Beneficiaries, parents and educationists from far and wide have lauded the Chris Oyakhilome Foundation International Scholarships, COFI, for its impact in transforming the lives of young people and helping them realize their God-given potential through its various intervention programmes.
The occasion was the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the organisation held in Ikeja, Lagos.
The initiative, which started with 67 young persons, some of whom were as young as three years, began with what was called Kids Can. That later transformed to Kings Can.
Giving the genesis of how the programme started, Pastor Ifeoma Chiemeka, the Director, Corporate Affairs, explained that it began with a group of young boys and girls who were members of a dance group.
“The Chris Oyakhilome Foundation International Scholarships started with 67 young boys and girls on December 7, 2015. Some of the members were as young as three years then. They were offered scholarships to university level. Now, 29 of those young chaps have become university graduates and the youngest among them about completing secondary school education.
“COFI is giving access to quality education to young persons, some of whom are from humble backgrounds. It has strengthened families through education stability and built a network of budding leaders. The Chris Oyakhilome Foundation International Scholarships is faith-based, and really, it’s the manifestation of the heart of our man of God, which is so full of love. And everything about it is giving, giving to the society, and anything that can develop the full potential of an individual,” she said.
Chiemeka added that developing the inmate talents in people is also part of the assignment and mentioned the building of two vehicles by some youths in the ministry.
On the building of the vehicles, she added, “What those young chaps have done is they’ve shown that it is possible, and so that’s really what it was about. That you can dream, and you can actualize your dreams, and we just saw that in the building of the cars.”
In his welcome address, the Chairman of COFI, Highly Esteemed Rev. Tom Amenkhienan, said the occasion marked a decade of measurable, documented impact by the Chris Oyakhilome Foundation International Scholarships.
“Today is not merely ceremonial. It is a defining institutional moment — one of accountability, reflection, and strategic projection.
“Ten years ago, the COFI Scholarships Initiative was established as a deliberate and structured response to a pressing need: to expand access to quality education for deserving young minds, eliminate financial barriers, and position education as a catalyst for sustainable transformation. A decade later, what began as vision has become verifiable impact.
‘Over these ten years, the initiative has: Secured academic futures for countless students, repositioned life trajectories, strengthened families through educational stability, contributed to community advancement and built a growing network of emerging leaders equipped for national and global relevance.This is not aspirational language. It is documented evidence.
“When you invest in a child’s education, you are not merely funding tuition. You are:building leadership capacity, strengthening economic resilience, expanding opportunity ecosystems, and influencing generational outcomes.”
He noted that the next decade demands scale, innovation, deeper partnerships, and expanded reach across borders.
Amenkhienan described Pastor Oyakhilome as a problem solver, who values giving people the opportunity to actualize their potential.
He disclosed that the Foundation has built 16 tuition-free schools in some African countries including Nigeria, while various donations have been made to universities and tertiary institutions in the form of faculty buildings among others.
The cleric added that 40 of the beneficiaries graduated from Benson Idahosa University in Benin and some with talents in arts were sponsored to Drexel University and the American Film Institute, underscoring the programme’s global reach and relevance.
Evangelist Dr Kathy Woghiren, the Director, Loveworld Films and Arts Department, explained that many people are also benefitting from the various projects intended to promote arts such the Fashion Hub.
Pastor Afolabi Oketunji, the Pro-Chancellor of the British-Canadian University being promoted by Pastor Oyakhilome, described education as being about becoming, not about learning.
A mother of one of the beneficiaries, Mrs Esther Nnafunya, from Anambra State, described Pastor Oyakhilome as God-sent to her family.
” My husband was a wrestler and and died while we were just 10 years into our marriage leaving me with three young children. If I say I knew where and how to continue after his death, I lie. But God sent the Man of God, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome to us to rescue us. My son was among the first set of beneficiaries. He was sent to a private secondary school.
“After that, he was sent to Benson Idahosa University without me or any member of my family paying a dime. The Foundation took care of everything. After his graduation, he was also given a job,” she stated.
She commended Pastor Oyakhilome for the various ways he helps people.
As part of the event, a lecture on the future of education was held.
Among the participants were Prof. Ngozi Imaga of the University of Lagos, and Prof. Chukwuemeka Eke of the University of Abuja.
In his keynote speech, Prof. Eke said education is not a sector, but the engine of national destiny.
He noted that with the disruption caused by Artificial intelligence, which is reshaping industries, it was unfortunate that the education systems in many African countries including Nigeria, remain structured for an industrial era that no longer exists.
“We are preparing students for stability in a world defined by acceleration. We are teaching memorization in an economy that rewards innovation. We are awarding certificates in a labour market that demands competence. And the gap — between what we teach and what the world requires — is widening.”
He added that, “The challenge before us is not lack of intelligence. Our youth are brilliant. It is not lack of aspiration. Our youth are ambitious. The problem is structural misalignment. Many curricula remain content-heavy but competence-light. Entrepreneurship is treated as optional. Digital literacy is uneven. Sustainability is peripheral. Critical thinking is assumed — not cultivated.”
NB grows revenue by 35% to N1.46trn
Nigerian Breweries, NB Plc has recorded a revenue of N1.467 trillion in its audited results ended December 31, 2025, showing an increase by 35% from N1.084 trillion recorded in the corresponding period in 2024.
The full-year 2025 results showed that the company made a rebound from what was a challenging year for the business in 2024 driven mainly by macroeconomic factors.
The company, in a statement sent to the Nigerian Exchange Limited, NGX disclosed that its gross profit in the fourth quarter of the financial year also increased from N320 billion in the corresponding period in 2024 to N565 billion, representing a 77% increase.
A breakdown of the audited results showed that the cost of sales rose from N765 billion in 2024 to N902 billion in the period under review in 2025, while marketing, distribution and administration expenses also grew by 43% from N254 billion in 2024 to N364 billion in 2025.
Commenting on the results, the Company Secretary/Legal Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Uaboi Agbebaku, explained that the 35% revenue growth recorded for the financial year was supported by sustained innovation, premiumisation, right pricing, and strong commercial execution.
He also stated that the rise in operating profit reflects rigorous cost discipline, productivity gains, and supply chain efficiencies, on the back of the 2024 business recovery plan.
“Group operating profit grew by over 190%, reflecting the revenue growth, rigorous cost discipline, productivity gains, and supply chain efficiencies on the back of the 2024 business recovery plan. Group net profit rebounded by 168% from the net loss position of a year earlier. The rebound was aided by an 83% reduction in net finance costs following the successful 2024 Rights Issue which helped to deleverage the balance sheet and eliminate foreign currency exposures” he noted.
According to him, “the full acquisition and integration of Distell Wines and Spirits Nigeria Limited was completed in 2025 with a one-off integration cost.
The integration will help to expand the Company’s beyond beer portfolio and contribute to its long term growth prospects,” he added.
He assured all stakeholders that with the continuing support of shareholders as well as the continuous focus on agility, innovation, revenue management, and financial discipline, the Company is set for sustainable growth and long term value creation.
AEO initiative yields increases as Customs cracks down on defaulters
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded a major revenue and trade facilitation milestone under its Authorised Economic Operator Programme, posting a ¦ 362.79 billion increase in revenue from participating firms.
Revenue generated by AEO-certified entities rose from ¦ 1.222 trillion before certification to ¦ 1.585 trillion after certification, representing a 29.68 per cent growth for the 51 operators certified as of October last year.
The programme accounted for 21.77 per cent of the NCS’s total revenue collection of ¦ 7.281 trillion in 2025.
The Service, in a statement by Abdullahi Maiwada, a Deputy Comptroller of Customs and Spokesman for the Customs Service, attributed the strong performance to improved compliance and increased volumes of legitimate trade, noting that customs duties paid by AEO operators surged by 85.66 per cent within the review period.
He stated: “In the area of trade facilitation, AEO participation reduced average cargo clearance time from 168 hours to 41 hours, representing a 75.60% time saving.
“Company operating costs declined by 57.2%, while demurrage payments dropped by 90%, limiting capital flight to foreign-owned port service providers and strengthening foreign exchange retention. Overall trade efficiency improved by 77.11% through digitalisation, simplified procedures, and targeted risk management.
“In a demonstration of strengthened corporate accountability, several leading companies have collectively paid over ¦ 1 billion into the Federation Account after independently reviewing their transactions and voluntarily disclosing outstanding obligations.”
The Nigeria Customs Service acknowledged the gesture, describing it as a positive outcome of growing compliance culture encouraged by ongoing trade facilitation reforms. The companies include Coleman Technical Industries Limited, WACOT Rice Limited, ROMSON Oil Field Services Ltd, WACOT Limited, Chi Farms Ltd, CORMART Nigeria Ltd, PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc, Nigerian Bottling Company Limited, and MTN Nigeria Communications Plc.
According to the Service, the voluntary remittances followed self-initiated internal audits by the firms, underscoring the effectiveness of compliance-driven engagement and reinforcing confidence in the integrity of Nigeria’s customs and revenue administration framework.
Notwithstanding these gains, the Service identified a compliance breach involving a recently certified AEO company that engaged in false declaration of consignments contrary to programme obligations. Consequently, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, directed the immediate suspension of the company’s AEO status in accordance with the AEO Guidelines, the WCO SAFE Framework of Standards, and Section 112 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
The NCS reiterates that the AEO Programme is founded on trust, transparency, and continuous compliance. While compliant operators will continue to benefit from expedited clearance and reduced inspection, appropriate sanctions will be applied where violations are established. The Service remains resolute in safeguarding national revenue, facilitating legitimate trade, and preserving the integrity and global credibility of Nigeria’s AEO framework.
Interswitch simplifies UTME, direct entry ePIN payments for candidates
As registrations for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, and Direct Entry examinations continue across Nigeria, an integrated payments and digital commerce company, Interswitch, has launched accessible payment channels for the purchase of UTME ePINs for prospective candidates.
Purchasing an ePIN is one of the earliest and most critical steps in the registration process for the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, JAMB, examinations.
Speaking on Interswitch’s role in supporting the registration process, Divisional Head, Growth Marketing (Merchants & Ecosystem), Olawale Akanbi, said the JAMB 2026 ePINs can now be purchased via Interswitch-enabled platforms, including the Quickteller mobile app and web platform, as well as the Interswitch Payment Gateway integrated into the official JAMB website.
“These channels are designed to deliver fast, secure, and seamless payment experiences, with nationwide reach.
“By providing secure, trusted, and widely accessible payment channels for JAMB ePIN purchases, we are helping candidates complete their registration with confidence and focus on preparing for their examinations.”
As UTME registration timelines are time-sensitive, prospective candidates are encouraged to purchase their JAMB 2026 ePINs early via the Interswitch Payment Gateway, Quickteller or accredited agents across the nation to avoid last-minute congestion, delays, or payment failures.
APWEN Bayelsa Boosts STEM Education with Lab Equipment Donation
The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) Bayelsa Chapter has donated laboratory equipment to St. Judes Girls Secondary School, Yenagoa, in commemoration of the 2026 International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
Led by Chairman Engr. Dr. Amalate Ann-Jonathan Obuebite, the donation includes pH meters, weighing scales, measuring cylinders, viscometers, and other essential equipment to support STEM education.
Presenting the items, Dr. Obuebite emphasized APWEN’s commitment to promoting STEM education among girls.
Principal Mrs. Josephine Imbiakpa expressed gratitude, stating the donation would motivate students to pursue STEM careers.
The event aimed to inspire girls to explore STEM fields and bridge the gender gap in these areas in line with the theme for this year.
IBMN holds West Africa Brands Excellence, CEOs Awards 2026
The Institute of Brand Management of Nigeria (IBMN), an institute designed to promote branding excellence and professional brand management in West Africa, is set to hold the 15th edition of the West Africa Brands Excellence Awards and West Africa Brands CEOs Awards 2026 on 27 February 2026, at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The Event aims to identify and reward organisations and CEOs who have successfully embedded branding policies and culture into their corporate strategies, in both private, public, or non-profit sectors. The Awards highlight the importance of strategic brand management in driving business growth, fostering innovation, and promoting a culture of excellence across West Africa.
The West Africa Brands Excellence Awards is designed to celebrate organisations, brands, and initiatives that demonstrate a strong commitment to branding culture, strategic brand management, and innovation, highlighting how effective brand practices can drive business growth and excellence across West Africa.
While the West Africa Brands CEOs Awards 2026 specifically recognise chief executives who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and investment in brand building, corporate visibility, and organisational reputation. This segment encourages executives to maintain strategic branding practices that enhance long-term business value and set leadership benchmarks.
The event is powered by the Institute of Brand Management of Nigeria (IBMN) is a professional membership body for brand management experts. IBMN has been driving the development of brand professionals in Nigeria, helping executives and organisations improve performance through knowledge, education, and professional development. The Institute has impacted the industry through seminars, conferences, events, and specialized programs.
PEPPE TERRA HELPS YOU COOK TO IMPRESS
The world rarely pauses to applaud effort. What it recognizes and remembers are results, and the impressions left behind. This reality extends seamlessly into the kitchen. Cooking has grown far beyond the act of simply filling the belly, it has become a means of expression, a marker of care, and a way to create lasting memories. Today, meals are not judged by how long they take to prepare but by how they taste, how they smell, and how they make people feel.
For home cooks, mothers, and professional chefs alike, this shift has redefined what it means to cook well. The modern kitchen has evolved from being just a place of routine to a space where impressions are formed.
Peppe Terra Cooking Paste was created for cooks who understand that taste is not accidental. It is intentional. It is layered. It is built with care. Crafted from a rich blend of wholesome herbs, peppers, spices, and seasonings, Peppe Terra brings together ingredients that traditionally take time to wash, slice, blend, and balance. Rather than complicating the process, Peppe Terra simplifies it, offering a consistent flavour base that allows cooks to focus on creativity, presentation, and experience.
The strength of Peppe Terra lies in its composition. Its carefully selected ingredients work together to deliver depth, natural thickness, and a rich aroma that announces itself as soon as it touches the pot. In soups and stews, it forms a flavourful foundation that builds gradually. As a jollof rice base, it provides balance and richness, allowing each grain to carry flavour without overpowering the dish. The result is food that feels deliberate and well-rounded.
According to Probal Bhattacharya, Chief Marketing Officer at TGI Group, “Making an impression is about consistency and confidence. Peppe Terra was created to give cooks the assurance that every meal will deliver on taste, aroma, and experience. When food leaves a lasting impression, it goes beyond nourishment, it becomes memorable. Peppe Terra helps you cook meals that are noticed, remembered, and appreciated.”
One of Peppe Terra’s defining qualities is its versatility. It adapts effortlessly across local and contemporary dishes, serving as a dependable base for soups, stews, sauces, rice dishes, and marinades. Whether preparing a simple weekday dinner or a celebratory meal, cooks can rely on Peppe Terra to complement both creativity and tradition. It is the kind of ingredient that moves seamlessly with a cook’s imagination.
Beyond taste, Peppe Terra supports confidence in cooking. It removes the uncertainty of measuring, blending, and adjusting multiple ingredients, helping cooks achieve dependable results across different meals and occasions.
Peppe Terra Cooking Paste is expertly crafted from a blend of wholesome herbs, spices, and seasonings to elevate your cooking experience. Designed to ensure every meal delivers bold, consistent flavor, thickness, and aroma, Peppe Terra leaves a lasting impression with every dish. Perfect for modern households, Peppe Terra is versatile and easy to use—whether you’re cooking for family or hosting guests, especially those you want to impress. Peppe Terra simplifies the process, delivering impressive, great-tasting meals without the hassle. Peppe Terra comes in attractive and easy-to-open consumer packs of 180g Doy-Pack and 55g sachet and is available in stores near you. Cook to Impress! Peppe Terra.
MTN buys remaining shares in IHS towers for $2.2bn
Leading Telecommunications service provider, MTN Group, has announced a proposed acquisition of the remaining shares in IHS Towers, in a deal that will see the telecom giant increase its shareholding to 100 per cent and take the company private. The company currently holds about 24.7 percent of IHS.
MTN said the board of IHS has accepted its offer of $8.50 per share in a transaction that values the outstanding shares it does not already own at approximately $2.2 billion.
The deal is subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals, as well as the delisting of IHS from the New York Stock Exchange, NYSE. Upon completion of IHS’s previously announced disposals of its Latin American assets, it is intended that MTN will acquire 100 per cent of the company’s remaining business, primarily focused on Africa.
IHS is one of the world’s largest independent tower companies, with nearly 29,000 towers across Africa, serving multiple mobile network operators in five key MTN markets.
MTN said funding for the acquisition will come from about $1.1 billion in cash already on IHS’s balance sheet, alongside available liquidity and debt at MTN. The company stressed that no new equity will be issued at the Group level, although the transaction will result in a short-term increase in leverage. The deal is expected to be accretive to net income and cash flow.
By reintegrating the tower assets, MTN said it will internalise margins currently paid to IHS, benefit from future third-party revenue growth and improve cost predictability, while unlocking long-term value embedded in its existing investment.
MTN Group President and CEO, Ralph Mupita, described the move as pivotal.
“This proposed transaction is a pivotal step in further strengthening MTN Group’s strategic and financial position for a future where digital infrastructure will become ever more essential to Africa’s growth and development,” he said.
“This transaction gives us a unique opportunity to buy back our towers and strengthen our ability to be partners for progress to the nation states in which we operate.”
IHS Chairman and CEO, Sam Darwish, said the transaction deepens the long-standing partnership between both firms and combines Africa’s largest mobile network operator with one of its largest digital infrastructure platforms.
Under the terms of the deal, IHS shareholders will receive $8.50 per share, representing a 9.7 per cent premium to the 30-day volume-weighted average price as of February 4, 2026. Long-term shareholder Wendel has indicated support for the transaction.
Launched in 1994 and listed on the JSE, MTN operates across emerging markets under its Ambition 2025 strategy, focused on leading digital solutions for Africa’s progress.
Guinness Nigeria delivers strong financial growth, despite operational challenges
Guinness Nigeria Plc has announced its audited financial results for the 18-month period ended 31 December 2025, delivering strong growth and improved profitability despite a competitive and evolving operating environment.
The reporting period reflects the company’s transition to a new financial year-end of 31 December, extending the financial year from 1 July 2024 to 31 December 2025 (18 months), and represents its first full audited reporting cycle under Tolaram’s ownership. This also follows the celebration of 75 years of operations in Nigeria, marking a legacy defined by resilience, adaptability, and enduring consumer trust.
For the period under review, revenue increased by 144 per cent to N 730.8 billion, compared to N299.5 billion in the 12 months ended June 2024. Gross profit rose by 152 per cent to N230.5 billion, supported by improved productivity and disciplined cost management. Operating profit grew significantly by 251 per cent to N89.3 billion, reflecting strengthened commercial execution and operational efficiency.
The company recorded a net profit after tax of N41.2 billion, marking a substantial turnaround from the N54.7 billion loss reported in the previous financial year.
Commenting on the results, Prof. Fabian Ajogwu, SAN, Chairman of the Board, said: These audited results reflect the resilience of Guinness Nigeria and the disciplined execution of our strategy during a pivotal period for the company.
“As we build on a 75-year legacy in Nigeria, the Board is encouraged by the company’s improved financial strength and sustained performance momentum. We remain firmly committed to delivering long-term value to our shareholders and stakeholders.”
Girish Sharma, Managing Director/CEO, added: “Closing this extended financial year with such a strong performance demonstrates the progress we have made in reshaping our business for sustainable success. Our first full reporting cycle following the transition underscores the effectiveness of our sharpened commercial focus and operational discipline. As we move into a new financial cycle, we are intent on accelerating growth, embedding a high-performance culture with an entrepreneurial mindset, and delivering sustainable value across our portfolio.”
Jamara Home welcomes Muslim Faithful to Ramadan, reinforces commitment to comfort, value, family living
As Muslims across Nigeria prepare to observe the holy month of Ramadan, Jamara Home, Nigeria’s leading wholesale and retail destination for electronics and home appliances, extends heartfelt goodwill to its customers while showcasing its ongoing promo for exclusive in-store deals throughout the season.
In line with its commitment to supporting comfortable and functional homes, Jamara Home is currently running a customer-focused promotional campaign, ‘Heart & Home Deals’, which runs from February 3 to February 23, across multiple product categories.
The Heart & Home Deals campaign encourages families to invest in dependable appliances that make daily living easier, whether it is preserving food for Iftar gatherings, ensuring cool and restful nights, or keeping homes powered and functional. The promotion reflects Jamara’s belief that the home is more than a physical space; it is the heart of shared memories, traditions, and togetherness.
In light of this, Oluwatomi Faniran, Head of Marketing, at Jamara, reaffirmed the brand’s customer-first philosophy: “Through this promo and ongoing in-store deals, we want to ensure that families have access to quality, dependable appliances that support a comfortable and welcoming home environment throughout February.”
She further noted that the promo is a gesture of appreciation to Nigerians: “Our customers’ loyalty is the foundation of our growth. These initiatives are part of our broader commitment to making reliable home solutions more accessible, while giving back in a way that truly supports everyday living.”
Widely recognized for delivering durable, functional, and affordable home appliances tailored to households, Jamara Home provides access to over 30 trusted international brands. Its extensive product range includes TVs, fridges and freezers, audio systems, gas cookers, cooking appliances, air conditioners, washing machines, power solutions and more — all available to browse at jamarahome.com, designed to meet the practical realities of modern homes.
Tax reform success hinges on execution discipline – Tegbe
Joseph Tegbe, Chairman of the National Tax Policy Implementation Committee (NTPIC), has emphasized that the success of Nigeria’s recently enacted tax reform framework will rely less on the ambition of its legislation and more on the discipline of its execution. Speaking at the 2026 Leadership Retreat of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Tegbe underscored that the country’s tax reform journey is at a critical juncture where effective implementation will determine long-term fiscal outcomes.
Tegbe highlighted that Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio remains among the lowest for major economies, constraining fiscal flexibility and heightening vulnerability to fluctuations in oil prices. With public expenditure pressures rising and macroeconomic stability increasingly dependent on sustainable domestic revenue mobilisation, he argued that institutional performance is now the primary driver of fiscal resilience.
According to Tegbe, the passage of 4 new tax laws marks only the beginning of a broader reform agenda. He described the initiative as a systemic recalibration of Nigeria’s fiscal architecture, rather than a routine policy update. The true measure of success, he asserted, will be the credibility of implementation, not the design of the laws themselves. The NRS, he noted, functions as the nation’s “Revenue System Integrator,” with outcomes reflecting the strength of an interconnected ecosystem that encompasses policy clarity, enforcement consistency, digital infrastructure, dispute resolution efficiency, and intergovernmental coordination.
Central to Tegbe’s address was the principle that tax policy must serve as an enabler of governance. He stressed that the framework must embody simplicity, equity, predictability, and administrability at scale. These principles, he explained, foster voluntary compliance, reduce operational friction, and strengthen investor confidence. By contrast, ad-hoc adjustments or policy drift, he warned, could undermine reform momentum, unsettle businesses, and deter investment, which thrives on predictable rules rather than shifting announcements. Structured sequencing, clear transition mechanisms, and continuous feedback between policymakers and administrators are therefore critical to sustaining reform credibility.
Tegbe further argued that revenue reform cannot succeed in isolation. Achieving sustainable gains requires a whole-of-government approach, leveraging robust taxpayer identification systems, integrated financial data, efficient dispute resolution, and harmonized coordination across federal and subnational levels. This approach, he said, reduces leakages, eliminates multiple taxation, and reinforces confidence in the system.
Importantly, Tegbe expanded the definition of reform success beyond headline revenue figures. Durable reform should be measured by higher voluntary compliance rates, lower administrative costs, fewer disputes, faster resolution cycles, and stronger taxpayer confidence. “Sustainable revenue performance is built on trust and efficiency, not enforcement intensity,” he concluded, emphasizing that the legitimacy and predictability of the system are more critical than punitive measures.
With the legislative framework now firmly established, Tegbe noted that Nigeria’s focus has shifted from policy design to effective delivery. The next phase, he stressed, will be defined by the consistency, coherence, and discipline with which the reforms are implemented. Execution, therefore, is the defining variable in the next chapter of Nigeria’s revenue transformation. The country’s ability to achieve lasting fiscal resilience and broaden its revenue base will depend on disciplined, credible, and integrated implementation across all levels of government, ensuring that the promise of reform translates into measurable, sustainable outcomes for the economy and citizens alike.
In summary, Tegbe’s address framed Nigeria’s tax reform not merely as a legislative accomplishment but as a transformative journey requiring operational rigor, institutional alignment, and a focus on trust, compliance, and efficiency. The success of this agenda, he made clear, hinges on execution discipline—making it the single most critical factor in shaping the nation’s fiscal future.
Rite Foods sends warm Ramadan wishes, offering refreshment with award-winning brands
Rite Foods Limited, Nigeria’s leading food and beverage company, extends heartfelt greetings to Muslim faithful as they commence the sacred month of Ramadan. With wishes of peace, reflection, and spiritual fulfillment, the company celebrates this important period of fasting, prayer, and acts of compassion, in accordance with the fourth pillar of Islam.
As a world-class, proudly Nigerian brand, Rite Foods reaffirms its commitment to identifying with the Muslim community throughout the fasting period. The company continues to offer a refreshing range of high-quality products, championing the values of peace, unity, and communal harmony that are the essence of Ramadan.
The company’s Managing Director, Seleem Adegunwa, sends warm Ramadan greetings to the Muslim community, hoping for a spiritually rewarding season filled with prayer and reflection. He also emphasizes the importance of a prosperous nation and the role of shared values in building stronger communities.
“Ramadan is a time of deep reflection, sacrifice, and unity,” Adegunwa said. “At Rite Foods, we are honored to stand alongside the Muslim faithful, providing them with refreshing, nourishing products that enhance the special moments of togetherness as families break their fast.”
Adegunwa highlighted the company’s diverse and award-winning portfolio, which includes the 13 variants of Bigi Carbonated Soft Drinks, premium Bigi Table Water, the refreshing Sosa Fruit Drink with five variants, the popular Fearless Energy Drinks, and the delicious Rite Spicy Beef, Bigi Beef, and Bigi Flex Sausage Rolls. These offerings are specifically crafted to meet the needs of consumers during Ramadan, providing nourishment and refreshment throughout the month.
Echoing Adegunwa’s sentiments, Ekuma Eze, Rite Foods’ Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, reiterated the company’s commitment to forging stronger ties with consumers through special engagement, particularly during important cultural and religious periods.
“Rite Foods will continue to stand by its consumers, celebrating significant occasions like Ramadan and offering products that meet the highest quality standards,” Eze said. “We are dedicated to delivering the nourishment and refreshment needed after the rigours of daily fasting, all while enriching lives with our innovations.”
As Ramadan progresses, Rite Foods remains steadfast in its mission to be a trusted partner to Nigerian consumers, delivering premium products, groundbreaking innovation, and consistent refreshment. The company also continues to celebrate shared values that unite the people and promote national unity.
Promasidor Nigeria extends Ramadan felicitations, reaffirms commitment to nourishing families with trusted brands
As Muslim faithful across Nigeria prepare to observe the holy month of Ramadan, Promasidor Nigeria, a leading fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) company, extends heartfelt greetings to the Muslim community, wishing them a spiritually fulfilling season marked by devotion, reflection, compassion, and communal harmony.
Ramadan, a sacred period of fasting, prayer, and self-discipline in fulfilment of one of the five pillars of Islam, offers a profound opportunity to strengthen values of empathy, generosity, and unity. Promasidor Nigeria aligns strongly with these ideals, reaffirming its enduring commitment to nourishing families, supporting well-being, and enriching everyday moments throughout the holy month.
The company notes that its core values resonate deeply with the essence of Ramadan, which emphasizes care and respect for one another, responsible living, and mindful nourishment. Through its wide portfolio of trusted brands, Promasidor continues to support Nigerian households with food products that sustain energy, promote vitality, and enhance overall wellness, particularly during periods of fasting.
Speaking on the significance of the season, the Chief Executive Officer of Promasidor Nigeria, Mr. François Gillet, emphasized the company’s belief that proper nourishment is central to observing Ramadan in good health and spiritual balance.
“Ramadan is a time of reflection, discipline, and compassion,” Gillet said. “At Promasidor, we believe that adequate nutrition plays a vital role in sustaining both body and mind throughout the fasting period. Our brands are thoughtfully designed to support families with quality nourishment that enables them to observe the fast with strength, resilience, and good health.”
He further highlighted Promasidor’s portfolio of renowned nutritional brands including Cowbell, Loya, Onga, Kremela, Miksi, Twisco and Top Tea are produced to meet the evolving dietary needs of Nigerians, support everyday vitality, and promote healthier lifestyles across all demographics.
Beyond product excellence, Promasidor Nigeria continues to demonstrate its long-term commitment to national development and food security through strategic investments in local production. A notable example is the company’s backward integration initiative at the Ikun Dairy Farm in Ikun-Ekiti, Ekiti State, which is strengthening Nigeria’s dairy value chain while promoting sustainable milk production.
Recognised as the largest dairy farm in the country, Ikun Dairy Farm is home to over 750 high-yielding cattle and serves as a catalyst for socio-economic growth within its host community, providing direct employment for more than 200 people and creating over 1,000 indirect jobs.
As Ramadan unfolds, Promasidor Nigeria remains steadfast in its mission to stand with Nigerian families delivering trusted nutrition, encouraging well-being, and celebrating shared values that unite stakeholders and strengthen the nation.
Rotary President canvasses 97% children immunisation worldwide to end polio scourge
Rotary International President, Francesco Arezzo, has called for immunisation of 97 per cent of children under five years to achieve total eradication of polio in the world.
Arezzo said this in Abuja, after receiving briefing from the Nigerian National PolioPlus Committee (NNPPC) Chairman, Mr Joshua Hassan, on the country’s polio eradication efforts.
While stating that maintaining high vaccination coverage remained critical, he considered immunising 90 to 97 per cent of children under five years as essential to achieving total eradication of the disease.
The Rotary international president hailed Africa’s certification as a polio-free continent as a historic achievement, while calling for renewed commitment to completely eradicating the disease worldwide.
“At the time, Africa was considered one of the most difficult regions to eliminate polio, while India was widely regarded as ‘impossible’.
“However, through sustained collaboration and commitment, both regions overcame the odds. In 2020, Africa was officially declared polio-free,” he said.
Arezzo, however, noted that in spite of the progress, polio still remained endemic in Afghanistan and Pakistan, though with the virus now confined to small regions.
He quoted reports as showing that Nigeria and other countries had also recorded cases of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus, but encouragingly, the numbers were declining.
The Rotary international president attributed the improvement partly to the introduction of a more stable vaccine in recent years, which reduced the risk of virus mutations that could occur in areas with low immunisation coverage.
He, however, said that the campaign had come at a heavy cost, stating that 76 people involved in vaccination efforts in Nigeria lost their lives between 2012 and 2025.
“In Pakistan, 382 vaccination workers have been killed. These are tragic sacrifices that must not be in vain. We have to honour their memory by finishing this campaign,” he said.
Arezzo also identified community resistance and misinformation as major challenges to the eradication of the disease.
He called for strengthening of engagements with religious and traditional leaders as well as social media influencers to counter disinformation and encourage compliance, particularly among populations that relied heavily on mobile phones for information.
He added that now that a more stable vaccine had been developed, coupled with a high level of vaccination, the world could now be rid of the virus.
“So my only call to action is to work together and maintain a rate of immunisation of over 90 per cent of the children in all countries of the world until we finish the campaign,” he said.
Earlier, the NNPPC Chair, Joshua Hassan, said that the group had carried advocacy to governments at various levels, traditional and religious leaders, influencers and other stakeholders to help spread the benefits of polio vaccination.
Hassan said that the group got a lot of support from stakeholders, which had led to the near total eradication of polio disease in the country.
He, however, noted that challenges were still being faced in some states due to insecurity, such as banditry and kidnapping and also difficulty in identification of nomadic routes.
OAU, UNN, more fresh graduates benefit Unity Bank’s N800,000 grand prize at NYSC camp
At the 27th edition of its flagship Entrepreneurship Development Initiative, also known as Corpreneurship Challenge, following the conclusion of Business Pitch at the Batch C, Stream 2 edition of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation programme held across 10 states of the federation, Unity Bank Plc has announced winners recently.
Beneficiaries include, Corps Members who graduated from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), The Polytechnic, Ibadan, among several tertiary institutions, emerged from the latest round of the Corpreneurship Challenge business pitch. Participants pitched business ideas across diverse sectors such as fashion, agribusiness, footwear production, and services.
At the Lagos State NYSC Orientation Camp, Awolumate Fawaz Babatunde, a Civil Engineering graduate of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, emerged the overall winner after pitching a fashion design business, clinching the N800,000 grand prize. Ugwoke Daniel Ifechukwu, a graduate of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, emerged first runner-up to receive N500,000.
In Rivers State, Abdur-Razaq Sayfullah Adebola, a graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University, topped the competition at the Nonwa Gbam Tai NYSC Orientation Camp with a footwear-making business plan. Meanwhile, Olatunde Esther Funmilayo of Olabisi Onabanjo University emerged as the winner at the Kwara State NYSC Orientation Camp after impressing judges with her deodorant production and services pitch.
More winners emerged from Abuja, Niger, Adamawa, Jigawa, Plateau, Kaduna, and Delta States, further expanding the geographical reach and impact of the initiative.
Speaking on the latest edition of the programme, Mrs. Adenike Abimbola, Divisional Head, Retail, SME & E-Business at Unity Bank Plc, said the Corpreneurship Challenge continues to reflect the Bank’s commitment to youth empowerment and enterprise development.
“The Corpreneurship Challenge has been driven by our commitment to boosting entrepreneurship among young people, especially fresh graduates. At Unity Bank, we recognise that many young Nigerians possess viable business ideas but lack the initial capital and support to bring them to life. The Corpreneurship Challenge was designed to bridge that gap by providing financial backing, mentorship, and confidence to fresh graduates at a critical stage of their lives,” she said.
She added that the quality of ideas presented by corps members across states underscores the growing entrepreneurial appetite among Nigerian youths.
“What we see every edition is innovation, resilience, and a strong desire among young graduates to create value and jobs. By supporting them early, we are not only helping individuals, but also contributing to the growth of the SME ecosystem and the broader economy,” Abimbola noted.
Over the years, the Unity Bank Corpreneurship Challenge has become a key feature of the NYSC orientation programme, delivered in partnership with the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) initiative. Since its inception, the programme has produced 638 young entrepreneurs nationwide, offering grants of up to N300 million to help corps members kick-start or scale their businesses.
The initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s drive to promote entrepreneurship and self-employment among graduates, particularly amid the shrinking availability of white-collar jobs.
Unity Bank said it remains committed to expanding the reach of the Corpreneurship Challenge and deepening its support for young entrepreneurs as part of its broader strategy to drive financial inclusion, job creation, and sustainable economic growth.
