Business
Stanbic IBTC Appoints New Board Members, Elevates Others
In an effort to consolidate on its impressive financial performances and market leadership across the financial services spectrum, Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, a member of Standard Bank Group, has announced a number of Board appointments in some of its subsidiaries.
The appointments, which are expected to bring fresh thinking and ideas as well as energy into the Group’s operations, cut across the Stanbic IBTC Group, including Stanbic IBTC Bank, Stanbic IBTC Asset Management Limited, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Limited, and Stanbic IBTC Insurance Brokers Limited.
Mr Adekunle Adedeji was promoted to the position of executive director Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, effective 22 February 2019. Mr Adedeji, who has over 20 years’ experience, is also Stanbic IBTC Group’s Chief Financial Officer. He had a similar experience with Stanbic Ghana. Adedeji has worked with Ernst & Young and belongs to several professional institutes, including the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria.
Mr Barend Johannes Kruger was appointed as a non-executive director for Stanbic IBTC Bank effective from 20 May 2019 following the receipt of all required regulatory approvals. Mr Kruger had previously been appointed to the board of Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC in January 2019. Thus, he will now serve on both the HoldCo and the bank boards as a non-executive director. Mr Kruger is a chartered accountant with over 30 years’ experience in the financial services industry.
Also appointed to the board of the Bank, following regulatory approvals, was Ms Rabi Isma as an Independent non-executive director, effective from 09 May 2019. Ms Isma has extensive experience in the telecoms industry with 9Mobile and Etisalat Sri Lanka. She has previous worked for the British Council in Nigeria and served as special adviser to the governor of Kano State. Ms. Isma has multiple certifications and has attended several executive programmes, both at the Harvard and Michigan Ross Business Schools, United States of America.
Mrs Bunmi Dayo-Olagunju has been appointed Executive Director, Operations, for the Bank. Prior to this, Mrs. Dayo-Olagunju was Deputy Head of Operations and also previously served as Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Asset Management Limited, the Group’s Asset Management subsidiary. She has over 20 years of hands-on experience in the financial services industry having worked in different capacities across the subsidiaries of Stanbic IBTC Group.
Similarly, Mr. Dele Sotubo replaced Mrs. Dayo-Olagunju as Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Asset Management Limited effective 12 February 2019; Mr. Olumide Oyetan was appointed Executive Director, Investments, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Limited with effect from 1 March 2019; Mr. Charles Emelue was appointed Executive Director, Operations, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Limited on 1 April 2019 while Ms. Sakeenat Bakare was appointed Executive Director for Stanbic IBTC Insurance Brokers Limited, effective 26 February 2019.
These individuals are highly qualified and experienced to deliver results in their new roles. Commenting on the appointments, Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, Mr Yinka Sanni, said: “We are pleased to entrust these individuals with new responsibilities and look forward to benefiting immensely from their wealth of knowledge and experience as we enter the next phase of our growth. In filling these roles, we identified our priorities and these individuals fit into our growth objectives.”
Business
PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status
*PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status
To prevent any misunderstanding regarding our affiliation with the United Nations, we hereby provide a formal clarification on the status and identity of the United International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC), formerly known as IPGC.
UNIPGC is an independent Civil Society Organization and Non-Governmental Organization with continental chapters registered in the United States, Germany, Canada, and several countries across Africa. The organization is committed to promoting the values and principles of the United Nations, particularly in advancing Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), as well as advocating for good governance globally.
In furtherance of its mandate, UNIPGC has established partnerships with reputable diplomatic civil society organizations, including the United Nations Association of Nigeria and the United Nations Association of Ghana. These collaborations are aimed at strengthening its engagement with initiatives aligned with United Nations ideals.
Additionally, UNIPGC has entered into diplomatic relations with the International Organization for Economic Development (IOED), an Intergovernmental Organization (IGO), to enhance its capacity for international cooperation and diplomatic engagement.
We wish to clearly state that UNIPGC is **not** an entity, agency, or organ of the United Nations.
Members of the public and media practitioners are respectfully advised to refer to the organization by its full and correct name: **United International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC)**, and not as the United Nations.
Thank you.
Business
Laffmattazz Announces Strategic Partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for 2026 International Tour
Laffmattazz Announces Strategic Partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for 2026 International Tour
Laffmattazz, one of Nigeria’s foremost comedy and live entertainment brands, is pleased to announce its official partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for the highly anticipated Laffmattazz 2026 International Tour, themed “Next Chapter: A New Season of Laughter.”
Now in its 15th year, Laffmattazz—the brainchild of renowned Nigerian comedian Gbenga Adeyinka (Gbenga Adeyinka 1st)—has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, celebrated for its seamless fusion of comedy, music, and live stage performances.
The 2026 tour, which kicked off on Easter Sunday, April 5th, 2026 at the Jogor Centre, Ibadan, marks a significant milestone in the brand’s journey. Building on over a decade of success across Nigeria, this year’s edition signals a bold expansion into the international market, with a multi-city run in Canada, alongside major stops in Akure, Abeokuta, and Lagos.
This strategic partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited underscores a shared commitment to excellence and innovation. It is also aligned with FirstBank’s First@Arts initiative—a significant and ongoing program dedicated to supporting the creative arts, entertainment, and cultural sectors. Through this initiative, FirstBank provides financing, advisory services, and actively fosters a sustainable value chain for artists and creative entrepreneurs, while supporting key industry platforms such as the Nigerian Entertainment Conference.
Speaking on the collaboration, the Laffmattazz team stated:
“We are delighted to welcome First Bank of Nigeria Limited as a strategic partner for the Laffmattazz 2026 International Tour. As we mark 15 remarkable years of Laffmattazz, this partnership reinforces our vision to take premium Nigerian entertainment beyond borders, while delivering even bigger, better, and more memorable experiences for our audiences.”
As a key partner, First Bank will enrich the tour through innovative customer engagement initiatives, experiential activations, and exclusive fan experiences across all tour locations.
With its distinctive blend of humor, culture, and live entertainment, the Laffmattazz 2026 Tour is poised to connect audiences across cities and continents, bringing laughter to thousands of fans worldwide.
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About Laffmattazz
Laffmattazz is a premier Nigerian comedy and entertainment brand, now in its 15th year, renowned for its vibrant live shows and nationwide tours. Founded by Gbenga Adeyinka 1st, the brand continues to deliver high-quality experiences that celebrate creativity, culture, and laughter.
About First Bank of Nigeria Limited
First Bank of Nigeria Limited is Nigeria’s oldest financial institution, widely respected for its legacy of trust, innovation, and customer-centric financial solutions that support economic growth and development. Through its First@Arts initiative, the Bank continues to play a pivotal role in empowering the creative industry and driving sustainable growth across the sector.
Business
MREIF is Better: FirstBank’s Mortgage Loan Is the Game-Changer for Home Ownership in Nigeria
MREIF is Better: FirstBank’s Mortgage Loan Is the Game-Changer for Home Ownership in Nigeria
Anyone who has tried to get a loan to buy a house in Nigeria knows the drill: endless forms, property valuation, and eventual down payment of a minimum 25% or more on the property. Sometimes, interest rates could go as high as 30% per annum, while the typical loan limit is N50 million.
Now, FirstBank is making homeownership more attractive.
FirstBank, in partnership with the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), has introduced the MREIF Home Loan. MREIF loan is a game-changer, offering a single-digit interest rate of 9.75% per annum, with a loan amount of up to ₦100 million and a repayment period of up to 20 years. This is perfect for salaried individuals, including Nigerians in the diaspora, looking to purchase homes in approved locations.
The MREIF loan stands out with its lower interest rate, higher loan amount, and flexible equity contribution as low as 10%. This makes it an attractive option for those seeking affordable homeownership.
You are one quick decision away from being a landlord.
If you’ve been waiting for the right time to buy a home, FirstBank’s MREIF Home Loan is the smartest route to owning property in Nigeria today. Visit the FirstBank website https://www.firstbanknigeria.com/personal/loans/mreif-home-loan/ to get started.
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