Author: Blessed

Zenith Bank proudly announces the fourth edition of Zecathon, its renowned Startup Pitch Competition and Incubation Program. Held in conjunction with the Zenith Bank Tech Fair, Zecathon 4.0 seeks to empower and nurture high-impact Nigerian startups across key sectors. To be eligible for the Pitch Competition and Incubation Program, startups must be early-stage Nigerian entities with registered businesses operating in one or more of the designated focus sectors and possess a viable product or Minimum Viable Product (MVP) with demonstrated market traction. Additionally, applicants must present a scalable business model with clear growth potential.. What’s on offer The competition offers…

Africa’s banking giant, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has announced the appointment of Henrietta Ugboh as an Independent Non-Executive Director. This appointment follows the retirement of Owanari Duke from the Group Board. The appointment has been approved by the Central Bank of Nigeria and other relevant regulatory authorities. UBA Group Chairman Tony Elumelu expressed confidence in Ugboh’s ability to contribute significantly to the board. Elumelu also expressed enthusiasm about Ugboh’s appointment, highlighting her strong track record and alignment with the bank’s commitment to robust corporate governance. He stated, “Henrietta Ugboh brings a wealth of experience and leadership skills that…

In a recent announcement, PZ Cussons confirmed the appointment of Mr. Oludare Ebenezer Elusakin as its new Chief Financial Officer. The disclosure dated November 11, 2024, and signed by the company secretary, ALSEC NOMINEES LIMITED, was disseminated to shareholders and the public through the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) concerning this appointment. This appointment became effective on November 11, 2024, following the retirement of the interim CFO, Mr. Brian Egan. The outgoing interim CFO, Mr. Brian Egan, is set to formally leave the company on December 20, 2024. In the disclosure, PZ Cussons’ Board of Directors expressed their appreciation for his service:…

Seplat Energy Plc has announced the exchange rate to be used for the Naira payment of its third-quarter 2024 interim dividend. Shareholders who opt for Naira payments will receive their dividends at a rate of 1,681.42 Nigerian Naira to 1 US dollar. This exchange rate, which reflects the NAFEX closing rate as of November 11, 2024, was disclosed in a regulatory filing on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX). The statement read “Seplat Energy PLC (‘Seplat’ or the ‘Company’), a leading Nigerian independent energy company listed on both the Nigerian Exchange Limited and London Stock Exchange, today confirms that the below…

The African Development Bank (AfDB) is a leading development institution dedicated to fostering economic growth and social progress across Africa. With 81 member states, including 54 African nations, the AfDB provides financial and technical support for transformative projects that aim to reduce poverty and promote inclusive and sustainable development. This Internship Program is a key component of the AfDB’s Talent Management Framework, designed to equip young professionals with practical experience and contribute to the Bank’s strategic goals. Program Objectives Note: It’s important to note that while the internship program offers valuable experience, it does not guarantee immediate employment at the…

Moniepoint, a leading Nigerian fintech company, has made a strategic move by appointing Bayo Olujobi as the Chief Financial Officer of its microfinance bank subsidiary. Olujobi, a seasoned finance professional with over 20 years of experience, joins Moniepoint from Stanbic IBTC Bank, where he served as the Chief Financial Officer. This appointment comes shortly after Moniepoint’s successful $110 million fundraise and its partnership with the Corporate Affairs Commission to digitize operations for millions of SMEs. “I am really excited to have the opportunity to join Moniepoint at this time. The bank has developed an unparalleled customer proposition across the business…

Are you a young Nigerian entrepreneur with a brilliant idea? The Orange Corners Nigeria Incubation Program is your launchpad to success! Apply now for the 12th Cohort and unlock the power of entrepreneurship. Who can apply? Young Nigerian entrepreneurs aged 18-35 with innovative business ideas or existing businesses seeking growth Ensure all required documents are uploaded, and your business proposal is clearly stated. What you will gain Application Start Date : November 05, 2024 Application ⁠Deadline : December 21, 2024 Visit www.fatefoundation.org/ocn to apply. Related articles

Have you ever wondered if you have to pay back grants when you receive them? Well, in this blog post, you will find all the information you need concerning grant myths. Grants are a form of financial aid that are awarded to students, businesses, and organizations based on need or merit. There are many different types of grants available, each with its eligibility requirements. The truth is that there are a lot of misconceptions about grants. This can make it difficult to know where to start when you’re looking for financial aid. Grants have been instrumental in empowering countless individuals…

OPay, a prominent financial institution in Nigeria, has solidified its commitment to education by partnering with the University of Ibadan. Through this partnership, OPay will award ₦300,000 scholarships to 20 talented students annually for the next decade. The MOU signing ceremony, held at the University of Ibadan, was attended by representatives from both organizations and scholarship beneficiaries. This initiative underscores OPay’s dedication to fostering academic excellence and empowering young Nigerian leaders. This partnership with the University of Ibadan marks the beginning of OPay’s significant investment in education. The company plans to expand this scholarship program to other renowned institutions, including…

PalmPay, one of the leading fintech platforms in Nigeria, has been honored with the “Most Outstanding Fintech Driving Financial Inclusion” award at the prestigious BrandCom Awards 2024. The BrandCom Awards honour companies and leaders who demonstrate innovation and excellence in branding, marketing, and impact. This recognition from Brand Communicator highlights PalmPay’s significant contribution to promoting financial inclusion in Nigeria. The company has been instrumental in providing accessible and reliable financial services to millions of Nigerians. Since its inception in 2019, PalmPay has been committed to empowering underserved communities by providing innovative tools that simplify financial transactions. Hanson Femi, Head of…

The Bank of Industry (BoI) has officially opened applications for the Federal Government’s N75 billion Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Intervention Fund. This fund aims to provide much-needed financial support to small businesses across Nigeria. The Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI) has welcomed this initiative, recognizing its potential to revitalize the MSME sector. Amina Habu Mohammed, a representative from BoI, announced the start of the application process during a joint press conference with NASSI. The event, held in Abuja, focused on the MoU between the two organizations and the sensitization of MSMEs about the N75 billion fund.…

The World Trade Organization (WTO) is a global body that sets the rules for international trade. It ensures a level playing field for countries, helping them trade smoothly and prosper. With 164 member countries, the WTO oversees the majority of global trade. The WTO Internship Program offers young graduates a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience and develop valuable skills in international trade. Interns receive a monthly stipend of CHF 60 to cover living expenses during their internship. The WTO is committed to hiring the best and brightest individuals, and the internship program is part of its effort to attract…

OPay has been recognized as the “Mobile Payment Solutions Provider of the Year” at the prestigious 12th Annual Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards hosted by BusinessDay. This award is a testament to OPay’s commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and secure digital payments. OPay continues to lead the way in Nigeria’s fintech industry by prioritizing the security and user experience of its diverse range of financial products and services. This recognition solidifies OPay’s position as a trusted and reliable provider of secure digital payment solutions in Nigeria. OPay is committed to protecting its users’ financial security and has implemented…

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has announced that the 10,000 young people selected for its internship program will receive a monthly stipend of N50,000 starting from December 2024. Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director of the NDDC, made this announcement while receiving an honorary degree from the University of Ibadan. The ceremony took place at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt. Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director of the NDDC, highlighted that the Youth Internship Scheme, launched on August 5, 2024, has generated significant interest, attracting over three million applications. The selected 10,000 beneficiaries are eagerly anticipating the release…

Heirs Holdings and the Tony Elumelu Foundation have provided $5,000 grants to young African entrepreneurs to foster economic growth across the continent. According to PunchNG, Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings and Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, announced this news at the Future Investment Initiative New Africa Summit in Saudi Arabia. He emphasized the role of entrepreneurship in addressing pressing issues like unemployment and infrastructure deficits in Africa. Also, in a LinkedIn post, Elumelu shared his insights from a fireside chat with CNN host Eleni Giokos. He explained how Heirs Holdings and the Tony Elumelu Foundation are implementing Africapitalism…

Fast Forward is a venture studio—and early stage fund—that backs African founders building companies to unlock prosperity through technology. This Africa-focused fund will incubate commercially sustainable livestock startups through its venture studio model.Fast Forward will support a cohort of startups building technology products for Nigeria’s livestock and allied industries. As part of the program, Fast Forward will select and back up to 10 livestock-tech ventures with capital and company-building support—including app development, growth marketing, PR, strategy, and operations. Fast Forward’s team will work with founders to achieve solid unit economics and at least $20K MRR in six months. Fast Forward…

Are you an SME looking to grow your business?Join the Google Hustle Academy. The Hustle Academy is a free, 5-day virtual bootcamp for small businesses in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa, focusing on building future-proof business success. What can you expect? Don’t miss this opportunity to take your hustle to new heights. Apply now! Application Deadline: October 30, 2024. Related articles

The Nigerian government has been actively promoting digital literacy and tech skills through various initiatives this year. This has created a favorable environment for tech education programs.   TecHERdemy powered by TD Africa, is a groundbreaking initiative designed to empower young Nigerian women with the essential tech skills needed to thrive in today’s digital age. In partnership with the Ministry of Women Affairs, they are offering 400 women the opportunity to learn from industry experts and gain hands-on experience in cybersecurity, data science, AI, and software development. You get to receive the following benefits from this training To apply for…

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a $100 million loan to boost access to finance for youth and women-led small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through the Nigeria Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank (YEIB) initiative. This landmark initiative aims to drive economic growth and job creation by fostering collaboration among key stakeholders to support youth entrepreneurs. The YEIB will work alongside the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), and the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN). The AfDB’s $100 million investment will be complemented by an additional $25 million from the DBN and $5 million from the NSIA.…

The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) with a mandate to design and implement programs to combat mass unemployment, articulate policies aimed at developing work programs with labor-intensive potentials, and implement any other policies as laid down by the governing Board established under its enabling Act, has opened up it’s website for applications. Sectors of operation In line with the Renewed Hope Agendas of the Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has concluded a plan to engage 93.731 (Ninety Three Thousand Seven hundred and thirty-One) unskilled and unemployed persons across Nigeria. Under this initiative, the…