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Rethink Your Business Culture to Adapt And Stabilise in The Face Of COVID-19; Experts Advocate At Ecobank Webinar
Nigerians have been advised to move from the realm of denial, anger and accept the reality of the ‘new normal’ occasioned by COVID-19 pandemic by properly articulating their goals and developing a financial plan based on available resources. This was the submission of investment and financial experts at the Ecobank Webinar on the topic: ‘Personal financial stability in a changing environment: achieving balance in the new normal’, held in Lagos last week.
In his presentation, Olufela Popoola, Managing Director, EDC Fund Management Limited, a subsidiary of Ecobank Group, pointed out that though commodity prices are stabilizing and stock markets are recovering globally, Nigeria is in recession mode with increasing inflation, pressure on exchange rate and increased government borrowings. He posited that individuals and businesses should worry less about the current realities, but start to think differently as they positively forge ahead. Specifically for individuals, it was time to carefully review their life’s goal and objectives and thereby; – review/develop a financial plan, align this plan to the current financial realities and their expected future resources and ensure that these plans become a reality by having structured investment programmes to achieve same.
“To adapt and stabilise, rethink your business culture. Focus more on goals, not (necessarily) processes, listen more to customers & respond quicker, change working style –flexibility, Study what competition is doing –be more professional, Improve internal communication & information sharing and Change working conditions to be more employee oriented. This is not the time to procrastinate. Don’t think you have too little or too much funds to start a plan, but rushing to start an investment may not be the best for now. You need to consider risk, returns and time horizons. As a matter of fact, this is the time to speak to experts like us at the EDC Fund management. Investment options and plans include corporate bonds, government securities, private equity, Eurobonds, life insurance, real estate, commercial papers, and managed portfolio, among others’’.
Also speaking, Okey Okere, Country Manager, Hofstede Insights Nigeria, made a case for people to rethink their lifestyle and business culture to adapt and stabilise under the ‘new normal’. According to him, “there are countless speculations about changes to the whole-world as we know it, but we can’t really tell how COVID-19 will change the world forever, what the “new normal” will eventually be, how long it will last and the impact on the world, Nigeria, businesses and our personal finances. But one thing is sure, we need to make changes.”
Okere listed the businesses that that are making gains despite COVID-19 pandemic as ICT services, e-commerce companies, personal care products, agriculture, food retailers and local delivery companies, adding that sectors such as aviation and shipping, consulting and professional services, education, financial services, manufacturing (non-essentials), real estate, automobile, and others are negatively impacted. He counselled businesses to focus more on goals and not necessarily processes, listen more to customers and respond quicker, change working style, study what competition is doing, improve internal communication and information sharing and change working conditions, stressing that if the effects of the pandemic hurts too badly, there might be need to wind down business entirely.
This edition of the Ecobank Webinar series is an initiative of Ecobank Consumer Banking Segment, aimed at deepening conversation on the new normal for businesses and how individual can harness new opportunities in the face of COVID-19. The virtual engagement attracted participation from amongst Ecobank Personal Banking customers comprising, individuals and business owners from different sectors of the economy and financial experts who joined across virtual platforms and social media handles. Ecobank’s unique and largest pan-African platform is designed to help unlock the opportunities of the continent and for the continent, through standardization, fueling regional integration, trade and investment across borders. Due to its sterling performance, the bank has been severally recognized; As ‘Best Retail Bank in Africa 2019’ at African Banker Awards and also as Most Admired Financial Services Brand in Africa 2019 by Brand Africa 100”.
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
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