African Voices, the 30-minute programme of the Cable News Network (CNN), this week profiles two Nigerian fashion icons making waves across the globe. African Voices Changemakers is sponsored by telecommunications services provider, Globacom.

The guests are Andrea Iyamah, a Nigerian-Canadian fashion designer and Ruth Erikan James, whose brand name is known as Veekee James.

Born on March 18, 1993 and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Andrea Dumebi Iyamah is the founder and CEO of her fashion label, Andrea Iyamah. At 17, she launched her fashion brand which is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.

The fashion outfit which caters for top personalities including Michelle Obama, Kate Hudson, Gabrielle Union, Ciara, Issa Rae and Nigerian Nollywood star, Genevieve Nnaji.  is specialized in bridal, swimwear and ready-to-wear lines.

Andrea Iyamah has a flagship store in Lagos which was launched in 2017 and its bold swimwear blends African heritage with contemporary design.

Ruth Erikan James, on her part was trained by her fashion designer mum while growing up. She started her own fashion brand Veekee James in 2019. Veekee James later expanded to Veekee James Man, a fashion brand for men’s wear, and Shoprikan for women. Veekee James has grown over the years and is known for bespoke couture with her exquisite gowns known for their impeccable craftsmanship and red-carpet appeal.

The duo will engage viewers with their stories on Saturday at 8.30 a.m., while a repeat will be shown on Saturday at noon. On Sunday, there will be two repeats at 4.30 a.m., and at 7.00 p.m.

Coronation Group proudly congratulates its esteemed Chairman, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, on receiving the coveted African Banker Lifetime Achievement Award. This prestigious accolade was presented at the African Banker Awards gala dinner and awards ceremony held in Nairobi Kenya on the sidelines of the African Development Bank’s annual meetings.

Mr. Aig-Imoukhuede’s illustrious career in banking and finance spans over three decades, marked by exceptional leadership and transformative accomplishments. As the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank from 2002 to 2013, he led its transformation from a minor player into one of Nigeria’s top five banks, extending its presence to nine other African countries and the United Kingdom. With a vision to democratize wealth creation opportunities for millions in Africa, Aigboje established Coronation Group – a conglomerate encompassing most aspects of investing, lending, and insurance with presence in Nigeria and other African countries.

Speaking on the award, Mr. Aig-Imoukhuede said: “This award honours the collective efforts of over ten thousand talented individuals, mostly Africans whom I have had the privilege to work with throughout my journey. As professionals, recognition spurs us to attain greater levels of excellence.

“The African Banker Awards have been a testament to the potential of African banking and its pivotal role in driving the continent’s economic transformation. I am deeply humbled and motivated to continue contributing to Africa’s growth and development.”

Reflecting further on this honour, Mr. Aig-Imoukhuede stated, “I think the youth have taken over our financial system and I am gladdened by this. From a young age, I have had the opportunity to contribute to Africa’s financial markets in different ways and thankfully, most of my contributions have landed on the right side of the system.

“Today, I ask myself what this quest been about? It is simply this – to write our history and shape the future, we Africans must own our capital”.

In addition to this accolade, Mr. Aig-Imoukhuede’s leadership at Access Bank was previously recognized in 2013 when he received the ‘African Banker of the Year’ Award. His efforts have fostered the development of numerous fintech and finance leaders through the Access Bank Academy, highlighting his enduring legacy and the ‘multiplying effect’ vital for rapid sector transformation.

Mr. Aig-Imoukhuede’s impact extends beyond banking. As co-founder of the Tengen Family Office, he oversees a multibillion-dollar portfolio of investments in banking, finance, insurance, technology, real estate, and energy.

His philanthropic endeavours through the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation and its subsidiaries focus on building Nigeria’s next generation of government leaders, transforming public sector effectiveness, and improving access to quality primary healthcare.

Wole Onasanya, MD/CEO Coronation Group, expressed his admiration, stating, “Mr. Aigboje’s leadership and vision have been instrumental in shaping the financial landscape of Africa.

“His commitment to excellence and innovation continues to inspire all of us at Coronation Group. We are immensely proud of his achievements and congratulate him on this well-deserved honour.”

Furthermore, Mr. Aig-Imoukhuede recently participated in the International Capital Market Association (ICMA) 56th Annual General Meeting and Conference.

His contributions at this global forum further underscore his influential presence in international financial markets and his dedication to fostering a robust and dynamic capital market environment.

The African Banker Awards, now in its 18th year, is a landmark event celebrating the achievements of institutions and individuals who have significantly contributed to the reform, modernization, and expansion of Africa’s banking and financial sector. With the support of the African Development Bank Group as the event’s Official Patron, the awards bring together key industry players and top government officials from around the globe to honour excellence and best practices in African banking and finance.

Mr. Aig-Imoukhuede’s contributions to sustainable business practices and financial market reform have been widely recognized. In 2012, as a member of Nigeria’s Bankers’ Committee, he led the voluntary adoption of the Nigerian Sustainable Banking Principles, an initiative that has been emulated globally. His role in the Presidential Committee on Fuel Subsidies led to saving Nigeria over $6 billion in fraudulent claims.

Coronation Group extends heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Aig-Imoukhuede on this remarkable recognition and celebrates his outstanding contributions to the financial sector and beyond. His vision and leadership continue to drive a prosperous future for Africa.

Federal Government has announced the indefinite suspension of the Air Nigeria Airline project.

Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, during a ministerial press briefing in Abuja, marking President Bola Tinubu’s first year in office, provided updates, confirming that the project remains suspended.

In 2023, the Ministry of Aviation, under Hadi Sirika, former minister, unveiled Nigeria Air three days before the end of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. https://punchng.com/sirika-under-fire-after-nigeria-airs-md-says-aircraft-hired/

The development had elicited concerns among stakeholders nationwide over the ownership arrangement which gave Ethiopian Airlines a 49 per cent equity stake.

The Federal Government had a 5 per cent equity, while a consortium of three Nigerian investors had 46 per cent.

Reacting to the deal in June 2023, the House of Representatives asked the Federal Government to suspend the operations of Nigeria Air, describing it as a fraud.

In August 2023, Keyamo announced that the national carrier project was suspended till further notice.

Keyamo said, “It remains suspended. It was never Air Nigeria. It was not Air Nigeria. That’s the truth. It was only painted Nigeria Air. It was Ethiopian Airlines trying to flag our flag.

“If it is so, why not allow our local plane to fly our flag? So nobody should dispute that it was Nigeria Air.

“Air Nigeria must be indigenous, must be wholly Nigerian, and must be for the full benefits of Nigeria, not that 50 per cent of the profit is for another country.”

Keyamo reiterated that the ownership structure of the suspended airline is not beneficial to the country.

“Nigeria Air must be indigenous, it must be only Nigeria or it must be for the full benefit of Nigeria.

“Not that 60 per cent of the profit is for another country. How does that benefit us? So It remains suspended,” he said.