Business
Heart and Soul Gala 2017: Towards Fostering Healthy Hearts in a Marvellous Celebration of Life
It was a night of elegance and entertainment as Chike Okoli Foundation hosted the crème la crème of the society in its annual Heart and Soul Gala at the prestigious Lagos City Hall on the night of Friday, 1st of July 2017.
The Chike Okoli Foundation, established in furtherance of the ideals of Chike Edward Okoli who died five days after his 25thbirthday on May 31, 2005 from undetected coronary artery disease who was until his death the Founder and managing Director of Carden Energy Services Limited, an Oil Servicing Company in Lagos, Nigeria is envisioned that every young Nigerian will be fully aware of the causes of cardiovascular diseases and equipped with entrepreneurial skills to support the building of a healthy and prosperous nation.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman, Board of Directors of Chike OKoli Foundation, Dr. Stella Okoli, OON, said the foundation has never derailed from the purpose which it was established.
“The purpose of the foundation has remained constant over the years; this is by using all proper and culturally acceptable media to draw attention to Cardio-Vascular Diseases, working closely with various youth development organisations and institutions. And also, by publication and distribution of health information materials on cardiovascular diseases for public enlightenment.” She stated.
According to her; the focus at the foundation includes ensuring that every young Nigerian will be fully knowledgeable about the dangers of Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs), and the available preventive measures and treatment options, as well as adequately equipping every young Nigerian with entrepreneurial skills to enable him/her to set up and manage a profitable business of his/her choice.
“This is our own poverty reduction strategy to complement the efforts being made by the Governments at different levels.” She said.
In this regards, this noble agenda made the foundation to establish the Chike Okoli Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies, COCES in 2011. The Centre, located at Nnamdi Azikwe University, Awka, Anambra State, has been training young Nigerians in the skills and art of entrepreneurship.
“This is borne out of our belief that the way to abolish unemployment is to train our youths to be self-employed. This will have multiplier effect on growing the economy and promoting prosperity among our people.” Okoli declared.
Meanwhile, the Heart and Soul Gala, is an annual event by the foundation to reflect on its activities, celebrate the short but eventful life of Chike Obi as well as raise funds to continue to support the principle and ideals which he lived for.
Present at this year’s event, is the 11th in the series are notable Nigerians and eminent personalities, which include the wives of the governors of Lagos and Ondo States, Mrs Bolanle Ambode and Mrs Anyanwu Akeredolu respectively, former Minister of Finance, Idika Kalu, Chairman Associated Bus Company, PLC, Frank Nneji, Senior Special Assistance to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, Princess Joke Orelope-Adefulire among others.
Commending the foundation for its efforts, the wife of the Lagos State Governor, Bolanle Ambode said it has touched the lives of the Nigerian in many positive ways.
“Eleven years on and Chike Obi Foundation has touched more than 10 million lives through various social intervention programmes. Even more remarkable is the impact of its training and vocational establishment, the Chike Okoli Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies (COCES).” Ambode said.
One of the main highlight of the event was the presentation of the winner of Chike Okoli Prize for Entrepreneurship Award Adosiobi Joseph Ugochukwu, a 400 level student of Nnamdi Azikwe University Akwa.
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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