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​”My Priority Is To Provide Jobs For Teeming Unemployed Anambra Youths” – Hotel Mogul Umenwobi Henry

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Who is De Don?
My name is Umenwobi Abuchi Henry (JP). I am the CEO of New World lounge and Las Vegas night club, Awka, Anambra State. I’m from Ezinifite Aguata local government Area in Anambra State. I grew up in Ezinifite before heading to Bauchi to learn trading. After that I came to Awka where I resided briefly before traveling abroad. 
How long did you stay abroad?
I stayed for about 8 years because, no matter where I  go my heart is always in Nigeria. 

Since your arrival how would you describe your experience? 
Well, so far so good.  I saw a lot of nice changes especially in Anambra State. I was surprised to see that the state is one of the safest in Nigeria now thanks to chief Willie Obaino. People can move freely at any time now.  
What inspired you to go into hospitality business?
OK,  I’ll say that the major reason I went into hospitality business is because, since I was a kid I’ve always told myself that I’ll like to do something that will benefit people. So when I came back from abroad I thought of many business ideas,  but later settled on building hotels and clubs. Because first it’ll employ many people, provide the people a place to rest and a place to enjoy themselves. You can imagine my joy when I see people propose to their girlfriends every week at my club. It also gladdens my heart to see happy couples coming to my hotel for honeymoon. There are so many positive experiences but I can only name a few. 

How were you able to build New World Hotel and Las Vegas Night Club into one of the most popular tourist destinations in Anambra State? 
I’ll say it all boils down to good service. We always make sure that our customers are well treated. That keeps them coming back. Next is security. I’ll say that our place is one of the safest places people can lodge or club with rest of mind. Then the types of events we host to appease the customers matters too.  People love our activities such as, the white party, which attracts the high and the mighty in Anambra State. We also hosts Jersey party which involves people coming out wearing their clubs’ jerseys. I’ll say it’s been one of the most successful parties hosted in Las Vegas night club. We also do champagne Night,  which as the name implies is all about champagne. We have 30 queens,  where we host reigning pageantry winners from across the state. There’s also Arabian nights where the biggest boys and the biggest girls don Arabian attires. It’s really a sight to behold. We’re introducing two new parties,  one is the Mask party which is coming up on Friday the 29th of June 2018, and the second one is celebrity night,  which involves hosting popular celebrities once a month in the club. That doesn’t mean that celebs have not been frequenting our place. People like Terry G, D Prince,  Vector, Nkoli Nwa Nsuka,  Zubee Michael, Award winning film producer Lawrence Lurrenzo Onuzulike,  Junior pope and host of others do visit our outfits.
How would you rate hospitality business in the Eastern part of the country, most especially Anambra?
I would say that my people are trying. Since the change in the security level of the state, hospitality business has surged dramatically. The  biggest issue hindering growth is lack of electricity. I ran desel daily every year.  It takes a lot from the business. But I don’t think that’s just an Anambra issue. I think it’s more of Nigeria’s issue. 
It’s no doubt you’re a massive employer of youths. How has it been managing them?
I won’t lie to you, it hasn’t been easy. In every twelve apostles there must be a Judas. But we deal with them with patience and most importantly we train them always and ensure they know whats required of them at the work place. In all, I’ll say it’s God that helps us. 
What are some of your plans in changing the face of hospitality business in Anambra State? 
I won’t it call it plans because I’m already doing things to change the face of hospitality in Anambra State. I didn’t just build a hotel and a club and then went home to rest. Instead, I work with talented  and creative people on a daily basis to keep dishing out fun activities and expanding our businesses to accommodate more customers and provide more jobs. Oh, let me add that due to the quality of our hotel and clubs and the standard we set,  most people coming home from abroad like to stay and club with us.

Why did you choose to invest heavily in Anambra State? 
If it was a few years ago, I won’t have taken the risk. But as I said earlier, when I returned to Nigeria I was shocked by the level of security in the state, again thanks to governor Willie Obaino. And also it’s my home state, they say Charity begins at home. If I don’t develop my state who will? It would’ve been a very big disappointment for me to travel abroad and see many things and not bring as much as possible back home, so that when white people visit Nigeria they will see that we are a modern society too.  We can’t leave everything to the government. 
What do you think of the current political situation in Nigeria? 
In every positive there are some negatives, and in every  negative there are some positives. I won’t say the current political situation is the best or the worst.  I’ve learned to have some positives out of every situation.
What do you think of Governor Obaino’s leadership?

 
I think he’s trying. If you noticed I’ve mentioned security many times. It’s because businesses won’t thrive without security and he has provided that. Most people of Anambra State are very proud of him. But like I always said, we need power supply in the state, after security and good roads,  power supply is very important. This is crippling many businesses not just only those in hospitality. 
Do you think Governments at the state and the national levels deserved another term in office?

If I answer the question based on how I’m being favoured,  then my answer will be biased.  I’ll rather say it depends on Nigerians in general to decide.  At this point I’m calling everyone  to come out with their PVCs and vote for what’s better for the country and  for my state.

From our little research, people of Anambra loves you immensely because of your philanthropic nature. Do you plan to ride the popularity wave and join   politics?
If I’m to follow the way people have been pushing me I would’ve been into politics long before now.   c don’t know about the future but for now I’m more focused on providing jobs for the youths and doing things that will benefit my people.

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Nigeria’s Inflation Drops to 15.10% as NBS Reports Deflationary Trend

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Nigeria’s Inflation Drops to 15.10% as NBS Reports Deflationary Trend

Nigeria’s headline inflation rate declined to 15.10 per cent in January 2026, marking a significant drop from 27.61 per cent recorded in January 2025, according to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report released by the National Bureau of Statistics.

The report also showed that month-on-month inflation recorded a deflationary trend of –2.88 per cent, representing a 3.42 percentage-point decrease compared to December 2025. Analysts say the development signals easing price pressures across key sectors of the economy.

Food inflation stood at 8.89 per cent year-on-year, down from 29.63 per cent in January 2025. On a month-on-month basis, food prices declined by 6.02 per cent, reflecting lower costs in several staple commodities.

The data suggests a sustained downward trajectory in inflation over the past 12 months, pointing to improving macroeconomic stability.

The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has consistently attributed recent economic adjustments to ongoing fiscal and monetary reforms aimed at stabilising prices, boosting agricultural output, and strengthening domestic supply chains.

Economic analysts note that while the latest figures indicate progress, sustaining the downward trend will depend on continued policy discipline, exchange rate stability, and improvements in food production and distribution.

The January report provides one of the clearest indications yet that inflationary pressures, which surged in early 2025, may be moderating.

 

Nigeria’s headline inflation rate declined to 15.10 per cent in January 2026, marking a significant drop from 27.61 per cent recorded in January 2025, according to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report released by the National Bureau of Statistics.

 

The report also showed that month-on-month inflation recorded a deflationary trend of –2.88 per cent, representing a 3.42 percentage-point decrease compared to December 2025. Analysts say the development signals easing price pressures across key sectors of the economy.

 

Food inflation stood at 8.89 per cent year-on-year, down from 29.63 per cent in January 2025. On a month-on-month basis, food prices declined by 6.02 per cent, reflecting lower costs in several staple commodities.

 

The data suggests a sustained downward trajectory in inflation over the past 12 months, pointing to improving macroeconomic stability.

 

The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has consistently attributed recent economic adjustments to ongoing fiscal and monetary reforms aimed at stabilising prices, boosting agricultural output, and strengthening domestic supply chains.

 

Economic analysts note that while the latest figures indicate progress, sustaining the downward trend will depend on continued policy discipline, exchange rate stability, and improvements in food production and distribution.

 

The January report provides one of the clearest indications yet that inflationary pressures, which surged in early 2025, may be moderating.

 

Nigeria’s Inflation Drops to 15.10% as NBS Reports Deflationary Trend

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Alpha Morgan to Host 19th Economic Review Webinar

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Alpha Morgan to Host 19th Economic Review Webinar

 

In an economy shaped by constant shifts, the edge often belongs to those with the right information.

 

 

On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, Alpha Morgan Bank will host the 19th edition of its Economic Review Webinar, a high-level thought leadership session designed to equip businesses, investors, and individuals with timely financial and economic insight.

 

 

The session, which will hold live on Zoom at 10:00am WAT and will feature economist Bismarck Rewane, who will examine the key signals influencing Nigeria’s economic direction in 2026, including policy trends, market movements, and global developments shaping the local landscape.

 

 

With a consistent track record of delivering clarity in uncertain times, the Alpha Morgan Economic Review continues to provide practical context for decision-making in a dynamic environment.

 

 

Registration for the 19th Alpha Morgan Economic Review is free and can be completed via https://bit.ly/registeramerseries19

It is a bi-monthly platform that is open to the public and is held virtually.

 

 

Visit www.alphamorganbank to know more.

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GTBank Launches Quick Airtime Loan at 2.95%

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GTCO increases GTBank’s Paid-Up Capital to ₦504 Billion

GTBank Launches Quick Airtime Loan at 2.95%

 

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 *737*90#. 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.
About Guaranty Trust Bank

Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) is the flagship banking franchise of GTCO Plc, a leading financial services group with a strong presence across Africa and the United Kingdom. The Bank is widely recognized for its leadership in digital banking, customer experience, and innovative financial solutions that deliver value to individuals, businesses, and communities.

About HabariPay

HabariPay is the payments fintech subsidiary of GTCO Plc, focused on enabling fast, secure, and accessible digital payments for individuals and businesses. By integrating payments and digital technology, HabariPay supports innovative services that make everyday financial interactions simpler and more seamless.
Enquiries:

GTCO
Group Corporate Communication
[email protected]
+234-1-2715227
www.gtcoplc.com

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