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Dr. Obi Bags Life Time Achievement Award for Pioneering Digital Payment

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Dr. Valentine Obi, founder and group chief executive officer of eTranzact International
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Dr. Valentine Obi, founder and group chief executive officer of eTranzact Global was at the weekend in Lagos honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award for pioneering end-to-end card and digital payments at the 12th Beacon of ICT Distinguished (BoICT) lecture series and awards.

Dr. Obi Bags Life Time Achievement Award for Pioneering Digital Payment

Dr. Valentine Obi, founder and group chief executive officer of eTranzact International

The BoICT Lecture series, widely regarded as the most prestigious annual event available in the ICT industry in Nigeria, is designed to explore efforts to put Nigeria on the global information and communications technologies map.

And the awards are the Oscars of ICT Awards.

Dr. Obi was honoured for his contributions to Nigeria’s economy particularly in the electronic payment sector.

The event attended by over 80 chief executives of top companies in Nigeria had as it chairman Engr. Ikechukwu Nnamani, president, Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) and CEO, Medallion Limited; and Mr. Bimbo Abioye, second vice president, Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON), among others.

Muhammed Rudman, president of Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NIRA) and chief executive Officer of IXPN and chair IPV6 Council of Nigeria, delivered the keynote address with the theme “5G: Exploring New Frontiers for Superior Service Delivery”

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At the event, Dr. Obi was recognized as a champion for African Innovation in Technology and for establishing eTranzact businesses in Ghana, Cameroun, Nigeria, South Africa, United Kingdom.

Dr. Obi, a tech-entrepreneur, is also the founder and architect of XCEL Inc, the newest challenger bank in London, United Kingdom.

XCEL enables users to open a full UK Bank Account (Sort Code and Account Number) in less than five minutes, with complete UK regulatory compliance of KYC and AML (Anti Money Laundry) processes embedded.

XCEL African roadmap is well on its course with some countries already signed on.

Dr. Obi, is also the founder of KYIARA, the first Factoring technology platform in Africa.

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Kyiara, provides all the stakeholders in the factoring sector cost saving, convenience, secure but transparent means to conduct factoring business within the continent.

He has an extensive experience in Information Technology sector and has served in various capacities both locally and internationally as a project director of various IT projects, including World Bank assisted projects in different countries.

In 2003, Dr. Obi became the first African to receive the coveted Computerworld Honors Gold Medal of Achievement in San Francisco, USA, for innovative and visionary use of information technology to produce and promote positive, social, economic and educational change.

By this, his work is listed in over 150 libraries around the world, including Harvard, etc.

In January 2008 his company received “The Most Innovative Product of the Year” award from the Central Bank of Nigeria.

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Other awards received includes: 2012 Best Mobile Payment Initiative Award in South Africa; 2014 Mobile Payment Solution of the Year Award by LEAD Africa, etc.

Just after AfCFTA was signed off by the African head of states, Valentine was one of the two Nigerians appointed to the Advisory Council of African Trade Gateway (ATG) by Afreximbank in Egypt.

ATG is a vehicle for accelerating intra-African trade and ultimately support the attainment of the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.

ATG recognizes the critical role digital technology will play in facilitating intra-African trade, boosting access to trade finance and diversification of African trade from commodities to manufacturing and services.

Our role in the Council, is to provide advice and guidance on the strategic ATG roadmap.

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In addition to his love for technology and applications, Dr. Obi is also involved in the development of the educational sector, he is a pioneer member of the Board of Regents of Covenant University and a lecturer at the Word of Faith Bible institute, WOFBI.

As one of his give back to his community, he started JIL Foundation with his wife, to help the education of the less privileged around his sphere of influence. He is a Provincial pastor with the Living Faith Church Worldwide, a member of Young Presidents Organization (YPO) / World Presidents Organization (WPO) and a member of the Institute of Directors (IOD), Nigeria.

Dr. Obi holds a Doctorate degree  from International School of Management, Paris, France.

He also holds an MBA from Instituto de Empressa, Madrid, Spain and an alumnus of the Harvard Business School, Boston, USA

mber of National Payment Technical Committee.

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Africa Prudential Unveils Digital Growth Strategy

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Africa Prudential Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable growth and digital transformation after posting another strong half-year financial performance, driven by robust growth in its core registrar business, technology-driven solutions and increased activity in Nigeria’s capital market.

Speaking during the company’s H1 2026 Investor Call on Tuesday, the management outlined plans to deepen revenue diversification and accelerate innovation as part of efforts to reduce reliance on interest income and strengthen long-term profitability.

The company reported gross earnings of ₦4.28 billion for the first half of 2026, representing a 27 per cent increase from ₦3.34 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2025.

Profit before tax rose by 22 per cent to ₦2.41 billion, while profit after tax climbed 18 per cent to ₦1.59 billion.

Net operating income also increased by 27 per cent to ₦4.21 billion, while total assets grew by 13 per cent to ₦46.53 billion. Shareholders’ funds similarly rose by 13 per cent to ₦12.52 billion.

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According to the company, the impressive performance was driven by sustained growth in its registrar business, increased corporate actions across the Nigerian capital market, stronger treasury earnings supported by the prevailing interest rate environment and rising adoption of its technology-enabled products and services.African Mineral Wealth

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Catherine Nwosu, said Africa Prudential is steadily evolving from a traditional share registrar into a diversified technology and business solutions provider serving the broader capital market ecosystem.

Addressing concerns from investors about the sustainability of earnings if interest rates decline, Nwosu said the company was deliberately expanding its non-interest income sources.

“Interest rates influence our treasury income positively, but that is why we are deliberately diversifying our revenue streams. Our strategy is to grow recurring fee-based business lines such as our digital solutions, Know Your Customer (KYC) services, AGM technology, probate services and the SabiVest mobile app. Over time, this will reduce our reliance on interest income and create a more balanced and resilient earnings mix,” she said.

She noted that increasing activity in the Nigerian capital market presents fresh opportunities for technology-driven solutions.

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“With capital market activity nearly doubling over the past year, demand for seamless digital investor experiences, improved market efficiency and stronger compliance standards continues to grow. We are investing in technology-enabled solutions that position us to capitalise on these opportunities while delivering sustainable value to our shareholders,” she added.

Looking ahead, the company identified five strategic priorities for the second half of 2026, including driving sustainable growth through its core registrar business and new revenue streams, accelerating technology-led product innovation, strengthening brand leadership, investing in talent development and reinforcing corporate governance.

The investor call attracted institutional investors, shareholders, analysts, regulators and other capital market stakeholders, reflecting strong interest in Africa Prudential’s earnings outlook, revenue diversification strategy and long-term growth plans.

 

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IHS Nigeria Donates Business-Support Equipment to Empower People with Disabilities in Abuja Community

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Communications infrastructure company, IHS Nigeria, has donated business support equipment to empower people with disabilities within the Karonmajiji community in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. This is part of the company’s commitment to drive inclusive community development and sustainable livelihood support under its Project Empower initiative.

The equipment was distributed to beneficiaries during a ceremony held in the community on Monday, July 27. The initiative was conceived following a community needs assessment and is designed to empower active traders by providing them with business tools rather than cash grants, thereby strengthening their businesses and ensuring long-term economic impact and accountability.

Speaking at the event, Director, Sustainability, IHS Nigeria, Titilope Oguntuga, described the initiative as a reflection of the company’s commitment to advancing inclusive development by equipping persons with disabilities with the tools and opportunities needed to build resilient livelihoods.

She explained that rather than providing short-term financial assistance, IHS Nigeria adopted an asset-based approach by donating 50 pieces of business support equipment, including sewing machines, freezers, generators and hairdressing kits, to the selected beneficiaries.

According to her, the intervention is designed to create lasting value by supporting entrepreneurship, promoting self-reliance and strengthening household incomes, while contributing to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

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In his opening remarks, the Chief of the Karonmajiji Disabled Community, Alhaji Sulaiman Muhammed Katsina, represented by the Secretary of the Community, Alhaji Mohammed Dantani commended IHS Nigeria for its commitment to empowering persons with disabilities through practical and sustainable interventions.

He described the initiative as a demonstration of genuine partnership with the community and expressed appreciation for the company’s continued engagement with the Association, noting that the donation of the equipment was a significant investment in improving the livelihoods of persons with disabilities and would create meaningful economic opportunities for the beneficiaries and their families.

The event brought together traditional rulers, government representatives, leaders and members of the Karonmajiji Disabled Community Association, implementing partners, including Field of Skills and Dreams Vocational Technical and Entrepreneurship (FSD VTE) Training Institute and other community stakeholders, reaffirming a shared commitment to promoting inclusion and sustainable community development.

Project Empower reinforces IHS Nigeria’s commitment to advancing sustainable development through strategic partnerships that promote economic inclusion, strengthen community resilience and create opportunities for underserved communities.

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CIBN, ACAMB Push for Financial Inclusion, Women Empowerment

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The Chartered Institute of Bankers (CIBN) and the Association of Corporate Communication and Marketing Professionals in Banks (ACAMB) have enjoined banks to further deepen and prioritize financial inclusion, women’s empowerment and sustained growth through strategic mandates and frameworks, aimed at closing the financial gap and empowering more small, and medium enterprise (MSME) owners.

Both organisations made this call during a courtesy visit to the newly invested 24th President and Chairman of Council of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Dr. Dele Alabi, Ph.D, FCIB, as part of plans to congratulate him on his investiture as well as seek a stronger alliance between both bodies.

The visit followed Alabi’s investiture where he unveiled his “IMPACT” Vision, themed “Consolidating Our Local Impact, Enhancing Our Global Relevance.”

The vision rests on six pillars: Inclusion across geographic, gender, and generational lines; Membership growth and quality; Professionalism and ethics; Accountability; Competencies and skills development; Technology, automation, and innovation. Other areas of shared interest, include women empowerment, financial inclusion and literacy, as well as MSME clinics, all of which are top on his agenda.

Alabi explained that under him, the institute will be prioritising financial inclusion and women empowerment, because of its realisation that women  are often the primary financial managers and caregivers in families. Access to savings, micro-credit, and insurance acts as a safety net during crisis and allows them to significantly improve living conditions.

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He added that CIBN would be happy to drive joint knowledge sharing and exchange sessions with CBN and ACAMB across various platforms. “Educating the public through public awareness programmes, with ACAMB as the rallying point, is central to what we do,” he noted.

ACAMB President, Jide Sipe, who led the delegation, spoke in unison with the CIBN president, as he noted that, closing the inbalances in financial access help economies grow faster, reduces inequality, and encourages greater civic participation by all.

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