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Educating Nigeria: Inside Union Bank’s Long-Term Bet on Human Capital Development

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blacktalker
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Union Bank’s ‘Endless Possibilities’ Campaign Wins Bronze at 2026 Pitcher Awards

Union Bank of Nigeria is deepening its corporate responsibility efforts in education, positioning human capital development as a central pillar of its long-term strategy to support economic growth and societal resilience.

At the heart of the bank’s approach is Edu360, a platform designed to consolidate its education-focused interventions across schools, teachers, and young people.

The initiative reflects a broader recognition that Nigeria’s future workforce, and by extension its economic stability, depends significantly on the quality of education available today.

A Structured Approach to Education Support

Union Bank’s education interventions are built around three key areas: teacher development, experiential learning, and financial literacy.

Through its partnership with the Maltina Teacher of the Year programme, the bank supports and rewards outstanding teachers, recognising their critical role in shaping learning outcomes.

In addition, the bank promotes practical learning through school hackathons, where students engage in problem-solving and technology-driven projects aimed at fostering innovation and critical thinking.

Financial literacy also forms a core component, with outreach programmes tied to global observances such as World Savings Day, helping young people build foundational money management skills early in life.

Beyond classroom initiatives, the bank has maintained long-standing partnerships with institutions such as Greensprings School, where it has supported youth development through sports and leadership programmes.

Community Impact at the Grassroots

The impact of these initiatives is often most visible at the community level. During a recent back-to-school outreach, the bank visited Ebutte Elefun High School in Lagos Island, distributing school supplies to hundreds of students.

At the event, the bank’s Chief Financial Officer, Oluwagbenga Adeoye, returned to his former school to engage directly with students, sharing personal experiences and encouraging them to pursue their ambitions.

While modest in scale, such interventions are aimed at reducing barriers to education, particularly at critical moments like the start of a school year, when financial constraints can affect attendance.

Balancing Strategy and Social Impact

Union Bank maintains that its involvement in education is not purely philanthropic but also strategic. By supporting education, the bank contributes to building a financially literate and economically active population—future customers, entrepreneurs, and employees.

The initiative aligns with global development frameworks such as United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly goals focused on quality education and decent work.

However, the bank acknowledges the limitations of corporate interventions, noting that such efforts cannot replace systemic public investment or fully address structural challenges within Nigeria’s education sector.

A Long-Term Commitment

Rather than one-off interventions, Edu360 is designed as a sustained engagement model, with an emphasis on consistency, community partnerships, and measurable outcomes over time.

The bank said its focus going forward will include tracking the long-term impact of its programmes on school attendance, completion rates, and economic participation.

In an environment where corporate social responsibility is often measured by visibility, Union Bank’s approach reflects a quieter, long-term strategy—one centred on continuity, local relevance, and measurable impact.

As the bank continues to expand its education initiatives, it maintains that meaningful change will not come from isolated interventions, but from sustained commitment over time.

GTCO Posts ₦302.9bn Profit Before Tax in Q1 2026 Results

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blacktalker
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GTCO Posts ₦302.9bn Profit Before Tax in Q1 2026 Results

Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc has reported a Profit Before Tax, PBT of ₦302.9 billion for the first quarter of 2026, reflecting strong performance across its core banking operations.

The Group disclosed this in its unaudited consolidated and separate financial statements for the period ended March 31, 2026, released to the Nigerian Exchange Group and the London Stock Exchange.

According to the results, growth was driven by increases in interest income and fee income, which rose year-on-year by 17.5 per cent and 7.1 per cent respectively. The Group’s loan book also expanded modestly by 1.3 per cent to ₦3.17 trillion, while deposit liabilities grew by 6.3 per cent to ₦13.69 trillion.

GTCO’s total assets stood at ₦18.7 trillion, with shareholders’ funds at ₦3.6 trillion, underscoring what the Group described as a strong and well-diversified balance sheet.

Key financial indicators showed continued strength, with Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) at 39.5 per cent, while asset quality improved as Stage 3 loans declined to 4.4 per cent from 5.0 per cent recorded in December 2025. Cost of Risk also dropped significantly to 0.2 per cent from 2.2 per cent in the previous period.

Commenting on the performance, the Group Chief Executive Officer, Segun Agbaje, said the results reflect a shift in the quality and composition of the Group’s earnings.

“Our Q1 2026 results mark a defining shift in the quality and composition of our earnings, with strong underlying performance across our core banking operations and increasing contribution from our ecosystem businesses,” he said.

Agbaje added that the Group remains focused on sustainable growth by deepening customer relationships, scaling its ecosystem businesses, and leveraging technology to deliver efficient financial solutions.

He noted that the company sees significant opportunities across payments, wealth management, and banking operations in Nigeria and other African markets where it operates.

GTCO maintained strong profitability ratios, including a pre-tax return on equity of 34.4 per cent, return on assets of 6.6 per cent, and a cost-to-income ratio of 31.5 per cent.

The Group, which operates across Africa and the United Kingdom, said it remains committed to delivering long-term value to stakeholders through innovation, strong corporate governance, and customer-focused financial services.

May Day 2026: CAPPA Demands People-Centred Reforms Amid Rising Cost-of-Living Crisis

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blacktalker
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May Day 2026: CAPPA Demands People-Centred Reforms Amid Rising Cost-of-Living Crisis

As Nigeria marks International Workers’ Day 2026, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, CAPPA has urged government at all levels to implement people-focused reforms to address the worsening economic conditions facing workers.

In a statement issued on Thursday, CAPPA said the commemoration comes at a time when many Nigerians are grappling with rising living costs, stagnant wages, and declining social protections, factors it noted are eroding workers’ quality of life and productivity.

The organisation’s Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, said May Day should serve as a moment for serious reflection rather than ceremonial observance.

“May Day should not be reduced to ceremonial speeches. It must be a moment of reckoning. For millions of Nigerian workers, survival has become a daily negotiation with inflation, rising rents, and shrinking real incomes,” he said.

CAPPA highlighted the growing housing crisis in major urban centres such as Lagos and Abuja, noting that escalating rent prices are pushing average earners out of cities.

It expressed concern over reports of public sector workers, including university lecturers, resorting to sleeping in offices due to unaffordable accommodation.

The group also criticised recent government decisions on land allocation to political appointees, warning that such actions could deepen inequality and erode public trust, especially at a time when many Nigerians are struggling with housing access.

While acknowledging ongoing efforts to review the national minimum wage, CAPPA argued that wage increases alone are insufficient without measures to curb inflation, regulate housing costs, and improve access to essential services.

“An increase in wages that is immediately swallowed by rent hikes, transport costs, and food inflation offers little real relief,” the statement noted.

The organisation further raised concerns about the declining state of public services, including healthcare, education, and transportation, which it said are forcing workers to rely on more expensive private alternatives.

To address these challenges, CAPPA called for a comprehensive national housing strategy focused on affordable rental schemes, stronger labour protections, and increased investment in social services.

It also advocated fiscal policies that prioritise public welfare, including reinvestment of revenues into healthcare, education, and transport systems.

CAPPA urged labour unions, civil society groups, and policymakers to use the May Day platform to push for accountability and reforms that place workers at the centre of national development.

“A nation that neglects its workers undermines its own future,” the organisation said, calling for urgent and sustained action to reverse current economic pressures on Nigerian workers.

Lagos NSCDC Commandant Bags Nigerian Army Resource Centre Fellowship, Pledges Renewed Commitment

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blacktalker
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Lagos NSCDC Commandant Bags Nigerian Army Resource Centre Fellowship, Pledges Renewed Commitment

The Lagos State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Adedotun Keshinro, has been conferred with the prestigious Fellowship of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, marking a significant milestone in his career.

The conferment took place on Thursday, April 30, 2026, during an investiture ceremony held at the Centre in Abuja, where Keshinro was honoured alongside senior military officers and other distinguished professionals.

The recognition aligns with the vision of the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, to develop officers capable of representing the Corps effectively within Nigeria’s evolving security architecture at both national and international levels.

Reacting to the honour, Keshinro expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve in Lagos and other capacities within the Corps, attributing the achievement to the support of the NSCDC leadership and his team in the state.

He also commended officers and management staff of the Lagos Command for their contributions, describing them as instrumental to the successes recorded under his administration.

Reaffirming his commitment to duty, the Commandant pledged to intensify efforts toward tackling infrastructure vandalism and other criminal activities across Lagos State.

Keshinro added that the recognition would serve as further motivation to strengthen operational efficiency and contribute meaningfully to national security, noting that “the reward for hard work is more work.”

Dangote Refinery Recalls Redeployed Engineers After Disciplinary Review

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blacktalker
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Dangote Refinery Recalls Redeployed Engineers After Disciplinary Review

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has approved the recall of engineers previously redeployed across its business units, following what it described as a conditional pardon after earlier disciplinary actions.

The decision, conveyed in an internal memo signed by Group Vice President, Oil & Gas, Devakumar Edwin, comes after what management termed an extensive review process and appeals from stakeholders and the affected staff.

According to the refinery, the initial redeployment—carried out in October 2025—was aimed at stabilising operations amid disruptions. However, the latest move signals a shift toward reintegration and operational consolidation.

Under the directive, all affected engineers will be invited for meetings and subsequently reassigned to resume duties at the refinery. The recall also extends to those who had earlier declined redeployment offers within the Group.

Management said the decision reflects a balance between enforcing discipline and offering second chances, while maintaining strict expectations around professionalism and corporate standards.

“This decision was not an easy one. It reflects not only our belief in second chances but also serves as a clear reminder that loyalty, professionalism and adherence to organisational standards are non-negotiable,” the memo stated.

The company, however, issued a firm warning that any recurrence of misconduct would attract immediate sanctions, reiterating its zero-tolerance stance on actions capable of undermining operations.

Dangote Refinery added that it expects the returning engineers to demonstrate renewed commitment as it continues efforts to strengthen operational efficiency and sustain its position as a key player in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

“We welcome our colleagues back with the expectation of renewed dedication,” the company said, expressing confidence that the reintegration would support improved performance and long-term operational stability.

FirstBank Confirms Olayinka Ijabiyi as Group Head, Marketing, Corporate Communications

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blacktalker
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FirstBank Confirms Olayinka Ijabiyi as Group Head, Marketing, Corporate Communications

FirstBank of Nigeria has confirmed the appointment of Olayinka Thomas Ijabiyi as its substantive Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, effective immediately.

The bank said the appointment underscores its commitment to strong corporate governance as it advances its growth and transformation agenda across key markets.

Ijabiyi, a seasoned marketing and communications professional with over 25 years of experience, has been serving in an acting capacity since December 2024 before his confirmation.

In his current role, he is responsible for driving integrated marketing and corporate communications strategies across the Group, including brand and reputation management, executive positioning, corporate responsibility and sustainability, as well as stakeholder engagement.

Since joining FirstBank in 2011, he has held several leadership roles within the bank’s Marketing and Corporate Communications Department, including Head of Brand Strategy and Special Projects, Head of Digital Marketing, and Head of Brand and Stakeholder Management.

Prior to his time at FirstBank, Ijabiyi built a diverse career across organisations such as British Council, MultiChoice Group, MTN Nigeria, and Etisalat Nigeria, where he contributed to brand development, corporate communications, and digital transformation initiatives.

He is widely regarded for his strategic approach to brand building and his ability to align communications with business objectives, having led several high-impact campaigns, including milestone anniversary projects and brand refresh initiatives.

Ijabiyi holds a Master’s degree in Public and International Affairs from the University of Lagos and a Bachelor’s degree in English Language from the former Ondo State University, Ado Ekiti. He is also a Fellow of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria and a member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations.

The appointment positions him to lead the bank’s brand and communications strategy as it continues to strengthen its market presence and stakeholder engagement across the region.

SIFAX Group Backs Customs Feature Film ‘Novara’ at Lagos Premiere

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blacktalker
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SIFAX Group Backs Customs Feature Film ‘Novara’ at Lagos Premiere
(L-R): Joseph Okpanachi Adejoh, Superintendent of Customs I; (Centre) Ololade Dawodu, Head of Clearing and Forwarding at SIFAX Shipping; and other guests during the premiere of the Customs movie, Novara, at Viva Cinema, Ikeja.

SIFAX Group has been recognised as a major sponsor of Novara, the debut feature film by the Nigeria Customs Service, at its star-studded premiere in Lagos.

The event, held on April 25, 2026, at Viva Cinemas Jara Mall, brought together top customs officials, industry stakeholders, members of the diplomatic corps, and entertainment personalities in what observers described as a landmark moment for institutional storytelling in Nigeria.

Representing SIFAX Group, Mrs Ololade Dawodu, Head of Clearing and Forwarding at SIFAX Shipping, said the film reflects the realities of maritime operations and security challenges faced at the nation’s ports.

She noted that the storyline resonates strongly with activities at Tin Can Island Port, one of Nigeria’s busiest commercial hubs and a key part of the company’s operational environment.

“For those of us in the industry, port operations are familiar, but this film goes beyond the surface to reveal the high-stakes realities behind global logistics,” she said.

Dawodu added that the film serves as a tribute to the courage and sacrifices of customs officers tasked with protecting the nation’s economic lifelines, stressing that security remains critical to sustaining trade.

“At SIFAX Group, we believe that a secure maritime sector is the backbone of a thriving economy. Without security, trade cannot flourish,” she stated.

The film’s producer, Agozie Ugwu, alongside Superintendent of Customs, Okpanachi Adejoh, commended SIFAX Group’s support, describing it as instrumental to the project’s successful execution.

Directed by Ugwu, Novara features Nollywood actors Francis Duru and Ray Adeka, and tells the story of an undercover customs officer navigating the dangers of dismantling a major smuggling syndicate.

The film centres on Superintendent Panshak Asiya, whose mission exposes the personal risks and sacrifices associated with law enforcement, while highlighting broader themes of duty, resilience, and the human cost of safeguarding Nigeria’s borders.

Stakeholders at the premiere commended the collaboration between the creative industry and security institutions, noting that such initiatives can deepen public understanding of national security efforts.

For SIFAX Group, the partnership underscores its commitment to promoting a secure and efficient maritime sector as a foundation for sustainable economic growth.

IGP’s Wife Mutiat Disu Launches POWA Cares Initiative in Lagos, Targets 1,000 Women

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blacktalker
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IGP’s Wife Mutiat Disu Launches POWA Cares Initiative in Lagos, Targets 1,000 Women

Wife of the Inspector-General of Police and National President of the Police Officers’ Wives Association, Mutiat Olufunmilola Disu, has launched the POWA Cares Initiative in Lagos, a two-day programme aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of police families and surrounding communities.

The initiative, unveiled on April 28, 2026, is expected to benefit about 1,000 women through a mix of healthcare services, financial support, and empowerment interventions.

Speaking at the event, Mrs Disu said the programme was inspired by the need to address health challenges faced by police families, particularly cases linked to low awareness and late diagnosis of illnesses.

Drawing from her medical background, she explained that the initiative focuses on health education, early detection, and timely treatment, while also promoting broader family and community wellbeing.

As part of the programme, participants received free medical services including dental care, eye screening, blood tests, blood pressure checks, reproductive health screening, and glucose testing.

In addition, POWA announced scholarships for 15 nursing students to encourage interest in the profession amid growing workforce shortages.

The initiative also featured empowerment components, with 200 women receiving ₦50,000 each through a raffle draw, while another 200 beneficiaries were issued Cowry transport cards preloaded with ₦10,000 for use on train and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) services.

Selected families will also be hosted at exclusive dinners with the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, and the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu.

Beneficiaries at the event included Joy Ezirim, Fakoya Olaide, Agboola Agnes, Ubine Ladidi, Kehinde Magbagbeolu, Hakimat Usman and Temilola Ayeni.

Commending the initiative, Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, described it as a first-of-its-kind intervention, noting that healthy families enhance the effectiveness of police personnel.

Also speaking, Mrs Olusola Ositade of the Lagos State Ministry of Health urged women to prioritise regular health checks and embrace preventive care.

Mrs Disu expressed optimism about expanding the POWA Cares Initiative nationwide, calling on state governments to partner with the association to replicate the programme across all 36 states.

Police Rescue Five Abducted Gateway Polytechnic Students in Ogun

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blacktalker
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Police Rescue Five Abducted Gateway Polytechnic Students in Ogun

The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed the successful rescue of five abducted students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic following a coordinated intelligence-led operation.

Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, disclosed this during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta, detailing the incident and subsequent rescue efforts.

According to the police chief, the kidnapping occurred on April 27, 2026, at about 10:55 p.m., when officers at Ipara Division received a distress call from the Sapade area.

A patrol team dispatched to the scene discovered an abandoned ash-coloured Toyota vehicle riddled with bullet holes and stained with blood, alongside mobile phones and other personal belongings.

Further investigation led to the recovery of a student identity card belonging to one of the victims, confirming that the abducted individuals were students of the institution.

Ojajuni said the development prompted an immediate escalation and the launch of a full-scale rescue operation involving multiple tactical units, including operatives from Isara Area Command, Ipara Division, SWAT, Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Quick Response Squad (QRS), and OP MESA.

On April 28, joint teams carried out intensive bush-combing and intelligence-driven tracking along suspected escape routes, particularly around the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and the Fidiwo axis in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area.

“The sustained operational pressure led to the successful rescue of the five victims,” Ojajuni said.

He added that the victims were immediately evacuated, debriefed, and given first aid before being taken to the police hospital in Abeokuta for medical attention. They were reported to be in stable condition.

During the operation, the kidnappers reportedly engaged security operatives in a gun duel but were overpowered, forcing them to flee with suspected gunshot injuries. No casualties were recorded among the police team.

The Commissioner commended the professionalism and coordination of the operatives involved, noting that intelligence-led policing played a critical role in the success of the mission.

He assured residents that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects, while the rescued students have been handed over to the management of the institution.

LASG Launches Nigeria’s First Parametric Flood Insurance Policy, Targets 4 Million Vulnerable Residents

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blacktalker
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LASG Launches Nigeria’s First Parametric Flood Insurance Policy, Targets 4 Million Vulnerable Residents

The Lagos State Government has unveiled Nigeria’s first parametric flood insurance policy, a $7.5 million climate risk protection scheme designed to support vulnerable communities and strengthen disaster response across the state.

Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, launched the initiative on April 29, 2026, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, describing it as a major shift from reactive to proactive disaster management.

The Lagos Flood Risk Insurance Policy, developed through a partnership involving the state government, the United Nations Development Programme, Insurance Development Forum, and the German government through the KfW Development Bank, is designed to provide immediate financial support when flooding occurs.

According to the governor, the scheme is Nigeria’s first sub-sovereign climate risk transfer solution, relying on satellite data and flood modelling to trigger automatic payouts once pre-defined flood thresholds are met.

“It does not wait for damage assessments or lengthy claims processes. Once flood triggers are activated, funds are released automatically, enabling rapid deployment of relief and direct cash transfers to affected communities,” he said.

The policy targets up to four million vulnerable residents across seven pilot local government areas, Alimosho, Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Amuwo-Odofin, Apapa, Kosofe, Somolu and Ojo.

Sanwo-Olu noted that the InsuResilience Solutions Fund is funding 90 per cent of the first-year premium, with the state government contributing the remaining 10 per cent and committing to increased funding over time to ensure sustainability.

He urged residents, particularly in flood-prone areas, to update their records with the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency to facilitate seamless disbursement of support.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Finance, Abayomi Oluyomi, said the insurance payout mechanism would be integrated into the state’s social protection framework using LASRRA data to identify beneficiaries.

The Special Adviser on Sustainable Development Goals, Oreoluwa Finnih, described the initiative as a data-driven approach aligned with global sustainability targets, particularly those focused on poverty reduction, resilient cities and climate action.

Development partners including the World Bank, African Development Bank, European Union, as well as private sector players such as AXA Climate and Swiss Re, were also commended for their technical and financial contributions.

The initiative is expected to enhance Lagos’ resilience to climate shocks, improve emergency response timelines, and provide a financial safety net for millions of residents vulnerable to flooding.

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