Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

The company’s new entry reflects its growth ambition and commitment to innovation in Nigeria’s fast-moving consumer goods sector.

UAC Foods Limited has entered the highly competitive seasoning segment with the launch of Zuri Seasoning, signaling its intent to diversify and strengthen its product portfolio. The move aligns with the company’s long-term strategy of driving growth through innovation and deeper consumer engagement in Nigeria’s evolving FMCG landscape.

Zuri is born from a deep understanding of the modern Nigerian consumer. We recognized that while cooking is a fundamental act of love and care, it is often perceived as a tedious duty. Zuri challenges this notion. Our mission is to restore fun and creativity to the kitchen, empowering individuals, from homemakers and professionals to students to create extraordinary meals with effortless ease,’ said the Brand Manager, Innovations, Lovelyn Nnamuchi.

The Zuri range comes in four irresistible flavours: Chicken, Beef, Classic, and Jollof flavour, each created to deliver an unmatched taste and aroma that elevates any dish.

During the recent internal launch held at UAC Foods Head Office, the Managing Director, UAC Foods Ltd, Oluyemi Oloyede, said: ‘We didn’t just want to launch any other seasoning but to develop a product that contains a lot of natural ingredients that delivers on taste, aroma, and flavour.’

‘Zuri represents a significant milestone for UAC Foods,’ said Ayo Awosika, General Manager, Commercial. ‘It underscores our commitment to innovation and meeting the evolving needs of the Nigerian consumer. We are not just launching a product; we are launching a new perspective on cooking, one filled with joy, simplicity, and connection.’

Zuri Seasoning is available in convenient packaging sizes (10g and 100g) across open markets, neighbourhood stores, groceries, and modern trade outlets nationwide.

The Gulf region, is set to launch a schengen-type tour visa called Cooperation Council’s (GCC) Grand Tour visa which will allow travellers explore six Gulf member states.

It is set to commence its pilot phase by the last quarter in 2025.

The plan, often compared to Europe’s schengen visa system, plans to mark a strategic milestone in regional integration. It will allow tourists to travel seamlessly between the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain under a single permit, with a rollout occuring in stages.

Originally approved by GCC ministers in 2023, the system is now in the advanced stages of digital and logistics integration, and will start with a pilot phase at the end of 2025 before expanding across all member states.

Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE minister of Economy and Tourism, who also chairs the Emirates Tourism Council, stated that the initiative is designed to enhance the Gulf’s collective appeal as a unified tourism destination.

Jassim Al-Budaiwi, secretary-general of the GCC, confirmed that the visa framework has reached its final approval and technical phases. The visa application processing will take place through a dedicated digital platform, streamlining access and planning for travellers eager to experience multiple Gulf destinations in one itinerary.

Tourism officials describe it as a key step in positioning the GCC as a globally competitive destination. ‘This visa will enhance cross-border tourism, stimulate economic development, and boost the region’s reputation as one connected market,’ Al Marri said.

Regional tourism network to strengthen

Nigeria was among Dubai’s fastest-growing visitor markets in the years preceding the pandemic. The introduction of the unified GCC visa could now make it easier for Nigerian travellers to combine trips to Dubai with visits to other Gulf destinations, strengthening tourism links across the region.

The Gulf region already represents a major source of intra-regional travel. In 2024, the UAE recorded 3.3 million visitors travelling within GCC countries, accounting for 11 per cent of total hotel guests.

In 2024, Saudi Arabia accounted for the largest share of GCC visitors to the UAE, with 1.9 million arrivals representing 58 per cent of the total. Oman followed with 777,000 visitors, or 24 per cent, while Kuwait contributed 381,000 travellers, making up 12 per cent. Bahrain recorded 123,000 visitors (4 per cent), and Qatar rounded off the list with 93,000 visitors, representing 3 per cent of the total GCC arrivals.

These figures underline the Gulf’s interconnected tourism landscape, which the unified visa is set to further expand by reducing travel friction and encouraging longer, multi-country stays.

As the pilot launch of the unified visa is underway, the Gulf is ready for a new era of regional travel. For the first time, visitors will be able to explore all six countries with a single travel document.

If the rollout proceeds as planned, it could redefine how the region presents itself to the world, transforming six borders into one shared gateway for global travellers.

Football fans in Lagos were treated to an electrifying night of passion and entertainment on Saturday, as MTN hosted a lively English Premier League Watch Party at Cubana Lagos.

The event came alive as Chelsea clinched a dramatic 2-1 victory over reigning champions Liverpool, sealed by an incredible stoppage-time winner from 18-year-old Brazilian sensation Estevão.

The atmosphere was nothing short of electric, cheers, chants, and debates filled the air as hundreds of fans followed every touch of the ball as though they were at Stamford Bridge itself. Chelsea’s early dominance set the tone, and the Lagos crowd erupted when Moisés Caicedo fired a thunderous strike into the net in the 14th minute.

Liverpool, desperate to avoid a third consecutive defeat, fought back in the second half through Cody Gakpo, who bundled home a close-range equaliser after fine work from Alexander Isak. The tension rose as both sides traded chances, but the drama reached its peak deep into stoppage time.

In the 96th minute, after Enzo Fernández had struck the post moments earlier, Marc Cucurella whipped in a low cross that found Estevão, who slid in to stab the ball past Giorgi Mamardashvili, sending Chelsea fans at the watch party into wild celebration.

‘See you finish! That’s the Caicedo we paid a hundred million for!’ yelled Chinedu Ofili, a jubilant Chelsea fan, as the venue transformed into a carnival of music, dancing, and laughter.

Speaking during the event, MTN Nigeria’s Chief Marketing Officer, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, said: ‘At MTN, we believe every Nigerian deserves to be connected, seen, heard, and celebrated. That’s why we’re taking this experience across the country, from bustling cities to remote communities, ensuring no youth is left behind.’

LASACO Assurance Plc has emphasised the importance of early investment in the future of Nigeria’s next generation and the stimulation of insurance right from the grassroots.

The insurance Company believes that grooming the next generation will require financial literacy and building the right culture through strategic investment in schoolchildren.

Sesan Oki, head, Internal Control and Compliance, at LASACO who represented the MD/CEO during the official commissioning of a state-of-the-art ‘Lasaco Smart Class’ in Agindigbi Junior grammar school, Ikeja emphasized that the project represents more than a donation; it is an investment in the future of Nigeria’s next generation and the stimulation of insurance right from the grassroots.

‘At Lasaco Assurance, we recognize that education and technology are the twin pillars of progress. The Lasaco Smart Class is not only a contribution to improved learning outcomes, but also a deliberate effort to nurture young minds with the values of foresight, security, and preparedness which insurance represents,’ he stated.

By integrating digital literacy with insurance consciousness, Lasaco Assurance is reaffirming its leadership as a forward-thinking organization that goes beyond business to positively impact lives a The launch of the Lasaco Smart Class marks the beginning of a broader CSR agenda focused on education, innovation, and community empowerment.

The Smart Class initiative underscores Lasaco Assurance Plc’s drive to enhance digital literacy, bridge educational gaps, and promote technology-driven learning environments in underserved institutions.

Fully equipped with modern digital tools, the facility is designed to empower students with 21st-century skills, preparing them to thrive in a rapidly evolving, technology-first world.

In addition to providing digital resources, the Lasaco Smart Class is also strategically positioned to instil the culture of insurance awareness in young learners, fostering early understanding of the role of insurance in financial security, risk management, and sustainable growth.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected an application by Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, seeking to prevent the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), from releasing his academic records.

Nnaji approached the court for an interim order to stop the university from responding to a request concerning his academic records.

The respondents in the suit are the Minister of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC), UNN, the Vice Chancellor, the Registrar, and the Senate of the university.

Through his lawyer, the minister sought an interim injunction to restrain the university from releasing or altering his academic records.

He also requested leave to file a writ of prohibition against the Vice Chancellor, Registrar, and Senate (3rd, 4th, 5th, and 7th respondents), preventing further access to or alteration of his records.

In addition, Nnaji asked for a writ of mandamus compelling the university to release his academic transcript.

He further sought an order directing the Minister of Education and the NUC (1st and 2nd respondents) to exercise their supervisory powers to ensure the release of his transcript.

Presiding over the case, Justice Hausa Yilwa denied the request for an injunction.

In her ruling, she stated: ‘I have reviewed the 34-paragraph affidavit, the 6-paragraph affidavit of urgency, the exhibits, and the further affidavit submitted by Martin Luther Akawe. I have also considered the written arguments

‘Based on the affidavits and exhibits, I find that the applicant has sufficient interest in the matter. Therefore, prayers 1, 2, and 3 are granted.

‘However, prayer 4, which seeks an injunction, is denied. The approval of prayers 1 to 3 does not amount to injunctive relief against any respondent.’

The case follows a letter issued by UNN disassociating itself from the minister’s academic credentials. In a letter dated October 2, 2025, and addressed to Premium Times, Vice Chancellor Prof. Simon Ortuanya stated that Nnaji did not graduate from the university.

The letter confirmed that Nnaji was admitted in 1981 under the matriculation number 1981/30725, but that records do not show he completed his studies or graduated in July 1985, as he claimed.

The letter reads: ‘Based on available records, Mr. Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji did not complete his academic program at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

‘Therefore, the university did not, and could not have, issued him a certificate in July 1985.

‘This aligns with an earlier letter dated May 13, 2025 (Ref: RUN/SR/R/V), sent to the Public Complaints Commission on the same issue.’

The development has raised questions about the authenticity of the minister’s academic qualifications.

Leadway, one of Nigeria’s foremost non-banking financial services and wellbeing providers, is celebrating 55 years of innovation, resilience, and inclusive impact across West Africa. From its inception in 1970 as an insurance company, Leadway has evolved into a diversified group championing financial access, inclusion, and wellbeing for individuals and businesses across the region.

Today, Leadway’s integrated offerings span life and general insurance, health coverage, pensions, asset and wealth management, estate planning, hospitality and credit solutions, empowering millions to build resilient financial futures. ‘Leadway’s journey is, in many ways, the story of Nigeria itself-one of resilience, diversity, and progress,’ said Tunde Hassan-Odukale, group managing director of Leadway Holdings. ‘We began with the mission of providing succour and financial freedom to individuals and businesses through risk management.

Over the years, that mission has expanded into building a holistic ecosystem that now encompasses insurance, pensions, health, investments, trusteeship and hospitality. This milestone is both a testament to the trust we have earned and the excellence we continue to uphold.’ Leadway has built its reputation as Nigeria’s most consistent claims-paying insurer, disbursing nearly N500 billion in claims between 2016 and 2024, including N117 billion in 2024 alone.

Through its HMO subsidiary, the group continues to deliver award-winning healthcare services to millions of Nigerians through a network of more than 2,500 hospital providers nationwide while continuously increasing robust financial portfolios and securing the future of many Nigerians through its Pensions and Asset Management subsidiaries.

Beyond Nigeria, Leadway has expanded its regional footprint into Côte d’Ivoire, strengthening its leadership in Francophone West Africa through Leadway Assurance, Ankara Services and Leadway IARD. The Group’s legacy also extends to impactful social initiatives.

Leadway Media Dash provides young entrepreneurs and SMEs with visibility by showcasing their businesses on Leadway-owned platforms. Its long-standing support for the Lagos International Trade Fair underlines its commitment to commerce and enterprise in the sub-region. Leadway also invests in Nigeria’s creative economy, sponsoring the Lagos Leather Fair, supporting the Nigerian Pavilion at the London Design Biennale, and championing emerging talent through the +234 Art Fair and Creative Bloc Carnival. Recognising the power of youth, Leadway engages with the next generation through LeadForward, a financial literacy and wellness programme for NYSC members, and Campus Connect, a university initiative promoting learning, entrepreneurship, and wellbeing. It also champions women’s empowerment through Hersurred, a platform launched in 2024 that offers mentorship, skills workshops, and networking opportunities, including an annual International Women’s Day event.

As Leadway marks its 55th anniversary, it reflects on a journey marked by impact, resilience, and trust while restating its goal to create creative and inclusive financial, health, and wellness ecosystems for its clients. ‘We are committed to creating the next chapter of Africa’s financial services wellbeing powerhouse, offering digital-first solutions that are unparalleled, people-focused, and competitive on a global scale, with our past guiding us and shaping the future ahead,’ Tunde Hassan-Odukale reaffirmed.

Global multi-asset broker JustMarkets has been awarded the prestigious title of ‘Best Global Broker’ at the Jordan Financial Expo 2025 (JFEX), one of the MENA region’s most influential financial and fintech events.

This award recognizes brokers that deliver innovative solutions, cutting-edge platforms, and efficient services that empower clients to achieve greater success in financial markets. For JustMarkets, the honor highlights its consistent ability to adapt to global trends, expand its product offerings, and lead in technological innovation and educational processes in online trading.

JustMarkets Representative on One More Award

‘Being recognized as the ‘Best Global Broker’ at JFEX 2025 is a proud moment for us. It validates our commitment to creating smarter, more accessible trading solutions for clients across the MENA region and beyond. This award is dedicated to our clients, whose trust inspires us to continue breaking barriers in the industry.’

That’s how the Business Development Manager at JustMarkets commented on receiving the award on behalf of the company.

At the Heart of JFEX 2025

Held in Amman, JFEX 2025 brought together brokers, investors, fintech innovators, and regulators from across the Middle East and North Africa. Over the course of two days, participants explored the latest financial technologies, discussed regulatory frameworks, and shared insights on the future of the region’s investment landscape.

As a key exhibitor, JustMarkets showcased its expanding suite of products, including the JustMarkets Trading App, swap-free Islamic accounts, and competitive trading conditions with leverage of up to 1:3000. The company also emphasized its focus on transparency and innovative services, which continue to resonate strongly with traders in the MENA region.

Building the Future of Online Trading

Winning the ‘Best Global Broker 2025’ award reflects JustMarkets mission to create a convenient and transparent trading environment where everyone can reach their full investment potential. With over 13 years of industry experience, regulation from the FSC Mauritius, FSA Seychelles, and the South African FSCA, and clients in more than 160 countries, JustMarkets is committed to shaping the future of online trading through innovation, education, and client trust.

To start using the JustMarkets Trading app, simply register and download it on your Android or iOS device.

About JustMarkets:

JustMarkets is a globally recognized multi-asset broker providing reliable and transparent trading services since 2012. The company has earned over 50 industry awards, highlighting its excellence in the financial sector. JustMarkets offers a diverse array of trading instruments, including CFD on Forex, stocks, commodities, indices, metals, energies, and cryptocurrencies, serving clients in over 160 countries.

Yusuf Liman Dahiru, Speaker, Kaduna State House of Assembly, has commenced the process of amending several state laws.

At Monday’s plenary, the bill to amend the Kaduna State Landlord and Tenant Law No. 18 of 2018 passed its first reading, while bills seeking to amend the Kaduna State Urban and Regional Planning Law No. 31 of 2018 and the Tax Codification and Consolidation Law No. 8 of 2020 also scaled their first readings.

Dahiru stated that the bill to repeal the Kaduna State College of Education Law No. 24 of 2018 and enact the Kaduna State College of Education, Gidan Waya Law, 2025, was taken for second reading and referred to the relevant committees for further legislative work.

The House also deliberated on a motion for the regulation of metal waste vendors across the state, aimed at promoting environmental sustainability, public health, and compliance with waste management standards.

The Chairman of the Joint Committee on Education and Judiciary presented a report on the Bill to Establish the Kaduna State Tertiary Institutions Regulatory Agency, 2025. After consideration, the House unanimously adopted the committee’s recommendations.

Proceedings were adjourned to Wednesday, October 7, 2025.

Jobberman Nigeria, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has successfully expanded its flagship HR Fusion Series to Akwa Ibom State, hosting the inaugural edition at Vinpy Hotel, Uyo. The event brought together HR professionals, business leaders, and entrepreneurs to address critical talent management challenges and explore opportunities shaping the future of work in the region.

Themed ‘Effective Talent Management for Business Growth,’ the programme featured a keynote address by Ide O. Owodiong-Idemeko, who outlined five strategic pillars for effective talent management such as aligning HR with business goals, attracting the right talent, developing and empowering employees, driving engagement and retention, and leveraging technology and data.

In his closing words, he urged participants to embrace talent management as a driver of transformation:

‘If we in Akwa Ibom, and indeed Nigeria, embrace effective talent management, we will unleash a generation of workers and leaders who will transform our businesses, our communities, and our economy. The companies that will thrive tomorrow are those that manage talent today with vision, empathy, and innovation.’

Speaking at the event, Babajide Anjorin, head of Marketing at Jobberman Nigeria, reaffirmed the company’s commitment.

‘HR Fusion represents our commitment to bridging the talent gap across Nigeria. By bringing this initiative to Akwa Ibom, we are empowering the silent architects of business growth. And as we work together, let’s remember this truth: business growth does not happen in boardrooms, it happens when people are effectively managed, motivated, and retained.’

The event also featured four breakout sessions focused on practical HR challenges: upskilling and reskilling the workforce for the future; employee engagement and its impact on productivity; building a culture of talent Retention; and fostering inclusive workplaces for sustainable business success.

Participants highlighted the programme’s relevance as Akwa Ibom diversifies its economy beyond oil and gas into agriculture, ICT, creative industries, and tourism, creating growing demand for adaptable and skilled workers.

Imaobong Ofana, HR manager at Fhenix Africa, praised the initiative:

‘This programme has been eye-opening. The sessions gave me practical ideas I can implement immediately in my organisation. It’s encouraging to see Jobberman bringing this level of expertise to Akwa Ibom. More importantly, Jobberman must continue to harness the great talent we have here, train and empower them, and work closely with HR bodies to build a stronger workforce for the future.’

The HR Fusion series reflects Jobberman Nigeria’s evolution from an online career platform into a full-service talent solutions provider. Today, Jobberman partners with organisations to deliver end-to-end recruitment support, employer branding, soft skills training, and workforce capacity building – equipping HR professionals with strategies and networks to make talent management a driver of sustainable growth.

The success of the Akwa Ibom edition further underscores Jobberman’s commitment to expanding HR development programmes beyond traditional commercial centres, bringing world-class talent management expertise to emerging business hubs across Nigeria.

SustyVibes, a youth-driven organisation promoting sustainability in Africa, has mobilised thousands of young people across 10 states in Nigeria for its 2025 Street Conference, spotlighting the growing crisis of textile waste pollution.

The annual event, held on World CleanUp Day and sponsored by the UPS Foundation, carried the theme ‘Strive for Five’, a concept rooted in research that suggests when five percent of a community commits to action, it can spark a cultural shift in sustainable practices.

This year’s focus was on textile waste, one of the country’s fastest-growing environmental challenges. With the rise of fast fashion, Nigeria’s landfills and open dumps are increasingly overwhelmed by discarded, non-biodegradable clothing, which worsens pollution and contributes to flooding in urban areas.

Aniebiet Obot, projects and partnerships director at SustyVibes, noted that the Street Conference has, since 2016, provided a platform for youths, communities, and authorities to come together in championing environmental stewardship

‘In line with this year’s World Cleanup Day, SustyVibes, supported by the UPS Foundation and working in partnership with UPS Nigeria, challenged Nigerian households and businesses to rethink what is typically considered waste, such as textile offcuts, used plastics, and bottles.

‘These can be easily transformed into valuable products like jewellery, bags, or flowerpots, as demonstrated during the DIY (do-it-yourself) training sessions provided to stakeholders,’ Obot said.

The 2025 edition was hosted simultaneously in Lagos, Abuja, Adamawa, Kaduna, Kwara, Abia, Imo, Enugu, Rivers, and Ilorin, with over 570 volunteers, mostly youths, leading activities ranging from clean-up drives to upcycling workshops.

Participants also engaged in ‘Intervibes’ sessions, where local insights and data on waste management practices were gathered.

Altogether, the effort resulted in the collection of over 2,724 kilograms of waste across the 10 cities. Beyond clean-ups, the conference encouraged community members to adopt sustainable habits such as recycling, upcycling, and sustainable fashion practices.

SustyVibes believes that by mobilising 5 percent of citizens as environmental leaders, these young changemakers can influence the remaining 95 percent of their communities to embrace a waste-free lifestyle.