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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.
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BANKING ON HER TOMORROW: ZENITH BANK EMPOWERS 300 GIRLS WITH EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE AND CONFIDENCE
Zenith Bank Plc has launched the maiden edition of its Girl-Child Empowerment Programme, themed “Banking on Her Tomorrow,” bringing together 300 schoolgirls aged 13 to 17 from selected schools across Lagos for a day of learning, mentorship and personal development.
Held on Monday, October 12, 2026, at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, the programme featured sessions on finance and investment, etiquette and personal development, social media ethics, and social relationships and interactions, equipping participants with practical knowledge and skills for their personal, educational and future career journeys.
The initiative, a brainchild of the Bank’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON, reflects Zenith Bank’s commitment to nurturing the potential of young girls and helping them make informed choices about their futures.
In her welcome address, Dame (Dr.) Umeoji urged the participants to believe in their abilities, pursue their ambitions and remain focused and disciplined. Drawing on examples of young girls who have achieved remarkable feats, she challenged them to look beyond their present circumstances and envision the women they aspire to become.
“To all my amazing young ladies here today, each of you possesses gifts, talents, and ideas that are capable of revolutionising the world. You can revolutionise the world with your ideas,” she said.
The GMD/CEO further encouraged the girls to explore their interests and resist societal limitations, stressing the importance of taking ownership of their futures.
“Never allow gender or age to limit your goals. Whatever interests you today, explore it. Whatever you choose to pursue in life, give it your best shot,” she said.
Delivering the keynote address, Her Majesty, Olori Atuwatse III, Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom, encouraged the girls to embrace their identities, develop resilience and use their abilities to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Using the mangrove tree as a metaphor for resilience, she reminded the participants that challenges need not define their futures and that their worth extends beyond academic results and external expectations.
“Every time you affirm the truth about who you are, you are building confidence. Every time the tide of life goes out and you are still standing, you are building resilience. And every time you use your gifts for another person, you are discovering your purpose,” Olori Atuwatse III said.
The programme featured interactive sessions led by accomplished professionals and personalities:
Ayanime Edem, founder of The Elite Finishing School and modern etiquette educator, discussed confidence, communication, self-presentation and etiquette.
Nigerian actress and content creator Bukunmi Adeaga Ilori, popularly known as Kie Kie, addressed responsible social media use, authenticity and digital boundaries.
Representing Zenith Bank, Thelma Okonye and Adesola Adeyemo introduced the girls to saving, responsible money management and investment, highlighting the importance of developing sound financial habits early.
While Nigerian filmmaker, creative executive and educator,Praise Onyeagwalam, Director Pink, led a session on healthy relationships, self-awareness and effective communication.
The sessions encouraged active participation, giving the girls opportunities to ask questions and engage with the speakers on issues relevant to their experiences and aspirations.
The programme also featured competitions, with cash prizes totalling over ₦1 million awarded to winners. The participants received books to encourage reading and personal growth, while musical performances by Nigerian singers Qing Madi and No. 11 added to the lively atmosphere. The event was hosted by Temi Badru, public speaker, communications coach and lawyer, with Darasimi Destiny Nadi serving as mini host.
Delivering the closing remarks, Executive Director, Zenith Bank Plc, Dr. Mrs. Adobi Nwapa, highlighted the GMD/CEO’s vision for the initiative and the Bank’s commitment to sustaining its impact.
“The programme is the vision of our GMD/CEO, who conceived and championed it, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to the empowerment of the girl child. Through her leadership, she has shown the girls what is possible when a woman dares to lead. At Zenith Bank, our commitment to the girl child extends beyond today, and we will continue to nurture their aspirations through this annual initiative,” she said.
Dr. Nwapa thanked the speakers and participants for contributing to the programme’s success and encouraged the girls to apply the lessons learnt, remain confident and pursue their aspirations with determination.
The initiative builds on Zenith Bank’s longstanding commitment to advancing opportunities for women and girls through programmes including its annual International Women’s Day Seminar, the Zenith Women’s Basketball League, the Women of Honour Awards in partnership with the Ford Foundation, the Pad-a-Queen Initiative and Z-Woman, which supports women-owned businesses through business support and access to credit at discounted rates.
Through “Banking on Her Tomorrow,” Zenith Bank is extending this commitment to a younger generation, equipping girls with the knowledge, skills and confidence to pursue their ambitions and contribute meaningfully to their communities and society.
Zenith Bank Plc is set to launch the maiden edition of its Girl-Child Empowerment Programme, an initiative aimed at inspiring young girls to dream boldly, develop the skills and confidence to pursue their aspirations, and prepare for meaningful opportunities in the future.
The event, themed “Banking On Her Tomorrow,” is the brainchild of the Bank’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, the first female GMD/CEO in Zenith Bank’s history and a strong advocate for girl-child education and empowerment. The event will be held virtually on Monday, October 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., a day after the International Day of the Girl Child, observed globally on October 11.
The programme, which will feature an impressive lineup of distinguished experts in various fields, seeks to provide girls with the inspiration, knowledge and practical perspectives needed to navigate their education and careers, while exposing them to opportunities in skills development, mentorship and leadership. As an annual platform, it will encourage girls to recognise their potential, broaden their aspirations and equip themselves to make informed choices about their future.
The initiative builds on Zenith Bank’s longstanding commitment to women and girls, demonstrated through programmes and platforms including the Bank’s annual International Women’s Day Seminar, its sole sponsorship of the Zenith Women’s Basketball League, the Women of Honour Awards in partnership with the Ford Foundation, and the Pad-a-Queen Initiative. These complement the Bank’s women-focused financial solutions, including the Z-Woman initiative, an empowerment programme that supports women-owned and women-led businesses through specialised funding, capacity building and networking. Together, these initiatives reflect the Bank’s broader commitment to supporting women and girls at different stages of their lives, and to contributing meaningfully to national development.
This maiden edition is open to all, with girls, parents, educators and other members of the public invited to participate. Interested participants can register via the link below. Those unable to join via Zoom can follow the live stream on Zenith Bank’s social media platforms.
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GTCO Plc Releases 2026 Half Year Audited Results …….. Reports Profit Before Tax of ₦603.03billion,Pays Interim Dividend of ₦1
Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (“GTCO” or the “Group”) has released its Audited Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements for the period ended June 30, 2026, to the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) and London Stock Exchange (LSE).
The Group posted a profit before tax of ₦603.03 billion, driven by strong performance recorded on the interest and trading income lines, which grew y-o-y by 7.5% and 24.7%, respectively. The strong earningsrecorded was moderated by a ₦46.2 billion fair value loss recognized in H1–2026, limiting y-o-y growth in PBT to 0.4%.
The Group grew across its asset lines, reinforcing a balance sheet that is well structured, liquid and diversified. This growth was recorded in each jurisdiction where we operate a banking franchise, and across our Payments, Pension and Funds Management businesses.”
Group’s Total assets and shareholders’ funds closed at ₦18.6trillion and ₦3.3trillion, respectively. Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) remained very strong, closing at 34.9% (Bank 29.2%), and asset quality improved as evidenced by IFRS 9 Stage 3 Loans which closed at 3.5% and 4.6% % at both Bank and Group Level in H1-2026 (Bank -3.4%, Group 5.0% in FY-2025). Cost of Risk (COR) improved to 0.6% from 2.2% during the same period.
The Group’s Loan book (net) grew marginally by 0.5% from ₦3.13trillion as of December 2025 to ₦3.15trillion in June 2026, converse for improved performance on Deposit liabilities which grew by 10.3% from ₦12.87trillion to ₦14.19trillion during the same period.
Commenting on the results, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO Plc), Mr. Segun Agbaje, said; “Our half year results speak to the strength of what we have built: a resilient franchise, a strong balance sheet and a business that no longer depends on banking alone. Fair value movements weighed on reported earnings, but the core business held firm. Interest and trading income grew, deposits strengthened, and asset quality improved at Group level. The priority now is to execute with discipline and grow responsibly. Digital is our lever for scaling across Banking, Payments, Pension and Funds Management, and for building a more diversified and resilient financial services group.”
Overall, the Group continues to post one of the best metrics in the Nigerian Financial Services Industry in terms of key financial ratios i.e., Pre-Tax Return on Equity (ROAE) of 35.9%, Pre-Tax Return on Assets (ROAA) of 6.6%, Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) of 34.9% (Bank: 29.2%) and Cost to Income ratio of 31.5%.
GTCO Plc is a leading financial services group with operations across Africa and the United Kingdom. Renowned for its strong corporate governance, innovative financial solutions, and customer-centric approach, the Group provides a wide range of banking and non-banking services including payments, funds management, and pension fund administration. The Group is committed to delivering long-term value to stakeholders while driving growth and development across its markets
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