Business
Wellness, Wealth Creation Confab: Heathgarde Rewards Distributors, Unveils Rugby Star As Brand Ambassador
Healthgarde International held its third year anniversary in Lagos on Saturday, January 28, with attendees cutting across Nigeria, South Africa and Uganda, aiming at boosting the company’s market penetration for 2023.
The network marketing firm, with over 50,000 distributors across countries, is an African company dedicated to improving people’s quality of life by creating wealth through healthcare and wellness promotion.
In a chat with journalists at the event, the chief operating officer of the company, Lovelyn Bassey, stated that the convention is a way to reward top achievers.
“Every year, we have an international convention, where we recognise top achievers in our company from around the world. We look at the body of work they’ve done within one year and then reward the top performers as we have done today,” Bassey said.
Speaking further on the importance of Healthgarde in an African society, Bassey stated that the company also targets self-sufficiency for women as one of its focal points.
“One of the biggest messages that we try to send across as a company is that women have a voice and can also bring the bacon home. They don’t have to be a burden to their husbands, but a partner, by also contributing in the home. This way, the husbands don’t need to drop dead by overworking themselves to cater for the financial needs of their families alone.”
L-R; Healthgarde South African Public Relations, Manager, Tshego Kekana; Marketing Executive, Christine Borrett; Healthgarde Brand Ambassador, Tendai ‘The Beast’ Mtawarira, CEO, Nneka Nwarueze; and the COO, Lovelyn Bassey at the 2023 Convention of Healthgarde International
On her part, the chief executive officer of the company, Nneka Nwarueze, revealed that HealthGarde is neither a ponzi nor a get-rich-quick scheme.
“Healthgarde network marketing follows best global practices. It is the first major network marketing company owned by an African woman. I’ve been in network marketing for over 20 years with majority of those years spent representing SwissGarde for 17 years until it ceased operation.
“In order to provide an alternative for entrepreneurs who depended on SwissGarde business for sustenance, when it closed shop, we started Healthgarde,” Nwarueze revealed.
The founder also disclosed that aside from the empowerment provided by the network marketing company, an affiliated foundation has successfully empowered over 300 women.
“Healthgarde is also the first network marketing company owned by a Nigerian that has a foundation. And with it, we have been able to empower over 300 women on various programmes. Also, we have four university graduates and about 15 pupils in primary schools who graduated through our scholarship programme.
“The genuineness of our network marketing company is one of the reasons we’ve been expanding rapidly in the last three years of operations. I can authoritatively say that we have bases in Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, Ghana and United States, while we already have our eyes set on Cameroon.”
The founder also spoke on the uniqueness of Healthgarde products.
“Our products are exceptional as they are organic (non-synthetic) and we know their origin; they are mainly from African herbs, and are pocket-friendly” Nwarueze said.
The company’s brand ambassador who was unveiled at the event, a Zimbabwean-South African, professional rugby union player and current world champion, just recently retired, Tendai ‘The Beast’ Mtawarira, said he provided a balance for a company predominantly seen as a woman organisation.
“The services rendered by Healthgarde shouldn’t be seen as only for the female gender. Through my endorsement, men are encouraged to come onboard too and make money selling wellness,” Mtawarira submitted.
According to Healthgarde, the manufacturing of their products has received International Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) registration which ensures that proper methods, equipment, and controls are in place to produce the highest quality dietary supplement products.
Heirs Holdings, a leading pan-African investment company with a portfolio spanning the power, energy, financial services, hospitality, real estate, healthcare and technology sectors, has announced its strategic partnership with GIVO Africa, a climate technology and recycling company, reinforcing the company’s deep commitment to driving initiatives that deliver meaningful impact.
This initiative will advance Heirs Holdings’ efforts in promoting a circular economy in Africa; fostering sustainable practices that minimise waste and maximise resource efficiency.
Over the past 15 years, Heirs Holdings’ impact-driven approach has been instrumental in shaping Africa’s business landscape, underscoring its commitment to long-term, sustainable development. Guided by its Africapitalism philosophy, Heirs Holdings has championed inclusive growth by investing in businesses that drive economic transformation, generate employment, and uplift communities across the continent.
Speaking on the partnership, Group Sustainability Officer at Heirs Holdings, Clari Green said: “At Heirs Holdings, we believe in a shared destiny with our local communities—businesses have a responsibility to drive sustainable solutions that create lasting economic and environmental impact. This initiative reinforces our commitment improving lives and driving meaningful transformation across our continent.”
Similarly, CEO of GIVO Africa, Victor Boyle-Komolafe remarked: “We are excited to join forces with Heirs Holdings in tackling plastic waste and promoting a circular economy in Africa. By leveraging our expertise in climate technology and community engagement, we are confident that this partnership will contribute significantly to environmental conservation while fostering economic opportunities.”
Heirs Holdings continues to lead in sustainable business practices, integrating sustainability into its corporate strategy to tackle environmental challenges while fostering meaningful social impact.
About 20 fresh millionaires have emerged in the Fidelity Bank Plc Get Alert in Millions (GAIM) Season 6 promo.
They winners were picked at the second and third monthly draws of the financial institution held at its corporate headquarters in Lagos recently.
The events were monitored by the representatives of relevant regulatory bodies, including the South-West Zonal Coordinator of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Council (FCCPC), Mrs Aboluwade Margaret; and the Principal Legal Officer of the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority, Oyinkan Kusamotu.
A statement from the lender disclosed that the 20 lucky winners were randomly selected through an electronic draw across Lagos, North, Abuja, South-West, South-South, and South-East zones and would be rewarded with N1 million each.
The Fidelity Bank GAIM campaign was launched in November 2024 and about N19.75 million has been won by 869 customers across different categories.
The GAIM 6 campaign, which will run until August 2025, is set to reward lucky customers with a total of N159 million.
Speaking at the draws, the promo Chairperson and Executive Director for Lagos and South-West, Fidelity Bank, Dr Ken Opara, noted that the GAIM 6 promo was designed to reward customers’ loyalty, encourage a savings culture, and promote financial inclusion across the country.
Dr Opara, represented by the Regional Bank Head for Ikoyi, Chetachi Okechukwu, said, “Fidelity Bank is dedicated to the financial well-being of our customers and this commitment inspired the launch of the GAIM Promo, designed to cultivate a strong culture of savings.
“Through this promo, customers have the chance to win substantial cash prizes up to N10 million by saving and transacting with their Fidelity Bank Savings accounts.
“In addition to the monetary rewards, winners will receive complimentary financial advisory services to secure and grow their wealth for the future.”
Fidelity Bank, ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 8.5 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.
Through a legacy of excellence and Innovation, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, the country’s oldest and most distinguished financial institution, has once again solidified its reputation as a leader in the banking industry. The Bank was recently crowned the Best SME Bank in Nigeria and the Best SME Bank in Africa at the 2025 Asian Bankers Awards for the second year running. The Asian Banker Global Excellence in Retail Finance Awards are renowned for their rigour, prestige and transparency, celebrating excellence across financial services, technology, risk management and transaction finance.
These prestigious recognitions reaffirm FirstBank’s unwavering commitment to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), a sector that serves as the backbone of Nigeria’s and Africa’s economy. For over a century, First Bank of Nigeria Limited has been instrumental in the nation’s financial evolution, pioneering innovative banking solutions and fostering economic growth.
The awards underscore the efficacy of its strategic focus on empowering SMEs through tailored support programs and an inclusive economic environment where small/medium businesses can thrive and also grow to compete globally. Winning these distinguished awards is no small feat. FirstBank stood out among its competitors across the continent due to several of the Bank’s key initiatives which have effectively transformed the SME banking landscape in all the countries where the bank operates.
Some of the Bank’s Tailored Financial Solutions include customised loans and flexible credit facilities to cater to SMEs at various growth stages. From microloans for startups to large-scale funding for expanding businesses, FirstBank has ensured that small businesses have access to the capital they need to thrive.
The bank’s SMEConnect platform, a digital hub that provides SMEs with access to financial resources, business advisory services, and networking opportunities, has been a game-changer. This initiative has helped thousands of entrepreneurs navigate challenges and scale their operations effectively.
Beyond financial support, FirstBank has invested in entrepreneurship training programs to equip SMEs with knowledge in financial literacy, business management, and technology adoption. Partnerships with organisations like the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Nigerian government have further strengthened these initiatives.
Women-Led and Youth Entrepreneurship Support is another tool which he Bank has deployed to its benefit. By recognising the role of women in economic development, the Bank has a dedicated product – FirstGem, which provides financial support to women entrepreneurs. In addition, the Retail Temporary Overdraft (RTOD) product, tailored to SMEs aims to provide financial support for their businesses. These strategic efforts have set FirstBank apart, positioning it as the ‘go-to’ financial partner for SMEs across Africa.
The recognition of FirstBank as the Best SME Bank in Nigeria is not just a win for the Bank but also for the entire Nigerian economy. SMEs account for over 90% of businesses in Nigeria and contribute significantly to employment and GDP. By providing robust financial solutions and business support, FirstBank is fostering job creation, innovation, and sustainable economic growth. With access to better funding, training, and technology, more SMEs can scale their operations beyond local markets and compete on the global stage. This award also highlights Nigeria’s potential as a hub for entrepreneurship and business expansion.
FirstBank’s achievement is expected to set a new benchmark for banking excellence in Africa. Other financial institutions will likely follow suit, improving their SME-focused initiatives, leading to a more vibrant and competitive business environment.
FirstBank will continue to champion SME growth, affirm its legacy as a trusted financial partner whose commitment remains unshaken. This award serves as both recognition of past efforts and a call to push boundaries further in supporting African businesses.
For small business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, and the Nigerian economy, FirstBank’s success story is a beacon of hope, proving that with the right financial backing, the possibilities are limitless for the average businesses.
For the African continent, First Bank of Nigeria Limited’s win at the Asian Banker Awards for Excellence in Retail Finance Global Award 2025 marks a significant milestone in African banking history. It showcases the Bank’s relentless commitment to empowering SMEs, driving digital transformation, and fostering economic prosperity across the continent. As the Bank continues to innovate and expand its reach, the future for SMEs in Nigeria and Africa looks brighter.
This piece is contributed by Tosin Ajayi
