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Governor Udom, Sir Umoren, Agbaje, Other Top Technocrats Storm AKISCOM Plaza Laying Ceremony

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Akwa Ibom state governor Deacon Udom Emmanuel was guest of honor on Saturday, 25 March 2017, at the foundation laying ceremony and investiture of 150 Million Naira Akiscom Plaza, Lagos.

 

Joining the Akwa Ibom state governor in the epoch-making occasion were some state commissioners, the Akwa Ibom state Liason officer Akparawa Micheal Ekpeyong and Special representative to AKSG Elder Sam Bassey

 

Nollywood star actor and member Lagos State House of Assembly, Honourable Desmond Elliot, the Secretary to the State Government, Sir Etekamba Umoren and Chief Edwin Igbokwe former General Manager of Punch Newspaper (both members of CMC Gladiators) were also among the dignitaries that graced the event at Plot 1/3, Adeniji Durojaiye Street,off Itire Road, Ekololu Bus stop, Surulere, Lagos.

 

Chief host at the foundation of the ‘Akwa Ibom House’ was Chief Elijah ifot(JP) (ufokeyo Ikot Ekpene) who is President, AKISCOM Lagos while the occasion was chaired by Chief (Barr.) Asuquo Okpo the Managing Director/CEO of Domino Chambers, Lagos.

 

The Entire excos of the Association including the women wing, NAAKISS students and the youths wing proudly supported the event.

 

Media partnership came from NTA, AIT, Ovation Tv, The Sun, I-zone TV, Vanguard, MITV, Thisday, Akiscom voice, Pioneer Newspaper, E-247, Watch Out,YES International, Security Express Magazine and CMC TV. Owed by ‘Ambassador’ Cornell Udofia.

 

The Akiscom Plaza Foundation laying ceremony & Investiture inducted the following into thier Hall of Fame: Governor Udom Emmanuel (Grand Patron), Onong (DR)Nsima Umoh Patron,Dr.(MRS) Mfon Usoro Patroness and Chief (BARR) A.A Okpo, a great member of the CMC gladiator as a patron.

 

The Special representative of Akwa Ibom state government in Lagos Elder Sam Bassey

announced the award of scholarships to ten students from Akwa Ibom state residing in Lagos at the epoch event.

 

“I want to urge you all to remain focused in your academic pursuit. You deserve this scholarships because you have proven to be brilliant, dogged and hard working.

 

“I want to encourage you all. I want to advise that you continue to strive for excellence. Let not your passion for education desert you,” Bassey, a renowned banker before his appointment to the Akwa Ibom government house stressed.

 

Akwa Ibom state Governor Deacon Udom Emmanuel also instantly gave out scholarship to an eight-year-old pupil who recited DAKKADA Creed correctly to the admiration of all.

 

The venue came alive with an ecstatic crowd of indigenes and friends of Akwa Ibom.

 

The three comperes (Uwem Umoh, Raphael Edem and Plus 1) entertained guests with rib- cracking jokes.

 

The Nka Idorenyin Band exploded with scintillating highlife music rendered mostly in “Akwa-Cross” vernacular accompanied by cultural dancers.

 

“I congratulate AKISCOM Lagos, for the fantastic conduct of the ceremonies and the radiance of the decoration at the venue.

 

“I thank the Youth Wing, Women and Ushers for a wonderful participation. I also thank the Lagos State Police Command, the AKSG Protocol Unit, LASTMA and the Lagos Liaison Officer of the AKSG for the extremely smooth and mature enforcement of security at the venue.

 

“I doff my hat for the Chairman of the occasion, Chief, Barrister Okpo, for his kind words and very generous donation which set the tone for others to emulate. With these torrential donations, the project is ready to take-off.,” Cornell Udofia, an entertainment and Public Relations guru who is the P.R.O/Image Maker of the youths Wing of Akiscom said in his vote of thanks.

 

Governor Udom’s Entourage were as follows:

 

  1. Barr. Paul Usoro (SAN).
  2. Dr. (Mrs.) Mfon Paul Usoro.
  3. Chief Edwin Igbokwe (Husband of the late Christy Essien).
  4. Pharm. Olujimi Kolawole Agbaje (PDP Gubernatorial candidate).
  5. Obong Paul Ekpo (Akwa Ibom State PDP Chapter Chairman).
  6. Sir Val’ Attah (Chairman, Local Govt Service Commission).
  7. Mr. Udom Uko Inoyo (Executive Director, Exxon/Mobil).
  8. Prince Udom Ekpoudom (Rtd Deputy Inspector General of Police).
  9. Barr. Emmanuel Moses Enoidem (former Commissioner for Investment, Commerce & Industry and former Dean, Forum of Commissioners).
  10. Barr. Uwemedimo Nwoko (Attorney General).
  11. Dr. Nse Udo Essien (Commissioner for Science & Technology).
  12. Arc. Ime Ekpo (Commissioner for Lands & Town Planning).
  13. Mr. Charles Udo (Commissioner for Information & Strategy).

and so many others whose names are still being verified for publication as at press time.

 

Over N70 Million was realized at the occasion. Below is the list of donors.

 

  1. Obong Paul Ekpo – N1.0million.
  2. Chief (Barr.) Asuquo A. Okpo – N1.0 million.
  3. Prince Udom Ekpoudom – N1.0 million.
  4. Paul Usoro (SAN) – N0.50 million
  5. Sir Valentine Attah – N0.50 million.
  6. Barrister Emmanuel Enoidem – N0.50 million.
  7. Chief Edwin Igbokwe – N0.5 million.
  8. Dr. (Mrs.) Mfon Paul Usoro – N0.30 million

 

By Izuchukwu Okosi

 

Business

Nigeria’s Inflation Drops to 15.10% as NBS Reports Deflationary Trend

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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.

 

Nigeria’s Inflation Drops to 15.10% as NBS Reports Deflationary Trend

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Alpha Morgan to Host 19th Economic Review Webinar

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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.

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GTBank Launches Quick Airtime Loan at 2.95%

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GTCO increases GTBank’s Paid-Up Capital to ₦504 Billion

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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