The Salvation for All Souls Global Outreach, SAFAS, a leading evangelical ministry with a focus on delivering free humanitarian and robust healthcare for the less privileged in the society has concluded its one-day free medical outreach in Ifewara, Osun State, where hundreds of residents benefitted from various healthcare services.
The outreach, which was held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Akinyemi Memorial Grammar School, offered free medical consultations, health screenings, surgeries, dental care, medications, eye care services including free glasses, as well as health education.
The ministry also provided financial support to widows and widowers in the community.
The initiative, carried out in collaboration with the Christian Medical and Dental Association, Osun State chapter, forms part of SAFAS’ established model of combining medical intervention with a follow-up crusade, a structure the organisation has previously implemented in Lagos, Abeokuta and Ibadan before extending to Ifewara.
Speaking on the development, the President of SAFAS, Apostle BOT Adeyemi, said the outreach reflects the organisation’s commitment to meeting the holistic needs of communities, noting that the model has consistently delivered impact across different locations as it addresses both physical and spiritual concerns.
Also, the Media Director of SAFAS, Ayomikun Bamgboye, explained that the approach goes beyond immediate relief, adding that the integration of medical outreach with a crusade ensures sustained engagement and deeper transformation within host communities, as seen in previous outreaches across the country.
One of the participating medical practitioners, who spoke on the exercise, described the outreach as timely and impactful, noting that many beneficiaries accessed quality healthcare services they would otherwise not have been able to afford.
Following the medical outreach, the organisation is set to commence a crusade in Ifewara from April 27 to May 1, 2026, aimed at providing spiritual support and reinforcing the gains recorded during the medical intervention.
SAFAS has continued to expand its outreach footprint across Nigeria through integrated programmes that combine healthcare delivery with social and spiritual support for underserved communities.
Health officials offering free medicals at the eventHealth officials offering free medicals at the eventEvangelist Paul B.O.T. Adeyemi, President of Salvation For All Souls Global Outreach
LAGOS NIGERIA, 2026. Google today shared new data highlighting how people across Nigeria are turning to Search and AI tools to master the skills they need for their creative pursuits . The latest trends for March 2026 highlight a significant move toward using technology as a practical assistant for artistic growth and personal hobbies.
Nigeria has a long history as a major creative hub in Africa and its
influence is visible globally. The nation is famed for its creative
culture from a critically acclaimed Afrobeats scene to the global
success of Nollywood blockbusters . Nollywood is currently the fifth
largest movie and entertainment industry in the world and has seen its
gross value grow toward eight billion dollars . This creative output is
highly exportable and research shows that over 70 percent of watch time
for content produced by Nigerian channels comes from outside the country
. Similarly the Afrobeats genre has gained a massive international
fanbase with songs being streamed more than 13 billion times in a single
year on platforms like Spotify . These achievements highlight a rich
legacy that young Nigerians are now building upon with new digital
tools.
This movement is a highly deliberate strategy to master new skills and
explore global opportunities . The latest search data shows that
Nigerians are masterfully using technology to develop their artistic
talents. Interest in learning painting has grown by 90 percent over the
past year while searches for calligraphy have emerged as a breakout
trend this month as people find new ways to express themselves through
art . These trends demonstrate the everyday resourcefulness of Nigerians
as they use accessible technology to bridge skill gaps .
Musical pursuits are also seeing strong momentum in the data. People are
turning to their phones to master musical instruments with searches for
learning the guitar increasing by 80 percent recently . The creative
exploration extends to advanced technology as people look for AI musical
tools like Lyria 3 which has become a breakout trend this year .
Personal mastery also includes learning new languages to connect with
the world. Interest in learning Italian has risen by 130 percent and
interest in Japanese has doubled over the last twelve months . These
activities demonstrate how technology serves as a practical tutor for
artistic growth and international connection.
The move toward mastering new creative skills is happening within a
growing digital economy where every dollar invested in technology
creates an eight dollar return for the nation . Industry analysts at
Public First have noted that digital technologies are spearheading
growth and development in Nigeria . Their research underscores the value
of digital transformation by estimating that every dollar invested in
digital technology generates over eight dollars in economic value . This
investment supports a young population that is already making
significant contributions as the ICT sector recently contributed over 16
percent to real GDP .
Students and parents are also finding new ways to use these tools for
school and creative work. Searches for AI tutors have become a breakout
trend and interest in chemistry combined with AI tools has doubled in
the last year . General school support is also seeing growth as homework
related searches rose by 70 percent this month . These search trends are
supported by infrastructure projects like the Equiano subsea cable which
provides twenty times more network capacity than previous systems .
Better connectivity supports economic growth as a one percent increase
in connectivity is associated with a 5.7 percent increase in GDP.
“It is inspiring to see how Nigerians are creatively and purposefully
using AI to unlock new opportunities for learning and growth. The surge
in creative arts and language mastery shows a nation that is actively
shaping its future with technology. Nigerians are using Search and AI as
24/7 tutors to master high demand skills and connect with the world.
This everyday resourcefulness is helping our entrepreneurial population
achieve their highest ambitions.”
Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade
Head of Communications & Public Affairs, West Africa, Google
Google remains committed to providing the helpful technology that turns
these ambitions into everyday skills for everyone across the country .
Through products like Search and Workspace knowledge workers in Nigeria
are already saving over 22 million hours every week . This time saving
is equivalent to a 4.7 billion dollar improvement in productivity across
the nation . The surge in AI literacy which has grown by 840 percent
demonstrates a purposeful move by Nigerians to integrate technology as a
critical sidekick in their professional and creative lives .
The Managing Director of the Bank of Industry (BOI), Dr. Olasupo Olusi, has challenged Nigeria to urgently convert its vast reservoir of talent into measurable productivity, declaring that the nation’s economic future depends less on potential and more on deliberate organisation of skills, technology, and capital.
Delivering the 18th Convocation Lecture at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomosho, Oyo State, Olusi presented a sweeping diagnosis of Nigeria’s economic paradox – abundant human capital, yet underwhelming output – while positioning technology as the critical bridge between the two.
Olusi argued that Nigeria’s problem is not a shortage of talent but the failure to translate that talent into economic value. According to him, productivity, defined as output relative to input, remains the missing link between effort and impact in the country’s development trajectory.
“Nigeria’s challenge is not necessarily to produce more talents. The challenge is to organise that talent pool into productivity,” he said, adding that while Nigerians are globally competitive, systemic inefficiencies continue to limit economic outcomes.
He drew attention to comparative data showing Nigeria trailing peer economies in manufacturing output and agricultural yields, despite possessing similar starting advantages decades ago. The implication, he noted, is clear: the country must rethink how it deploys its resources.
Anchoring his argument on technology, Olusi pointed to ongoing transformations across sectors – from financial technology platforms expanding access to credit, to precision agriculture solutions improving yields and incomes. These examples, he said, demonstrate how innovation can amplify human effort and unlock productivity gains at scale.
“Technology does not replace human effort. It multiplies it, and that is the bridge between talent and productivity,” Olusi stated, urging Nigerian universities to move beyond theoretical knowledge and focus on producing practical, scalable solutions to real economic challenges.
He specifically called on institutions like LAUTECH to lead the charge in innovation, stressing that universities must become engines of production by linking research directly to industry and markets.
Speaking on the role of development finance, Olusi outlined the strategic repositioning of the Bank of Industry to support technology-led growth. He revealed that BOI is embedding digital transformation at the core of its 2025–2027 strategy, with a focus on accelerating access to finance, supporting innovation, and building enterprise capacity.
A key initiative, he disclosed, is the launch of a digital loan application platform scheduled for June 2026, which will enable entrepreneurs to access funding more efficiently.
“If technology multiplies productivity, then development finance must be organised to accelerate technology adoption. Without capital, talent and technology remain mere potential. With it, they become production,” he said.
Olusi highlighted several BOI-backed interventions across manufacturing, agriculture, infrastructure, and sustainability, noting that the Bank is increasingly financing technology upgrades that enable businesses to scale, compete globally, and create jobs.
He also underscored the need to strengthen the link between academia and industry, announcing plans for an Industrial Innovation Fund aimed at bridging the gap between research and commercialisation. In addition, he disclosed a proposed student venture capital grant programme designed to support young innovators with funding of up to ₦50 million.
Addressing the graduating students, Olusi urged them to prioritise problem-solving, production, and integrity, while encouraging those considering migration to remain connected to Nigeria’s development.
“This nation is still under construction, and she needs her most capable people,” he said, noting that meaningful transformation will occur not in theory but through practical engagement in farms, factories, and enterprises.
Olusi expressed confidence in Nigeria’s economic outlook, pointing to ongoing reforms and increased investment in digital skills, innovation, and infrastructure as signs of progress.
“I am optimistic about Nigeria, not because the challenges are small, but because I have seen what Nigerians achieve when the right systems are in place. The journey from talent to productivity is not a slogan. It is the work of a generation,” he said.
He concluded with a direct charge to the graduates and the broader Nigerian youth, whom he described as central to the country’s future.
“The question is not whether this transformation will happen. The question is who will do it. And the answer is sitting here. You are the builders. Go and build.”
GUANGZHOU, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 April 2026 – The China International Exhibition for Metro Transit and CAMET Forum 2026 ( MetroTrans 2026) is scheduled to take place from November 9 to 11, 2026, at the China Import and Export Fair Complex in Guangzhou, China. A series of concurrent events, including the China Metro Operators Leadership Roundtable, will also be held during the exhibition.
MetroTrans is a leading professional exhibition in the urban rail transit sector, initiated by the China Association of Metros. Since its inception in 2015, the event has been successfully held nine times, attracting over 1,500 leading enterprises worldwide and more than 200,000 professional visitors. It has become a key platform for technology showcase and industry collaboration in the urban rail transit sector.
With the theme “Smart, Green, Integrate,Innovation: New Era of Urban Rail”, MetroTrans 2026 is co-organized by Guangzhou Metro Group and supported by numerous urban rail transit enterprises and institutions. The event integrates professional exhibitions, high-level forums, business matchmaking, international cooperation, public engagement, and cultural exchange. It is expected to gather more than 500 leading companies from across the global urban rail transit industry chain, showcasing cutting-edge technologies and solutions.
The exhibition is projected to attract government representatives, decision-makers, buyers, experts, and technical professionals from over 70 countries and regions. Participants will engage in in-depth discussions on industry opportunities and challenges, share innovative practices, promote sustainable development, advance standards harmonization, and facilitate project implementation, thereby driving international cooperation and global market expansion in the rail transit sector.
MetroTrans 2026 will span 50,000 square meters and feature six major exhibition zones along with multiple themed showcases:
Six Exhibition Zones:
Operations & Maintenance and Existing Line Retrofitting Zone
Outdoor Rolling Stock Display, Rolling Stock Systems & Supply Chain Zone
Signaling, Communications & Intelligent Digitalization Zone
Infrastructure Zone
Diversified Operations Zone
Talent Development,
Science Education & Study Tours Zone
Thematic Showcases:
“Rail + Artificial Intelligence”
“Rail + Low-Altitude Economy”
International Cooperation and Overseas Projects (ASEAN Pavilion), among others
The exhibition will bring together top global exhibitors across design and construction, equipment manufacturing, operations management, maintenance, research and innovation, and education, serving as a premier launch platform for new technologies, products, and solutions.
The concurrent CAMET Forum will be comprehensively upgraded, adopting a “1 Main Forum + 2 sessions of the Metro Operators Leadership Roundtable + N Thematic Sessions” structure:
Main Forum: Integrating the existing main and international forums, featuring domestic and international speakers, corporate executives, and senior experts to discuss industry development with a pragmatic approach and global perspective.
Metro Operators Leadership Roundtable: Gathering key leaders of China’s Metro Operators to focus on critical topics such as high-quality development and low-capacity system construction and operation, fostering industry consensus.
Thematic Sessions: Covering key topics including intelligent and green integration, multi-network integration, “Rail + Low-Altitude Economy,” upgrading of existing lines, smart urban rail and AI applications, sustainable operations, international cooperation and standards alignment, and safety and emergency management.
MetroTrans 2026 has officially launched its exhibitor recruitment and sincerely invites global enterprises, research institutions, and service providers across the rail transit industry chain to join the event in Guangzhou, foster international cooperation, and share development opportunities.
Overview of China’s Urban Rail Transit Market
Operational Scale: In 2025, China added 907.12 km of new urban rail transit operating mileage. By the end of 2025, 58 cities in mainland China (excluding Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan) had operational systems, with 382 lines totaling 13,067.89 km. A total of 30 cities had networks exceeding 100 km, including Shanghai (1,041.97 km) and Beijing (982.29 km).
Fully Automated Systems: By 2025, 25 cities had launched 69 fully automated urban rail transit lines, totaling 1,983.84 km.
Station Scale: A total of 7,105 stations had been put into operation, including 1,084 interchange stations (counted once per network). Additionally, 580 depots and parking facilities had been commissioned.
Passenger Volume: In 2025, urban rail transit systems handled 33.383 billion passenger trips, with a total passenger turnover of 271.925 billion passenger-kilometers.
Construction Scale: In 2025, 40 cities had 4,875.45 km of urban rail transit lines under construction, with approved investment totaling RMB 3.9235 trillion. Annual completed investment reached RMB 411.416 billion.
Zedcrest Group, a financial services firm, continues to accelerate growth and solidify its position as a provider of comprehensive, institutional-grade financial services, driven by strategic acquisitions, expanded product offerings, enhanced regulatory capabilities, and new leadership appointments across its core businesses.
The company’s evolving platform offers clients a broad range of services across asset management, investment banking, securities, and financing, delivered through its subsidiaries including Zedcrest Securities, Zedcrest Global Markets, Zedcrest Capital, Zedvance Finance, and Zedcrest Investment Managers. With more than a decade of delivering financial solutions, the group is entering a new phase of growth.
Brandspur Banking News Desk reports that in 2024, Zedcrest successfully completed the acquisition of RMB Nigeria Stockbrokers, a member of Rand Merchant Bank, the corporate and investment banking arm of FirstRand Group. The firm has since been rebranded as Zedcrest Securities, strengthening the group’s stockbroking capabilities and expanding its portfolio of financial products and services.
In growing its institutional offering, Zedcrest also acquired its Issuing House license, enabling it to deliver end-to-end investment banking solutions including capital raising, structured finance, and advisory services. This further cements its position as a capable and dependable financial partner to individuals and institutions across Nigeria.
As part of its next phase of growth, Zedcrest has strengthened its leadership across core businesses, recently announcing the appointment of Simbiat Bada as managing director of its stockbroking business in line with its strategic focus on deepening market capabilities. Similarly, Ademola Akogun has been appointed managing director of its investment banking business where he will drive the expansion of the group’s corporate finance and advisory capabilities.
To further reinforce its investment management capabilities, Zedcrest appointed Luke Ofojebe, CFA, as chief investment officer in line with its commitment to delivering expert, research-driven investment advisory services. Ofojebe steps into the role following a successful tenure as head of research and portfolio management at Zedcrest Wealth, where he designed and executed strategies that significantly grew the company’s assets under management.
Zedcrest’s growing reputation as a market leader is built on its consistent track record of strong performance, with its money market fund consistently ranking among the top-performing funds in its category alongside solid returns across its equity funds and other investment offerings. Across its broader investment portfolio, the group continues to deliver competitive returns, reinforcing client confidence and value creation through a disciplined investment philosophy and robust risk management framework.
In 2023, Zedcrest celebrated its 10th anniversary themed “A Future Redefined” and officially launched the Zedcrest Wealth app, a digital investment platform that provides easy access to a range of innovative investment solutions. This milestone underscored Zedcrest’s ambition to redefine the delivery of financial services in Africa over the next decade.
Beyond its investment businesses, Zedcrest’s consumer and business financing arm, Zedvance Finance, continues to play a key role in supporting economic growth, with plans to disburse ₦250 billion in commercial funding in 2026 alone following strong performance from its commercial solutions business which has already deployed over ₦96 billion since 2025. Central to this strategy is its flagship product, Liquidity Solutions, designed to address the credit gap facing local enterprises.
Adedayo Amzat, group managing director of Zedcrest Group, commented that the company’s long-term strategic mission extends beyond Nigeria as it aims to elevate capital flows across Africa. Amzat stated that Zedcrest envisions a comprehensive financial services institution with robust offerings in asset management, banking, lending, securities markets, investment banking, insurance, and pensions, with the goal of being the driving force that enables seamless capital movement within the economy.
TikTok and the International Chamber of Commerce have announced the launch of the Digital Commerce Labs, a global program designed to unlock digital commerce opportunities for small businesses. The initiative will operate in select markets across Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia, with Nigeria included as a beneficiary market.
The initiative will leverage TikTok’s suite of digital commerce tools and global reach combined with the ICC’s expertise in international trade. It will also utilise the ICC’s powerful network of national committees and chambers of commerce to expand access to training, mentorship, and digital resources for Nigerian entrepreneurs.
Businesses of all sizes already thrive on TikTok and use the platform to reach new customers and build their brands. The partnership represents a significant commitment to empowering local enterprises through digital transformation.
Brandspur Brand News understands that the partnership is also supported by Nigeria’s National Information Technology Development Agency and the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund. Together, these organisations will equip small businesses in Nigeria with digital skills and tools to increase revenue opportunities, expand market access, and build long-term resilience.
By connecting global expertise with local business communities, the Digital Commerce Labs will create a scalable education model that can be replicated across markets. This model will help entrepreneurs translate digital knowledge into real-world growth opportunities.
The program is designed to build long-term digital commerce ecosystems by working in close collaboration with national chambers and local organisations. It will deliver learning and economic impact through three integrated components.
Community building will form the foundation, bringing small businesses together through virtual and in-person sessions with relevant local ecosystem partners. This component fosters peer learning and network development among participating entrepreneurs.
Self-led online training modules hosted on a dedicated learning platform will offer participants flexibility and depth. These modules feature videos produced by local experts, interactive quizzes, and a certificate of completion.
Virtual classrooms will provide instructor-led learning opportunities where entrepreneurs can engage directly with industry experts. Participants can ask questions in real time and deepen their understanding of digital commerce tools and strategies.
John W.H. Denton AO, secretary general of the International Chamber of Commerce, stated that the partnership marks a powerful step forward in the organisation’s mission. He noted that the ICC aims to build a more inclusive, dynamic, and accessible global economy.
Denton stated that by joining forces with TikTok to launch the Digital Commerce Labs, the ICC is equipping entrepreneurs and small businesses across ten markets with practical tools, knowledge, and confidence. He added that the ultimate goal is unlocking opportunity, strengthening resilience, and ensuring that the benefits of digital commerce are shared more widely.
Tokunbo Ibrahim, acting head of Government Relations and Public Policy for Sub-Saharan Africa at TikTok, stated that TikTok has seen how small businesses can grow rapidly on the platform. He noted that this growth happens by connecting with communities in authentic ways.
Ibrahim stated that this reinforces the importance of educating small business owners on how they can go beyond visibility. He added that education helps actively support their long-term success.
Ibrahim added that the partnership with the ICC, NITDA, and the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund is an important step in that direction. He concluded that it equips entrepreneurs with the resources they need to scale and thrive.
The Digital Commerce Labs program is expected to launch across ten countries, supporting entrepreneurs through community programming, digital learning resources, and virtual training sessions. The program will launch in select markets across Latin America and Africa this spring.
This will be followed by broader expansion across Africa and to Thailand later this year. Small businesses in Nigeria are encouraged to sign up to be part of the comprehensive training programme designed specifically to help local entrepreneurs sharpen their skills and scale effectively.
The Nigerian Communications Commission has inaugurated the Nigeria IPv6 Council, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to modernise internet infrastructure, strengthen cybersecurity, and improve competitiveness in the global digital economy. The announcement was made during the formal inauguration of the council in Lagos on Thursday.
Dr Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman and chief executive officer of the NCC, described the initiative as a strategic milestone in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey, signalling the country’s intention to play a stronger leadership role in the next evolution of the internet where speed, scalability, security, and smart connectivity will define economic success. Maida disclosed that Nigeria’s current IPv6 adoption rate stands at approximately five percent, significantly below the global average which is above 40 percent according to industry measurements from Google and APNIC.
Brandspur Brand News understands that IPv6, or Internet Protocol version six, is the latest version of the internet protocol that enables devices to communicate online, developed to replace IPv4 whose limited address capacity has become increasingly inadequate in a world driven by smartphones, connected devices, smart cities, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence. While IPv4 supports approximately 4.3 billion unique addresses, IPv6 provides an almost unlimited pool of roughly 340 undecillion addresses, making it critical for the future digital economy.
Maida warned that Nigeria must urgently close the adoption gap, stating that IPv6 is no longer optional but a strategic necessity for national competitiveness, security, innovation, and economic sovereignty. The NCC boss explained that the rapid growth of 5G networks, the Internet of Things, data centres, fintech platforms, AI-driven applications, and digital public services is placing increasing pressure on legacy IPv4 systems.
The newly inaugurated council will coordinate implementation of a National IPv6 Deployment Strategy with clear, measurable timelines, with a mandate that includes positioning Nigeria among Africa’s leading IPv6-enabled countries within the next three years. The council’s immediate priorities include establishing a national monitoring and reporting framework with quarterly progress reviews, promoting professional training and certification for IPv6 engineers, driving migration of public sector digital platforms to IPv6-ready systems, removing deployment barriers for operators, and recommending incentives and regulatory measures to accelerate adoption.
Maida stressed that successful migration would require collaboration across regulators, telecom companies, academia, technology communities, and government institutions, noting that no single stakeholder can achieve this transition alone. The NCC revealed that it has already laid groundwork through strategic partnerships including collaboration with the African Network Information Centre, Africa’s regional internet registry responsible for IP address resources.
Muhammed Rudman, chief executive officer of the Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria, noted that one of the biggest barriers to migration is the continued usability of IPv4, with many operators still relying on legacy infrastructure and therefore not feeling immediate pressure to migrate. Rudman stated that Nigeria has more than 200 Autonomous System Numbers and over 100 networks with IPv6 allocations, yet only a limited number are actively deploying IPv6 services to customers.
The council’s national roadmap sets ambitious targets including at least 20 percent IPv6 compliance across government networks by 2027, 25 percent active IPv6 deployment among telecom operators, and approximately 30 percent nationwide adoption by 2030. Technology policy expert Chris Uwaje stated that Nigeria must move beyond dependence on outdated digital systems if it intends to compete in the emerging global technology order, adding that IPv6 adoption is not merely a technical upgrade but a national strategic imperative tied to sovereignty, innovation, and domestic capability building.
The Airtel Africa Foundation, through Airtel Nigeria, has officially opened the application portal for the DigiLeap Tech Drive, a core initiative in the Foundation’s digital inclusion agenda, targeting 200 underserved young women in the Ikorodu Local Government Area of Lagos State. The application portal will remain open until 8 May 2026.
The programme is designed to bridge the gender divide in the digital economy by providing intensive, industry-standard technical and digital literacy training at no cost to beneficiaries. The DigiLeap Tech Drive is a strategic collaboration between the Airtel Africa Foundation, the ISHK Tolaram Foundation, and Co-Creation Hub, with implementation carried out by the SAIL Innovation Lab, a leading centre for digital talent development in Nigeria.
Brandspur Brand News understands that the high-impact project has been strategically engineered to transform high-potential individuals into workforce-ready professionals, providing technical instruction, mentorship, and job-placement linkages. This approach directly tackles regional unemployment and the systemic underrepresentation of women in the global technology sector.
Dr Segun Ogunsanya, chairman of the Airtel Africa Foundation, emphasised that the partnership between the Foundation, Ishk Tolaram, and CcHub is central to the Foundation’s holistic mission of advancing both digital and gender inclusion across the continent. Ogunsanya stated that the Foundation’s mission is to accelerate digital inclusion across Africa, and by bringing the DigiLeap Tech Drive to the women of Ikorodu alongside its partners, the organisation is providing 200 young women with a definitive competitive advantage in the modern economy.
He further noted that the initiative ensures the digital revolution is truly inclusive, adding that it is not merely a training session but a professional pipeline designed to transition these women directly into internships and sustainable careers. Dinesh Balsingh, chief executive officer of Airtel Nigeria, highlighted Airtel’s dedication to ensuring that women are integrated into the country’s rapidly evolving digital economy.
Balsingh stated that Airtel Nigeria believes empowering women with digital skills is a fundamental catalyst for national economic growth, and with the DigiLeap tech training, the company is creating a sustainable pathway for young women in underserved communities to move from the sidelines of the digital economy into the heart of the tech workforce. He added that the initiative reflects Airtel’s deep-rooted commitment to social impact and the belief that when women lead in technology, entire communities thrive.
The programme focuses on industry-standard competencies that enhance both employability and entrepreneurship readiness. Application entry is now live and open to women aged 18 to 35 living in Ikorodu, with prospective trainees advised to apply via the portal link at bit.ly/DigiLeap.
GIG Mobility has unveiled HireX, a premium vehicle hire marketplace designed to connect customers with verified luxury car vendors for on-demand or scheduled bookings, marking a significant evolution from the company’s traditional intercity transport roots into a comprehensive mobility ecosystem.
The announcement was made at the flagship GIGM Product Conference held in Lagos, where the company demonstrated its transition from a conventional transport operator into a technology-driven platform serving the diverse movement and travel needs of individuals, businesses, and investors. The new marketplace is designed for clients who value comfort, professionalism, and flexibility in their transportation experience.
Brandspur Brand News understands that Dr Enahoro Okhae, chief executive officer of GIG Mobility, stated that the company is no longer just a business that moves people from Lagos to Benin but has become a global mobility organisation. Okhae explained that what the company has built is an ecosystem where everything around travel sits on one platform, including bus transport, airline tickets, vehicle hire, tours, and soon hotels and insurance.
The CEO revealed that the transformation was inspired by consistent customer requests for broader mobility offerings beyond intercity bus services, noting that it became difficult to keep telling people the company was just a bus operator because the demand for more services was clear. He emphasised that customers do not need to own a luxury car to use one, as they can hire for a few hours depending on their needs, with the focus being on access, flexibility, and service.
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Through an easy-to-use digital platform, users can access premium vehicles for personal, business, and lifestyle needs while enjoying trusted service standards. Okhae further stated that the company has achieved a long-term vision to build a fully integrated mobility ecosystem that connects people not just to destinations but to experiences, adding that GIG Mobility has moved from selling transportation to selling experiences.
On innovation, the CEO revealed that the company is advancing plans to deploy electric vehicles for passenger transport, leveraging data from pilot projects conducted by its logistics arm. The initiative will include the development of a nationwide charging infrastructure to support sustainable mobility. From intercity transportation and premium vehicle hire to travel experiences and investment opportunities, each offering is built to create convenience, reliability, and value, positioning GIG Mobility as a brand shaping the future of mobility in Africa.
Stanbic IBTC Pension has delivered solid double-digit gains across virtually every fund of its Retirement Savings Account offerings, with some portfolios approaching the 20 percent mark, according to the latest available performance data from Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Limited.
The data shows that RSA Fund V led the pack with a return of 19.48 percent, meaning that an investment of ₦1 million would have generated close to ₦194,800 in gains over the period. Fund I followed closely with 18.20 percent, translating to approximately ₦182,000 in earnings on the same investment amount.
Brandspur Banking News Desk reports that Fund VI for retirees also delivered a strong 16.66 percent, effectively adding around ₦166,600 to every ₦1 million invested, reinforcing the portfolio’s ability to combine income stability with notable growth. Across the mid-tier portfolios, Fund II returned 14.53 percent, equivalent to about ₦145,300 in gains per ₦1 million.
Fund IV posted 13.81 percent, adding roughly ₦138,100, while Fund III delivered 12.82 percent, representing a solid ₦128,200 increase on a similar investment base. Even at the lower end, the numbers reflect consistent double-digit expansion, showing that contributors are earning well above inflationary pressures across different risk categories.
Beyond the raw percentages, the data also highlights how efficiently these returns are being generated, as measured by risk-adjusted performance indicators. Fund V posted a Sharpe ratio of 7.54 and Fund I at 5.65, indicating that higher returns are being achieved with relatively controlled exposure to volatility, while Fund II and Fund VI also maintained positive ratios of 2.46 and 4.17 respectively.
However, the figures also reveal that not all returns are created equally, as Fund III and Fund IV recorded negative Sharpe ratios of -1.87 and -8.42 respectively. This suggests that although both funds still produced over 12 percent in returns, the level of risk taken to generate those earnings was comparatively higher, leaving room for improved efficiency in more conservative portfolios.
Overall, the numbers present a clear picture of a pension manager delivering not just strong percentages but real monetary growth, where contributors investing ₦1 million across different funds could see gains ranging from approximately ₦128,000 to nearly ₦195,000. The performance reinforces Stanbic IBTC Pension’s position as one of the stronger performers in Nigeria’s pension industry
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