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Ecobank Ellevate Celebrates “Fantastic Five” Female First Class Graduates
As part of activities to commemorate this year’s International Women’s Month, Ecobank Ellevate has singled out and celebrated five first class female University graduates. The graduates who are being celebrated for their excellence and distinctive nature, include, Abolaji Awodein, a graduate of Social Works; Nusirat Eniola Yusuf, Economics; Faith Nwachinemere, Estate Management and Anthonia Owani, Economics all from the University of Lagos. Also included is Fisayo Ojo, who graduated from Covenant University with a degree in Computer Science.
Abolaji Awodein is a young and ambitious lady, graduated with a First Class (Hons) Degree in Social Work. She was the best graduating student in her department. She also has a Diploma in Social Development and Administration where she was also the best graduating student. The self-published writer published her book “And Then I Met You” in 2018, which sold many copies locally and internationally. Nusirat Eniola Yusuf is a young and ambitious Nigerian Economist who graduated with a First Class from the prestigious University of Lagos in 2021. She has keen interest in Data analytics and currently works as a Financial Analyst. Outside work, Nusirat can be best described as an individual who is passionate about humanity. She is big on IMPACT, particularly on promoting quality education for the Nigerian child.
Faith Nwachinemere is a young, ambitious, and talented lady who having studied Estate Management and earned a distinction at a Diploma level (OND), from Yaba College of Technology, proceeded to obtain her first degree (BSc) in the same course from University of Lagos. She graduated with a First Class (Hons) and was the best graduating student in the Faculty of Environmental sciences. While in school, she represented her department in the 51st annual quiz competition organized by the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) and came second place. Anthonia Owani is a First Class graduate of Economics from University of Lagos. She strives to always make an impact. In 2018, she led a team of five to organize a genotype awareness campaign at the University of Lagos where she educated over 800 students and community members about the intricacies of the human genotype. Fisayo Ojo graduated from Covenant University in 2021 with First Class Honors in Computer Science. She believes technology is a vehicle for change and loves building products that makes life easier for everyone. As an undergraduate, she also co-founded an NGO (TSC) to promote the inclusion of women in technology.
Head Marketing and Corporate Communications, Ecobank Nigeria, Babajide Sipe, said the recognition and celebration of the first-class female graduates is in line with the bank’s deliberate policy to promote distinction and excellence. According to him one of the ways to create a society that is free of bias and gender-based discrimination is to identify, recognize and reward excellence among the female folks in all spheres of life. This he noted would further encourage other women to aspire high and close the bias gap.
“I advise the honourees not to rest on their academic exploits but continue to mentor and be an inspiration to younger ones. The theme for this year’s IWD ‘’Break the Bias’’ suggests that there’s still more to be done the world over especially in Africa. Ecobank has made tremendous progress over the years in ensuring that women have similar access like men to the resources they need to grow, whether as employees or as entrepreneurs. It is imperative to join hands together to create a society that is free of bias and gender-based discrimination”.
“Across Ecobank, we are intent on ensuring that women have genuinely equal opportunities to men in achieving promotion, developing their careers, and reaching their full potential. Here at Ecobank Nigeria, our aim is to achieve 50/50 equality by 2030 at all levels of the bank. while IWD is just one day, gender equality is a phenomenon that even goes beyond women’s month. It should be firmly embedded in our beliefs, behaviors, and actions as the norm every single day. We understand that ultimately, the success of women is the success of the world.” He stated.
Ecobank Ellevate is a multi-award-winning initiative, through which the bank positions women-owned and women focused businesses for success. As part of the 2022 International Women’s Day celebrations, Ellevate by Ecobank had an Exhibition, a first-of-its-kind series of fairs and workshops for womenpreneurs in 4 different locations across the country – Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt & Ibadan. The fairs provided opportunities for hundreds of female entrepreneurs to showcase their products to a multi-cultural audience, expand their digital presence and reach new market.
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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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UBA Group Dominates 2025, Banker Awards, Emerges Africa’s Bank of the Year, For Third Time in Five Years
….Wins Best Bank in Nine out of 20 African Subsidiaries
Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has once again, reaffirmed its leadership as one of the continent’s most innovative and resilient financial institutions, as the bank has, for the third time in five years, been named the African Bank of the year 2025 by the Banker.com.
UBA also won the Best Bank of the Year awards in nine of its 20 African subsidiaries, bringing its total awards this year to ten as UBA Benin, UBA Chad, UBA Republic of Congo (Congo-Brazzaville), UBA Liberia, UBA Mali, UBA Mozambique, UBA Senegal, UBA Sierra Leone, and UBA Zambia, all came out tops as the best banks in their respective countries, underscoring the bank’s strength across West, Central and Southern Africa and highlighting the depth of its Pan-African franchise.
The Banker.com, a leading global finance news publication published by the Financial Times of London, organises the annual Bank of the Year Awards, and this year’s edition was held at a grand ceremony at the Peninsula, London, on Wednesday.
The Chief Executive Officer, UBA UK, Deji Adeyelure, received the awards on behalf of the bank, representing the Group Managing Director/CEO, Oliver Alawuba, and was accompanied by the bank’s Head Business Development, Mark Ifashe, and Head, Financial Institutions, Shilpam Jha.
The Banker’s awards are widely regarded as the most respected and rigorous in the global banking industry, celebrating institutions that demonstrate outstanding performance, innovation and strategic execution.
In its remarks on UBA’s winnings, the banker.com said, “For the third time in five years, UBA Group has won the coveted Bank of the Year award for Africa. UBA Group time after time punches above its weight against its larger African rivals. The bank this year also takes home nine separate country awards (one more than it gained for its last continental win in 2024), equivalent to around a quarter of the awards for the continent, and more than any of its continent-wide rivals.”
Continuing, it said, “Perhaps even more impressive is the fact that the awards were won across a broad geographic spread, going to lenders based in the Economic Community of West African States (Benin, Liberia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and former member Mali), the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (Chad, Republic of Congo) and the Southern African Development Community (Mozambique, Zambia). Its award wins were particularly notable in the highly competitive categories for Benin and Mozambique.”
The Banker also highlighted UBA’s strong financial performance and commitment to future growth. In 2024, the Group recorded a 46.8 per cent increase in assets and a 6.1 per cent rise in pre-tax profits in local currency terms, while continuing to invest significantly in talent and technology. West Africa remains UBA’s heartland, with operating revenue and profit increasing by 87 per cent and 89 per cent respectively in H1 2025.
The bank’s digital and innovation leadership was equally recognised. During the year under review, and launched its Advance Top-Up buy-now-pay-later feature on the *919# USSD platform, expanding financial access for customers, while the bank’s chatbot Leo continued its strong growth trajectory, with transaction volumes rising by 29 per cent year-on-year in H1 2025. Notably, in August, Leo became the first African banking chatbot to enable cross-border payments via the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS).
UBA’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, while reacting to the achievement, said the recognition affirms the bank’s long-term strategy and customer-first philosophy.
“This honour reflects the strength of our Pan-African network, the trust of our customers, and the dedication of our people. Winning Africa’s Bank of the Year for the third time in five years is not by chance; it is a testament to disciplined execution, innovation, and a deep understanding of the markets we serve,” Alawuba said.
“Our nine country awards across diverse regions of Africa show that UBA is not just growing, but growing with impact. We remain committed to driving financial inclusion, supporting economic development, and deploying technology that makes banking simpler, faster, and more accessible to Africans everywhere,” he added.
United Bank for Africa is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees group-wide and serving over 45 million customers globally. Operating in twenty African countries, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting-edge technology.
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