General News
Nomination Opens for Consumers Value Awards

In a bold step to deepen consumer voice and accountability across both private and public sectors, BrandXchange the organisers of the Consumers Value Awards have announced the official launch of the 5th edition with a groundbreaking theme: “Beyond Satisfaction: Redefining Consumer Value in a New Economy.”

Scheduled to hold on 23rd September 2026, this year’s edition introduces a Consumer & Citizen Value Scorecard, a nationwide voting platform that places the power of evaluation directly in the hands of consumers. Nigerians can nominate their brands through this link: https://consumervalue.vercel.app/nominate
Speaking on the theme, the Convener, Akonte Ekine, noted that the concept of consumer satisfaction is no longer sufficient in today’s economic climate.
“For too long, satisfaction has been the benchmark. But in reality, many consumers who are ‘satisfied’ still feel overcharged, underserved, or unheard. This year, we are going beyond satisfaction to focus on what truly matters—real value. Value in pricing, value in service, and value in trust,” he said.
He further explained that the introduction of the Consumer & Citizen Value Scorecard marks a significant evolution of the Awards into a data-driven, people-powered evaluation system.
“Through this Scorecard, Consumers will not just vote—they will assess. They will tell us which brands deliver fair value and which public institutions are truly serving the people. This is about giving consumers and citizens a structured voice that drives recognition and accountability,” Ekine added.
Unlike traditional award systems driven by panels or jury decisions, the Consumers Value Awards remain strictly based on consumer voting, ensuring that winners emerge from real-life experiences and public perception.
The 2026 edition expands its scope to include public sector institutions, reinforcing the idea that citizens are not only customers of brands but also consumers of government services.
“From banking halls to public hospitals, from telecom services to regulatory agencies, Nigerians interact with systems every day. This initiative ensures that both brands and institutions are held to the same standard—delivering value in a challenging economy,” he stated.
The voting process will measure key indicators such as:
- Value for money
- Trust and transparency
- Service delivery quality
- Responsiveness to consumer needs
- Accessibility and inclusiveness
Insights from the voting process will culminate in a Consumer & Citizen Value Index, offering one of the most comprehensive snapshots of consumer sentiment.
The organisers believe the initiative will not only celebrate excellence but also drive improved performance, strengthen consumer trust, and encourage responsible service delivery across sectors.
Voting is expected to commence in June 2026, with nominations open to the general public via www.consumersvalueawards.com.
General News
EFCC Detains Ayeni, Ex-Skye Bank Chairman over Alleged N36.5Bn, $30m Fraud

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has detained Tunde Ayeni, former chairman of defunct Skye Bank Plc, for alleged fraud involving N36.5 billion and $30 million.

Tunde Ayeni, former chairman of defunct Skye Bank Plc,
This follows the probe of alleged diversion of N36.5 billion and $30 million secured as loans from Polaris Bank Plc through companies linked to Ayeni.
He was arrested by EFCC operatives in Abuja on April 23, 2026, and is still been held in custody as at the time of filling the report.
Dele Oyewale, spokesperson, EFCC, confirmed the arrest on Friday but declined to provide further details.
Ayeni is under investigation for diverting funds obtained for marine security, electricity distribution, and real estate projects into other unknown projects.
Investigators allege the loans were instead channelled into telecom investments tied to NITEL/MTEL assets via a NATCOM account.
About 12 firms believed to be connected to Ayeni are also under investigation for their role in securing the loans.
The EFCC is expected to file charges once the investigation is concluded.
General News
Summit Factory Opens in Ogun, Targets Hygiene Market Expansion

Summit Household Solutions Limited has opened its ultra-modern manufacturing facility in Ota, Ogun State, as part of its efforts to scale production of home and personal care products in Nigeria.

The plant, which started operations in April 2025, produces items such as dishwashing liquids, handwash, sanitisers and multipurpose liquid soaps, with an annual capacity estimated at 7,000 tonnes.
Commissioning the facility on behalf of Governor Dapo Abiodun, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Investment, Mr Kehinde Akintomide, said the investment reflects growing confidence in Ogun State’s business environment.
He noted that the state hosts over 6,000 manufacturing firms and described the development as consistent with ongoing efforts to promote industrialisation, attract investment and reduce reliance on imports under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope initiative.
Akintomide disclosed that the factory has already employed more than 50 Nigerians, with projections to exceed 250 jobs as operations expand.
In his remarks, the General Manager of the company, Mr Sadiq Ali, said the facility represents a major step in Summit’s growth plans, adding that its flagship brand, 2Sure, currently leads production at the plant.
He also revealed that the company is preparing to introduce new home and personal care products later this year.
Summit Household Solutions manufactures the 2Sure brand and has expanded into the personal care segment with Lewar, a premium beauty soap line positioned for quality and affordability.
Among dignitaries present were the Onikotun of Otun, Ota, Oba Abdulakeem Odunaro, representing the Olota of Ota, Prof. Adeyemi Abdulkabir Obalanlege; the Agba Akin of Ota, Chief Dada Olusola; Director of Investment, Ms Yemisi Folarin; Director of Industrial Promotion, Mr Femi Adeboye; former Managing Director of 7Up Bottling Company, Mr Ziad Maalouf; and the Chief Executive Officer of OmniRetail, Mr Deepanker Rustagi.
Speaking at the event, Maalouf, who conceived the 2Sure brand during his time at 7Up Bottling Company, expressed satisfaction with its growth and commended Summit Solutions Limited for advancing the brand.
The special guests were conducted around the facility, and the programme was concluded with a luncheon.
General News
Airtel Africa Foundation Calls for Applications for “DigiLeap” Tech Training for Young Women

The Airtel Africa Foundation, through Airtel Nigeria, has officially opened the application portal for the DigiLeap Tech Drive, a core initiative in the Foundation’s digital inclusion agenda. The application portal will be open until 8th May 2026.

Targeting 200 underserved young women in the Ikorodu Local Government Area of Lagos State, the programme is designed to bridge the gender divide in the digital economy by providing intensive, industry-standard technical and digital literacy training at no cost to the beneficiaries.
The DigiLeap Tech Drive is a strategic collaboration between the Airtel Africa Foundation, the ISHK Tolaram Foundation, and Co-Creation Hub (CcHub), with implementation carried out by the SAIL Innovation Lab, a leading centre for digital talent development in Nigeria.
Strategically engineered to transform high-potential individuals into workforce-ready professionals, this high-impact project will provide technical instruction, mentorship, and job-placement linkages, directly tackling regional unemployment and the systemic underrepresentation of women in the global technology sector.
Commenting on the project, Dr Segun Ogunsanya, Chairman of the Airtel Africa Foundation, emphasised that the partnership between the Foundation, Ishk Tolaram, and CcHub is central to the Foundation’s holistic mission of advancing both digital and gender inclusion across the continent.
“Our mission at the Airtel Africa Foundation is to accelerate digital inclusion across the continent,” he said. “By bringing the DigiLeap Tech Drive to the women of Ikorodu alongside Ishk Tolaram and CcHub, we are providing 200 young women with a definitive competitive advantage in the modern economy. This initiative ensures the digital revolution is truly inclusive; it isn’t merely a training session, but a professional pipeline designed to transition these women directly into internships and sustainable careers.”
In his remarks on the flag-off, Dinesh Balsingh, Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Nigeria, highlighted Airtel’s dedication to ensuring that women are integrated into the country’s rapidly evolving digital economy.
“At Airtel Nigeria, we believe that empowering women with digital skills is a fundamental catalyst for national economic growth. With the DigiLeap tech training, we are creating a sustainable pathway for young women in underserved communities to move from the sidelines of the digital economy into the heart of the tech workforce. This initiative reflects our deep-rooted commitment to social impact and our belief that when women lead in technology, entire communities thrive,” he said.
Focusing on industry-standard competencies that enhance both employability and entrepreneurship readiness, application entry into the programme is now live and open to women aged 18–35 living in Ikorodu.
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