brand
Heritage Bank is investing in young people
The performance of Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, is one of the sterling factors that distinguish leading financial institutions in Nigeria
Mr Ifie Sekibo, In this area, banks and telecommunication companies have maintained the lead, as they have notably invested in human capital development across the country. One of such institutions that stand out is Heritage Bank, a financial institution that is contributing to the improvement of the lives of Nigerians, especially young business owners.
Considering the importance of young people to the growth of any economy, the bank’s commitment is indeed remarkable. There is hardly any time that Heritage Bank is not in the news for CSR programmes, testifying to its commitment to improving economic development and well-being of communities, while also maximizing shared value for business, employees, and shareholders.
Worthy of note is the bank’s support to the Moses Siasia-led Young Nigerian Professionals Forum, NYPF, an organisation that seeks to harness Nigeria’s economic, political and social resources using contemporary leadership techniques.
The bank’s assistance was noticeable in the support it has provided for NYPF’s YESGrant which provides business training for 600 young entrepreneurs. The scheme trains youths in agriculture, creative business and Information and Communication Technology, ICT.
Consequently, grants were awarded to about 35 young entrepreneurs in agriculture, creative industry and ICT sectors after a rigorous review process conducted by an independent body, out of the tens of thousands who applied.
Impressed by the success of the scheme, Siasia commended Heritage Bank for its consistent support to the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises, SMEs, in Nigeria.
He also called on all stakeholders to see youth development as a necessity for national growth.
Another outstanding support from the bank was its decision to embrace NYPF’s anti-modern day slavery campaign.
At an international conference on illegal migration organised by the NYPF in Abuja, it was obvious that the success of the event was made possible by Heritage Bank and other partners.
Titled, International Action on Illegal Migration and Trafficking in Persons Conference, the forum was primarily convened to strengthen a multi-stakeholder partnership in curbing illegal migration and human trafficking. With participants drawn from international and local agencies working on human trafficking and illegal migration, the forum was an avenue to hear first-hand gory tales about the crisis.
Bank Next Gen Masters Champions Emerge
NSE: Market indicators dip further by 0.47%(Opens in a new browser tab) Encouraged by the successes the NYPF has recorded so far with assistance from the bank, Siasia recently described the bank as the bridge to the future.
He particularly lauded the bank for supporting NYPF’s Skills and Entrepreneurship Programme, SEDP, for young returnee irregular migrants. Siasia said the bank’s commitment to NYPF’s vision is adding value to the anti-modern day slavery campaign launched by the group. His words:”
Heritage Bank is a bank that is passionately supporting the aspiration of young people in Nigeria. “Heritage Bank supports Nigerian Young Professionals Forum’s scheme for young business owners, which has aided the growth of thousands of small businesses.
“We are glad to say that the bank has provided sponsorship to NYPF, especially some of our capacity building conferences for young people across Nigeria
“The bank is seriously supporting our Skills and Entrepreneurship Programme, SEDP, for young returnee irregular migrants and our campaign to combat modern-day slavery in Nigeria.
“The bank’s unrelenting support to our vision attests to its commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility. They are not only supporting our initiatives but are also promoting Nigeria’s values and culture across the country.
It is commendable. “I see Heritage Bank as Nigeria’s premier bank that provides hope to the aspirations of Nigerians with cutting edge solutions.
“We have a lot of banks in Nigeria, but Heritage Bank stands out because of their brand philosophical ideology to invest in the future.”
It would be recalled that the bank emerged as Nigeria’s Most Innovative Banking Service Provider for its outstanding contributions to improving the lives of young business owners in at the 5th-anniversary ceremony of NYPF in 2018.
Related Nigeria Beer Festival postponed due to bad wealther
The bank was bestowed with the “Best Bank of the Year Business Support/Entrepreneur Development,” at the Africa Value Award 2018. It was adjudged “Best SME Bank Nigeria 2018” by Capital Finance International (CFI.co) and “Agriculture Bank of the Year 2018” by the Nigeria Agriculture Awards, MAA.
It was also honoured by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, CIBN, in terms of members’ mobilisation and participation as well as sponsorship of the institute’s programmes.
At the fourth edition of Green October Event 2018, organised by Alamode Magazine, the bank emerges as the “Most Supportive Bank of the Year.”
Economy experts converge on Lagos for Vanguard Economic Discourse today(Opens in a new browser tab) Speaking at the NYPF, awards in Abuja, MD/CEO of Heritage Bank Plc, Ifie Sekibo said the honour spoke volume of the bank’s efforts to demonstrate its commitment towards developing and positioning youths to become world-class citizens equipped and ready to be absorbed into an increasingly competitive workforce.
“One of the reasons why we chose, as an organization, to support the entrepreneurial growth and welfare of the youths is to see young men and women play vital roles in the socio-economic development of the country and help curb the high level of unemployment,” Sekibo said. The Managing Director, who was represented by Jubril Adeojo, Team Lead, Power Corporate Banking, said Heritage Bank is positioned to lead the recovery of the economy through enhancing youth entrepreneurship development and engendering self-employment via its various initiatives and products.
According to Sekibo, the drive to support youths seeks to create, preserve and transfer wealth across generations.
He explained that the entrepreneur schemes of the bank had always focused on dependable job-creating sectors, such as agricultural value chain (fish farming, poultry, snail farming), cottage industry, mining, and solid minerals, creative industry (tourism, arts and crafts), and ICT.
Culled from Vanguard
Zenith Bank Plc has announced the opening of its Côte d’Ivoire subsidiary, marking a pivotal achievement in the Group’s Pan-African expansion strategy.The official opening ceremony, scheduled to hold on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, is expected to attract senior government officials and regulators from Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire, continental business leaders, and members of the diplomatic community, highlighting the strategic economic ties and investment opportunities between the two markets.The new subsidiary, licensed in December 2025 by the Ministry of Finance and Budget, Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, and regulated by the UMOA Banking Commission, will commence operations from its headquarters at SCI Wall Street, Avenue Noguès, Plateau, Abidjan.The launch represents a strategic move to deepen the Bank’s presence in Francophone West Africa and strengthen financial intermediation within the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU). Positioned as a gateway for cross-border trade and investment, Zenith Bank Côte d’Ivoire will focus on corporate banking, trade finance, local and offshore banking services, and structured financial solutions tailored to businesses operating across Africa and internationally.Commenting on the launch, the Group Managing Director/CEO, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, said: “From the very beginning, our Founder and Chairman, Jim Ovia CFR, set out to build a truly global brand with a strong presence across Africa and key international markets. The launch of Zenith Bank Côte d’Ivoire is a bold step in realising that vision; opening a strategic corridor into Francophone West Africa and reinforcing our commitment to facilitating trade, investment, and enterprise growth across the continent. As we continue to expand thoughtfully and strategically, we remain focused on delivering world-class banking solutions that connect African businesses to global opportunities.”The new subsidiary will be headed by MD/CEO Mr. Cédric Tano, a seasoned banking executive with over two decades of experience. Speaking ahead of the official opening, he said “We are proud to establish Zenith Bank’s presence in Côte d’Ivoire at a time of strong economic growth in the country and increasing regional integration. Our focus is to showcase the Zenith brand as a customer-centric institution that combines global best practices with deep local insight. We are well positioned to support businesses with innovative financing solutions, facilitate cross-border trade, and contribute meaningfully to the growth of the Ivorian economy and the wider WAEMU region.”The Côte d’Ivoire launch forms part of Zenith Bank’s broader continental growth strategy. In addition to the Anglophone countries where it currently operates, and in line with the expansion into the Francophone market, the Bank has commenced its entry process into the CEMAC (Central African Economic and Monetary Community) region, with Cameroon as the focal point. With a footprint already spanning Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, the United Kingdom, France, the UAE, and China, Zenith Bank continues to bridge African markets with global opportunities, enabling seamless trade and financial connectivity across the continent and beyond.
Founded in 1990, Zenith Bank has grown into one of Africa’s most respected banking institutions, boasting a robust capital base and a consistent track record of strong financial performance. For 16 consecutive years, the Bank has held the record of highest Tier-1 capital in the Nigerian banking industry. Built on the foundation of People, Technology, and Service, Zenith Bank continues to deliver innovative financial solutions while maintaining a disciplined approach to growth and risk management. Its performance has earned it numerous local and international recognitions and endorsements.
Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO Plc) is pleased to announce the 9th edition of the GTCO Food and Drink Festival, scheduled to hold from Friday, May 1st to Sunday, May 3rd, 2026, at GTCentre, Plot 1 Water Corporation Drive, Oniru, Victoria Island, Lagos.Geographic Reference
This year’s theme, “Everything Food and Drink,” captures the expansive nature of the Festival experience. It reflects not only the variety of cuisines on display but also the depth of stories behind them. Over the years, the GTCO Food and Drink Festival has grown far beyond a seasonal celebration to become a culturally significant platform where food and drink serve as a meeting point for storytelling, innovation, and opportunity. The Festival will feature 204 free retail stalls, showcasing the rich diversity and creativity of our food culture; from time-honoured traditional dishes preserved across generations, to bold contemporary interpretations of global cuisine, creating space for every flavour, every technique, and every craving to find expression.
Visitors can expect a rich programme featuring interactive masterclasses, live culinary demonstrations, food and wine tastings, and a vibrant marketplace showcasing small and medium-scale food businesses alongside established culinary brands. In addition to its wide range of food and drink offerings, the GTCO Food and Drink Festival is renowned for its family-friendly atmosphere, with a well-equipped play area and a variety of engaging activities for children, ensuring an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
Speaking ahead of the 2026 edition, the Group Chief Executive Officer of GTCO Plc, Segun Agbaje, emphasized the Festival’s continued evolution as both a cultural and economic enabler: “The GTCO Food and Drink Festival has, over the years, become a living expression of what we stand for as an institution: innovation, opportunity, and enterprise that is accessible to all. What makes this platform special is not just its scale, but its humanity. It brings together people from different walks of life around something universal—food and drink—and in doing so, it breaks barriers and builds connections that extend far beyond the event itself.”
Since inception, the GTCO Food and Drink Festival has positioned itself as one of Africa’s most prominent culinary gatherings, attracting participation from across Nigeria and increasingly from the wider continent and diaspora.
Admission remains free and open to all, reaffirming the Festival’s commitment to accessibility as a consumer-focused event that brings people together through food, drink, culture, and enterprise.
For more information on the event, please visit: https://foodanddrink.gtcoplc.com
-
news6 years agoUPDATE: #ENDSARS: CCTV footage of Lekki shootings intact – Says Sanwo – Olu
-
lifestyle6 years agoFormer Miss World: Mixed reactions trail Agbani Darego’s looks
-
health5 years agoChairman Agege LG, Ganiyu Egunjobi Receives Covid-19 Vaccines
-
lifestyle5 years agoObateru: Celebrating a Quintessential PR Man at 60
-
health6 years agoUPDATE : Nigeria Records 790 new cases of COVID-19
-
health6 years agoBREAKING: Nigeria confirms 663 new cases of COVID-19
-
entertainment1 year agoAshny Set for Valentine Special and new Album ‘ Femme Fatale’
-
news12 months agoBREAKING: Tinubu swears in new NNPCL Board