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The recent decision by the United States to classify Nigeria as a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ has stirred global attention, but it also risks overlooking significant reforms and security gains currently underway in Africa’s largest democracy. While Nigeria faces undeniable security and religious-tolerance challenges, the narrative is incomplete without acknowledging the deliberate steps the Tinubu administration has taken to uphold religious freedom, protect communities and restore stability. Since assuming office, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has treated national security and unity with urgency. Renewed counter-terrorism operations have disrupted major insurgent networks across the Northeast, while intensified intelligence-led deployments in the North-Central region continue to reduce farmer-herder clashes. In the Northwest, coordinated military offensives are degrading bandit networks, and enhanced maritime security in the Niger Delta and Gulf of Guinea has significantly reduced piracy and oil theft, safeguarding both lives and national assets.

Beyond security operations, the government has strengthened community-reconciliation programs and socio-economic interventions to address the root causes of conflict. Humanitarian support for displaced persons has expanded, interfaith dialogue platforms have been reinforced, and community policing frameworks are being enhanced. Importantly, the rights of Nigerians to freely worship, whether Christian, Muslim or of other faiths, remain guaranteed and actively defended, with the President consistently affirming that no citizen’s safety or religious liberty should be compromised. At the same time, the administration has implemented economic reforms that may be unpopular in some quarters, yet are necessary to reset the economy after years of structural strain. Fuel subsidy removal, exchange-rate alignment and stricter fiscal discipline are intended to stabilise the macro-economic environment, attract investment and lay a foundation for sustainable growth. In such a delicate phase, a designation of this nature risks unsettling investor confidence and placing additional stress on an economy that is fragile but recovering.

Conversations with officials and policy experts in Washington, where I have previously served, reveal that documentary and video evidence, along with direct engagement with victims and advocacy groups, informed the United States Government’s decision. Whether one agrees with Washington’s conclusion or not, its position is based on intelligence assessments and survivor testimonies. Nigeria must therefore respond with clarity and confidence. What Nigeria confronts is persistent terrorism, and few nations have invested as many lives, resources and political effort in fighting violent extremism and protecting religious communities. Nigeria’s vibrant civil society, independent media remain important instruments of accountability. International partners, including the European Union and the United Nations, have recognised Nigeria’s renewed commitment to inclusive governance and rule of law. Nigeria welcomes constructive international engagement. To this end, government should deepen dialogue with Washington, share intelligence, carefully review the evidence cited and provide additional context on verified terrorist activities affecting communities of all faiths. Cooperative engagement, rather than isolation, will help ensure mutual understanding and prevent misrepresentation of the realities on the ground.

Labels of this nature can embolden extremist narratives, unsettle markets and undermine ongoing reforms aimed at building a safer and more prosperous nation. The United States remains a strategic partner, and sustained engagement based on mutual respect and shared democratic values remains essential. Nigeria’s path forward requires collaboration and dialogue, particularly at a time when reforms are beginning to yield gradual progress. Nigeria acknowledges its challenges and is addressing them with resolve and reform. The nation’s future will be determined not by external labels, but by continued domestic progress, constructive diplomacy and genuine international partnership.

The Senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, has said that the approval to establish a naval base and dockyard at Ode-Omi in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area will drive the local economy optimally.

Daniel, during the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Otunba Gbenga Daniel (BATOGD) Mid-term Community Assessment and Review Tour to Abigi in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, on Sunday, lauded President Bola Tinubu, revealing that the establishment of the naval base and dockyard is one of the ways to enhance national security.

The former governor of the state, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Navy, also submitted that the creation of the base would provide employment opportunities and bring about infrastructural developments.

The lawmaker noted that OgunWaterside LG is being opened up by the Federal Government through the new Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway route alignment.

While expressing the assurance of Mr President on the resuscitation of the Olokola Seaport project in the council area, which he submitted in doubt, on successful take off advanced the economy of the state.

‘I believe God loves this local government, that’s why He gave us a second chance to actualise some of our lofty agenda. This expanse of land was given to the Nigerian Navy over 50 years ago, and nothing happened until this period when God made me a Senator and the Senate Committee Chairman on Navy.

‘Let me underscore one fact: it’s not that the Navy was in a hurry to begin work here, but it’s due to some deliberate strategic efforts. We have to thank our President and Commander-in-Chief, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for granting approvals to what we needed to do.’

‘You will recall that the refinery project we intended to bring here when I was governor was why we established the Gateway Industrial and Petro-Gas Institute (GIPI) in Ode-Omi and the proposed deep seaport. The school was meant to train those who would work in the refinery. That was part of our plan when I was governor of this state. But when we left the government, the situation turned somehow.

‘However, there is still room for redress. We are going to reactivate the GIPI because, whatever the state government does and fails, we are there at the federal level to assist. Most importantly, our President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is ready to assist us. Look at what happened at the Tai Solarin University of Education when it appeared the state was incapable of funding the institution; the Federal Government waded in, took over the school and started funding it. That’s what we are doing with the GIPI,’ he added.

He explained that the strategic projects of President Tinubu were meant to empower Nigerians; therefore, calling on the people of the local government to reciprocate his good intentions by re-electing him in 2027.

Daniel promised his constituents that the federal government would fund the project to harness its potential.

He said, ‘Many people may not fully know what is meant by naval base. It is a naval city. Wherever it is located, the security of the place is guaranteed. This project is in stages: we are embarking on phase one, which consists of accommodation for senior and junior officers, an administrative building, the perimeter fence and security work, etc. The second phase is the naval secondary school, while the third phase is the naval hospital.

‘What we have to do is to thank our President for approving this project here. However, he must be supported for a second term in office to bring into fruition all his laudable programmes and projects. The President means well for Nigeria and well-meaning citizens support his administration.’

THE Central Securities Clearing System Plc (CSCS), Nigeria’s leading capital market infrastructure, has announced a major technological milestone with the successful upgrade of its core post-trade system, in partnership with global technology giants IBM and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).

The upgrade, which runs on IBM’s latest Power 10 Series infrastructure, marks a significant advancement in CSCS’s ongoing digital transformation drive, enhancing system speed, scalability, integration, and security. It also positioned the company among Africa’s most technologically advanced post-trade service providers.

CSCS, which first adopted the TCS BaNCS platform in 2015, said the modernization reflects its strategic focus on innovation, resilience, and operational efficiency. The enhanced infrastructure is expected to deliver faster transaction processing, improved transparency, and greater data analytics capabilities, while also strengthening market confidence and investor trust.

Commenting on the development, CSCS Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Haruna Jalo-Waziri, described the upgrade as ‘a pivotal moment’ in the company’s digital evolution.

‘This strategic upgrade reflects our unwavering commitment to innovation and operational excellence,’ Jalo-Waziri said. ‘Partnering with global technology leaders like IBM and TCS ensures that we continue to deliver world-class post-trade services that meet the evolving needs of Nigeria’s capital market and its participants.’

He added that technology remains central to CSCS’s value proposition, noting that the upgrade would not only boost efficiency but also lay the groundwork for investor-centric solutions to shape the future of the Nigerian capital market.

CSCS serves as the central depository for a wide range of instruments, including equities, corporate bonds, commercial papers, mutual funds, and commodities. Licensed and regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the company has been instrumental in major market reforms such as the dematerialization of share certificates and the reduction of settlement cycles.

With this latest upgrade, CSCS reinforces its leadership in leveraging technology to deepen market infrastructure, foster investor confidence, and support the long-term growth and global integration of Nigeria’s capital market.

Mr Donald Trump and his Generals are buckling their armour to wipe out terrorists who kill Christians in Nigeria. ‘I am hereby instructing our Department of War to prepare for possible action. If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet.’ the American president tweeted yesterday. Nigerians who heard Trump probably wondered where he is going to start from. People abducting people, people killing people are everywhere in Nigeria: North-East, North-West, North-Central, the South – everywhere. The forests are deeply infested; the cities have them thick behind seedy walls. How do you kill terrorists in a terror territory without killing everyone?

I risk this question: Who is the real killer here?

What is killing Nigerian Christians, indeed, what is killing Nigerians of all faiths, is not just religion or religionists. The true assassin is the Nigerian structure; an abnormality sculpted with the cold chisel of Mr. Trump’s America and its complicit allies. As Tacitus once wrote of Rome, ‘They make a desert and call it peace.’ Nigeria is a malformed republic calcified by those who pretend to defend it. The Nigerian structure empowers extremism and fetters the law. It enjoys the backing of the West.

Now, Trump says he is coming. Some saviours come to compound calamities. In Ola Rotimi’s ‘The Gods Are Not to Blame’, the Nigerian adaptation of Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex, Odewale is the celebrated liberator who becomes king. There is Baba Fakunle, the old, blind diviner of Kutuje. When the king, Odewale (the Oedipus figure), summons the seer to help identify the cause of the kingdom’s troubles, Baba Fakunle immediately sees the king himself as the source of the curse afflicting the land: ‘You are the murderer you seek’, the blind tells the king. He proceeds to even call him ‘bed sharer.’ But the hot-tempered king thinks the prophet subversive, a coupist.

Tiresias in Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex, like Ola Rotimi’s Baba, is the blind who perceives what the sighted king cannot see. The blind reveals that the sickness of the city flows from King Oedipus himself. He is the murderer. Oedipus, who vows to cleanse Thebes, is the source of the plague and ‘pollution’ of Thebes. Today’s world has Oedipuses; it has no Tiresias. The truth bearer exists neither in America and its allies nor in their viceroys, defenders of peace who switch off rights in search of freedom.

Donald Trump described Nigeria as ‘a disgraced country.’ It is surprising that Nigeria has had no word to reply to that insult. His threats are directed at the bad children in the forests of the north. There is not a whimper from the ACF and the Northern Elders Forum. Where is their usual courage? Where is the Federal Government? If I would be cynical, I wouid ask: Why not invoke our efficient Cybercrime Act to deal with this? In case the government missed the assault, it is there in Trump’s tweet on Truth Social:

‘If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S.A. will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria, and may very well go into that now disgraced country, ‘guns-a-blazing,’ to completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities. I am hereby instructing our Department of War to prepare for possible action. If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our CHERISHED Christians! WARNING: THE NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT BETTER MOVE FAST!’

America’s Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, with a ‘Yes sir’ replied Trump with ‘automatic alacrity’. He said his boots were ‘preparing for action’ on the soil of Nigeria. He posted on X:

‘Yes sir. The killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria – and anywhere – must end immediately. The Department of War is preparing for action. Either the Nigerian Government protects Christians, or we will kill the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.’

Greek historian and Athenian General, Thucydides, underlined the causes of war: power, fear, and ambition. He warned that ‘the strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must.’ Secretary Pete Hegseth’s words are a salute, and a promise of death wrapped in benevolence. He and his boss spoke as relievers of the besieged of Nigeria. We thank them for their interest. But where are they going to start from?

‘They can start from anywhere,’ a voice replied me.

‘Where is anywhere?’

It is cool to read Trump’s promise of reprieve; we’ve seen too much not to embrace any messiah who comes around. Too many have died with their blood calling for vengeance. But this Trump rain, if it ever falls, won’t fall on one roof. Oedipus comes into Thebes, kills their terror and for that is made king. Years later, the saviour’s coming becomes bad, mass death.

I read online many who are happy that Bola Tinubu’s government is facing fire from America. Some of these are even from the Muslim North. Ancient Romans would see this and intone: ‘Amicus meus, inimicus inimici mei’ (my friend, the enemy of my enemy). Mathematical sociologists would dust up Frank Harary’s formalisation of the Balance Theory; they would trace their signed graphs, and point to Fritz Heider’s insight that a pair of friends with a common enemy forms a balanced triangle: A friend of my friend is my friend (+ × + × + = +). A friend of my enemy is my enemy (+ × – × – = +). An enemy of my enemy is my friend (- × – × + = +). Politics!

It is strange that a government that has conquered everyone is now being conquered from a strange angle. ‘History shows that there are no invincible armies and never have been’ (Joseph Stalin).

I would have joined in the celebrations to welcome Trump but for the fact that history shows me the strong disguising ambition with the language of virtue; I hear the powerful invoking justice and faith while pursuing dominance. If I asked the Greek to use human history and experience to analyse Mr. Trump’s threat of a war to end all terrorist wars in Nigeria, Thucydides would likely have viewed Trump’s threat with cold, unsentimental realism. To him, the tough-talk would not be an act of moral outrage but a performance of power. He would see in Trump’s posture not compassion for the Nigerian victim of terror; the historian would see the timeless logic of empire: using other people’s tragedy to affirm strength and moral superiority.

As Thucydides might have put it, ‘War is not so much a matter of right as of necessity.’ From history to literature, we find that those who claim to fight for justice are often merely fighting for influence. In the eyes of experience, America’s preparation ‘for action’ would be less about saving faith, limbs and lives; it will be more about staging yet another play in the endless drama of power.

So, I ask: Is the noise from the US truly targetted at the Nigerian Wall of Jericho? We wait to see.

We are a complicated country with complex problems. If Trump kills all today’s terrorists tomorrow, how about the next generation of killers that will come out the day after? The hatchery is not tired of making them.

So, where is the way? Donald Trump’s message of war? It cannot be the way. One thing is certain, this crisis and the response to it echo a tragic pattern: leaders are chasing false targets; messiahs will end up as wrathful Oedipuses whose presence will poison the land. These healers, they will spread plague.

Some financial experts have said Nigeria’s $43.4 billion external reserves, the highest in five years, signaled investors’ confidence, Naira stability, and stronger support for policies that improve citizens’ welfare.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) , they made this known in separate interviews on Sunday in Lagos, while commending the Federal Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for the steady improvement in external reserves.

The experts noted that the achievement reflected growing fiscal discipline and the positive impact of ongoing reforms.

They also stressed the need for the government to channel the gains toward boosting production, creating jobs, and easing the cost of living.

The Chief Executive Officer, Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), Dr Muda Yusuf, said the development proved an increasing confidence in Nigeria’s economy from both local and foreign investors.

Yusuf said that the increase also showed evidence of fiscal discipline and effective policy implementation.

NAN reports that the external reserves dropped to $33.28 billion as of September 2023, from $37.1 billion recorded in December 2022.

He noted that a significant portion of the inflows came from autonomous sources such as foreign portfolio investment (FPI), foreign direct investment (FDI), and diaspora remittances.

‘This is an indication that investors’ and citizens’ confidence is improving, which is good for the general economy,’ Yusuf said.

He advised that while macroeconomic fundamentals are improving, government attention should now shift toward policies that directly impact the welfare of Nigerians.

‘The government should focus on addressing the cost-of-living challenge so that the increase in external reserves can translate into tangible benefits for households and businesses,’ he said.

Yusuf also called for improved fiscal discipline and efficient public spending to prevent leakages and ensure better management of public debt.

Former President of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Mr McAntony Dike, also commended the government for raising the nation’s reserves, describing it as a step toward long-term economic stability.

Dike said Nigeria must now focus on improving the business environment to attract more domestic and foreign investments.

‘When investors see consistency and a supportive business climate, they are encouraged to inject capital, which in turn drives growth and development,’ he said.

He added that enhanced security and investment in digital monitoring platforms were vital to ensuring a safe environment for businesses to thrive.

Similarly, the founder of the Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN), Mr Sunny Nwosu, said the increase in foreign reserves was a positive signal for the economy.

He, however, urged the government to use the opportunity to invest in key infrastructure that could boost local production, create jobs, and enhance economic resilience.

Nwosu stressed that investing in agriculture, power, and manufacturing would help ensure that the benefits of a stronger reserve position reflect in the everyday lives of Nigerians.

NAN recalls that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) recently announced that the country’s foreign exchange reserves surged to a five-year high of $43.4 billio, in spite of efforts to clear FX backlogs and stabilise the naira.

The disclosure was made by the CBN Deputy Governor for Economic Policy, Mr Mohammed Abdullahi, during the Nigeria Investors Forum held on the sidelines of the IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C.

Abdullahi said the reserves as of Oct. 10 were enough to cover 11 months of imports.

He added that the Naira had remained stable, with the gap between the official and parallel market rates narrowing to less than three per cent, compared to over 50 per cent in 2022.

He also noted that inflation had declined to 18.02 per cent, the lowest in three years, while capital inflows and remittances continued to strengthen Nigeria’s balance of payments.

The title of this write-up, ‘Immerse vs Actual’, is essentially cautionary. It is a timely call on business leaders to immediately make a critical choice if they have not done so already, for the survival and growth of their organisations.

The question is: do you want to be a successful leader in today’s intellectual game of business? Lead with impact and perform at your best or do you want to continue in your total immersion in conventional ways and reliance on legacy strengths? If you choose the latter, you will pay an expensive competency penalty. You will tether under pressure and considerably lose prospect for growth.

As a leader, you must therefore confront the ‘actual’, the new reality and ‘what is presently existing, uncertainty, debilitating challenges and unexpected turns. It is obvious that you can no longer follow the predictable path.

You must become your organisation’s strategist; the critically needed strategic warrior that must use strategic thinking as his new playbook and stop being rigid. Stop reacting and take control of the situation. Intelligently sift through the different options, organise, analyse and plan with pattern recognition. Your adaptive plans must be brilliant, novel and unique.

Recently, an organisation became the touchstone of the ‘actual’. It created unprecedented demand for its brands by breaking them down into useful bits and tailoring these bits to satisfy utility everyday needs. It ‘exploited’ the brands that it aligned with the versatility of these everyday needs and thereby greatly excited consumers. The result was an unbelievable great positioning. What followed were great results and eye-popping growth. The company successfully leveraged people insights and unbelievable amount of data from the plethora of media platforms.

Today, this company has become the most valuable company in the world through unprecedented demand that was generated from need-based products and services. It used ‘utility’ products milestones to greatly and successfully propel its fortunes.

Nigeria’s Aliko Dangote recently stressed the need for organisations to drill deep into the versatility of brands and match discoveries with day-to-day needs. Oil, for instance, he noted, has several utility values both as finished products and raw materials. Organisations should experiment with drilling down from the point of view of day-to-day ‘usefulness’. That is, drill down from ‘practical beneficial use’.

Utility or what the product (or service) does, affordability and what the brand is saying or communicating, will definitely galvanise interests of consumers and thereby ‘blow-up’ growth and market share.

We must rekindle the entrepreneurial spirit in organisations. The leader must do it with courage, passion, uniqueness and energy.

The leader must metaphorically examine his environment and master the situation. Anticipate and follow-up on identified patterns and drive great execution with trusted teams.

Pattern recognition enables leaders to move faster with sure-footedness. The leader uses them to master his strategies and understand his team members better.

The leader discerns what will happen before it happens with unique perception, comprehension and projections. These identified patterns become his execution cues and the dependable fuel for new knowledge and experience.

With pattern recognition, you can model the best in terms of your planning. You recognize the useful patterns, and apply them, you therefore see what others and even your competitors do not see. Pattern recognition gives plans meaning and purpose. It saves organisations from the dangers of templates and conventional knowledge.

As mentioned earlier, the leader as strategist becomes impactful. His authentic style makes him innovative (and obviously also creative). He adapts the usual predictable path. He rethinks the plans based on situational patterns. He decodes situations and takes strategic steps forward. He is aways reinventing himself and his organisation’s models of churning out beneficial outcomes. Challenges and setbacks are pivotal to his growth momentum.

I would like to suggest and prescribe ‘capability meetings’ instead of the usual stereotyped budget-achievement weekly or monthly meetings.

These meetings must enable cross-functional alignment. Innovation thrives on cross-functional alignment. It must be all-embracing with product/service teams as well as marketing and operations teams.

When we hold meetings around capabilities, it smoothens execution. Teams also collaborate more effectively and bottlenecks as well as solos are better managed.

I have mentioned the critical role of the strategic leader in this new ‘actual’ dispensation. I also emphasised utility as the new currency. Focus on utility must however run with rekindled innovative entrepreneurship.

Let me conclude with relevant and energised coaching, a veritable way to strengthen the leadership muscle.

The leader of this multi-skilled mosaic must help others succeed. It is his duty to create positive and supportive work environment. He must be passionate about genuinely developing greatness in individual team members, and of course, the organization.

He must always challenge team members with formal and informal coaching to step up and accelerate performance. Colleagues must be helped to perform at their best and grow their careers. They must be energised and re-energised to deliver highly beneficial values. They must take full ownership of performance and there must be constant progressive shift in contribution levels.

The coaching style must differentiate between advising, mentoring, teaching and coaching. Colleagues must be made to grow their capacity to solve problems through exploration that enlightens. They must imbibe the skills of communicating with purpose and learn how to showcase determination to achieve organisational goals. The coaching approach should also be used to give feedback and very useful advice.

Zenith Bank Plc has released its unaudited financial results for the nine months ended 30 September 2025, with a remarkable 16 per cent year-on-year growth in gross earnings from N2.9 trillion recorded in Q3 2024 to N3.4 trillion in Q3 2025. The Group’s performance continues to demonstrate resilience, strong momentum, disciplined execution and an ability to deliver long-term shareholder value in spite of challenging macroeconomic environment.

According to the financial results presented to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), the growth in gross earnings was driven by a sustained growth in interest income which grew by 41 per cent year-on-year to N2.7 trillion. The growth in interest income was supported by a high-yield rate environment and an expansion in the Bank’s investment portfolio. Despite the increase in interest expense by 22 per cent to N814 billion on the back of a tightening monetary cycle and a growth in the Bank’s funding base, the Bank was able to achieve a healthy Net Interest Margin (NIM) of 12 per cent as against 10 per cent in September 2024. Non-interest income declined by 38 per cent to N535 billion, underpinned by a 60 per cent decline in trading gains.

Profitability remained strong, with profit before tax at N917 billion as against N1.00 trillion reported in September 2024. Profit after tax also declined by 8 per cent to N764 billion and Earnings Per Share (EPS) came in at N18.60 as against N26.34 in September 2024, as the Bank took bold measures to improve the quality of its loan portfolio.

The Bank’s total assets grew by 4 per cent from N30 trillion in December 2024 to N31 trillion as at September 2025. This was largely supported by customer deposits, which rose by 8 per cent to N23.7 trillion within the same period. Gross loans declined by 9 per cent to N10 trillion as at September 2025, while Non-Performing Loan (NPL) ratio improved to 3 per cent due to the write-off of non-performing loans.

Return on Average Equity (ROAE) and Return on Average Assets (ROAA) stood at 23.3 per cent and 3.3 per cent respectively. Cost of funds increased to 4.5 per cent, underscored by the broader elevated interest rate environment. The Group’s cost of risk stood at 10 per cent while cost-to-income ratio rose to 45 per cent.

Coverage ratio and liquidity ratio remain solid and well within regulatory limits at 211.1 per cent and 53 per cent respectively.

This highlights the Bank’s strong capital position and liquidity profile as well as its ability to fund strategic growth opportunities. It also reflects its unwavering commitment to a prudent risk management, compliance and corporate governance culture.

Commenting on the results, the Group Managing Director/CEO, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, said: ‘the Bank’s robust performance is an attestation to the resilience of the Zenith brand, result-driven strategy, and the adaptability of our people in an evolving operating environment. We have fortified our capital base, reset our asset quality, and are well positioned for sustainable and profitable growth’.

Looking to Q4 2025, Dame Dr. Umeoji reinforced her optimistic outlook: ‘This result confirms the resilience of both our business model and our people. We’re on a solid growth path that we expect to maintain through the remainder of the year. Our focus on innovation, digital transformation, and developing solutions that address our clients’ changing needs positions us to capitalise on emerging opportunities whilst maintaining our disciplined approach to growth.’ She assured shareholders that the robust performance, combined with improved asset quality and the Bank’s strong capital base, positions Zenith Bank to deliver exceptional returns with expectations of sustained value creation. ‘We’re well placed to sustain this momentum whilst maintaining responsible leadership in the Nigerian banking industry and delivering exceptional value to all our stakeholders.’

The Bank’s track record of excellent performance has continued to earn the brand numerous awards, including being recognised as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital for the sixteenth consecutive year in the 2025 Top 1000 World Banks Ranking, published by The Banker and ‘Nigeria’s Best Bank’ at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2025. The Bank was also awarded Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards for 2020, 2022 and 2024; Best Bank in Nigeria from 2020 to 2022, 2024 and 2025, in the Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards; Best Bank for Digital Solutions in Nigeria in the Euromoney Awards 2023; and was listed in the World Finance Top 100 Global Companies in 2023.

Further recognitions include Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria for five consecutive years from 2021 to 2025 in the World Finance Banking Awards and Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria in the International Banker 2023 and 2024 Banking Awards. Additionally, Zenith Bank has been acknowledged as the Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria, in the World Finance Corporate Governance Awards for four consecutive years from 2022 to 2025 and ‘Best in Corporate Governance’ Financial Services’ Africa for four consecutive years from 2020 to 2023 by the Ethical Boardroom.

The Bank’s commitment to excellence led to Zenith being also being named the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria in The Banker’s Top 500 Banking Brands for 2020 and 2021, Bank of the Year 2023 to 2025 at the BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards, and Retail Bank of the Year for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022 and 2024 to 2025. The Bank also received the accolades of Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria and Best Innovation in Retail Banking, Nigeria, in the International Banker 2022 Banking Awards, Bank of the Year 2024 by ThisDay Newspaper; Bank of the Year 2024 by New Telegraph Newspaper; and Best in MSME Trade Finance, 2023 by Nairametrics. The Bank’s Hybrid Offer was also adjudged ‘Rights Issue/ Public Offer of the Year at the Nairametrics Capital Market Choice Awards 2025.

Zenith Bank has also bagged several non-financial awards including, Most Responsible Organisation in Africa, Best Company in Transparency and Reporting and Best Company in Gender Equality and Women Empowerment at the SERAS CSR Awards Africa 2024.

FOLLOWING a rigorous and transparent evaluation by the Awards Decision Council (ADC), the board of the Nigerian Marketing Awards (NMA) has announced MTN, Heineken, Cussons Carex and Goldberg, top 4 finalist brands, shortlisted for the Brand of the Year 2025 Category.

The brands, the Council says, represent the very best in innovation, consumer engagement, and sustained marketing excellence across Nigeria’s dynamic marketplace.

It added that public voting to determine the ultimate winner, which was officially opened on Tuesday, 29 October 2025, will close on Wednesday, 5 November 2025.

Speaking on the Award, the Convener, Mr. Tony Agenmonmen, stated that the Brand of the Year category reflects the voice of the people and celebrates the power of brands that truly connect with consumers.

‘It remains one of the most exciting and competitive categories of the Awards, as it recognises the brand that Nigerians believe has made the greatest impact during the year,’ he stated.

The former NIMN boss added that since its inception in 2022, the Awards had gone a long way in redefining the standard of recognition in the industry, in scope, scale, transparency, and credibility.

IN recognition of their outstanding service and contributions to Nigeria’s financial sector, three Deputy Governors of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) – Dr. Mohammed Abdullahi (Economic Policy), Ms. Emem Usoro (Corporate Services), and Dr. Bala Bello (Operations) – have been conferred with the prestigious title of Distinguished Honorary Fellows of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN).

The investiture ceremony, held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, National Arts Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, drew leaders from government, banking, and academia. The event celebrated excellence, ethics, and innovation in Nigeria’s financial services industry.

In his address, the President and Chairman of Council of CIBN, Prof. Pius Deji Olanrewaju, described the event as a milestone in the institute’s history, as it recognized individuals who have demonstrated exceptional professionalism and leadership in advancing Nigeria’s economy.

‘This annual landmark event holds special significance as we confer the Fellowship and Honorary Fellowship statuses on deserving members who have distinguished themselves through meritorious service and integrity,’ Olanrewaju said. ‘Their impact on the banking industry and the broader Nigerian economy cannot be overstated.’

The 2025 investiture witnessed the recognition of 687 professionals, including 21 Honorary Fellows, 440 Elected Fellows, and 225 Honorary Senior Members. Among the dignitaries present were Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was lauded for his commitment to sustainable development, and Katsina State Governor, Mallam Dikko Umar Radda, represented by his deputy, Faruk Lawal Jobe.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, CEO of Future Africa and Co-founder of Andela, spoke on the theme ‘Banking Beyond Boundaries: Leveraging Technological Innovations for Enhanced Performance in the Nigerian Banking Industry.’ He emphasized the transformative role of technology in deepening financial inclusion and driving growth across Africa.

Olanrewaju highlighted major strides in Nigeria’s banking sector, noting that electronic payment transactions reached ?384 trillion in July 2025, with mobile and PoS payments growing by over 200% year-on-year. He commended the CBN’s proactive policies and reforms for strengthening financial resilience, fostering innovation, and restoring investor confidence – especially after Nigeria’s recent removal from the FATF grey list, which he described as ‘a testament to the nation’s commitment to transparency and global financial integrity.’

He added that the banking sector’s support for key sectors such as agriculture, technology, and SMEs had contributed significantly to Nigeria’s 4.23% GDP growth in Q2 2025.

The CIBN President also announced the establishment of a Human Capital Development Fund to address staffing gaps caused by migration and digital transformation. The initiative, he said, aims to train young professionals and reskill existing staff through the CIBN Banking School Project, ensuring the industry remains globally competitive.

‘Our goal is to build a strong pipeline of skilled professionals who will drive innovation and excellence,’ he stated. ‘We call on all stakeholders to join us in redefining the talent landscape of the banking and finance industry.’

As the ceremony concluded, the new Fellows were celebrated not only for their past achievements but also for their role in shaping the future of banking in Nigeria.

‘Let us embrace the future with boldness,’ Olanrewaju urged. ‘The future of our country and our industry is bright – built on integrity, innovation, and collaboration.’

THE management of Guinness Nigeria has explained that the decision to pick Anambra as one of the venues for the relaunch of its easy-drinking Guinness Smooth beverage was informed by the state’s vibrant culture, thriving nightlife and energetic youthful population.

Senior Brand Manager and Category Lead, Guinness Trademark, Ife Odedere, gave the explanation at the launch held in Awka recently.

Reaffirming the company’s commitment to introducing innovative brands, and empowering the people of the state in various ways, Odedere explained that the launch was part of the company’s continuous efforts to expand its brand relevance.

He added that with the refreshed label, updated packaging, and improved flavour profile, it became necessary to reintroduce the brand to consumers in Anambra, a key market it enjoys strong patronage.

On the re-launch theme, ‘Smooth Side of Beer’, Odedere explained that the theme speaks to the distinguishing character of Guinness Smooth, a profile which makes it easy-drinking.

Also addressing guests, Head of Division, East covering Anambra and Delta States, Adesoji Opeyemi, assured of Guinness Nigeria’s dedication to promoting ethical business practices that foster peace and unity within the industry, while continuing to lead in the creation of beverage variants for Nigerian consumers.