Business
Fidelity Bank lights up Akwa Ibom Christmas Carols Festival
Fidelity Bank lights up Akwa Ibom Christmas Carols Festival
Sahara Weekly Reports That The Akwa-Ibom Christmas Carols Festival has once again lived up to its billing as one of the most delightful Christmas experiences in Nigeria as it treated thousands of attendees to a breath-taking experience on Friday, December 17, 2021. This year’s edition which was underlined by leading financial institution -Fidelity Bank Plc – saw an estimated 55,000 on-site guests and over 50 million viewers from the internet and satellite television bask in the euphoria of the season through soul stirring performances.
Speaking on the partnership, Fidelity Bank MD/CEO, Mrs. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe said, “We are very excited to partner with the Akwa-Ibom State government to host this year’s Christmas Carol Festival as part of our commitment to support the development of the country’s blossoming tourism Industry. We believe that the festive season is all about sharing love, joy and optimism and we are delighted to help host thousands of people to a beautiful Christmas carolling experience that demonstrates this.”
Tagged ‘The Return’ the festival featured a predominantly Nigerian line up of ministers including the gospel music legend, Panam Percy Paul, and other top Nigerian Gospel Musicians such as Tim Godfrey, Aity Dennis, Dunsin Oyekan, Progress Effiong, Ema Onyxl, David G, Ada Ehi, Bobby Friga, and Minster GUC – all of who gave electrifying performances at the 55,000 capacity Ibom Hall Arena in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State.
Also performing at the event was the globally renowned, Akwa-Ibom Carol Festival choir that featured 5,000 choristers out of it 25,000-member strong choir. Other choirs who gave wonderful renditions at the event include Intenxity, the Akwa-Ibom state Choir, The Promised Land Chorale Int’l, and the Ibom Brass Orchestra. The event also featured multiple-award winning South African DJ and Musician, Master KG who was the only foreign performer at the event.
A major side attraction for attendees at the event was the ‘Fidelity Santa Grotto’ experience centre where attendees took photos and received gifts from Santa courtesy of Fidelity Bank.
For the first time in the history of the event, two Guest Ministers – Senior Pastor of the Potter’s House Church from USA, Bishop Thomas D. Jakes and General Overseer of the Redeemed Christain Church of God, Pastor E. A. Adeboye – graced the occasion. Special Guest of Honor was His Excellency, the Governor of Akwa-Ibom State, Governor Udom Gabriel Emmanuel.
The festival drew a lot of attention and was attended by an estimated over 55,000 on-site guests and over 50 million viewers from the internet and satellite television.
Considered by many as one of the best Nigerian religious cum cultural festivals, the positive experience from the Akwa-Ibom Christmas Carol Festival 2021 edition powered by Fidelity Bank is one that would linger well beyond the yuletide season.
Business
Harmony Gardens’ Ibeju-Lekki Portfolio Crosses $1bn
Harmony Gardens’ Ibeju-Lekki Portfolio Crosses $1bn
Harmony Garden & Estate Development Limited has expanded its development activities across Ibeju-Lekki, pushing the projected long-term value of its estate portfolio beyond $1 billion.
Led by Chief Executive Officer Hon. Dr. Audullahi Saheed Mosadoluwa, popularly know Saheed Ibile, the company is developing seven estates within the Lekki–Ibeju corridor. Details available on Harmony Garden & Estate Development show a portfolio spanning land assets and ongoing residential construction across key growth locations.
A major component is Lekki Aviation Town, where urban living meets neighborhood charm, located near the proposed Lekki International Airport and valued internally at over $250 million. The development forms part of the company’s broader phased expansion strategy within the axis.
Other estates in the corridor tagged as the “Citadel of Joy” (Ogba-idunnu) include Granville Estate, Majestic Bay Estate, The Parliament Phase I & II, and Harmony Casa Phase I & II.
With multiple projects active, the rollout of the Ibile Traditional Mortgage System, and structured expansion underway, Harmony Garden & Estate Development Ltd continues to deepen its presence within the fast-growing Ibeju-Lekki real estate market.
Business
BUA Group Showcases Food Manufacturing Strength at 62nd Paris International Agricultural Show
BUA Group Showcases Food Manufacturing Strength at 62nd Paris International Agricultural Show
BUA Group, one of Africa’s leading diversified conglomerates, is maintaining a strong presence at the ongoing 62nd edition of the Paris International Agricultural Show in France, participating as a premium sponsor and supporting the Nigeria Pavilion at one of the world’s most respected agricultural gatherings.
The 62nd Paris International Agricultural Show, taking place from February 21 to March 1, 2026, at Porte de Versailles in Paris, convenes global leaders across farming, agro processing, technology, finance, and policy. The event serves as a strategic platform for industry engagement, knowledge exchange, and commercial partnerships shaping the future of global food systems.
BUA Group’s participation reflects its long term commitment to strengthening the entire food production value chain. Through sustained investments in large scale processing, value addition, and branded consumer products, the Group continues to reinforce its role in advancing food security, industrial growth, and regional trade integration.
Speaking on the Group’s participation, the Executive Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu CFR, said, “BUA’s presence at the Paris International Agricultural Show reflects our belief that Africa must be an active participant in shaping the future of global food systems. We have invested significantly in local production capacity because we understand that food security, industrial growth, and economic resilience are interconnected. Platforms like this allow us to build partnerships that strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness and expand our reach beyond our borders.”
BUA Foods, a subsidiary of BUA Group, maintains a strong footprint in flour, pasta, spaghetti, sugar, and rice production, serving millions of consumers within Nigeria and across neighbouring African markets. The Managing Director of BUA Foods, Engr. Abioye Ayodele, representing the Executive Chairman, is attending the event at the Nigeria Pavilion, engaging industry stakeholders and showcasing the company’s manufacturing capabilities.
Also speaking at the show, Engr. Ayodele stated, “BUA Foods has built scale across key staple categories that are central to household consumption. Our participation at this Show allows us to demonstrate the quality, consistency, and operational strength behind our products. We are also engaging global stakeholders with a clear message that Nigerian manufacturing can meet international standards while serving both domestic and regional markets efficiently.”
The Show provides BUA Group with an opportunity to deepen trade relationships, explore new export pathways, and reinforce Nigeria’s growing relevance within the global agricultural and food ecosystem.
BUA Group remains focused on building enduring institutions, expanding productive capacity, and positioning African enterprise competitively within global markets.
Business
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.
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