FirstCap, an investment banking firm and subsidiary of FirstHoldCo Plc., has successfully closed the ₦4.46 billion Series 1 Bond Issuance by LAPO MFB SPV Plc, reinforcing its strong leadership in Nigeria’s debt capital markets and deepening access to long term funding for high impact sectors.

Acting as Lead Issuing House, FirstCap structured the fund raising on behalf of LAPO MFB SPV Plc (a company sponsored by LAPO Microfinance Bank Limited to mobilise institutional capital targeted at SME financing, renewable energy expansion, and digital financial services, three critical drivers of inclusive and sustainable economic growth in Nigeria.

The transaction is underpinned by a compelling impact thesis, with proceeds strategically deployed to support small businesses and clean energy initiatives. The microfinance sector continues to demonstrate resilience and strong fundamentals positioning the issuance at the intersection of growth, sustainability, and financial inclusion.

Commenting on the transaction, Ukandu E. Ukandu, Managing Director, FirstCap Limited, said: “This successful issuance underscores our strategic commitment to directing capital where it delivers measurable economic impact. At FirstCap, we partner with institutions that have the scale, discipline, and vision to transform markets, and LAPO exemplifies these qualities.

The ₦4.46 billion bond is positioned to be a catalyst for SME growth, expanded energy access, and broader financial inclusion. We remain committed to structuring transactions that are not only bankable, but impactful and aligned with Nigeria’s long term economic trajectory.”

FirstCap Limited remains committed to leading from the forefront of Nigeria’s capital markets, structuring transactions that are bankable, impactful, and investable, while supporting the future trajectory of Nigeria’s economic development.”

The MTN Foundation has opened applications for its 2026 scholarship programmes as part of efforts to promote academic excellence and support financially challenged students across Nigeria.

MTN Foundation

The foundation, in a statement on Monday, said the application cycle covers its Science and Technology Scholarship (STS), Scholarship for Blind Students (SBS), and a newly introduced scholarship category specifically for medical students.

According to the foundation, the medical scholarship was previously embedded within its broader STEM scholarship category but has now been carved out to provide targeted financial support for outstanding medical students in public tertiary institutions and teaching hospitals nationwide.

Under the 2026 programme, 400 successful applicants, including 100 medical students, will receive annual scholarship grants of N300,000 each.

The foundation said the scholarship is designed to support tuition, textbooks, and living expenses, helping beneficiaries focus on their studies amid rising education costs and current economic realities.

Executive Director of MTN Foundation, Mrs Odunayo Sanya, said the scholarship programme reflects the organisation’s continued commitment to youth development and educational advancement.

“This call for applications reinforces our long-standing commitment to Nigerian youth by providing them with the resources needed to compete and excel globally.

“Our aim is to empower these bright minds to become the drivers of a technologically advanced Nigeria. At the MTN Foundation, we firmly believe that financial limitations should not stifle academic potential,” she said.

The foundation said eligible applicants include 300-level students studying Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)-related disciplines in public tertiary institutions.

Medical students in 400-level at public universities and teaching hospitals are also eligible, alongside blind students in 200-level and 300-level courses.

According to the statement, the N300,000 scholarship is renewable annually until graduation, subject to beneficiaries maintaining the required academic standards.

It said STS recipients are required to maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.5, while Scholarship for Blind Students beneficiaries must sustain a minimum CGPA of 2.5.

Beyond financial support, the foundation said beneficiaries would also gain access to mentorship opportunities, technical training, and employability workshops under its Skill Up initiative.

The initiative is designed to equip students with practical and soft skills required to succeed in an increasingly competitive and digital global economy.

The MTN Foundation Scholarship Programme, now in its 15th year, has become one of the company’s flagship education interventions, supporting thousands of students across Nigeria.

The foundation said the programme continues to remove economic barriers to education while contributing to national development through human capital investment.

Interested applicants have been advised to submit their applications through the official scholarship portal before the deadline of May 31, 2026.

International wellness technology brand Amezcua is marking its 20-year milestone with the global rollout of the GX-1 Bio-Reset System, a non-powered grounding mat designed to be used as part of everyday wellness routines.

Amezcua

The launch signals the first phase of Amezcua’s 2026 expansion across the Middle East, Central Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, regions experiencing accelerated growth in consumer-led, lifestyle-oriented wellbeing adoption.

Nigeria’s wellness and personal care market is experiencing a significant surge, with the beauty and personal care sector alone valued at approximately USD 7.8 billion in 2023.

This rapid growth, expected to continue with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 17% in some segments between 2023 and 2027, is driven by a profound shift towards preventive health, natural products, and holistic wellbeing.

Designed for daily use at home or at work, the GX-1 requires no electricity, charging, batteries, or powered connection. As a non-powered mat, it does not generate electrical current or emit signals.

The system includes a conductive connection wire linking the primary mat to a secondary floor contact pad. The portable mat is intended to complement rest, recovery and overall well-being routines as part of broader lifestyle practices.

Amezcua is a wellness technology brand under QNET, a wellness and lifestyle-focused direct selling company. This latest launch reflects the organisation’s continued focus on accessible, nature-inspired wellness solutions.

“Over the past two decades, we have observed a global shift from reactive healthcare to proactive wellbeing”, said Mattias Mildenborn, Chief Executive Officer of QNET.

“The GX-1 reflects that transition by offering a simple, non-powered solution designed to integrate seamlessly into modern lifestyles without requiring additional digital dependency,”

Grounding – sometimes referred to as “earthing” – is a wellness practice that continues to attract interest internationally.

Amezcua emphasises responsible communication in the evolving wellness space and positions the GX-1 as a lifestyle wellness product and not a medical device.

Elena Khoo, Chief Marketing Officer of QNET, said transparency is essential as consumer literacy continues to grow. “The wellness sector is evolving rapidly, and consumers are increasingly discerning.

“Our responsibility is to communicate clearly that grounding is positioned as a complementary lifestyle practice, not a form of medical care or intervention. Transparency builds long-term trust.”

Materials, Safety and Quality

The GX-1 is made with an electroconductive polyurethane (PU) upper layer and Thermoplastic Polyester Elastomer (TPE) foam for the base layer.

Independent testing conducted by Bureau Veritas confirmed that the materials comply with the European Union’s Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) chemical safety regulation, with no Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) detected.

The materials are hypoallergenic and safe for prolonged skin contact. The product is manufactured under an ISO 9001:2015-certified quality management system and is positioned as a non-powered general wellness mat, not a medical device.

Product Formats and Everyday Use

The GX-1 is available as a pack of two: a large mat and a small mat. The large mat is designed for versatile use — for example, placed on a bed beneath a sheet, used on a chair or sofa, or used as a yoga mat as part of a personal wellbeing routine.

The small mat is designed for portability, including use when seated during travel (such as flights) by placing it at the feet or at a work desk. For users who want extended coverage, the two mats can be connected to create a larger continuous grounding surface.

The product is available through the official QNET e-store and via authorised Independent Distributors in participating markets.
As Amezcua expands into new regions throughout 2026, the GX-1 launch signals the brand’s continued focus on nature-inspired wellness technologies adapted for contemporary lifestyles.

For more information, visit www.amezcua.com.