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HiLife Fest 2018: Championing & sustaining Igbo highlife music culture among Millennials

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The commercial hub of the South East, Onitsha got a taste of the HiLife Fest, themed ‘The Complete Experience, on Sunday, 15th of April.

 

The festival, which is a highlife music competition celebrating the cultural rituals and values of Igbos through Music witnessed a host of talented upcoming artistes slug it out for a position in the quarterfinals.

 

 

The music fest, an initiative of Life Continental Lager Beer, featured stunning music performance from Obiligbo Brothers, Tipsy Kelvano, 2017 Hilife Fest King Chibest and Flavour the king of Afro hip pop himself.

 

 

The winners from this region were Don Ifeanyi Frank and Destiny Onochukwu while Ofuobi cultural group came tops and qualified to be in the quarterfinals in the cultural dance category.

 

 

The decision was not an easy one, as all contestants impressed the panel of Judges, which included David Jones, Jude Aguize, Dr Nicholas Akas, guest judge -Michael Ndubuisi and Highlife Veteran, Bright Chimezie.

 

 

The winners from Onitsha will now join Chukwudi Agbom, Emma Agbom and PC Nwabuzo dance group, who are winners from Asaba, Kalapi Ojuka, Kelvin Emmanuel and Kanayo dance group, winners from Port-harcourt alongside Obiora Ikechukwu, Onuoha Philip and Master Stars who emerged winners from the regional finals in Aba, as the Hi-Life Fest train moves on to Owerri, Nsukka & Abakaliki.

 

Speaking after the event, Mr Emmanuel Agu, Portfolio Manager–Mainstream Lager and Stout Brands, Nigerian Breweries, said, “Hilife fest is our way of paying homage to the cultural heritage of the Igbo people through highlife music.

 

On why this year’s edition was themed ‘The Complete Experience’, he informed us on how the platform was made bigger and more complete by the inclusion of cultural dancers.

 

“We understand the relevance of these classic tunes to the people here and we delight in bringing a full package music festival to our esteemed consumers.” he added.

 

 

Destiny Onochukwu one of the quarter finalists from the singing category in Onitsha out of excitement expressed himself saying, “I really cannot believe that I’m one of the winners from regional finals.

 

“I can testify to the fact that the competition was tight and the judges must have had a difficult task selecting me as one of the winners, but I thank God for making it possible. Now it is time to focus on the quarterfinals”.

 

 

Also, Chief Bright Chimezie, the Zigima king, expressed satisfaction on display of talent saying, “I am not so surprised by the level of talents that we’ve seen in the cities covered so far, especially Onitsha being the home of Osita Osadebe, Oliver De Coque and many other highlife music icons.

 

 

“It shows highlife music culture is very much alive and is in safe hands”.

 

 

With 4 successful selection parties already, fans in Owerri can expect to have the time of their life when Life Continental Beer brings the Hilife fest to town.

 

 

Hi-life Fest remains the only concert dedicated to celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the Igbo people through music.

 

 

Fans in Owerri should expect nothing less than electrifying performances and the best of highlife music when Life beer brings the Hi-life fest to Bongo Center, Owerri.

 

HiLife fest is an initiative of Life Continental Lager Beer, the fine quality lager beer from the stables of Nigerian Breweries Plc., made from the choicest grains, hob extracts and the purest of waters.

 

Life is expertly brewed to give that rich, crisp distinctive taste and well-rounded aroma in true quality fashion of the master brewer.


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NDIC Reinforces Full Oversight Compliance to Safeguard Depositors

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Mr. Thompson Sunday, the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), has reaffirmed the Corporation’s strict compliance with fiscal and financial regulations, including the provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) 2007, noting that the NDIC has consistently remitted the required percentage of its earnings to the Federal Government.

Mr. Sunday made this known during a courtesy visit to the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), Dr. Armstrong Takang, as part of NDIC’s ongoing engagement with key stakeholders following his formal assumption of office in July 2025.

According to him, NDIC takes financial accountability and transparency seriously, stressing that the Corporation complies fully with statutory remittance obligations, including the payment of 20 per cent of gross earnings or 80 per cent of net surplus to the Federal Government, as applicable. He added that NDIC also submits its financial statements ahead of statutory deadlines.

The NDIC MD/CE explained that this culture of compliance aligns with the Corporation’s role as a key institution within Nigeria’s financial safety-net, charged with protecting depositors and promoting confidence in the banking system. He emphasized that adherence to fiscal discipline remains central to NDIC’s credibility and effectiveness.

Mr. Sunday further disclosed that NDIC also complies with the Federal Government’s 50 per cent cost-to-income ratio policy, although he noted that the policy poses operational constraints. He explained that the deductions affect NDIC’s ability to build a strong Deposit Insurance Fund, which is needed to respond effectively to bank failures.

He stressed that international best practices under the Core Principles for Effective Deposit Insurance issued by the International Association of Deposit Insurers (IADI) require deposit insurers to maintain adequate funds to reimburse depositors when banks fail without recourse to government, adding that the NDIC is seeking an exemption to strengthen its capacity in this regard.

Mr. Sunday described MOFI as a critical stakeholder, noting that the Federal Government, through MOFI, holds a 40 per cent equity stake in NDIC. He said sustained collaboration with MOFI is essential to ensuring that NDIC continues to meet its obligations to government while effectively safeguarding depositors’ funds.

In his remarks, Dr. Takang commended the NDIC for its exemplary collaborative spirit and acknowledged the Corporation’s compliance with fiscal regulations. He assured that MOFI would continue to engage the Federal Ministry of Finance on NDIC’s behalf, noting that a strong NDIC is vital to sustaining confidence in Nigeria’s financial system.

Both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to continued cooperation, transparency and accountability, with Mr. Sunday reiterating that NDIC remains focused on balancing regulatory compliance with its overriding mandate of depositor protection and financial system stability.


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T2 Backs Youth Excellence as NCBC Wins Bosun Tijani Foundation Basketball Tournament

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T2 has reaffirmed its commitment to youth development and excellence through sport as the NCBC basketball team, adopted by the brand, emerged champions of the Bosun Tijani Foundation Youth Basketball Tournament held at the Alake Sports Complex, Ijeja, Abeokuta.

The tournament, organised by the Bosun Tijani Foundation in collaboration with the Ogun State Government and supported by several partners including T2, brought together 12 competitive teams from across Nigeria, positioning basketball as a powerful platform for youth engagement, discipline, and opportunity.

NCBC’s championship run reflected the values T2 seeks to champion, work ethic, intelligence, teamwork, and resilience. The team recorded commanding victories over Team Vision, Warlords, and Elevate before defeating the Ilupjeu Raiders 66–52 in a gripping final.

Commenting on the adoption of the team, Seni Ogunkola, Vice President, Brands and Communication, T2 stated “NCBC embodies the qualities we believe in, exceptional work rate, intelligence on the ball, discipline, and a hunger to excel. By supporting them, T2 is investing in potential, purpose, and the next generation of leaders on and off the court.”

The climax of the event saw His Royal Highness, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, the Alake of Egbaland, alongside Nigeria’s Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, present the trophy to the victorious team, drawing rapturous applause from spectators. The event was also attended by the Chief of Staff to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Mr. Lere Olayinka, and the Ogun State Commissioner for Sports, Honourable Wasiu Isiaka, underscoring strong institutional support for youth-focused initiatives.

Through its participation in the tournament, T2 continues to position itself as a brand that goes beyond sponsorship, championing platforms that unlock talent, inspire ambition, and create lasting social impact for Nigerian youth.


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Ecobank Guarantees Seamless Digital Banking Services Throughout the Christmas and Year-End Period

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Ecobank Nigeria, a member of Africa’s leading pan-African banking group, has assured customers of uninterrupted access to banking services throughout the year-end holiday period via its secure and robust digital platforms. The Bank also urged customers to remain vigilant against fraud and scams during the festive season.

Ecobank Guarantees Seamless Digital Banking Services Throughout the Christmas and Year-End Period

Ecobank Bank

Speaking on the development, Victor Yalokwu, Head, Products & Analytics, Consumer & Commercial Banking, Ecobank Nigeria, said the Bank’s digital channels – including the Ecobank Mobile App, Ecobank Business App, USSD *326#, Ecobank Online, OmniPlus, Omnilite, EcobankPay, RapidTransfer, Ecobank Cards, ATMs, PoS terminals, and over 35,000 Ecobank Xpress Point (Agent Banking) locations nationwide – will remain fully available to support customers throughout the yuletide and year-end holiday period.

He noted that customers will continue to enjoy a wide range of services during the period, including local and international funds transfers, bill payments and airtime top-ups, merchant payments, balance inquiries and account statements, as well as cardless cash withdrawals via ATMs.

According to Yalokwu, “Ecobank encourages customers to leverage these digital solutions for safe, fast, and efficient banking, especially during the festive season when convenience and reliability are essential.

“While physical branch operations may be subject to adjusted working hours in line with public holidays, customers can be assured that Ecobank’s digital platforms are designed to deliver uninterrupted service and enhanced security at all times.

“Ecobank remains committed to providing innovative financial solutions and exceptional customer service, and we wish all our customers a joyful festive season and a prosperous New Year.”

Yalokwu also cautioned customers to remain vigilant against fraudsters and scammers during the period. “Before you wrap up the year, tighten your security. December brings online sales, travel, and year-end distractions—this is exactly when scammers are most active. From fake festive deals to cloned merchant sites and suspicious messages, staying vigilant helps keep your money safe.”

He advised customers to shop only on trusted websites, never share their PINs, passwords, or one-time passwords (OTPs), avoid banking on public Wi-Fi networks, be cautious of urgent or emotionally charged messages, and regularly review their account activity.


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