Business
IWD: Heritage Bank, FAMO strategize to advance women economic sustainability
IWD: Heritage Bank, FAMO strategize to advance women economic sustainability
…hosted 4-day virtual empowerment seminars for teeming staff
As part of its commitment to empower women to break the bias in today’s world, Heritage Bank Plc has joined forces with Fateema Mohammed Ogunkola Foundation (FAMO) in advancing women’s economic sustainability in Nigeria.
PIX: R-L: Mother Dan-Egwu, Regional Head, Lagos Mainland Zone Heritage Bank Plc; Oloye Morounranti Ashabi, Asoju Áṣa Ilẹ̀ Oodua Cultural Ambassador to His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi Ojaja II; Afolasade Alonge, Regional Executive, Lagos & Corporate Bank; Fateema Aduke Ogunkola, Convener; Ozena Utulu, Ag. Group Head, Corporate Communications; Kufretido Etim, ECM, Lagos Mainland Zone of Heritage Bank during the FAMO International Women’s Day 2022 Conference in partnership with Heritage Bank, in Lagos.
This move was made known at an event to commemorate this year’s International Women Day, themed, “Break the Bias,” with a host of top female dignitaries, which include Ms Funke Ijaiye-Kunle, the Central Co-Ordinator Lagos4Lagos, Alhaja Binta Ayo Mogaji, Mrs Afolashade Alonge, Regional Executive, Lagos and Corporate Banking Division, Oloye Morounranti Ashabi, Asoju Áṣa Ilẹ̀ Oodua Cultural Ambassador to His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi Ojaja II, and many others.
Meanwhile, the bank hosted 4-day virtual empowerment seminar for its staff, which focused on different aspects of the woman’s life – business, finances, work life balance, health, and the future.
Speaking at the event, Afolashade Alonge, Regional Executive, Lagos and Corporate Banking Division, Heritage Bank, said the society should strategize and focus on promoting women’s economic empowerment as a means of increasing the nation’s GDP..
According to her, closing the gender gap at every level of endeavors is a key to accelerating sustainable economic growth.
Alonge noted that it has been shown that women’s economic empowerment increases productivity and economic diversification.
She noted that to succeed and advance economically, women need the skills and resources to compete in markets, as well as fair and equal access to economic institutions.
According to her, Heritage Bank through its unique banking services has been in the vanguard of championing wealth creation and financial inclusion especially among women to advance economically through its banking application known as “Octiplus” in order to promote savings culture.
Octiplus an all-in-one digital banking application brimmed with wealth management features can help women manage money and plan the future.
She noted that Heritage Bank has provided different products to encourage saving habits amongst women. These banking products, she noted are backed up by the CBN’s financial inclusion framework.
Speaking on the partnership, Fateema Ogunkola, the Convener of the event said Heritage Bank saw the importance of heritage among women that is why the bank has decided to support FAMO to celebrate this year’s women day
She said: “The International Women’s Day is yet another opportunity to reexamine the critical role that women continue to play in building a peaceful and prosperous society. Today, more than ever before, we are confronted by the harsh realities of gender-based exclusivity, especially in the workplace and our homes.
“We must remain committed to empowering women who are courageous to make a difference in careers that have hitherto excluded the women’, she noted.
Speaking on the four-day virtual seminar held for its teeming staff, Ozena Utulu, Ag. Group Head, Corporate Communications said the speakers engaged held discussions around how women across all life stages can thrive despite stereotypes to attain their full potential.
According to her, Heritage Bank celebrating this day was targeted at implementing the Nigerian Sustainability Banking Principle 4 which aims at promoting women’s economic empowerment through a gender inclusive workplace culture.
Ozena Utulu, Ag. Group Head, Corporate Communications
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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