Business
More Winners Emerge from Unity Bank’s Corpreneurship Challenge
Unity Bank’s flagship business plan competition for National Youth Service Corps members, Corpreneurship Challenge, has produced three more winners.
The winners who include Ejidike Vitalis, Aromire Yusuf, and Sanni Adeola emerged during the final pitch for NYSC 2020 Batch B, Stream 1B corps members, held at the Lagos NYSC Orientation camp on Monday.
A Zobo beverage processing plant business plan by Ejidike Vitalis, a Pharmacy graduate from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka emerged the best plan, winning the N500,000 grant.
Other winners include a fish farm business plan by Aromire Yusuf which clinched the N300,000 business grant, while Sanusi Adeola’s Garri Processing plant business plan won the third place to take home N200,000 business grant.
A total of seven youth corps members pitched their business plan in agribusiness, fashion design, baking and confectionaries, etc.
The contestants’ business plans were assessed on originality, marketability, future employability potential of the product and knowledge of the business.
Recall that Unity Bank debuted the Entrepreneurial Development Initiative in 2019, to specifically targets corps members, as part of efforts to contribute to job creation in Nigeria.
Speaking during the finale, the Group Head, Retail and SME Banking, Unity Bank Plc, Mr. Olufunwa Akinmade, said the competition was to encourage more youths with clear intentions to expand or start profitable ventures.
“The money we are giving is not a loan and we do not want you to lose money. So, you must learn that mistake is part of the business and constantly thinking about the challenge you will face in the business. Put the same energy you all have displayed today in your businesses as you face your post-service year ahead.
“Corpreneurship is what we started last year, we started last year with season one. We launched it in Lagos and in three other states which include Edo, Ogun, and Abuja. So, today we are in four locations as we speak right now; is been one year we have been running this and it has been hugely successful.”
Speaking further, he explained that the Bank will sustain the programme in order to achieve record impact on job creation. He said: “This is a programme that will stand the test of time, but all we are doing is to support NYSC corps members to start their own business no matter how small and then grow with it. Unity bank is there and we are offering them a financial, mentorship as well as business mentorship.”
On expectations from the winners, Akinmade said: “Our expectations are two folds; that they manage the money well such that at the end of the year in addition to the N500,000, N300,000, N200,000 that they won today, they will double it.
“Second, we want people, who at the end of the year, can become employers of labour. This is our first steps towards reducing unemployment in the market. It is a small step but a big one and so we expect them to be able to say I have two, three people working with me,” he said.
Commenting on his exploit as the winner, Ejidike Vitalis, said his drive for local content pushed him into Zobo drink production.
He said: “Our teabag Zobo drink needs expansion to meet our demand because of how it is naturally produced with ginger for easy consumption anytime and we appreciate Unity Bank for empowering us through this initiative.”
Business
Valentine’s Day: Wema Bank Unveils ‘Evolution of Love’ Campaign, to Thrill Newlyweds, Singles, Others
Following the launch of “ALAT: The Evolution”, Wema Bank, Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank, most innovative and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has launched its 2026 Valentine’s campaign tagged “Evolution of Love, powered by Wema Bank”.
Inspired by the “evolution” theme of its upgraded ALAT app, Wema Bank launched the “Evolution of Love” campaign with the goal of celebrating different forms of love experienced by customers, and how they have evolved over time. From self-love to friendship, romantic love to family, this campaign introduces a fresh twist to Valentine’s, decentralising romantic love and creating a space for every Wema Bank customer this season of love.
“Evolution of Love, powered by Wema Bank” calls on new and existing Wema Bank customers across 4 categories: Singles [self-love], friends [friendship], married couples and those getting married this February [romantic love]. While the gifts vary across each category, the requirement is the same—create a Love Goal on the ALAT App and submit a 1-minute video on any social media platform sharing how your love journey has evolved over the years, for access to gifts ranging from cash to spa vouchers, vacations and expense-paid getaways, and for one couple getting married in February, a special performance at the wedding from a celebrity artiste, courtesy of Wema Bank.
Announcing the campaign, Wema Bank’s MD/CEO, Moruf Oseni, gave further insights into the Bank’s approach to celebrating Valentine’s this year. According to him, “Love is central to the delivery of true customer-centric service, and as a Bank that prides itself on being customer-centric, this is reflected in the thought, intentionality and commitment we put into all we do at Wema Bank. It has always been clear how much we care about our customers and this year, we decided to celebrate the journey of love across different categories that reflect the different experiences and realities of our customers, from friends and couples who have grown together over the years to lovers taking the bold step of marriage and even singles because self-love is crucial”.
“This Valentine’s, we chose to acknowledge the beauty of every love journey, and we are inviting all new and existing customers who have a story to share. For the friends and singles, our goal is to promote true friendship and self-love. For families and married couples, our goal is to strengthen bonds by reminding them of how far they have come. For those intending to get married, we are adding one more memorable touch to their wedding with a special artiste performance. Our ultimate goal is for every Wema Bank customer to feel loved this season and beyond,” Oseni concluded.
Anyone interested in submitting their entry is encouraged to make a 1-minute video sharing their love journey and where applicable, feature the person with whom their love has evolved. All submissions are to be posted on any social media platforms using #ALATEvolutionofLove and tagging @alat_ng and @wemabank.
To be eligible, customers are expected to activate SAW, the Voice Banking virtual assistant on the upgraded ALAT App, create a personal or group goal on the app with the name “Love Goal”, fund the goal and transact with their ALAT/Wema card between February 1st – February 10th.
More details on qualification criteria are available at wemabank.com/love
Access Holdings Plc has announced that the Board of Directors of Access Bank Plc, its flagship subsidiary, has appointed Mrs. Ifeyinwa Osime as Chairman of the Board, following the retirement of Mr. Paul Usoro, SAN on January 29, 2026, upon the completion of his regulatory tenure limit.
Mrs. Osime is an accomplished legal practitioner with a strong background in corporate governance and strategic leadership.
She was appointed to Access Bank’s Board in November 2019 as an Independent Non-Executive Director. Prior to her recent appointment, she served as Chairman of the Board Human Resources and Sustainability Committee, as well as the Board Governance Nomination and Remuneration Committee, making significant contributions to governance, leadership development, and sustainability. She also served on several other board committees. In addition, she is a director at Ebudo Trust Limited and a Partner at McPherson Legal Practitioners, where she advises on corporate and commercial legal matters, and contributes to the firm’s leadership and strategic direction. Her previous board experience includes serving as an Independent Non-Executive Director of Coronation Insurance Plc, Board Chairman of Coronation Life Insurance Company Ltd and Non-Executive Director, Bank PHB (now Keystone Bank Limited).
Mrs. Osime began her career at Nigeria Reinsurance Corporation and later joined African Development Insurance Company Limited (ADIC, now NSIA Insurance) as Company Secretary/ Assistant General Manager, Administration & Legal.
She is a law graduate of the University of Benin, Benin City and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1987. She holds a Master of Laws in Commercial and Corporate Law from the London School of Economics and has attended executive education programmes at INSEAD, IMD, Harvard Business School, MIT, and Stanford, among others, reflecting her commitment to continuous professional development and global best practices.
Mrs. Osime is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, Women Corporate Directors Nigeria Chapter, and Chartered Institute of Directors Nigeria, where she serves on the Executive Committee of the Women Sectoral Group.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, she is committed to mentoring young people and is actively involved in the Autism and Developmental Delays Support Community, reflecting her dedication to inclusion and social impact.
Speaking on her appointment, the Group Chairman, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR, said:
“Mrs. Osime is a principled and experienced leader with a deep understanding of the Bank’s strategy and values. She has demonstrated strong commitment to the Bank’s vision and mission, and I am confident that, under her leadership, the Bank will continue to advance its strategic objectives of delivering sustainable value to shareholders and other stakeholders in the pursuit of its vision to become the World’s Most Respected African Bank.”
The Group Chairman also congratulated Mr. Usoro on the completion of his tenure and for his exemplary leadership, dedication and significant contribution to the Group and wished him the best in his future endeavours noting that he shall remain a valued member of the Access family.
SUNDAY EKWOCHI
COMPANY SECRETARY
Statement on Investors’ Relations
Access Holdings Plc has a dedicated investors’ portal on its corporate website which can be accessed via this link: https://theaccesscorporation.com/investor-relations/ The Company’s Investors’ Relations Officer can also be reached through electronic mail at: investorrelation@accessholdingsplc.com, or telephone on: +2348161875482 for any investment related enquiry.
First HoldCo Plc has announced its unaudited financial results for the year ended 31 December 2025, reflecting a year of deliberate strategic actions aimed at strengthening its balance sheet, improving asset quality, and positioning the business for more resilient and sustainable growth amidst successful capital raise activities.
As stated in the unaudited Group financial statement, FirstHoldCo recorded a 4.8% year-on-year (y-o-y) increase in its Gross earnings to N3.4 trillion, supported by a 36.3% y-o-y growth in net interest income of N1.9 trillion on the back of enhanced earnings yield and margins of 17.11% and 11.0%, respectively. Similarly, net fees and commissions improved by 18.7% y-o-y to N290.7 billion. These are clear indications of the strength of the revenue generating capacity of the core business which continues to be solid. Earnings for the year were, however, lower than the prior year, primarily due to higher impairment charges in the commercial banking segment. This is in line with a deliberate strategic decision to accelerate balance sheet clean-up and adopt more aggressive provisioning standards. Management views this as a prudent step that enhances transparency, strengthens investor confidence, and aligns fully with evolving regulatory expectations.
Additionally, increased regulatory costs affected profitability. These charges, while weighing on the results, underscore the Group’s compliance with Nigeria’s financial system stability framework and its commitment to ensuring systemic confidence. Despite these pressures, underlying performance of the Group remains strong.
Deposit liabilities grew by 10.0% y-o-y, driven by sustained deposit mobilisation and continued investment in digital banking platforms. This growth reflects strong customer confidence and deepening engagement across key segments. The deposit mix also showed a deliberate reduction in foreign currency deposits, resulting from the repayment of expensive funding and the impact of naira appreciation. This shift supports improved funding efficiency and reduces foreign exchange risk.
Gross loans and advances declined marginally, reflecting a disciplined approach to credit growth, strengthened risk management, loan repayments, write-offs, and the translation impact of a stronger naira on foreign currency facilities. The Group intensified its commitment to ensuring a high-quality, cleaner asset base, aiming to optimise the portfolio and enhance future earnings potential.
Furthermore, performance in earnings was impacted by a decline in non-interest income, mainly due to lower fair value gains on financial instruments following the naira appreciation in 2025. However, this was partially offset by stronger foreign exchange (FX) trading income and reduced FX revaluation losses. Net fees and commission income also grew, supported by higher electronic banking fees, letters of credit commissions, custodian fees, and account maintenance income, reflecting the continued success of the Group’s digital-innovation strategy.
While impairment charges increased following the end of regulatory forbearance, management has intensified recovery initiatives and reinforced credit oversight. Excluding impairment and fair value gains, pre-provision operating profit grew by 23.9% y-o-y to N973.3 billion demonstrating robust performance of the core business.
Apart from the commercial banking impairments, performance across the rest of the Group remained resilient, supported by steady customer activity and disciplined execution.
Looking ahead, the Group will continue to prioritise disciplined execution of its strategic objectives, with emphasises on enhancing efficiency and profitability, continuing to build on the Group’s digital and data capabilities, while sustaining a robust balance sheet to support increased value creation and returns for shareholders. Alongside this, the Group will pursue selective growth initiatives, including new revenue streams, additional business verticals, and deeper participation in targeted African markets, in line with our strategy and risk appetite.
Further details and insights are to be provided when the audited full-year results are published and during the subsequent investor and analyst earnings call.
