Business

UBA Strengthens Brand Afiliation on Nigerian Campuses , Unveils 15 Ambassadors

Published

9 years ago

January 30, 2017

The United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc Friday launched the maiden edition of its Campus Ambassador Programme with the induction of the first 15 brand ambassadors.

The UBA Campus Ambassador Programme is an initiative to identify young emerging leaders among students of tertiary institutions and give them a unique and highly rewarding learning experience.

The 15 successful candidates were selected from among 200 students across tertiary institutions in Nigeria through a rigorous screening exercise in line with set criteria.

The colorful inauguration ceremony was held at the UBA house in Lagos with the Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Victor Osadolor, and other senior management staff in attendance.

“UBA is pleased to have you all on board as valuable Ambassadors who will help us propagate our goodwill messages, ethos, values and what we stand for as a bank, across your institutions,” said Osadolor. He noted that the goal is to give students a platform to demonstrate leadership as well as build and instill the brand ethos into the consciousness of the youths.

According to Mr. Osadolor, UBA is a bank with strong affiliation to youths, evident in the Bank’s scholarship and grants schemes through the UBA Foundation National Essay Competition among stother educational initiatives.

“Two hundred of you went through the process and 15 of you came out tops, which proves that you are leadings lights, energetic and enterprising with great potentials which is exactly what we want to explore. The values you bring on board will help us support this process and we do hope as you learn and internalize what we stand for, you will all be good ambassadors and represent us well as admirable leaders others can look up to, propagating our message even beyond the 12 months period of your assignment as UBA ambassadors”, Osadolor said.

Also speaking, the Head, Student Banking of UBA Plc, Mr. Tomiwa Sotiloye, said UBA, being a top financial institution with presence across Africa, is one the ambassadors should be proud of, especially in the discharge of their duties of spreading the institution’s ethos. He charged them to be good leaders and positive influencers who should stand out by ensuring the bank’s reputation soars high in their respective campuses.

The 15 ambassadors, who are A-list students in their various institutions, include Orji Somtochukwu Philippa a 300 Level Medical student of Abia State University, Uturu. She is currently a UBA Scholar after winning the UBA Foundation National Essay Competition in 2011. Phillipa is a Member of the Campus Press Student Authors’ Association (CAPSAA) and a Founder of ‘The Fe-clinical Group’ for Female pre-clinical medical students, ABSU. Ahmad Mustapha is a 400 Level, Quantity Surveying student at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He is a Social Media Enthusiast, Writer and an avid reader. Odunewu Oluwasegun, from the University of Lagos is a 300 level student of the Department of Radiography, University of Lagos. He is into writing and blogging.

Others are Jennifer Nev, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; Tagbo Ijeoma, Federal University Of Technology, Owerri, Imo State; Onyedikachukwu Edeh, Babcock University; Fadaini Asalewa, Obafemi Awolowo University; Barakat Tiamiyu, Obafemi Awolowo University; Queen Jaja, Rivers State University Of Science and Technology; Ihechi Opara, University of Ibadan; Chisom Anastatia Nwaezuoke, University of Ibadan, Ukododeta Nyerhovwo Maxwell, University of Abuja; Odunewu Oluwasegun, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Vivian Nneka Nwajiaku, University of Lagos; Chukwuemeka Orukwowu, University of Portharcourt and Kachikwu Stephen, University of Portharcourt.

During their one year renewable tenure based on active participation, the ambassadors are expected to develop different initiatives that will be sponsored by the Bank and execute various objectives of the bank over the period. They will also serve as a bridge between the bank, the students and the school authorities.

The selected ambassadors will form a preferred pool for recruitment consideration upon graduation.

Business

ADVAN Wins Global Honour at WFA Awards for “Project Freedom” Initiative

Published

2 days ago

April 25, 2026

Sahara Weekly

ADVAN Earns Global Recognition As WFA President’s Award Winner For “Project Freedom”

The Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) has been recognised on the global stage as a recipient of the prestigious WFA President’s Award, presented by the World Federation of Advertisers during its Global Marketer Week in Stockholm. The recognition places ADVAN among a select group of leading industry associations worldwide acknowledged for driving meaningful impact in marketing and society.

The WFA President’s Awards, established in 2010, celebrate national industry associations whose initiatives advance the marketer’s agenda and contribute to positive change. This year’s honours were awarded following a rigorous selection process involving 38 submissions from associations across the WFA’s global network, with winners chosen for their measurable impact and potential for replication across markets.

ADVAN’s recognition comes through its advocacy initiative, Project Freedom, a bold and strategic effort focused on addressing the challenges of stifling, non–data-driven regulations affecting businesses in Nigeria and across Africa. The initiative underscores the importance of evidence-based policymaking while championing the constitutional right to freedom of commerce.

Through Project Freedom, ADVAN has taken a proactive leadership role in engaging key stakeholders and shaping conversations around fair, balanced, and transparent regulation. The initiative reflects a shift toward constructive dialogue and collaboration, ensuring that regulatory frameworks support innovation, protect consumer interests, and enable sustainable business growth.

By earning this global recognition, ADVAN reinforces the growing influence of African marketing institutions in shaping international discourse. Its work highlights how local advocacy, when rooted in data and guided by clear principles, can deliver impact not just within national borders but across the global marketing ecosystem.

The award also affirms ADVAN’s commitment to strengthening self-regulation within the industry, fostering accountability, and promoting standards that align with global best practices while remaining relevant to local realities.

As the marketing landscape continues to evolve, ADVAN’s recognition by the World Federation of Advertisers signals a strong endorsement of its leadership and vision. It positions the association as a key voice in advancing responsible marketing, advocating for enabling policies, and ensuring that businesses can operate in an environment that supports both innovation and economic freedom.

Business

PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status

Published

3 days ago

April 24, 2026

Sahara Weekly

***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

Published

3 days ago

April 24, 2026

Sahara Weekly

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.