Business
FG’s UNLOCK Initiative for Artisans, Technical, and Vocational entrepreneurs commences screening for first cohort
FG’s UNLOCK Initiative for Artisans, Technical, and Vocational entrepreneurs commences screening for first cohort
…as over 10,000 entries received for two-week training for 1,000Nigerian Entrepreneurs
The UNLOCK initiative, facilitated by the Office of Technical, Vocational, and Entrepreneurship Education under the Presidency, has announced that it has begun the screening process to select 2000 participants for its first cohort of nationwide vocational training from a pool of over 10000 entries received as at the close of the application period on February 29, 2024. This program is part of President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s efforts to foster entrepreneurship across the nation and aligns with the broader vision of the Renewed Hope agenda to nurture untapped talents in Nigeria, irrespective of gender, age, background, or literacy level.
The UNLOCK program is aimed at inclusively reaching out to artisans, technicians, and vocational trainees from every corner of Nigeria. The 2,000 selected individuals who will be trained in two phases of 1,000participants each, will embark on a transformative two-week virtual entrepreneurship training program that has been carefully designed to impart essential skills and provide valuable toolkits to participants upon completion. This is expected to lay a better foundation for their entrepreneurial ventures. As an added layer of excitement and opportunity, exceptional participants within the UNLOCK program stand a chance to receive financial grants, further assisting in the launch or expansion of their business endeavors.
According to Abiola Arogundade, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Vocational and Technical Education, “The UNLOCK initiative underscores President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring a thriving, inclusive, and diversified economy, as well as the importance of modernizing traditional vocational training. Initiatives like UNLOCK will equip Nigerian artisans, vocational and technical entrepreneurs with the necessary skills to compete in today’s competitive regional and global marketplace while contributing to a resilient and economically vibrant Nigeria through the improved skillset of our local talents.”
At the heart of UNLOCK’s mission is the goal to ignite latent technical and entrepreneurial potentials, thereby facilitating participants’ contributions to national economic development and personal empowerment.
CONTACT:
For further information on the UNLOCK initiative and opportunities for participation or support:
Office of Technical, Vocational, and Entrepreneurship Education, The Presidency
(30 Jimmy Carter, Asokoro, Abuja)
Tel: +234 807 697 6814 or +234 703 688 8029
Issued by: Statehouse•Digital 11March2024
Bank
Atlantian Crown Bank Rebrands as Arizona Global Bank LLC, Begins Licensing for Global Expansion
*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._
Bank
Fidelity Bank grows Gross Earnings by 45.6% for FY 2025
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.
Business
ALIKO DANGOTE FOUNDATION’S FORGES PARTNERSHIP WITH ISLAMIC DEVELOPMENT BANK
ALIKO DANGOTE FOUNDATION’S FORGES PARTNERSHIP WITH ISLAMIC DEVELOPMENT BANK
Ms. Zouera Youssoufou, Managing Director & CEO of Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) in company with Mr. Ahmed Iya, Head of Community Engagement & Polio Eradication of ADF visited Dr. Rami Ahmad, Vice President (Operations) of the Islamic Development Bank at IsDB Headquarters in Jeddah.
The delegation used the occasion to highlight the activities of the Foundation so far which made great impact on people of all races by enhancing opportunities for social change through strategic investments that improve health and wellbeing, promote quality education, and broaden empowerment opportunities for individuals and communities.
Dr. Rami also expressed his expectation of a good and rewarding partnership between the two organisations, as many member countries of the IsDB face pressing debt challenges that constrain their investments in people and livelihoods.
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