Business

Nigerian, Kenyan Elected President, Secretary General of APRA

Published

10 years ago

June 3, 2016

Mr. Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, a strategic communications expert and PR practitioner was, on Friday May 27, 2016 elected President of Africa Public Relations Association (APRA), the continent’s Public Relations professional regulatory body.

The election, conducted by the Governing Council of APRA, also saw Mrs. Jane Gitau of Kenya emerged as Secretary General. It climaxed activities marking the 28^th edition of APRA International Conference tagged APRA Calabar 2016..

The new APRA Executive was immediately inaugurated by the Council led by the outgoing President Mr. Peter Mutie from Kenya, and witnessed by Ms. Christina Chima, outgoing Vice President from Zimbabwe; Mr. Bart de Vries, President of the International Public Relations Association (IPRA); and delegates from various part of the continent also witnessed the transition.

According to Mutie, other committee’s positions zoned to other regions in the continent will be made public at a later date. The executive committee will serve for two years with a maximum of two terms.

The new President, Yomi Badejo-Okusanya is a known name in the practice and development of the public relations profession in Nigeria and in Africa. Prior to his emergence as President, he was the Secretary General of APRA. He is a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and past Chairman, NIPR, Lagos State Chapter.

YBO as he is fondly called by friends and associates had also served on the council of NIPR at national level. He is a consummate public relations practitioner and Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of one of Nigeria’s foremost and largest strategic communications firms, CMC Connect Group. He has over two decades of work experience in integrated marketing communications coupled with the edge of pioneering perception management business in the Nigeria’s communications market. He twice emerged PR Personality of the year (NIPR Golden Eagle Award, 2010, 2011).

On the other hand, the Secretary General, Jane Gitau is currently the President of Public Relations Society of Kenya (PRSK). She has built a strong professional and academic career in the field of communications with special emphasis in communications strategy development, public relations, writing and editing.

In November 2015, under her leadership, the Public Relations Society of Kenya (PRSK) successfully delivered over 800 delegates to the first ever World Conference on Communications and Public Relations in Emerging Economies (WCPREE) in Nairobi, Kenya. Jane is a recipient of the prestigious Chevening Scholarship awarded by the British Government to talented scholars.

APRA, formerly known as the Federation for African Public Relations (FAPRA) is a non-government, non-political, non-profit making professional association, established to foster unity, via interaction and exchange of ideas amongst public relations practitioners in Africa.

The continental PR body in agreement with the African Union, is geared towards selling Positive Africa through the instrumentality of the public relations profession while promoting social, political and economic integration on the continent.

This year’s edition of APRA’s annual International Conference tagged APRA Calabar 2016, and themed Leapfrogging Africa: The Role of Communication, had industry leaders across the globe in attendance. Special guests and speakers include: President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR who sent a personally signed goodwill message; Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President/CEO, Dangote Group (represented); Mr. Maxim Behar, President, International Communications Consultancy Organisation (ICCO); Mr Bart de Vries, President International Public Relations Association (IPRA); Dr. Rotimi Oladele, President Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR); and Mr. Justin Green, Managing Director, Wake Up Communications, and former President of the Public Relations Institute of Ireland, among others.

Business

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

Published

5 days ago

February 19, 2026

Sahara Weekly

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.

The data suggests a sustained downward trajectory in inflation over the past 12 months, pointing to improving macroeconomic stability.

The January report provides one of the clearest indications yet that inflationary pressures, which surged in early 2025, may be moderating.

Bank

Alpha Morgan to Host 19th Economic Review Webinar

Published

6 days ago

February 18, 2026

Sahara Weekly

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.

Business

GTBank Launches Quick Airtime Loan at 2.95%

Published

1 week ago

February 17, 2026

Sahara Weekly

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