Business

UBA’s REDTV Sponsors Runway Jazz to Commemorate Lagos @50

Published

9 years ago

April 19, 2017

REDTV a dynamic online lifestyle channel, supported by United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, that puts the spotlight on Africa with a distinct global appeal, has announced its sponsorship of the Runway Jazz Festival as part of events lined up for the commemoration of Lagos @ 50.

The Runway Jazz Festival scheduled to commence on April 29 and close on the April 30^th,is organised by Sweet Sound Production in conjunction with Lagos State Government. The event, afusion of world class Jazz performances and fashion, coincides with the international Jazz Daythemed “Promoting Peace, Unity and Dialogue through Art”.

Speaking at the press conference held in Lagos at the weekend, Obinna Okerekeocha, Creative Director, Red TV, said the partnership will afford REDTV’s teeming viewers and lovers of contemporary Jazz the opportunity to experience a world class Jazz concert in Lagos. Headlining Runway Jazz 2017, according to Okerekeocha are two Grammy awards winners; American Saxophonist, Najee and UK Singer-songwriter, Joss Stone. Others billed to perform at the event to be held in Eko Hotel Convention Centre are some of Nigeria’s finest entertainers including Waje, Yinka Davies, Dede, Heavywind, Tosin Alao, Xerona Duke and host band, Sweet Sound.

The two day event will kick-off with the Music & Business Masterclass on Saturday April 29 and the Runway Jazz Concert on Sunday April 30, 2017

“With haute couture from Jewel by Lisa, and a runway show that captures the evolution of Lagos over the last 5 decades, Runway Jazz is the biggest and most unique music and fashion event to hit the Naija entertainment scene,” Okerekeocha said

Also speaking at the press conference held at the Tony Elumelu Amphitheatre in UBA House, the Executive Producer, Mr Afolabi Oke, said “the Runway Jazz activities this year have been heightened and elevated by two strategic partnerships. The first is with the Berklee College of Music, Boston, USA, which will present a music and Business Masterclass, facilitated by Professor George W. Russell Jr, Chairman of the Harmony Department. The second is the Lagos State Government; as we team up to celebrate the remarkable anniversary of Lagos State, Lagos@ 50.”

On the theme for the event “Promoting Peace, Unity and Dialogue through Art”, he noted that “At a time when there is so much turmoil, with socio-cultural imbalances, and political unrest across nations, there is no better way to unite the people than through a medium that pushes forward an agenda that promotes peace, unity, acceptance of diversity and intercultural dialogue- Music.”

Ace Musician, Dede Mabiaku and one of the star performers from Nigeria added that the Runway Jazz was birthed to engage music and art enthusiast and Jazz aficionados, giving stylish expression to art and culture through music and fashion. According to him, the focus on Jazz music really broadens its appeal, particularly in Nigeria and across Africa, and introduces an innovative franchise into the Nigerian entertainment scene. He further assured that this year’s event will be the biggest in its history as he promised to perform great songs from Afrobeat King, Late Fela Kuti.

Also present at the press conference were Heavywind, Tosin Alao, Xerona Duke and host band, Sweet Sound.

Bank

Union Bank Honoured by ASBON at Nigeria National SME Business Awards

Published

4 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

17 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

18 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.