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UBA Strengthens Brand Affiliation on Nigerian Campuses, Unveils 30 Ambassadors

Published

7 years ago

March 28, 2018

The United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has launched the second edition of its Campus Ambassador Programme with the induction of 30 new brand ambassadors.

The UBA Campus Ambassador Programme is an initiative to identify young emerging leaders among students of tertiary institutions and give them a unique and highly rewarding learning experience.

The 30 successful candidates were selected from over 300 students across tertiary institutions in Nigeria through a rigorous screening exercise in line with set criteria.

The colourful inauguration ceremony was held at the UBA house in Lagos on Friday, with Chuks Nweke, Executive Director, Group Chief Operating Officer, and other senior management staff in attendance.

“UBA is pleased to have you all on board as valuable Ambassadors who will help us propagate our goodwill messages, ethos, values and what we stand for as a bank, across your institutions,” Nweke said.

He further noted that the goal is intended to give students a platform to demonstrate leadership as well as build and instill the brand philosophy into the consciousness of youths.

According to Nweke, our bank is a bank with strong affiliation to youths, evident in the Bank’s scholarship and grants schemes through the UBA Foundation National Essay Competition amongst other educational initiatives.
He continued “We at UBA take youth development and engagement seriously, because we believe they are the future of Nigeria. For this reason, we decided to collaborate for the purpose of building their creative skills, leadership skills. It is the abilities that the students exhibited that influenced their selection. No doubt, they have the core values of Enterprise, Excellence and Execution that are dear to us. Starting from now, they are expected to try to exhibit the core values of UBA”.

He further said, this days, Life is tough. “We need people in who can exhibit those qualities, beyond what we’ve done, these are people we have seen leadership traits in. We will work with them to develop their leadership traits, creativity for the good of everyone”.

Also speaking, Mr. Tomiwa Sotiloye, Group Head, Retail & Consumer Banking, explained that, the 30 students selected are from 10 universities. The new ones among them are 25. We have five returning ambassadors from the pioneer set. He noted that among the 15 the bank decided to retain a few outstanding students.
He also stated that the programme is for six months – between now and September. “Starting from next session it will be one year because we have now aligned the programme to the academic calendar – not from January- December which gave us a lot of problems last year”.
“As part of our plans to bring them on board, from now we will take them on an intensive training. They will have specific projects which they will execute after which We will discuss the projects tomorrow. Also worthy of note is that they will get an opportunity for a one month paid internship at any of our branches. They will also get paid for this programme. And for them, a pathway has opened for employment in UBA”, he said.

He also charged them to be good leaders and positive influencers who should stand out by ensuring the bank’s reputation soars high in their respective campuses.

The 30 ambassadors, who are A-list students in their various institutions, include: Hassan Mahmud Balarabe, Ahmadu Bello University, Muftau Monishola Barakat, Ahmadu Bello University, Ibrahim Kamilu Muhammad, Ahmadu Bello University; Okara Daniel, Babcock University; Olujobi Adebayo, Babcock University , Romi Oghoghome, Obafemi Awolowo University; Ajisafe Mojolaadura, Obafemi Awolowo University; Barakat Tiamiyu, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ike Nathaniel C., Obafemi Awolowo University; Fadaini Asalewa Boluwatife , Obafemi Awolowo University; Jaja Queen Oko, Rivers State University; Wuche Jeremiah Chris, Rivers State University; Umeh Justice Frank, University of Abuja; Victor Isah Efekpo University of Abuja, Stanley Nnamdi Alieke, University of Benin; Rita Nkemdilim Okonkwo, University of Benin; Isaiah Confidence O, University of Benin, Ihechi Opara, University of Ibadan, Egbodofo Temitope Sunday, University of Ibadan.

Others are Chiamaka Uzokwe, University of Lagos; Olatunbosun Yetunde Anuoluwapo, University of Lagos, Fatogun Ayomiposi Oluwatoyin; University of Lagos, Nwajiaku, Vivian Nneka, University of Lagos, Winifred C. Mbanugo ,University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Ezeonu Tochukwu Edward, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Charles-Onah Orlando C., University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Asimiea Ibioku, University of Port Harcourt, Manuel Dateim Ibikebobo, University of Port Harcourt; Beth-karibo Owen Tamunoibi, University of Port Harcourt, Benson Queen Chidinma, University of Port Harcourt

l-r: Group Head, Cards, Digital Banking; Dr. Yinka Adedeji, United Bank for Africa, (UBA Plc), Executive Director, Risk Management & Compliance, Mr. Ike Uche; Group Executive, Digital & Consumer Banking; Executive Director, Group Chief Operating Officer, Operations; Mr. Chukwuma Nweke; Group Head, Retail & Consumer Banking, Mr. Tomiwa Sotiloye; Head UBA Academy, Human Capital Management, Mr. Ayo Orungbe, flanked by the 2^nd set of UBA Campus Ambassadors during their Inauguration ceremony at the UBA house in Lagos on Friday

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National Credit Guarantee Company Limited: Powering Inclusive Growth Through Risk-Sharing Guarantees

Published

3 days ago

June 13, 2025

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The National Credit Guarantee Company Limited (“NCGC” or the “Company”) is set to commence operations on 01 July 2025, as a specialised financial institution established to unlock access to credit and drive inclusive economic growth across Nigeria’s real economy. With an initial capital commitment of ₦100 billion, recently announced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the NCGC is positioned to reshape how Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), manufacturers, and strategic sectors access much-needed financing.

For decades, Nigerian businesses especially micro, small and medium scale enterprises have faced significant challenges accessing loans due to collateral barriers and high-risk perception. NCGC is bridging that gap. By providing partial credit coverage, the company will offer banks and other financial institutions a safety net, allowing them to lend more confidently to eligible borrowers, particularly in underserved and high-growth sectors.

NCGC does not lend directly to businesses. Instead, it partners with Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs) including commercial banks, microfinance banks, fintechs, CBN-licensed institutions and other development financial institutions to share lending risk and support broader financial inclusion. The model is simple but powerful: enable lenders to do more by reducing the risk that prevents them from reaching viable, underfunded borrowers.

Key Beneficiaries

NCGC’s framework targets a wide range of beneficiaries:

· MSMEs across all regions

· Local manufacturers and value chain operators

· Credit consumers

· Youth and women-led enterprises

· Export-oriented and non-interest-based businesses

· Large enterprises within priority sectors

Our Core Services

NCGC offers three primary services:

· Partial Credit Guarantees – Covering up to 60% of outstanding principal on qualifying loans.

· Co-Guarantees – Collaborating with other institutions to jointly share lending risk.

· Technical Assistance – Providing capacity-building support for lenders and borrowers to enhance credit readiness and portfolio quality.

Guiding Principles

The company’s operations are underpinned by globally accepted credit risk-sharing principles:

· Risk-sharing, not risk transfer

· Strategic issuance to preserve borrower discipline

· Tiered eligibility to promote inclusion and developmental impact

· Full alignment with CBN regulations

These principles ensure every guarantee issued is responsible, irrevocable, and impact-driven.

Product Suite

NCGC offers a diverse set of guarantee products:

· Individual Guarantees – For high-value, project-specific loans.

· Portfolio Guarantees – For pool of loans in homogeneous sectors (e.g., agro-processing, creative economy).

· Performance Bond Guarantees – For businesses seeking to meet contract-based obligations.

Sectoral Coverage

Our guarantees are available across critical sectors including:

· Agriculture & Agribusiness – From inputs to processing and logistics.

· Renewable Energy & Green Economy – Including solar, clean tech, and mini-grids.

· Manufacturing & Infrastructure – Targeting value-added production and light industry.

· Digital & Tech Enterprises – Including startups, fintechs, SaaS, and logistics tech.

· Solid Minerals and Metal – Metal fabrication, recycling, beneficiation, coating, etc.

· Textile – Fashion, leather works, jewelry

· Export-Oriented SMEs – Especially in non-oil sectors.

· Women & Youth Enterprises – Including all women-owned businesses (promoter age not more than age 65).

· Islamic Enterprises (coming soon) – Non-interest, Shariah-compliant financing models.

A New Era of Credit Confidence

NCGC is more than just a financial institution; it is a catalyst for Nigeria’s economic transformation. By incentivizing lenders to serve more businesses safely and sustainably, NCGC is enabling job creation, driving productivity, and fostering a more self-reliant economy.

Its operational model is built to:

· Unlock access to finance for real sector growth

· Create jobs and alleviate poverty

· Drive inclusive economic outcomes

· Strengthen the MSME ecosystem

· Build trust and scale in Nigeria’s credit markets

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Ecobank Adire Lagos Exhibition Fair Opens in Grand Style … Dignitaries Grace the Venue

Published

1 week ago

June 7, 2025

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Left: Founder, Chief Responsibility Officer, Ruff ‘n’ Tumble/ Founder, Betti-O School of Fashion, Adenike Ogunlesi; Managing Director/Regional Executive, Ecobank Nigeria, Bolaji Lawal and Lagos State First Lady, Her Excellency, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu at the ongoing Adire Lagos Exhibition Fair holding at Ecobank Pan African Centre, Lagos

Ecobank Nigeria has officially launched the much-anticipated fourth edition of its Adire Lagos Exhibition Fair, a vibrant cultural and commercial event dedicated to promoting Nigeria’s indigenous fashion industry and supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The four-day fair runs from June 5 to 8, 2025, at the Ecobank Pan African Centre, 270B1 Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, Victoria Island, Lagos. Visitors are welcomed daily from 10:00 AM.

Over 130 vendors are showcasing a diverse range of Adire designs, fashion items, and lifestyle products. The fair attracts a wide audience, including fashion enthusiasts, cultural professionals, creatives, entrepreneurs, and shoppers from across Nigeria and beyond.

Notable dignitaries who have so far graced the fair include the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, who represented the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Lagos State First Lady, Her Excellency Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; the wife of the former Ekiti State Governor,Erelu Bisi Fayemi ; Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Adijat Motunrayo Adeleye-Oladapo; former Chairman of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, Emmanuel Ikazoboh; founding President of the FinTech Association of Nigeria (FANI), Dr. Segun Aina; and the owner of Nike Art Gallery, Nike Davies-Okundaye, among others.

Omoboye Odu, Head of Small and Medium Enterprises at Ecobank Nigeria, expressed delight at the strong turnout, stating, “This year’s exhibition promises a dynamic blend of established brands and emerging designers who embody innovation, cultural pride, and export potential.” She further emphasized the fair’s role as a major Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative by Ecobank.

“The Adire Lagos Exhibition Fair is a key CSR initiative, offering SMEs a platform to showcase their products free of charge while fostering economic growth and national unity. Last year’s event attracted over 20,000 visitors in four days, with one vendor making N30 million in sales—equivalent to six months’ revenue—demonstrating the fair’s strong commercial potential.”

Exhibitors also praised the growing appeal of Adire designs. Ms. Fadilat Lawal, Managing Director of Sanyaolu Trading Stores, Abeokuta, highlighted the durability and cultural symbolism of Abeokuta Adire. Ms. Cynthia Uma, Creative Director of Cecesignature Unisex Clothing, Lagos, emphasized Adire’s growing global recognition as a revenue driver for her business.

The Adire Lagos Exhibition Fair continues to serve as a premier platform for celebrating Nigeria’s cultural heritage while empowering local artisans and entrepreneurs to thrive.

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3.214 billion shares : Continuation From Print Nigerian stock market sees significant dip in transactions

Published

1 week ago

June 6, 2025

NewsThumb Magz

Stock market investors traded 3.214 billion shares worth N76.348 billion in 64,156 transactions on the floor of the Exchange during the week.

This is compared to 3.794 billion shares valued at N119.394 billion that exchanged hands last week in 89,636 deals.

Consequently, the value of transactions traded by investors on the Exchange dropped by 56.4 per cent.

Meanwhile, market opened for four trading days during the week as the Federal Government declared Friday, June 6 and Monday, June 9, as public holidays to commemorate 2025 Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

The Financial Services led the activity chart with 2.313 billion shares valued at N52.241 billion traded in 27,326 deals.

This contributed 71.96 per cent and 68.43 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

The ICT industry followed with 301.996 million shares worth N5.026 billion in 4,137 deals.

The third place was the Consumer Goods Industry, with a turnover of 144.538 million shares worth N5.632 billion in 8,093 deals.

Trading in the top three equities namely Fidelity Bank Plc, Legend Internet Plc and Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc accounted for 1.545 billion shares worth N34.446 billion in 4,939 deals.

This contributed 48.06 per cent and 45.12 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

The NGX All-Share Index and Market Capitalisation appreciated by 2.57 per cent to close the week at 114,616.75 and N72.275 trillion respectively.

Similarly, all other indices finished higher with the exception of NGX ASeM Index which closed flat.

Fifty-three equities appreciated in price during the week, lower than 56 equities in the previous week.

Forty-three equities depreciated in price, lower than 44 in the previous week, while 52 equities remained unchanged, higher than 48 recorded in the previous week.

The top five decliners for the week are: Associated Bus Company, Julius Berger, Legend Internet, Livestock Feeds and E-Tranzact International as they lost 55k, N18.50, 82k, N1.15 and 80k respectively.

Oando Plc, Lasaco Assurance Plc, Multiverse Mining, Cornerstone Insurance and First Holdco were the top five gainers for the week, as they grew in 25.77 per cent, 21.62 per cent, 20.39 per cent, 19.51 per cent and 17.60 per cent respectively.

The companies gained N11.65, 56k, N1.55, 64k and N4.40 respectively.

The May 2025 Issue of the Federal Government of Nigeria,Savings Bonds were listed on the Nigerian Exchange Ltd on Thursday

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