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Awujale’s OOU Chair on good governance first of its kind – Emeritus Prof. Asiwaju
(L to R) Chairman, Board of Trustees, Mr. Olatunji Ayanlaja, SAN ;ChairHolder, Prof. Ayo Olukotun, Mr. Folu Aderibigbe of Globacom, Mrs Stella Olukotun and Chairman of the occasion, Emeritus Professor Anthony Asiwaju at the 2nd Annual Oba SikIru Adetona Professorial Chair Lecture of the Olabisi Onabanjo University sponsored by Globacom on Thursday in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.
A foremost historian, Emeritus Professor Anthony Asiwaju has described the Oba Sikiru Adetona Professorial Chair on Good Governance endowed at the Olabisi Onabanjo University as first of its kind in Nigeria and Africa.
Professor Asiwaju who was the Chairman at the Second Annual Professorial Chair Lecture delivered by Professor Ayodele Olukotun recently described Oba Adetona as the oracle of Ijebuland, voice of the voiceless, epitome of moral authority, defender of peoples’ rights and exemplar of responsible governance .
In the same vein, Chairman of Globacom Limited, Dr. Mike Adenuga Jr, congratulated the Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, on his 84th birthday celebrations and second annual Professorial Chair of the Olabisi Onabanjo University. He donated the sum of N20 million to the Chair on Good Governance for the expansion of the frontiers of knowledge and generation of ideas for Nigeria’s development.In a goodwill message read on his behalf by Mr. Folu Aderibigbe of Globacom at the Professorial Lecture held at the Adeola Odutola Hall, Ijebu Ode, Dr. Adenuga said Oba Adetona was a fearless and incorruptible patriot who speaks truth to power and works tirelessly for the enthronement of good governance in the country.
“Anybody who knows our royal Father very well would not be surprised that he endowed a professorial chair for Good Governance. Since infancy, our royal Father has been deeply involved in the promotion of good governance in the country. In the over five decades that the Awujale has been on the throne of his forefathers, Ijebuland has witnessed phenomenal giant strides in all sectors of the economy”, Dr. Adenuga enthused.
The Globacom Chairman who described the monarch as his “very dear first cousin and family head” wished him more fruitful years in the service of Ijebuland in particular and Nigeria in general, adding that the Oba Sikiru Adetona Professorial Chair Lecture is living up to its ideal of generating ideas for the enthronement of good governance and the building of an egalitarian society where no man will be oppressed.He said the Professorial Chair holder and lecturer, Professor Ayo Olukotun, was a perfect choice in view of his pedigree as a prolific public commentator and erudite scholar of repute, adding that the topic for the lecture, “Civil Society and Governance in Nigeria’s evolving democracy 1992-2018”, was on point and germane.Delivering the lecture, Professor Olukotun said a state can be challenged once it loses its moral authority and disagreed with the view that the civil society was dead.He averred that the civil societies were rather in a state of stupor requiring general re-awakening. Prof. Olukotun urged the society “to increasingly find ways of transcending the familiar divisiveness and centrifugal conflicts that bedevil the Nigerian polity”.Responding, Oba Adetona thanked guests for honouring him and lamented the shoddy treatment meted out to traditional rulers, submitting that governments at all levels should consult more with traditional rulers to enthrone good governance. He decried the spate of killings in the country which he said was hampering all other human developmental efforts, observing that “if you build hospitals, roads and schools without security of life and property, all efforts would come to nought”.
(L to R) Chairman, Board of Trustees, Mr. Olatunji Ayanlaja, SAN ;Chair Holder, Prof. Ayo Olukotun, Mr. Folu Aderibigbe of Globacom, Mrs Stella Olukotun and Chairman of the occasion, Emeritus Professor Anthony Asiwaju at the 2nd Annual Oba SikIru Adetona Professorial Chair Lecture of the Olabisi Onabanjo University sponsored by Globacom on Thursday in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.
Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd (GTBank), the flagship banking franchise of GTCO Plc, Africa’s leading financial services group, today announced the launch of Quick Airtime Loan, an innovative digital solution that gives customers instant access to airtime when they run out of call credit and have limited funds in their bank accounts, ensuring customers can stay connected when it matters most.
In today’s always-on world, running out of airtime is more than a minor inconvenience. It can mean missed opportunities, disrupted plans, and lost connections, often at the very moment when funds are tight, and options are limited. Quick Airtime Loan was created to solve this problem, offering customers instant access to airtime on credit, directly from their bank. With Quick Airtime Loan, eligible GTBank customers can access from ₦100 and up to ₦10,000 by dialing 73790#. Available across all major mobile networks in Nigeria, the service will soon expand to include data loans, further strengthening its proposition as a reliable on-demand platform.
For years, the airtime credit market has been dominated by Telcos, where charges for this service are at 15%. GTBank is now changing the narrative by offering a customer-centric, bank-led digital alternative priced at 2.95%. Built on transparency, convenience and affordability, Quick Airtime Loan has the potential to broaden access to airtime, deliver meaningful cost savings for millions of Nigerians, and redefine how financial services show up in everyday life, not just in banking moments.
Commenting on the product launch, Miriam Olusanya, Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd, said: “Quick Airtime Loan reflects GTBank’s continued focus on delivering digital solutions that are relevant, accessible, and built around real customer needs. The solution underscores the power of a connected financial ecosystem, combining GTBank’s digital reach and lending expertise with the capabilities of HabariPay to deliver a smooth, end-to-end experience. By leveraging unique strengths across the Group, we are able to accelerate innovation, strengthen execution, and deliver a more integrated customer experience across all our service channels.”
Importantly, Quick Airtime Loan highlights GTCO’s evolution as a fully diversified financial services group. Leveraging HabariPay’s Squad, the solution reinforces the Group’s ecosystem proposition by bringing together banking, payment technology, and digital channels to deliver intuitive, one-stop experiences for customers.
With this new product launch, Guaranty Trust Bank is extending its legacy of pioneering digital-first solutions that have redefined customer access to financial services across the industry, building on the proven strength of its widely adopted QuickCredit offering and the convenience of the Bank’s iconic *737# USSD Banking platform.
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GTCO Proudly Headlines the NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament as Main Sponsor— Championing Great Experiences and Heritage
Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO Plc) (NGX: GTCO; LSE: GTCO), one of Africa’s leading financial services groups, is proud to announce its continued support as the main sponsor of the NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament, one of Africa’s oldest and most prestigious sporting events. The 2026 edition will be held at the Lagos Polo Club, Ikoyi, from Tuesday, January 27 to Sunday, February 15, bringing together top local and international polo teams and spectators from across the continent and beyond.
The 2026 NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament will feature top‑tier teams competing for major prizes, including the Majekodunmi Cup, Independence Cup, Open Cup, Silver Cup and Low Cup, among others. Guests can expect a fusion of thrilling equestrian action, polo-inspired lifestyle showcase, and curated hospitality experiences. The event will also be livestreamed, allowing audiences online to share in the excitement and spectacle.
Commenting on GTCO’s role as main sponsor of the Lagos International Polo Tournament, Segun Agbaje, Group Chief Executive Officer, said: “This tournament, one of the oldest in Africa, celebrates not only the noble sport of polo but the values we hold dear as a brand: teamwork, discipline, fair play, and a commitment to excellence. Beyond the field, it showcases Nigeria and Africa to a global audience, reinforcing the continent’s place on the world stage. Our longstanding sponsorship of the NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament reflects our conviction that sport can amplify opportunity, foster connections, and deliver world-class experiences for all.”
The NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament has long been celebrated not only for its thrilling competition and equestrian excellence but also for its rich heritage and cultural resonance within Africa’s sporting tradition. GTCO’s sponsorship embodies the Group’s commitment to creating platforms that unite communities and drive social impact across diverse audiences.
Tier one lender, Fidelity Bank Plc, has announced the completion of the tenure of Mr. Mustafa Chike-Obi as Chairman of its Board of Directors effective December 31, 2025, and the appointment of Mrs. Amaka Onwughalu as the new Chairman of the Board, effective January 1, 2026.
The board transitions are in alignment with the Bank’s policy and have been communicated to the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Nigerian Exchange Group, and other stakeholders.
Under Mr. Chike-Obi’s leadership, Fidelity Bank repaid its Eurobond, completed the first tranche of its public offer and rights issue that were oversubscribed by 237 percent and 137.73 percent respectively, expanded internationally to the United Kingdom, and received improved ratings from various agencies amongst a long list of achievements. His tenure also saw the Bank strengthen its capital position, record steady growth in customer deposits and total assets, deepen its digital banking capabilities, and enhance its corporate and investment banking proposition. The bank equally made notable progress in governance, risk management, and operational efficiency, all of which contributed to strengthened market confidence and the Bank’s sustained upward performance trajectory.
Reflecting on his tenure, Mr. Mustafa Chike-Obi said, “It has been a privilege to serve as Chairman of Fidelity Bank. The dedication of our Board, management, and staff has enabled us to reach significant milestones. I am confident that the Bank will continue to thrive and deliver value to all stakeholders.”
Mrs. Amaka Onwughalu’s appointment marks a new chapter for Fidelity Bank. She joined the Board in December 2020 and has chaired key committees. With over 30 years of banking experience, including executive roles at Mainstreet Bank Limited and Skye Bank Plc. She holds degrees in Economics, Corporate Governance, and Business Administration, and has attended executive programmes at global institutions. Mrs. Onwughalu is a Fellow of several professional bodies and has received awards for accountability and financial management
“I am honoured to lead the Board of Fidelity Bank at this exciting time. Our recent achievements have set a strong foundation for continued growth. I look forward to working with my colleagues to drive our strategy and deliver sustainable value,” commented Mrs. Onwughalu.
Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.
The Bank is a recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.
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