Business
Dream Big, Start Small: ILÉ IYÁN CEO Invests in UNILAG Students, Igniting Hope and Entrepreneurship
“Dream Big, Start Small: ILÉ IYÁN CEO Invests in UNILAG Students, Igniting Hope and Entrepreneurship”
In a remarkable act of giving back and inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs, Sanni Sheriff, the visionary Founder and CEO of ILÉ IYÁN ORIGINAL, visited his alma mater, the University of Lagos, and awarded academic scholarships to students residing in Room B312, Jaja Hall the very room where his entrepreneurial journey began 15 years ago.
What started as a humble hustle selling sandwiches from his hostel room has grown into ILÉ IYÁN, an iconic culinary brand with a global footprint. This historic return is not just a personal milestone for Chef Sanni, but a powerful message to students across Nigeria: dreams are valid, no matter how small the beginnings.
“When I started in B312, all I had was a dream and determination. Today, returning to this room to invest in the students living here means more than words can express. It’s proof that resilience, focus, and hard work can take you anywhere. My hope is that these scholarships empower the next generation to dream bigger and start where they are,” said Chef Sanni Sheriff, CEO and Founder of ILÉ IYÁN.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Sanni Afeez, the General Manager ILÉ IYÁN Nigeria also added:
“At ILÉ IYÁN, we believe that true success is measured not only by business growth but by the impact we create in our communities. Our recent scholarship program at the University of Lagos reflects this commitment. Revisiting the very roots of our visionary CEO’s journey and investing in the students of Jaja Hall is more than symbolic, it is our way of inspiring hope, fostering education, and encouraging entrepreneurship among young Nigerians.
As part of our 2025 Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, this program represents the beginning of a broader mission to empower the next generation with opportunities to dream, learn, and lead. ILÉ IYÁN remains dedicated to being a bridge between heritage, innovation, and social impact.”
Through this initiative, ILÉ IYÁN continues its commitment to education, entrepreneurship, and community development, building not only a leading West African culinary brand but also a legacy of impact and inspiration.
Beyond Business: Cultural & Social Impact
Under Sanni Sheriff’s leadership, ILÉ IYÁN ORIGINAL is becoming a cultural institution, celebrating Nigerian heritage, food, and togetherness, it cements its place as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s cultural renaissance and a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike,
By investing in UNILAG students, ILÉ IYÁN is closing the loop, paying forward the same support and community spirit that helped Sheriff himself when he was a student.
A Beacon of Hope
* For Students: The scholarships and competition are more than financial aid, they are a launchpad for entrepreneurship, especially in the culinary space.
* For ILÉ IYÁN: This is not just CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility), but a core part of its mission. It reflects the brand’s roots and founder’s journey.
* For Nigeria: Initiatives like this highlight how business success can be leveraged for social good, nurturing talent, preserving culture, and building futures.
Looking Ahead
As ILÉ IYÁN continues to grow (most recently opening a 200-guest capacity headquarters in Lekki Lagos. Nigeria, the company’s investment in education signals a broader ambition: not just to be a culinary leader, but a cultural and social platform. Through scholarship, mentorship, and opportunity, Sheriff is ensuring that the next generation of UNILAG students and young Nigerians more broadly have access to the tools they need to dream big, start small, and build something lasting.
EKAABO SI ILÉ IYÁN
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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.
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.
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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