Business

OONI ANNOUNCES DATE FOR HOPES ALIVE INITIATIVES’ GIVEBACK CONCERT/TV SHOW

Published

8 years ago

April 11, 2018

The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II has reiterated his commitment to the well being of orphans and less privileged in this country by ensuring they do not lag behind in the society as he released the date for this year’s GiveBack Concert which is aimed at raising funds to cater for the needs of the orphans and less privileged people in the country.

This was made known in his palace when he received the Project Ambassador; Cobham’s Asuquo, a physically impaired entertainer who has made it through life despite his physical challenge. He was assisted by people who saw the best in him and took care of his every needs, ensuring his talent didn’t go to waste.

GiveBack Concert which was recently endorsed by the former President of the Federal Republic Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo is slated to hold on 24th June, 2018 at the prestigious Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos. High profile Nigerians and corporate bodies are expected to be in attendance as all hands will be on deck to ensure the orphans and less privileged in the country’s needs are met. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo while speaking about the Concert said this is going to be the first time Nigerians will come together to remember the orphans and less privileged in a positive way without government interference. He then implored all well meaning Nigerians to support by donating in their capacity to the lives of these less privileged ones.

His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the convener of this project who began this journey through Hopes Alive Initiative (HAI) said there’s the need for everyone to participate by sowing a seed into the lives of all underprivileged. According to him, many young less privileged succumb to peer pressure and eventually choose criminalism as a way of life because they lack proper care required to positively shape their future. He said if we do this right there will be less crime and violence in our nation and the peace we so much crave will be achieved.

The Deputy convener Temitope Adesegun thanked everyone for their support and endorsement of this project. She repeated that it is no news that Non-Governmental Organizations are the major backbone of the

underprivileged in the society. This is the

reason Hopes Alive Initiatives is launching a television programme: HAI TV for all NGOs to

embrace. An avenue to discuss all encompassing and global issues affecting

underprivileged while at the same time empowering them. The initiative also intend to identify,

nurture and showcase talents of the underprivileged ones.

It is with a view to making them live a fulfilled life without being held back by the social circumstances capable of denying them deserved respect and attention in the society.

Meanwhile, The project director Eluwole Elusiyan thanked His Majesty for his love and kindness towards the orphans and less privileged ones since he ascended the throne of his forefathers. He described Kabiyesi as a king, a father, and a god to the entire Yoruba race. He pleaded with His Majesty to continue his support for orphanage homes across the nation and the Almighty God in his abundance will continue to bless him more. He said this year’s event will have the kids showcase their talents to the world while artists like Tuface, Tiwa Savage, Flavour, Sir Shina Peters, Niniola, Kenny Blaq, Gbenga Adeyinka the first and others will be there as entertainers they can draw inspirations from.

Bank

Union Bank Honoured by ASBON at Nigeria National SME Business Awards

Published

6 hours ago

May 13, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Union Bank Honoured by ASBON at Nigeria National SME Business Awards

Lagos, Nigeria – Union Bank of Nigeria has reaffirmed its reputation as a strong supporter of Nigerian businesses, receiving the Best SME Growth Banking Initiatives Award for 2025 from the Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria (ASBON) at the Nigeria National SME Business Awards, held recently in Lagos.

The award was presented to the Bank in recognition of its strategic leadership in advancing the growth and resilience of small and medium-sized enterprises, through a differentiated suite of solutions designed to enable business expansion and long-term value creation.

Receiving the award on behalf of the Bank, Ayokunnumi Abraham, Head of SME Segment at Union Bank, described the recognition as a strong endorsement of the Bank’s commitment to supporting small and medium-sized businesses. He said:

“We are honoured to receive this recognition, which reflects Union Bank’s continued commitment to helping SMEs grow by making banking simpler, faster, and more accessible. Through enhancements to our specialised platforms such as Union360, we have meaningfully reduced the time it takes for businesses to come on board and begin transacting. These improvements have shortened onboarding, increased digital adoption among our SME customers, and supported the acquisition of new business clients. Our focus remains on delivering practical solutions that help Nigerian businesses thrive.”

Organised by ASBON in partnership with the Lagos State Government through the Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, the event convened stakeholders from the public and private sectors to recognise individuals and organisations driving meaningful impact across Nigeria’s SME ecosystem.

Union Bank remains focused on deepening its support for SMEs through customer-led solutions and processes that strengthen business growth across the ecosystem.

Bank

Atlantian Crown Bank Rebrands as Arizona Global Bank LLC, Begins Licensing for Global Expansion

Published

19 hours ago

May 12, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Atlantian Crown Bank Rebrands as Arizona Global Bank LLC, Begins Licensing for Global Expansion

_By AGP News

*UNITED KINGDOM OF ATLANTIS* — In a move signaling a push into international markets, the Royal Throne of the United Kingdom of Atlantis on Sunday announced the corporate transformation of Atlantian Crown Bank LLC into *Arizona Global Bank LLC*, as part of a wider restructuring to position the institution for global banking and financial innovation.

The announcement was made at a press conference in the UKA capital by *HRM Queen Amb. Cletus C. Leaticia*, Chief Executive Officer of the newly named bank. She told reporters the rebranding marks _“more than a name change”_ and reflects a strategic pivot toward digital finance, cross-border investment, and modern banking standards.

_“This transformation represents our commitment to innovation-driven banking and our vision to become a globally competitive financial institution,”_ Queen Leaticia said.

*Licensing Process Underway*

According to the Department of Financial Administration and Corporate Affairs, which issued the official communication, Arizona Global Bank LLC has formally begun the process of applying for a *Banking Operational Licence* under UKA’s financial regulatory framework.

Once licensed, the bank plans to operate as a modern financial enterprise focused on four pillars:

1. Innovation-driven banking and digital financial solutions

2. Corporate financing and structured investment services

3. International financial partnerships and cross-border trade facilitation

4. Financial inclusion initiatives

Bank officials stressed that the institution will _“maintain strict compliance with all banking regulations and supervisory standards”_ set by UKA financial authorities.

*Strategic Shift Amid Global Ambitions*

Management described the rebranding as part of a broader restructuring initiative to _“strengthen the bank’s international identity, expand its global financial footprint, and align operations with contemporary banking standards.”_

Representatives called the licensing and rebranding process a _“major milestone”_ aimed at supporting economic growth, international trade, and cross-border investment initiatives.

*No Disruption to Existing Commitments*

Addressing potential concerns from clients and partners, management reassured stakeholders that _“all existing institutional commitments, operational objectives, and long-term strategic plans remain fully intact throughout the transition process.”_

The Royal Throne indicated that further updates on the licence approval, commencement of operations, corporate partnerships, and investment programmes will be released through official UKA and Arizona Global Bank LLC channels.

_The Department of Financial Administration and Corporate Affairs, Royal Throne of United Kingdom of Atlantis, issued the official statement._

Bank

Fidelity Bank grows Gross Earnings by 45.6% for FY 2025

Published

19 hours ago

May 12, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Fidelity Bank grows Gross Earnings by 45.6% for FY 2025

Lagos, Nigeria – Fidelity Bank Plc, a leading Nigerian financial institution, has announced its audited financial results for the year ended 31 December 2025, reporting Gross Earnings growth of 45.6% from N1.04 trillion in 2024 to N1.52 trillion in FY 2025, reflecting stronger topline momentum across core business segments.

The Group recorded a Profit Before Tax of N347.7 billion. This performance was underpinned by a 38.7% year-on-year increase in interest income to N1.11 trillion (FY 2024: N803.1 billion) and a 44.7% year-on-year rise in fees and commission income to N113.4 billion (FY 2024: N78.4 billion).

On the balance sheet, total assets grew by 18.6% year-on-year to N10.46 trillion (FY 2024: N8.82 trillion), while customer deposits increased by 16.1% year on year to N6.89 trillion (FY 2024: N5.94 trillion), reflecting continued franchise strength and growing customer confidence in the brand. Net loans and advances declined by 2.4% year-on-year to N4.28 trillion (FY 2024: N4.39 trillion) as customers paid down on their mature obligations.

The Bank also strengthened its capital position during the period, with eligible capital rising to N561 billion, above the regulatory minimum of N500 billion for banks with international authorisation. In addition, capital adequacy remained robust, with Capital Adequacy Ratio of 30.94 percent as at 31 December 2025 (FY 2024: 23.47 percent).

Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.

The Bank is the recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.