Business
IBB Launches Nigeria’s Second Presidential Library, Secures N17.5bn in Landmark Fundraiser
…Babangida Commends Abdul Samad Rabiu’s Early and Sustained Commitment to Project
Abuja — Nigeria’s former military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd), on Thursday launched the country’s second presidential library—The IBB Presidential Library—during the public presentation of his memoir, A Journey in Service, in Abuja.
The high-profile event, held at the Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton, not only unveiled Babangida’s much-anticipated autobiography but also served as a major fundraising drive for the library project, raising an estimated N11.5bn to be redeemed immediately from some of Nigeria’s most prominent business and political figures.
Topping the list of donors was billionaire industrialist and philanthropist Abdul Samad Rabiu, who contributed N5bn —the largest single commitment announced at the event. He was followed by General TY Danjuma (rtd), who pledged N3bn. Both pledges are to be redeemed immediately while Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, donated N2bn at the event to be redeemed this year, with a further pledge to contribute N2bn annually over the next three years, bringing his total to N8bn. Billionaire businessman Prince Arthur Eze also supported the project with N500m.
In his remarks, General Babangida, visibly moved by the generosity of the donors, singled out Abdul Samad Rabiu for special praise, acknowledging his steadfast support from the early days of the project.
Referring to him as his son, General Babangida said that Abdul Samad has been supporting the project from the very beginning. He further said that his commitment and consistency have been critical in bringing this vision closer to reality.
The IBB Presidential Library is designed as a national institution that will serve as a repository of Nigeria’s arts, political,and military history, preserving the evolution of leadership and governance in the country for future generations especially during General Babangida’s tenure. It follows the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, which was the first of its kind in Nigeria.
The event was chaired by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, while former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo delivered a keynote address. It was an afternoon that brought together some of Africa’s most notable statesmen.
Present at the occasion were former Nigerian leaders General Yakubu Gowon, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (accompanied by his wife), former President Goodluck Jonathan, and former Sierra Leonean President Ernest Bai Koroma. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu delivered a compelling speech, emphasizing the importance of documenting Nigeria’s leadership journey and the impact IBB had on him and Nigeria’s history.
Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo provided a detailed review of Babangida’s book, which offers rare insights into the former leader’s time in power, including the controversial annulment of the June 12, 1993 election.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari and General TY Danjuma were represented by senior aides.
Key Pledges from the Night:
• Abdul Samad Rabiu – N5bn
• General TY Danjuma – N3bn
• Aliko Dangote – N2bn to be redeemed in 2025 (with an additional N2bn pledged annually for three years, totaling N8bn)
• Prince Arthur Eze – N500m
• Senate President Godswill Akpabio – N50m
• Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau – N20m
• Mustapha Chike Obi and Fidelity Bank – N100m and N50m respectively
While the evening showcased philanthropy at its finest, Abdul Samad Rabiu’s leading contribution stood out—not only for its size but for the consistency of his support over time.
The industrialist, known for his low-profile yet transformative philanthropy, has become a driving force in Nigeria’s development landscape. Through his Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa), he has committed over $300million to critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and social development across the continent.
Reflecting on his donation, Rabiu said:
“Leadership is not only about the present; it is about the legacy we build and the history we preserve. Supporting this library is an investment in Nigeria’s history and future generations.”
As the fundraising concluded, it was evident that beyond the billions pledged, the evening had cemented Abdul Samad Rabiu’s role not merely as a donor, but as a custodian of Nigeria’s history—a quiet force driving the preservation of the nation’s leadership heritage.
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
Business
BUA Group, AD Ports Group and MAIR Group Launch Strategic Plan for World-Class Sugar and Agro-Logistics Hub at Khalifa Port
BUA Group, AD Ports Group and MAIR Group Sign MoU to Explore Collaboration in Sugar Refining, Agro-Industrial Development, and Integrated Global Logistics Solutions
Abu Dhabi, UAE – Monday, 16th February 2026
BUA Group, AD Ports Group, and MAIR Group of Abu Dhabi today signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore collaboration in sugar refining, agro-industrial development, and integrated global logistics solutions. The partnership aims to create a world-class platform that strengthens regional food security, supports industrial diversification, and reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a hub for trade and manufacturing.
The proposed collaboration will leverage BUA Group’s industrial and logistics expertise, Khalifa Port’s world-class infrastructure, and AD Ports Group’s operational experience. The initiative aligns with the objectives of the UAE Food Security Strategy 2051, which seeks to position the UAE as a global leader in sustainable food production and resilient supply chains. It also aligns with Nigeria’s food production- and export-oriented agricultural transformation agenda, focused on scaling domestic capacity, strengthening value addition, improving post-harvest logistics, and unlocking new markets for Nigerian produce across the Middle East, Asia, and beyond.
Photo Caption: L-R: Kabiru Rabiu, Group Executive Director, BUA Group; Cpt. Mohammed J. Al Shamisi, MD/Group CEO, AD Ports Group; Saif Al Mazrouei, CEO (Ports Cluster) AD Ports Group; Abdul Samad Rabiu, Founder/Executive Chairman, BUA Group; and Steve Green, Group CFO, MAIR Group
Through structured aggregation, processing, storage, and maritime export channels, the partnership is designed to reduce supply chain inefficiencies, enhance traceability and quality standards, and also create a predictable trade corridor between West Africa and the Gulf.
BUA Group—recognised as one of Africa’s largest and most diversified conglomerates, with major investments across sugar refining, food production, flour milling, cement manufacturing, and infrastructure- brings extensive industrial expertise and large-scale operational capability to the venture. MAIR Group will provide strategic support in developing integrated logistics and agro-industrial solutions, creating a seamless platform for production, storage, and distribution.
Abdul Samad Rabiu, Founder and Chairman of BUA Group, said:
“This MoU marks an important milestone in BUA’s international expansion and reflects our long-term vision of building globally competitive industrial platforms. Together with AD Ports Group and MAIR Group, we aim to develop sustainable food production and logistics solutions that strengthen regional supply chains and support the UAE’s Food Security Strategy 2051.”
He further added that, “This partnership represents not just a commercial arrangement but a strategic food corridor anchored on shared economic ambition, resilient infrastructure, and disciplined execution, reinforcing long-term food security objectives for both nations.”
A representative of MAIR Group added:
“This collaboration underscores our commitment to advancing strategic industries in Abu Dhabi and building integrated solutions that reinforce the UAE’s position as a global hub for trade, food security, and industrial excellence.”
A spokesperson from AD Ports Group commented:
“Our partnership with BUA Group and MAIR Group highlights Khalifa Port’s role as a catalyst for high-impact industrial investments. This initiative will enhance regional food security, strengthen global trade connectivity, and support Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification goals.”
This MoU marks a historic collaboration that combines world-class infrastructure, industrial expertise, and strategic vision, setting the stage for a sustainable and resilient food and logistics ecosystem that will benefit the UAE, the region, and global markets alike.
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