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ZENITH BANK ACTIVATES THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS WITH AJOSE ADEOGUN STREET LIGHT-UP

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4 years ago

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ZENITH BANK ACTIVATES THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS WITH AJOSE ADEOGUN STREET LIGHT-UP

ZENITH BANK ACTIVATES THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS WITH AJOSE ADEOGUN STREET

LIGHT-UP

The yuletide season has come to life in Lagos with the 2021 Zenith Bank Christmas Light-Up
Ceremony, which held at the Ajose Adeogun Street Roundabout, Victoria Island, Lagos, on
Saturday, November 20 2021.
With the theme “Let There Be Light”, this year marks the 15th edition of the traditional Light-up
Ceremony at the Ajose Adeogun Roundabout. Following the onset of the Coronavirus (COVID-19)
pandemic, which stopped the annual event from holding last year, this year’s ceremony is indeed a
momentous and significant one as it signals the return of what could be described as a spectacle
that has come to be recognized by not only Lagosians but Nigerians in general as an iconic place
and tourist attraction because of the beautiful decorations adorning the length and breadth of Ajose
Adeogun Street – home to Zenith Bank’s Headquarters, during the yuletide season.
The official lighting ceremony, which was performed by the Group Managing Director/CEO of
Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu, supported by Executive Management, saw thousands
of the Bank’s staff and customers joining virtually and through the Bank’s social media platforms.
Speaking during the ceremony, Onyeagwu praised Quantum, the company responsible for the
annual decorations, for the very outstanding, gorgeous and extremely beautiful work that they have
done this year. In his words, “each year when we come in, and we see the decorations, I keep
asking myself what next? Would there be something better than what we have seen and I see that
at the end of every season, they come up with innovations and creativity, and they make it even far
better and take it to a higher level”.
Onyeagwu expressed his delight that this year’s Light-up Ceremony is able to hold following the
cancellation of last year’s edition due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the EndSARS protests.
According to him, “last year was a very unusual year. Covid threw a curveball at humanity, and as
a result, it changed the way we engaged and the way we live; it transformed so many other things,
and as a country, we had some unique challenges. As a result of those challenges, especially the
EndSARS protest, last year we couldn’t light up, not because there was no money. It was because
we had to grapple with Covid-19, and again during the EndSARS protest, the fittings that we
employ in having this light-up were terribly vandalized, and it required time and resources for us to
put it together. We didn’t want to have any undue exposure or create vulnerability. Therefore we
had to allow time to put the fittings back, and as soon as we have put it back, here we are today”.
He noted that Zenith Bank is very happy to be able to reconnect with activating the spirit of
Christmas, with the return of the annual turning on of the Christmas lighting and the decorations of
  • Ajose Adeogun Street, which can compare and compete with any decorations anywhere in the
    world – be it in Europe, North America, or Asia.
    Whilst wishing everyone a Merry Christmas filled with joy, love, peace and harmony, he enjoined
    all to remember that Christmas is also a time for sober reflection when we think about things that
    we couldn’t do and focus our thoughts on being better people and building a better society and
    country. He also used the opportunity to remind Nigerians and the whole world in general that the
    fight against COVID-19 is far from over. He, therefore, appealed to everyone that as “we celebrate
    Christmas, we should celebrate responsibly, maintain social distance, wear our masks and for
    those of us who haven’t been vaccinated, please take your vaccine for vaccination is saving lives”.
    The Light-Up Ceremony is one of the many Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability
    Initiatives of Zenith Bank, as the Bank continues to lead in corporate social responsibility (CSR)
    contributions and spending by Nigerian financial institutions. Indeed, Zenith Bank has clearly
    distinguished itself in the Nigerian financial services industry as an institution that is committed to
    building a more sustainable and inclusive economy and one that promotes responsible business
    practices in Nigeria through the integration of sustainability principles in its business operations.
    Zenith Bank’s sustainability and CSR initiatives are hinged on the belief that today’s business
    performance is not all about the financial numbers – the Bank believes that an institution’s social
    investments, contributions to inclusive economic growth and development as well as improvements
    in the condition of the physical environment, all constitute a balanced scorecard.
    Through its CSR initiatives, the Bank has embodied the overarching objective of the 17 SDGs,
    which provide a framework for addressing the major challenges confronting our society. Its social
    investments are targeted at health, education, women and youth empowerment, sports
    development and public infrastructure enhancement. Overall, Zenith Bank’s total social
    investments in 2020 stood at NGN3.29 billion ($8.62million), representing 1.66 per cent of its Profit
    After Tax.
    The Bank remains committed to furthering the economic, cultural and social development of host
    communities, particularly through community-based initiatives and philanthropy. As a good
    corporate citizen, it continues to deliver projects that have long-term social and economic benefits
    for the communities because it believes that its business is only as strong as the communities in
    which it operates.
    To demonstrate its commitment to creating and expanding opportunities, the Bank regularly makes
    donations towards the setting up of ultramodern ICT centres in several educational institutions
    across the country. It also supports various developmental projects, and healthcare delivery
  • causes in Nigeria and contributes to the development of sports in Nigeria through its sponsorship
    of the Zenith Women Basketball League and the Zenith Bank Delta State Principals’ and
    Headmasters’ Football Competitions, to mention a few.
    The Bank also demonstrates leadership when its host communities deal with a crisis. For example,
    following the unfortunate gas explosion incident of March 15, 2020, which led to the loss of lives
    and properties at the Abule-Ado area in Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State,
    Zenith Bank made a donation of NGN100 million to the Emergency Relief Fund set up by the
    Lagos State Government for the victims of the explosion.
    Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Zenith Bank’s commitment to sustainability has not waned, as the
    Bank donated NGN1 billion as part of the Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID), a private
    sector-led initiative to support the Nigerian Government to combat the Covid-19 crisis
    ZENITH BANK ACTIVATES THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS WITH AJOSE ADEOGUN STREET LIGHT-UP
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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact [email protected]

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PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status 

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6 hours ago

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April 24, 2026

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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.

PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status 

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.

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Laffmattazz Announces Strategic Partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for 2026 International Tour

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9 hours ago

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April 24, 2026

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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.

 

⸻

 

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.

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MREIF is Better: FirstBank’s Mortgage Loan Is the Game-Changer for Home Ownership in Nigeria

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1 day ago

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April 23, 2026

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FirstBank Set to Launch Tailored Financial Services for Blind and Physically Challenged Customers  

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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