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

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8 years ago

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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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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact [email protected]

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Bank

Union Bank Honoured by ASBON at Nigeria National SME Business Awards

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3 hours ago

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May 13, 2026

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Union Bank Honoured by ASBON at Nigeria National SME Business Awards

 

 

Lagos, Nigeria – Union Bank of Nigeria has reaffirmed its reputation as a strong supporter of Nigerian businesses, receiving the Best SME Growth Banking Initiatives Award for 2025 from the Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria (ASBON) at the Nigeria National SME Business Awards, held recently in Lagos.

The award was presented to the Bank in recognition of its strategic leadership in advancing the growth and resilience of small and medium-sized enterprises, through a differentiated suite of solutions designed to enable business expansion and long-term value creation.

Receiving the award on behalf of the Bank, Ayokunnumi Abraham, Head of SME Segment at Union Bank, described the recognition as a strong endorsement of the Bank’s commitment to supporting small and medium-sized businesses. He said:

“We are honoured to receive this recognition, which reflects Union Bank’s continued commitment to helping SMEs grow by making banking simpler, faster, and more accessible. Through enhancements to our specialised platforms such as Union360, we have meaningfully reduced the time it takes for businesses to come on board and begin transacting. These improvements have shortened onboarding, increased digital adoption among our SME customers, and supported the acquisition of new business clients. Our focus remains on delivering practical solutions that help Nigerian businesses thrive.”

Organised by ASBON in partnership with the Lagos State Government through the Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, the event convened stakeholders from the public and private sectors to recognise individuals and organisations driving meaningful impact across Nigeria’s SME ecosystem.

Union Bank remains focused on deepening its support for SMEs through customer-led solutions and processes that strengthen business growth across the ecosystem.

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Bank

Atlantian Crown Bank Rebrands as Arizona Global Bank LLC, Begins Licensing for Global Expansion 

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16 hours ago

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May 12, 2026

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*Atlantian Crown Bank Rebrands as Arizona Global Bank LLC, Begins Licensing for Global Expansion* 

_By AGP News 

 

*UNITED KINGDOM OF ATLANTIS* — In a move signaling a push into international markets, the Royal Throne of the United Kingdom of Atlantis on Sunday announced the corporate transformation of Atlantian Crown Bank LLC into *Arizona Global Bank LLC*, as part of a wider restructuring to position the institution for global banking and financial innovation.

 

The announcement was made at a press conference in the UKA capital by *HRM Queen Amb. Cletus C. Leaticia*, Chief Executive Officer of the newly named bank. She told reporters the rebranding marks _“more than a name change”_ and reflects a strategic pivot toward digital finance, cross-border investment, and modern banking standards.

 

_“This transformation represents our commitment to innovation-driven banking and our vision to become a globally competitive financial institution,”_ Queen Leaticia said.

 

*Licensing Process Underway*

According to the Department of Financial Administration and Corporate Affairs, which issued the official communication, Arizona Global Bank LLC has formally begun the process of applying for a *Banking Operational Licence* under UKA’s financial regulatory framework.

 

Once licensed, the bank plans to operate as a modern financial enterprise focused on four pillars:

1. Innovation-driven banking and digital financial solutions

2. Corporate financing and structured investment services

3. International financial partnerships and cross-border trade facilitation

4. Financial inclusion initiatives

 

Bank officials stressed that the institution will _“maintain strict compliance with all banking regulations and supervisory standards”_ set by UKA financial authorities.

 

*Strategic Shift Amid Global Ambitions*

Management described the rebranding as part of a broader restructuring initiative to _“strengthen the bank’s international identity, expand its global financial footprint, and align operations with contemporary banking standards.”_

 

Representatives called the licensing and rebranding process a _“major milestone”_ aimed at supporting economic growth, international trade, and cross-border investment initiatives.

 

*No Disruption to Existing Commitments*

Addressing potential concerns from clients and partners, management reassured stakeholders that _“all existing institutional commitments, operational objectives, and long-term strategic plans remain fully intact throughout the transition process.”_

 

The Royal Throne indicated that further updates on the licence approval, commencement of operations, corporate partnerships, and investment programmes will be released through official UKA and Arizona Global Bank LLC channels.

 

_The Department of Financial Administration and Corporate Affairs, Royal Throne of United Kingdom of Atlantis, issued the official statement._

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Bank

Fidelity Bank grows Gross Earnings by 45.6% for FY 2025 

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17 hours ago

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May 12, 2026

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Fidelity Bank grows Gross Earnings by 45.6% for FY 2025 

 

Lagos, Nigeria – Fidelity Bank Plc, a leading Nigerian financial institution, has announced its audited financial results for the year ended 31 December 2025, reporting Gross Earnings growth of 45.6% from N1.04 trillion in 2024 to N1.52 trillion in FY 2025, reflecting stronger topline momentum across core business segments.

 

 

The Group recorded a Profit Before Tax of N347.7 billion.  This performance was underpinned by a 38.7% year-on-year increase in interest income to N1.11 trillion (FY 2024: N803.1 billion) and a 44.7% year-on-year rise in fees and commission income to N113.4 billion (FY 2024: N78.4 billion).

 

 

On the balance sheet, total assets grew by 18.6% year-on-year to N10.46 trillion (FY 2024: N8.82 trillion), while customer deposits increased by 16.1% year on year to N6.89 trillion (FY 2024: N5.94 trillion), reflecting continued franchise strength and growing customer confidence in the brand. Net loans and advances declined by 2.4% year-on-year to N4.28 trillion (FY 2024: N4.39 trillion) as customers paid down on their mature obligations.

 

 

The Bank also strengthened its capital position during the period, with eligible capital rising to N561 billion, above the regulatory minimum of N500 billion for banks with international authorisation. In addition, capital adequacy remained robust, with Capital Adequacy Ratio of 30.94 percent as at 31 December 2025 (FY 2024: 23.47 percent).

 

 

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 the 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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