General News
Orange Launches Annual Social Venture Prize for Africa, Middle East

Orange has announced the 15th annual Social Venture Prize (OSVP) across Africa and the Middle East to promote social innovation and entrepreneurship.
The OSVP acknowledges creative start-up ventures that make use of new technologies to positively benefit Africa and the Middle East in areas such as education, healthcare, e-commerce, agriculture, and the environment.
The applications opened on March 11, and contenders from the 17 countries in Orange’s footprint have until May 18 to submit their concepts on the website.
Since its debut in 2011, the contest has attracted about 15,000 applications, according to the telco.
The contest is divided into two parts. The first is a national stage in which applications are collected between March and May at Orange’s 17 subsidiaries in Africa and the Middle East.
The second round is international, with each subsidiary represented by three national champions and up to three female entrepreneurs vying for the International Women’s Prize. The initiatives will be assessed by an evaluation committee comprised of group employees.
Following their assessment, ten finalists will be selected for the International Grand Prize and five for the International Women’s Prize.
In October, a final jury of notable people in technology and entrepreneurship in Africa and the Middle East will select three winners of the International Grand Prize and one winner of the OSVP International Women’s Prize from the 15 initiatives chosen by Orange Group workers.
The winners will receive a cash contribution of €25,000 for the first prize winner, €15,000 for the second prize winner, €10,000 for the third prize winner, and €20,000 for the winner of the International Women’s Prize.
“In addition to financial support, OSVP winners benefit from support within Orange Digital Centers with the prospect of developing their business outside the borders of their respective countries,” said Orange.
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
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