Union Bank Strengthens Media Ties at Informal Mixer Event

Lagos, Nigeria – Union Bank of Nigeria recently hosted an informal and engaging meet-and-greet session with leading media professionals at The Stallion Plaza, its headquarters in Marina, Lagos.

The event, held at SpaceNXT, the Bank’s purpose-designed co-creation hub for innovators and creators, was conceived as a relaxed platform to foster personal connections and deepen mutual understanding between the Bank and media partners.

Rather than a formal media briefing, the gathering offered a convivial atmosphere for open conversation, reinforcing Union Bank’s recognition of the media’s essential role in shaping public discourse and amplifying the Bank’s mission.

In attendance were senior members of Union Bank’s leadership team, including Taiwo Shote, Executive Director, Corporate Banking, Lagos and West, Olufunmilola Aluko, Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, and Tosin Ibikunle, Head of Strategy and Planning. Olufunmilola and Tosin reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to transparent and collaborative engagement with the press, while underscoring Union Bank’s strong operational footing and readiness to meet all regulatory obligations.

Speaking at the event, Mrs Olufunmilola Aluko, Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, said:
“This event is simply about people. Union Bank has been around for 108 years, and we’ve seen it all – from telegram banking to digital wallets; from handwritten ledgers to AI-driven analytics. But through all that change, one constant has remained: the media.

We wanted to create a space that is unhurried and human, where we can meet without the weight of deadlines or the formality of press statements, because behind those exchanges are real people who share a deep commitment to storytelling, to truth, and to impact. So today, we wanted this session to simply be about reconnecting; banker to journalist, human to human.”

Echoing this spirit of partnership as the Bank looks ahead, Mr Tosin Ibikunle, Head of Strategy and Planning, added:
“Union Bank has diligently enhanced its systems and service experience in preparation for the next phase of growth. As we roll out new initiatives, we look forward to partnering with the media to tell our story with clarity, accuracy, and impact.”

The event also featured a tour of Stallion Plaza and a networking session, reflecting the Bank’s intention to create a warm, human connection beyond the usual formalities of corporate communication.

Union Bank remains steadfast in its commitment to building trust through open dialogue and meaningful partnerships with the media and all stakeholders, as it continues to serve customers and contribute positively to Nigeria’s economic landscape.

Adron Chairman Congratulates Governor Dapo Abiodun on Maiden Flight from Gateway International Airport

The Chairman/CEO of Adron Group, Sir Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, KOF, has congratulated the Executive Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, and the entire people of Ogun State, on the historic occasion of the maiden commercial flight from the Gateway International Airport, Iperu-Ilishan.

In a congratulatory message, he described the milestone as a landmark achievement that reaffirms the Governor’s exceptional leadership, strategic foresight, and commitment to the infrastructural and economic transformation of Ogun State.

According to him, the successful take-off of the maiden flight marks the dawn of a new era in the state’s industrial and commercial growth, firmly positioning Ogun as the true Gateway to Prosperity and Development in Nigeria.

He noted that the feat encapsulates the essence of purposeful governance. “By turning long-held aspirations into tangible reality, His Excellency has demonstrated that leadership is not merely about vision, but about the courage and capacity to bring that vision to life,” he stated.

Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing also suggested that the state government consider establishing its own airline, “Gateway Air,” to further strengthen Ogun State’s identity, boost tourism and trade, and maximize the enormous economic potential of the new airport.

He commended Governor Abiodun for his transformative leadership and expressed optimism that under his watch, Ogun State would continue to thrive as Nigeria’s leading investment destination and a model of modern development.

“As you continue to steer the ship of state toward even greater achievements, I pray for divine wisdom, strength, and continued success in delivering the dividends of good governance to the great people of Ogun State,” he added.

He concluded by describing the project as a historic legacy that will stand the test of time.

Technology has become the new backbone of statecraft – Governor Lawal

Governor of Zamfara State, His Excellency, Governor Dauda Lawal led an high powered delegation to the three day ongoing Digital Government Africa Summit in Lusaka, Zambia, where he delivered a compelling keynote address emphasizing the critical role of digitization in enhancing governance. During his opening remarks at the Ciela Resort Hotel, Dr Lawal was joined by notable leaders, including His Excellency Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia, along with several key government figures such as Hon. JJ Mwiimbu, the Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Percy Chinyama, the National Coordinator of the SMART Zambia Institute, Hon. Felix Mutati (MP), Minister of Technology and Science, and Hon. Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, Minister of Finance and National Planning.

In his address, Governor Lawal outlined Zamfara’s impressive journey towards digital transformation, detailing the establishment of a robust digital governance ecosystem that fosters innovative public service platforms aimed at increasing transparency, operational efficiency and active citizen engagement. He articulated the vision of Zamfara State as a pioneer in digital innovation across Africa, highlighting the state’s commitment to creating an inclusive development model.

During his keynote, Governor Lawal stated, “Across the continent, the digital revolution is steadily dismantling archaic methods of operation and forging new pathways for e-governance, trade, and investment opportunities.” He underscored that technology has become integral to modern governance, serving as the infrastructure that underpins institutions, enhances educational systems, optimizes security frameworks, and drives economic productivity. He illustrated how every sector now hinges on the dual foundations of data and connectivity, which are essential for effective governance in today’s digital age.

The governor further informed the audience that the Federal Republic of Nigeria has made significant strides toward this digital evolution through the implementation of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, overseen by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). He noted that this policy is pivotal in informing how technology interweaves with governance, industry, and innovation across the country. He shared that Zamfara State has aligned its strategic vision with this national directive by adopting a bold, homegrown reform agenda that prioritizes technology-centered governance and public service delivery. “For us in Zamfara State,” he emphasized, “digital transformation redefines how our government interacts with and serves its citizens. We envision governance that is present, intelligent, responsive, and guided by data.”

Highlighting tangible advancements, Governor Lawal showcased the innovative e-GovConnect platform, developed by the Zamfara Information Technology Development Agency. This platform automates numerous internal processes, reduces bureaucratic red tape, and facilitates faster policy execution. He noted that e-GovConnect has significantly streamlined decision-making, enhanced inter-agency cooperation, and bolstered financial accountability across various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

In addition, Governor Lawal discussed the state’s digital literacy initiative, outlining its commitment to nurturing a digitally literate populace. He elaborated on diverse programs aimed at equipping young students with coding skills in schools, training public servants in data management, and empowering entrepreneurs with knowledge in e-commerce and financial technology. He stated, “By democratizing access to digital skills, we are fostering an environment where every citizen can actively contribute to the emerging economy.” To further this mission, the state has established the Zamfara Institute of Information Technology (ZIIT), a specialized institution dedicated to advanced studies in disciplines such as Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Blockchain, Game Development, and Data Analytics.

In recognition of these initiatives, President Hichilema congratulated Governor Dauda Lawal for spearheading Nigeria’s first state-level digital literacy program, the Zamfara Digital Literacy Framework (ZDLF), which positions Zamfara as a beacon of digital transformation. He expressed his eagerness to foster partnerships with Nigeria to leverage its abundant resources in harnessing a digital revolution that enhances governance delivery and functionality across the region.