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Onyeali-Ikpe Makes MIPAD’s List of Global Top 100 Trade Champions of African Descent

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In acknowledgment of her outstanding impact on global trade, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, has been recognized as one of the honorees in the 2024 Most Influential Global Top 100 Export and International Trade Edition.
Themed, “Championing the Vision of Global Africa as a Unified Economic Block and Single Market,” the initiative which was announced on May 25, 2024 in celebration of Global Africa Day, lists several leaders in the global trade space of African descent, including the President, African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank), Prof. Benedict Okey Oramah,); Minister of Trade and Export Promotion, Algeria, H.E. Kamel Rezig;  Chairman, World Trade Centre Accra, Ghana, H.R.H Togbe Afede; the Nigerian Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite; Executive Director and CEO, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (Nigeria), Nonye Ayeni; Executive Vice President, Intra-African Trade Bank (IATB), Kanayo Awani; Director, Trade Development (Africa & Caribbean), World Trade Centre Miami, US, Kemi Arosanyin; Secretary of State for Business and Trade and President of the Board of Trade (United Kingdom/Nigeria), Kemi Badenoch; President, US-Africa Business Centre at US Chamber of Commerce, Kendra Gaither; and President of the Buenaventura Chamber of Commerce (Colombia), Milady Garces Arboleda.
According to a statement by Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD), the organisers of the initiative, “These honorees are recognized for their groundbreaking achievements in Trade & Export and are called upon to champion the vision of a unified Global Africa as an economic block. This recognition aligns with the ethos of the International Decade for People of African Descent, highlighting MIPAD’s ongoing commitment to celebrating individuals, organizations, and governments demonstrating outstanding leadership in advancing people of African descent globally.”
Commenting on the initiative, Dr Onyeali-Ikpe said, “This recognition demonstrates our market leadership in the international trade space at Fidelity Bank and our devotion to helping Nigerian businesses play a more active role in the global trade space.
Since 2022, we have hosted the largest private-sector driven trade expo tagged the Fidelity International Trade and Creative Connect (FITCC) with hundreds of export businesses from Nigeria, off-takers in the UK and USA, investors, regulators, media and other key stakeholder in the trade sector. Through FITCC, we have closed deals totaling $450million. Our commitment as a bank is to do more in this space and we thank MIPAD for the recognition.”
The Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD), is a global civil society initiative in support of the International Decade for People of African Descent, proclaimed by United Nation’s General Assembly resolution 68/237, to be observed from 2015 to 2024. MIPAD identifies high achievers of African descent in public and private sectors from all around the world as a progressive network of relevant actors to join together in the spirit of recognition, justice and development.
Ranked as one of the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank is a full-fledged commercial bank with over 8.3 million customers serviced across its 251 business offices in Nigeria and the United Kingdom as well as on digital banking channels.
The bank has won multiple local and international awards including the Export Finance Bank of the Year at the 2023 BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards, the Best Payment Solution Provider Nigeria 2023 and Best SME Bank Nigeria 2022 by the Global Banking and Finance Awards; Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2023; and Best Domestic Private Bank in Nigeria by the Euromoney Global Private Banking Awards 2023.
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Personality in Focus

Adron Group Boss Celebrates Business Icon Otunba Muraina Banjoko at 65

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Tributes have continued to pour in for renowned entrepreneur and construction magnate, Otunba Muraina Olatunji Banjoko (MOB), as he marks his 65th birthday, with the Chairman/GCEO of Adron Group, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, leading the celebration with glowing commendation for the accomplished business leader and philanthropist.

In his goodwill message, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking described the Chairman and CEO of Threeco Construction Company Limited as an icon of excellence whose remarkable contributions to business, community development, and humanity have earned him widespread admiration and enduring respect.

He noted that Otunba Banjoko has distinguished himself as an accomplished entrepreneur, visionary leader, and compassionate philanthropist whose impact transcends the construction industry. According to him, under the celebrant’s leadership, Threeco Construction Company Limited has become synonymous with quality, professionalism, and reliability, while his numerous humanitarian initiatives have positively transformed lives and communities.

He further acknowledged the numerous traditional and honorary titles held by the celebrant, including the Oluwo of Ibaragunland, Baba Adini of Akuteland, Ifo Local Government Renewed Hope Ambassador, Otunba of Akuteland, Bashorun of Agbado, and Dr. Olowore Adini of Egbaland, describing them as a reflection of the immense respect and admiration he commands across different spheres of society.

“As Otunba Muraina Olatunji Banjoko marks this remarkable milestone, we celebrate not only his achievements but also his commitment to excellence, integrity, and service to humanity. His life remains a shining example of purposeful leadership and enduring impact,” Aare Adetola Emmanuelking stated.

He prayed that Almighty God would grant the celebrant renewed strength, sound health, greater wisdom, and many more years of fulfilment, prosperity, and impactful service, expressing confidence that his legacy of excellence and selfless service would continue to flourish for generations to come.

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Aare Emmanuelking Hails Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu’s Impact on Education on Birthday

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The Chairman/GCEO of Adron Group, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, has paid glowing tribute to the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Ogun State, Professor Abayomi Arigbabu, describing him as one of the foremost architects of educational transformation whose leadership continues to redefine learning and human capital development in the Gateway State.

In a heartfelt birthday message, the renowned real estate entrepreneur commended Professor Arigbabu for his exceptional blend of scholarship, administrative excellence, and visionary public service, noting that his stewardship of the education sector has continued to inspire confidence in the future of education in Ogun State.

According to Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, Professor Arigbabu has distinguished himself as an education reformer whose policies and programmes have consistently advanced academic excellence, strengthened institutional standards, promoted innovation, and positioned education as a strategic driver of sustainable development.

“Professor Abayomi Arigbabu exemplifies the ideals of visionary leadership. His dedication to improving educational outcomes and empowering the next generation through quality learning continues to leave an indelible mark on Ogun State and Nigeria as a whole. His legacy is one of impact, excellence, and selfless service,” he stated.

The Adron Group Chairman further acknowledged the Commissioner’s commitment to building an education system that equips young people with the knowledge, skills, and values required to thrive in an increasingly dynamic world, describing his contributions as invaluable to the state’s development agenda.

As Professor Arigbabu marks another year, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking prayed for renewed strength, divine wisdom, robust health, and greater accomplishments, expressing confidence that the celebrant’s passion for educational advancement would continue to shape lives and inspire generations.

He wished the Commissioner a memorable birthday celebration and many more years of impactful service to Ogun State, Nigeria, and humanity.

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Monday Ubani Bags PhD Honours from Babcock University

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Distinguished legal practitioner and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Dr. Monday Onyekachi Ubani, has reached another defining milestone in his illustrious career after earning a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) honours in Law from Babcock University.

The new feat is a definite declaration that his academic journey is far from over just as he seeks the next frontier – professorship.

Ubani was among a select group of scholars conferred with doctoral degrees during the university’s 2026 convocation ceremony, an event that celebrated academic excellence, research and innovation. The colourful ceremony attracted government officials, members of the Bench and Bar, academics, family members and well-wishers from across the country, National Association of Online Security News Publishers, NAOSNP can report.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, who attended the convocation as a special guest, congratulated the graduating students on their academic accomplishments and challenged them to deploy their knowledge, research and expertise towards national development. He also commended Babcock University for its sustained commitment to quality education, impactful research and the development of highly skilled professionals.

In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of Babcock University, Prof. Afolarin Ojewole, described the convocation as a celebration of discipline, sacrifice, resilience and scholarly excellence. “Earning a PhD represents years of rigorous research, critical inquiry and unwavering commitment to knowledge,” he said, noting that the achievement reflected not only the graduates’ determination but also the invaluable support of supervisors, lecturers, families, friends and the wider academic community. He added that the newly conferred doctoral graduates now bear the responsibility of contributing meaningfully to public policy, professional practice, national development and the global body of knowledge through research and innovation.

Among the highlights of the ceremony was the conferment of the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law on Dr. Monday Onyekachi Ubani, SAN, whose latest academic accomplishment further reinforces his reputation as one of Nigeria’s foremost legal minds and a passionate advocate of lifelong learning.

Speaking with journalists shortly after the ceremony, the elated Ubani described the doctoral journey as one of the most intellectually demanding experiences of his life. “The journey does not end with the graduation ceremony. There are still administrative processes to complete. It is a very rigorous journey, but it is worth every sacrifice,” he said.

He encouraged professionals across different fields, including journalists, to embrace higher education, describing the PhD as “the last bus stop of knowledge.”
“I recommend a PhD for everyone, including journalists, if you can. It is a worthwhile experience that broadens your knowledge and perspective,” he stated.

Despite attaining one of the highest academic qualifications available, Ubani revealed that his ambitions remain alive. “The next step is professorship. I’m going for it. I want to start lecturing. Once I have a university where I’m lecturing, I will begin writing more. I’m a good writer; I even write better than I speak. By the grace of God, I believe He will make it happen. I have become a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, I have become a doctor, and I also hope to become a professor,” he said.

Offering words of encouragement to young Nigerians, Ubani urged them to remain steadfast in pursuing their aspirations through perseverance, diligence and faith.
“My message to the younger generation is that they must persevere. But, most importantly, they must know God. If you have God in your life, there is nothing you cannot achieve. There is nothing you cannot do if God is with you,” he said.

He also expressed heartfelt appreciation to his family, mentors, colleagues and friends for their unwavering support throughout the demanding doctoral programme, describing the achievement as a testament to God’s grace, hard work and the encouragement of those who believed in him. The convocation concluded with the formal conferment of doctoral degrees on successful candidates, as Babcock University charged the new PhD holders to uphold the highest standards of scholarship, integrity and service while applying their research to address societal challenges and advance national development.

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