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Herbert Wigwe, leadership defined by vision and values 

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He needs no introduction because his exploits in the Nigerian banking sector have earned him a name that is firmly entrenched in the public consciousness. Herbert Wigwe is one of the pioneers of modern banking in Nigeria and a business leader reputed for his commitment to solving some of Africa’s problems.  For Herbert, leadership is a platform that must be leveraged to meet societal needs and instigate change.

He is currently in his 3rd year as the Group Managing Director of Access Bank; one of the continent’s most formidable financial institutions; and his leadership style has stirred conversations amongst analysts and opinion leaders. Although not unknown for exemplary conducts, but the centrality of leadership to the success and sustainability compelled a second look at what constitutes leadership, which manifestly has boosted Access Bank’s fortunes.

Historically, Access Bank is a financial institution with several bragging rights and rich heritage. From its little beginning as a mid-sized commercial bank with an industry ranking of 65th position out of the 69 banks operating in Nigeria then, the bank grew under the watch of Herbert Wigwe and his predecessor, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, to become a financial powerhouse with the capacity to affect the African economy and positively influence human lives.

Under Herbert Wigwe, Access Bank’s character has changed and its sphere of influence expanded. The bank has attained a status that enables it to offer more than banking services, to change developmental agenda and instigate social change. In explaining this role, Herbert Wigwe, who recently received the award for Outstanding Business Sustainability at the 2016 Karlsruhe Sustainable Finance Award in Germany on behalf of the bank for holistically embedding sustainability across its operations said, “ Access Bank operations and activities at this time is a reflection of the vision of its founding fathers. Like my predecessor, I have a duty to steer the affairs of this bank in a manner that promotes societal good and interest. Our business model encourages us to become that catalyst for the change Africa seeks”.

While the bank’s operations have continued to attract international commendations and awards, such as the 2016 ‘Africa’s best Bank Transformation’ in the Euromoney 2016Awards for Excellence, Herbert Wigwe is affecting lives with his resources. Through his personal foundation, the HOW Foundation, the accomplished business leader, recently conducted malaria test on and donated mosquito nets to 1,000 people in Otuokpo, River State.

As the founder of the HOW foundation, Herbert Wigwe believes that the platforms will provide him an veritable opportunity to intervene in societal problems as an individual who is concerned about social wellbeing. With the HOW Foundation, Herbert Wigwe intends to give a new lease to orphaned and vulnerable children in the society. He thinks that with adequate love and support, his foundation will unlock the potentials of these children and and lead them to the points accomplishments.

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10 Major Ways Mele Kyari Has Soared NNPCL Operations Since Tinubu Came To Power Sola Onamodu

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After one month of production shutdown, NNPCL restores crude oil at Forcados Terminal

10 Major Ways Mele Kyari Has Soared NNPCL Operations Since Tinubu Came To Power
Sola Onamodu

Since President Bola Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, Mele Kyari, as the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has spearheaded several initiatives that have significantly enhanced the company’s operations.

 

Under his leadership, NNPCL settled a longstanding $2.4 billion debt owed to international oil companies (IOCs), a move that strengthened its financial stability and positioned it as a debt-free entity.

This achievement was further complemented by a record-breaking profit of N3.29 trillion in 2023, marking a major turnaround from previous loss positions.

Kyari’s leadership has also seen the long-awaited rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, which resumed operations in November and December 2024 after two decades of inactivity. Kaduna is expected to come on stream this 2025.

This milestone is expected to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products.

In another strategic move, NNPCL, in partnership with NIPCO Gas Limited, launched an ambitious project to develop 35 state-of-the-art Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations across the country.

This initiative is aimed at providing a cheaper and cleaner fuel alternative, with the capacity to serve over 200,000 vehicles daily.

The Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline project has also received significant attention, with Kyari playing a key role in advancing its development. Other gas projects like the OB3 are being commissioned.

The AKK pipeline is designed to transport about 2.2 billion cubic feet of gas per day, a major step toward strengthening Nigeria’s gas infrastructure.

Transparency and accountability have remained a priority under Kyari’s leadership, with NNPCL consistently publishing its audited financial statements, setting a new standard for public accountability in the nation’s energy sector.

Another remarkable feat has been the steady increase in Nigeria’s crude oil production, which rose to 1.53 million barrels per day in July 2024, reversing years of decline.

At the same time, Kyari has successfully attracted foreign investments, securing a $7 billion deal from India for Nigeria’s petrochemical industry.

This partnership reflects his commitment to expanding NNPCL’s global influence and financial strength.

Kyari has also been instrumental in the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), ensuring the smooth transition of NNPCL into a fully incorporated company under the Companies and Allied Matters Act.

This transformation enhances its operational efficiency and financial autonomy, making it a commercially driven entity. Furthermore, NNPCL has embraced digital transformation, incorporating technology into its operations to improve efficiency and minimize human-related operational risks.

Through these strategic reforms, Mele Kyari has played a pivotal role in reshaping NNPCL, aligning with President Tinubu’s vision for a more efficient and self-sustaining energy sector.

His leadership continues to drive positive change, reinforcing NNPCL’s position as a key player in Nigeria’s economic growth and global energy dynamics.

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Waste for Gas – GTCO Plc Launches Initiative to Improve Quality of Life for Households and Empower Women

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Waste for Gas – GTCO Plc Launches Initiative to Improve Quality of Life for Households and Empower Women

 

 

Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO), a leading financial services institution renowned for its innovative approach to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and stakeholder engagement, today announced the launch of its “Waste for Gas” project to improve quality of life for households and empower women in underserved communities. This transformative initiative aims to distribute 3,000 3kg gas cylinders with burners to low-income households in Obafemi Owode Local Government, Mowe, Ogun State.

 

 

The Waste for Gas project underscores GTCO’s unwavering commitment to improving outcomes for people and communities. By providing households with gas-powered cooking, the initiative simplifies daily routines, freeing up time for essential activities that support financial resilience. The initiative also introduces a structured “waste for gas” exchange programme that promotes responsible waste management, fostering a culture of sustainability.
The project will unfold in two key phases, ensuring that it reaches those most in need. In the first phase, teams from GTCO, in collaboration with local government representatives, will conduct door-to-door visits across 12 wards in Obafemi Owode Local Government from Monday to Friday, February 18th – 21st, 2025.

 

 

These visits will help identify beneficiaries who currently rely on firewood and charcoal for cooking. Participating households will collect and return plastic waste in exchange for gas cylinders and burners. In the second phase, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, February 22nd and 23rd, 2025, efforts will be shifted to monitoring and increasing adoption of the new cooking method among the beneficiaries.
Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Segun Agbaje, Group Chief Executive Officer of GTCO Plc, stated: “At GTCO, we are committed to driving progress, not just through innovative financial solutions but by creating real impact in the communities where we operate. Waste for Gas is about making life easier for families, giving them more time for what truly matters—whether it’s education, meaningful work, or personal development. Beyond this initiative, our goal is to continually evolve sustainable platforms that empower people, strengthen communities, and contribute to socioeconomic progress.”

 

 

As GTCO continues to expand its CSR footprint, the Waste for Gas project serves as a blueprint for future interventions that drive meaningful, long-lasting impact in underserved communities.

 

About GTCO Plc
Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) is a leading financial services institution headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, with operations across 10 countries in Africa and the United Kingdom. GTCO Plc transitioned from a pure-play commercial bank—licensed since 1990—to a fully-fledged financial services company in April 2021 under a non-operating financial holding company structure, with shares listed on both the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) and the London Stock Exchange (LSE). The operating entities within GTCO’s robust financial ecosystem include Guaranty Trust Bank Limited (GTBank), Guaranty Trust Fund Managers Limited (GTFM), Guaranty Trust Pension Managers Limited (GTPM), and HabariPay Limited (Habari).

 

As a “Proudly African and Truly International” Institution, GTCO has been at the forefront of enriching lives and promoting enterprise across the African continent through its transformative platforms and differentiated offerings.

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Abdul Samad Rabiu Leads the Way as ASR Africa Deliver on N5 Billion Commitment to IBB Library

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Abdul Samad Rabiu  Leads the Way as ASR Africa Delivers on N5 Billion Commitment to IBB Library

 

 

Abuja, Nigeria – February 21, 2025

 

 

The Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) is pleased to announce the full redemption of its N5 billion pledge to the IBB Presidential Library Fund, fulfilling the commitment made by our Founder and Chairman, Abdul Samad Rabiu, CFR, CON at the launch event yesterday. The pledge was successfully redeemed today, February 21, 2025, ensuring that work can begin immediately on this landmark institution.

 

ASR AFRICA REDEEMS N5 BILLION PLEDGE TO IBB PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY FUND

 

Speaking on this milestone, our Founder & Chairman, Abdul Samad Rabiu, said, “History is not just a record of the past; it is a blueprint for the future. The IBB Presidential Library will serve as a vital resource for scholars, leaders, and all Nigerians seeking to understand the decisions and events that shaped our country.”

 

ASR Africa extends our gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his inspiring remarks and to General Ibrahim Babangida, GCFR, for his bold vision in establishing this library and for honoring our Founder & Chairman, Abdul Samad Rabiu as Chief Launcher alongside General TY Danjuma.

 

With this pledge fully redeemed, ASR Africa looks forward to seeing the IBB Presidential Library take shape as a lasting legacy for future generations.

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