Author: Ifetayo Adeniyi

FirstBank, West Africa’s premier financial institution and financial inclusion services provider, is pleased to announce its upcoming SMEConnect Webinar scheduled to hold on Thursday, 25 June 2025. Through SMEConnect, FirstBank delivers capacity building of its value propositions to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The virtual event, which holds every quarter, equips business owners with practical knowledge, tools, and resources to compete and scale in today’s fast-changing economy. This quarter’s edition, themed “Funding Your Growth: How SMEs Can Access Finance and Scale Faster,” will deliver actionable insights on securing funding, leveraging digital solutions, and overcoming operational hurdles. The keynote address will…

Mrs. Pamela Shodipo, Executive Director, South, Fidelity Bank Plc (2nd L); Mrs. Amaka Onwughalu, Chairman, Board of Directors, Fidelity Bank Plc (4th L); Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, MD/CEO, Fidelity Bank Plc (6th L); and Dr (Mrs.) Nonye Soludo, First Lady of Anambra State (2nd R), with the beneficiaries at the Fidelity Bank Empowerment Programme organized in partnership with Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Foundation, held in Awka, Anambra State recently. Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable social impact and economic inclusion through the empowerment of women and schoolchildren in Anambra State. The landmark intervention, held…

Elegbede Abiodun “We’re looking to sign deals. At least a minimum of $500 million in deals will be signed come July 22 to 24.” Ibekwe said.  The Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS) is targeting the signing of at least $500 million worth of deals at its 2026 edition as organisers seek to deepen investment in Africa’s social and economic development. Organisers disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja during a joint press conference hosted by the United Nations and the Africa Social Impact Summit ahead of the event scheduled to hold in Lagos by July. Chief Executive Officer of the Sterling…

The minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo Federal government counters national carrier setup as it will amount to waste of resources. The minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has ruled out the establishment of a national carrier for Nigeria, insisting that government-owned airlines cannot thrive under bureaucratic and political control. Keyamo made the declaration on Thursday in Lagos during the unveiling of two newly acquired Boeing 737-800 Next Generation (NG) aircraft by United Nigeria Airlines. The aircraft were named after the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, and the late literary icon, Prof. Chinua Achebe. Industry…

Sujimoto Group has announced its strategic entry into Nigeria’s food processing and manufacturing sector with plans to establish a large-scale food production operation aimed at strengthening food security, promoting industrial growth, and supporting economic development across the country. Speaking on the development, the Founder and Group Managing Director of Sujimoto, Sijibomi Ogundele, disclosed that the company has commenced strategic engagements with international technology partners to bring world-class food manufacturing standards to Nigeria. According to him, Nigeria’s growing population and increasing demand for food products present significant opportunities for investment in food production and processing. “With a population of over 240…

Obama Presidential Centre opening will  be featuring Tems, John Legend and others. Nigerian Afrobeats star Tems is set to perform alongside music legends Stevie Wonder and John Legend at the official opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Centre in Chicago on June 18. The Barack Obama Presidential Centre is designed to serve as a museum, library, educational hub, community space, conference facility, and the headquarters of the Obama Foundation. Former United States President Barack Obama unveiled the lineup in an Instagram reel presented as a light-hearted chat, revealing a star-studded roster of performers for the landmark event. Other artists scheduled…

MTN has decided to restore Xtratime service which was once halted. MTN Nigeria has restored its XtraTime service, bringing relief to millions of subscribers who rely on the airtime advance feature during emergencies and periods of low balance. Recall that the service, which allows eligible customers to borrow airtime and repay on their next recharge, was temporarily suspended following a new compliance requirement introduced by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC). The company announced the suspension in a notice signed by its Company Secretary, Uto Ukpanah. “MTN Nigeria Communications PLC hereby notifies the Nigerian Exchange Limited and the…

US and Iran have signed peace deal to put an end to war and the opening of Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump has signed the memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran to end the war. Trump signed the document shortly before the dinner hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palace of Versailles on Wednesday night, June 17. Iran’s president, Masoud Pezeshkian, also signed the agreement on Wednesday from Tehran. The US vice-president, JD Vance, is also expected to sign the deal at a more formal ceremony in Geneva on Friday. Iran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad…

The three-time champions El-Kanemi Warriors will have to battle with Ikorodu City in the final of the 2026 President Federation Cup after both sides emerged victorious in Wednesday’s semi-final encounters. El-Kanemi secured their place in the showpiece match with an impressive 3-1 victory over Wikki Tourists in Katsina, reaching a second consecutive Federation Cup final. The Maiduguri-based side produced a commanding display to underline their status as one of the favourites for the trophy and move within touching distance of a fourth national cup title. Ikorodu City, meanwhile, continued their remarkable giant-killing run by overcoming Nasarawa United 4-2 on penalties…

After years of ordeal, Nigeria’s former Minister of Petroleum, Diezani Alison-Madueke, was yesterday found ‘not guilty’ of the six bribery charges brought against her by the UK’s National Crime Agency in 2023, effectively closing an investigation that began over a decade ago. All the while, the ex-minister Alison had been charged by the agency over allegations that she took cash as well as accepted flights on private jets, chauffeur driven cars and luxury goods from Louis Vuitton and Harrods as Nigeria’s oil minister. But in her defence, the first female president of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), said…