Business
Why is GTBank Organizing a Fashion Event, and Why Should I Attend?
The GTBank Fashion Weekend may seem novel for a financial institution, but it is part of the bank’s long history of supporting the local fashion industry.
Foremost African financial institution, Guaranty Trust Bank plc, last week announced the debut of the GTBank Fashion Weekend, set to hold on the 12th and 13th of November 2016, at the GTCentre, Oniru, Victoria Island. With the bank being the first financial institution to pioneer such initiative, it is important to understand its motive for organizing such an event and necessary to know what guests will gain from attending.
Why is GTBank Organizing a Fashion Weekend?
Perhaps the short answer is: To promote enterprise in the SME sector of the Fashion industry. The not-so-short answer would begin with the fact that GTBank actually has an extensive footprint in fashion that goes back several years. The bank has sponsored two of the country’s leading fashion events, The Arise Fashion Week and The Lagos Fashion and Design Week, for a combined period of five years. The bank has also contributed significantly to raising the international profile of African fashion through collaborations including the Ndani Installation at Selfridges and the “Double Club” Collaboration with PRADA.
The GTBank Fashion Weekend is thus an extension of the bank’s long tradition of supporting the local fashion industry and African fashion in general. However, the Weekend extravaganza is much bigger than whatever the bank has done in the past to support Fashion because it not only aims to celebrate African fashion but to directly boost both the expertise and exposure of small businessesand create a platform that will truly serve the stakeholders in the fashion industry. As Mr Segun Agbaje, the Managing Director of GTBank, puts it, “[it is all about] growing SMEs in a sustainable manner that is not driven by profits but focused on empowering our customers and growing our economy collectively.”
At the core of the Weekend are fashion MasterClasses, where entrepreneurs will have the unique opportunity to interact with and learn from global fashion industry leaders, and Retail Exhibitions which will showcase the wares of dozens of SMEs within the fashion industry for patronage from guests. An example of how effective retail exhibitions can be is seen in the very successful GTBank Food and Fair held in May where over 25,000 guests helped over 100 SMEs achieve record sales of their products.
Why Should I Attend the GTBank Fashion Weekend?
Again, the simple short answer: The Weekend will provide the ultimate fashion experience that anyone intrinsically interested in Fashion cannot afford to miss. For the longer version of that answer,think of the GTBank Fashion Weekendas a perfect blend of the glitz and glamour of fashion with the vibrancy of trade fairs and the enlightenment ofworkshops. Attending the event will not only get you thrilled, but also leave you thoroughly entertained and greatly empowered, all of which will cost you absolutely nothing.
Given that the Weekend is positioned as a sequel to the GTBank Food and Fair, one thing that you are sure to be treated to is an awesome atmosphere dense only with a spectacular array of top personalities and industry leaders. Just as the Food and Drink fair brought together critically acclaimed international chefs, the GTBank Fashion Weekend will pack a punch of fashpacks – from world renowned fashion personalities to globally recognised brand owners, trend setters and designers. These fashion aficionados will all join together to make your experience of the Entrepreneurial and Fashion MasterClasses, Retail Exhibitions, and glamorous Runway Shows a memorable one.
At the fashion MasterClasses, you will have the direct opportunity to interact with and learn from local and international fashion industry leaders. With the MasterClasses themed Promoting Enterprise, expect to learn a lot about how to make a profitable business out of fashion. As well as being treated to a sizzling series of Runway shows featuring collections by renowned Nigerian and international luxury brands, expect also to enjoy an amazing showcase of a diverse range of affordable and luxury apparel, footwear, accessories, beauty items, and much more from budding indigenous SMEs.
Ultimately, the GTBank Fashion Weekend is one that you cannot afford to miss not only because of the fun-filled and memorable it will be, but also because of the significant boost that it will give to SMEs involved in Fashion and the fashion industry in general.
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.
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.
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.
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
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