorsement of Prince Ukachukwu has already transformed the political mood across Anambra. From Awka to Onitsha, Nnewi to Ihiala, and the riverine communities of Ogbaru to the uplands of Aguata, there is a quiet but growing belief that change is finally within reach. The APC’s message of development, good governance, and security is resonating deeply with the people.
Ukachukwu’s campaign is people-driven, focusing on the real issues affecting everyday lives. He speaks about restoring peace and ending insecurity, about empowering small businesses, fixing roads, improving schools and hospitals, and giving every community a voice in government. He believes that leadership must be about compassion, not corruption — about results, not rhetoric.
The charge from the President continues to serve as both a motivation and a reminder that Anambra deserves more — that the state must rise again to its full glory. Ukachukwu represents that hope, that promise, that possibility. He stands as a bridge between the federal government and the people, ready to harness national support for local growth.
For too long, politics in Anambra has been about survival and power play. Ukachukwu’s entry has changed the narrative. He brings credibility, humility, and a clear roadmap for progress. His story inspires confidence because it is real — it is the story of a man who has lived among the people, who knows their struggles, and who has never turned away when they called.
President Tinubu’s blessing has given this movement wings. The same energy that transformed Lagos, the same leadership philosophy that emphasizes efficiency, accountability, and results, is now being extended to Anambra through this alliance. It is a partnership that promises peace, growth, and inclusion.
Ndi Anambra now stand at the crossroads of history. The future beckons — a future of unity, security, and shared prosperity. The voice of hope is clear, the direction is set, and the leadership to drive it is ready. With Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu at the helm, backed by the vision and support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the journey toward a greater Anambra has already begun.
Every generation is given one opportunity to choose a leader who truly embodies its aspirations. This is that moment. Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu is that leader. His heart beats for the people, his hands are clean, and his vision is clear. He is not seeking power for privilege; he is seeking leadership for purpose.
The time has come for Anambra to take its rightful place. The time has come to heed the call that still echoes — “Go and get me Anambra.” It is a call for service, a call for unity, and a call for progress. Under Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, the Light of the Nation will shine brighter, and Anambra will rise again — stronger, safer, and more prosperous than ever before.
Anambra deserves better. Anambra deserves a new beginning. Anambra deserves Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu.
Online Poster by — October 9, 2025 in News