Bank Of Industry Wins Dual Honours At EMEA Finance Awards For Sustainability And Social Impact Leadership

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Bank Of Industry Wins Dual Honours At EMEA Finance Awards For Sustainability And Social Impact Leadership

Lagos, Nigeria – 8 June 2026

The Bank of Industry (BOI) has been recognised with two prestigious awards at the recently concluded EMEA Finance Achievement Awards, reinforcing its position as a leading development finance institution driving inclusive and sustainable economic growth across Africa.

The Bank received the Best Sustainability Deal in Africa Award for its financing intervention under the Nigeria Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) Project and the Best Social Development Deal in Africa Award for its flagship Guaranteed Loans for Women (GLOW) programme.

The award-winning DARES initiative is being implemented by BOI in collaboration with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and supported by the World Bank through a $750 million International Development Association (IDA) credit facility. The programme is designed to expand electricity access across underserved and unserved communities through the deployment of solar mini-grids.

The initiative forms part of BOI’s broader Power and Utilities portfolio, through which the Bank disbursed ₦27 billion to eight businesses in 2025. According to BOI’s 2025 Annual Development Impact Report, all supported projects demonstrated 100 per cent financial additionality, indicating that they would not have proceeded without BOI’s intervention.

The Bank’s Power and Utilities portfolio also recorded the highest Development Impact Framework score across all sectors financed by BOI, underscoring the transformational impact of its investments in sustainable energy infrastructure.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/06/08/guinness-nigeria-named-consumer-goods-company-of-the-year-at-nairametrics-capital-market-awards-2026/

Similarly, the GLOW programme was recognised for advancing financial inclusion and economic empowerment for women-owned and women-led businesses across Nigeria.

Designed to address longstanding barriers faced by female entrepreneurs, including limited access to affordable finance, collateral constraints, and capacity gaps, GLOW provides tailored financing, business support services, and capacity-building opportunities to women-led enterprises across multiple sectors of the economy.

Beyond financing, GLOW provides training, mentorship, market access support, and opportunities for women-owned businesses to strengthen their competitiveness and expand into regional and international markets, including opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Speaking on the awards, Dr. Olasupo Olusi, MD/CEO BOI, described the recognition as an affirmation of BOI’s commitment to financing initiatives that create lasting developmental impact.

“These awards reflect the Bank of Industry’s deliberate focus on supporting projects and programmes that deliver measurable economic, social, and environmental outcomes for Nigerians. Whether it is bringing reliable electricity to underserved communities through renewable energy solutions or empowering women entrepreneurs by providing access to affordable finance and growth opportunities, our goal remains the same: to build a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable economy. We are honoured by this international recognition and remain committed to deepening our impact across sectors that matter most to national development.”

The dual recognition further underscores BOI’s growing reputation as a catalyst for sustainable development and inclusive industrialisation, leveraging innovative financing solutions to address critical development challenges while unlocking opportunities for businesses and communities across Nigeria.

As Nigeria’s foremost development finance institution, BOI continues to play a pivotal role in advancing the Federal Government’s economic transformation agenda through strategic investments that stimulate enterprise growth, create jobs, improve livelihoods, and strengthen the country’s long-term economic competitiveness.

Guinness Nigeria Named Consumer Goods Company Of The Year At Nairametrics Capital Market Awards 2026

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Guinness Nigeria Named Consumer Goods Company Of The Year At Nairametrics Capital Market Awards 2026

Lagos, Nigeria, June, 2026

Guinness Nigeria Plc has been named Consumer Goods Company of the Year at the prestigious Nairametrics Capital Market Awards 2026, reinforcing its position as one of Nigeria’s leading consumer goods companies and a strong performer in the Nigerian capital market.

The company was nominated in two highly competitive categories, Company of the Year and Consumer Goods Company of the Year, in recognition of its strong financial performance, operational excellence, and consistent delivery of value to shareholders.

Held on Friday, June 5, 2026, in Lagos, the Nairametrics Capital Market Awards celebrate excellence among listed companies and market operators, assessing nominees across key performance indicators including revenue growth, profit after tax growth, return on average equity, operating margin, market share growth, and cost efficiency.

Emerging as the winner in the Consumer Goods Company of the Year category, Guinness Nigeria was recognised for its sustained growth, disciplined execution, and resilience in navigating a dynamic operating environment.

Commenting on the recognition, Rotimi Odusola, Corporate Relations and Legal Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, described the award as an affirmation of the company’s commitment to creating sustainable value for all stakeholders.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/06/06/ican-honours-axa-mansard-ceo-kunle-ahmed-with-merit-award-for-leadership-and-governance-excellence-in-2026/

“Winning the Consumer Goods Company of the Year award is a significant honour and a strong endorsement of our commitment to sustainable growth, operational excellence, and long term value creation. This recognition reflects the dedication of our people, the trust of our consumers, customers, investors, and partners, as well as the strength of our business transformation journey. At Guinness Nigeria, we remain focused on building a high performing business that delivers strong financial results while creating shared value and contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic development.”

The recognition comes amid continued momentum for Guinness Nigeria as the company advances its strategic priorities through portfolio optimisation, operational efficiency, innovation, and the delivery of memorable consumer experiences across its brands.

Also commenting on the award, Ramanathan Solayappan, Marketing & Innovations Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, said the recognition validates the company’s consumer first approach and the enduring strength of its brands.

“This recognition underscores the power of consumer centric innovation and the deep connection our brands have built with Nigerians across generations. From celebrating culture and heritage to creating memorable experiences through our portfolio, we remain committed to understanding and serving evolving consumer needs. Winning Consumer Goods Company of the Year affirms that our strategy of combining strong brands, meaningful consumer engagement, and market leading innovation continues to drive growth and strengthen our leadership within Nigeria’s consumer goods sector.”

As one of Nigeria’s foremost beverage companies, Guinness Nigeria remains focused on delivering sustained business growth while creating positive social and economic impact. The company will continue to drive innovation, strengthen stakeholder trust, and contribute to the development of Nigeria’s consumer goods industry and capital market.

ICAN Honours AXA Mansard CEO Kunle Ahmed With Merit Award For Leadership And Governance Excellence In 2026

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ICAN Honours AXA Mansard CEO Kunle Ahmed With Merit Award For Leadership And Governance Excellence In 2026

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria has conferred a Merit Award on Kunle Ahmed, Chief Executive Officer of AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, recognising his contributions to professional standards, corporate governance and the wider financial services ecosystem in Nigeria.

The recognition, presented in the Non-Members Diamond Category, is reserved for business leaders whose work advances accountability, integrity and sustainable institutional practices beyond the accounting profession. ICAN said the honour reflects Ahmed’s growing influence as an executive who prioritises disciplined management, ethical leadership and long-term value creation across Nigeria’s insurance and financial services space.

Industry observers note that the award aligns with AXA Mansard’s recent emphasis on innovation, customer-focused service delivery and governance-led growth, according to Brandspur Brand News. Under Ahmed’s leadership, the company has continued to strengthen internal controls while expanding its market relevance in a highly competitive sector.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/06/06/mtn-group-announces-major-executive-reshuffle-across-africa-as-larry-annetts-takes-over-as-mtn-zambia-ceo-in-2026/

Senior management at AXA Mansard described the honour as validation of a leadership approach anchored on professionalism and people-centred culture. The company’s General Counsel and Human Resources Director, Omowunmi Mabel-Adewusi, said the recognition underscores the organisation’s commitment to responsible leadership and operational excellence, which she noted are essential for building resilient, purpose-driven institutions.

Ahmed, in acknowledging the award, said the recognition represents a broader affirmation of values such as stewardship, trust and discipline that are critical to strengthening Nigerian institutions. He added that the honour reinforces his resolve to continue driving innovation, industry transformation and positive social impact through AXA Mansard’s operations.

ICAN’s decision to spotlight corporate leaders outside its membership highlights the expanding role of executives in promoting transparency and sound governance across the economy. For AXA Mansard, the accolade is expected to further enhance its standing as a leading insurance and financial services provider committed to ethical business conduct and sustainable growth.

MTN Group Announces Major Executive Reshuffle Across Africa As Larry Annetts Takes Over As MTN Zambia CEO In 2026

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MTN Group Announces Major Executive Reshuffle Across Africa As Larry Annetts Takes Over As MTN Zambia CEO In 2026

MTN Group has unveiled a fresh round of senior leadership appointments across its African operations, signaling a strategic realignment aimed at strengthening execution of its Ambition 2025 growth agenda and deepening its pipeline of continental leadership.

At the centre of the changes is the appointment of Mitwa Ng’ambi as Group Chief People and Culture Officer. Ng’ambi, who currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of MTN Côte d’Ivoire, will join the Group Executive Committee by September 2026. Her elevation follows more than 15 years within the MTN ecosystem, including previous leadership roles in Cameroon and Rwanda, where she oversaw a successful licence renewal and stock market listing.

In another key transition, Larry Annetts has been named Chief Executive Officer of MTN Zambia, replacing Abbad Reda. Annetts brings nearly three decades of experience within MTN, having joined the group in 1995 and previously held senior roles including Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Consumer Officer at MTN Nigeria, as well as a leadership position at Irancell.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/06/06/davido-set-to-headline-official-2026-fifa-world-cup-countdown-concert-in-the-united-states/

Reda, who has led MTN Zambia, will now take on the role of CEO at MTN Côte d’Ivoire, continuing a career that spans over 20 years across multiple MTN markets. His background includes executive roles in Ghana and Liberia, underpinned by formal training in engineering and business leadership, according to Brandspur Brand News.

The leadership changes come ahead of the planned retirement of the group’s current Chief Human Resources Officer later in the year, with the appointments formally announced from MTN Group’s headquarters on June 1, 2026. Group President and Chief Executive Officer Ralph Mupita said the reshuffle reflects the depth of talent across the organisation and is designed to accelerate strategy execution while creating long-term stakeholder value.

With operations spanning more than 20 markets, MTN’s latest executive moves reinforce its long-standing approach of developing and deploying internal African talent to lead its businesses, as competition intensifies across the continent’s telecommunications sector.

Davido Set To Headline Official 2026 FIFA World Cup Countdown Concert In The United States

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Davido Set To Headline Official 2026 FIFA World Cup Countdown Concert In The United States

Nigerian Afrobeats star Davido has been confirmed as a headline act for the official countdown concert ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking another major global milestone for Nigerian music on the world stage.

The high-profile concert, scheduled to hold in the United States, will serve as a flagship cultural event in the build-up to the tournament, bringing together leading international artists to celebrate the convergence of football, entertainment and global culture. Organisers say the countdown show is designed to heighten anticipation for the competition while spotlighting music’s role in shaping the World Cup’s global appeal.

The 2026 tournament will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, and will be the largest in FIFA’s history, featuring 48 national teams across multiple cities. With billions of viewers expected worldwide, associated events such as the countdown concert are seen as critical platforms for cultural diplomacy and global entertainment exposure.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/06/06/how-showmax-built-a-dominant-streaming-brand-in-nigeria-through-culture-first-campaigns/

Davido’s selection reflects the growing influence of Afrobeats in international mainstream culture, according to Brandspur Brand News, as African artists continue to secure prominent roles at major global sporting and entertainment events. In recent years, the genre has expanded beyond music charts into global festivals, brand partnerships and sports-linked performances.

The announcement has sparked widespread excitement among fans and industry observers, who see the performance as further validation of Davido’s status as one of Africa’s most recognisable music exports. His appearance at the countdown concert is expected to place Nigerian music and culture before a vast global audience in the months leading up to the tournament.

As preparations intensify for the 2026 World Cup, the inclusion of Afrobeats at its official cultural events underscores the genre’s steady rise as a defining sound in global pop culture and international entertainment.

How Showmax Built A Dominant Streaming Brand In Nigeria Through Culture-First Campaigns

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How Showmax Built A Dominant Streaming Brand In Nigeria Through Culture-First Campaigns

Over four years of sustained brand activity, Showmax executed a sequence of culturally attuned campaigns that helped it cut through Nigeria’s crowded streaming market, building strong brand equity before its discontinuation in April 2026.

Operating in an environment defined by intense competition, rising subscription fatigue and fragmented consumer attention, Showmax focused on campaigns that embedded the brand directly into Nigerian popular culture rather than relying solely on content volume or price-led promotions. Its strategy centred on aligning marketing executions with local storytelling traditions, everyday language and familiar faces drawn from its original productions.

That consistency gained formal recognition in 2023, when Showmax was named the most innovative on-demand video streaming platform at the BrandCom Awards for its creative and original brand executions. Campaigns rolled out between 2022 and 2024 reflected a deliberate effort to collapse the distance between marketing and product by using characters, actors and narratives already associated with the platform’s content ecosystem, according to Brandspur Brand News.

From festive campaigns powered by Nigerian original cast members to masterbrand messaging that leaned into everyday slang and expressive storytelling, Showmax repeatedly positioned itself as a mirror of Nigerian culture rather than an external media product. High-impact outdoor, television and experiential activations amplified this positioning, generating strong social discourse and earned media while reinforcing familiarity with the brand.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/06/06/chatgpt-becomes-fastest-app-ever-to-reach-one-billion-monthly-users-in-2026/

The platform’s February 2024 relaunch marked a high point in its communications playbook, blending a digital product refresh with large-scale physical experiences involving Nollywood stars, media leaders and fans. Attention-grabbing stunts tied to original titles further strengthened recall and cultural relevance, while later campaigns adopted more insight-driven approaches that reflected the realities of multigenerational Nigerian households and diverse viewing preferences.

Following Showmax’s exit on April 30, 2026, its parent company MultiChoice, a subsidiary of CANAL+, moved to retain Nigerian subscribers by offering trial access to DStv Stream and a discounted retention package. Former users were transitioned into a broader content ecosystem that includes live television, international programming, children’s content and sports via SuperSport.

Industry observers say Showmax’s Nigerian journey remains a reference point for marketers, illustrating how cultural authenticity, strategic consistency and locally grounded insights can build a powerful brand in one of Africa’s most demanding consumer markets.

ChatGPT Becomes Fastest App Ever To Reach One Billion Monthly Users In 2026

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ChatGPT Becomes Fastest App Ever To Reach One Billion Monthly Users In 2026

OpenAI’s conversational AI platform, ChatGPT, has become the fastest application in global tech history to reach one billion monthly active users, crossing the landmark in May 2026 and setting a new benchmark for mass-market digital adoption.

The milestone was identified by market intelligence firm Sensor Tower, which estimates that ChatGPT achieved the feat in just under three years after its public debut. The pace places the AI tool ahead of established consumer platforms such as Google Maps, TikTok, Instagram and YouTube, all of which required longer timelines to reach comparable monthly usage levels.

Rapid adoption has been driven by ChatGPT’s expanding role across everyday activities and professional workflows, from writing and coding to research, education, customer support and content creation. What began as a conversational experiment in late 2022 has evolved into a widely used productivity platform integrated into personal, academic and business environments, according to Brandspur Brand News.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/06/06/multichoice-launches-open-time-2026-as-dstv-and-gotv-customers-get-free-package-upgrades-in-june/

The achievement comes amid intensifying competition in the artificial intelligence market. OpenAI is facing growing pressure from rivals including Anthropic, Google and Meta, as well as newer AI startups seeking to capture user attention and enterprise demand. Sensor Tower data indicates that Anthropic’s Claude chatbot has recorded accelerated growth over the past year, with some users reducing time spent on ChatGPT after installing competing tools.

OpenAI has nonetheless reported sustained expansion. In early 2025, the company disclosed that ChatGPT had surpassed 400 million weekly active users, and by early 2026, Chief Executive Sam Altman said the platform had returned to monthly growth rates above 10 percent, with weekly users exceeding 800 million.

Industry analysts say the one-billion-user threshold underscores how quickly generative AI has moved into the mainstream, transforming how people access information, complete tasks and interact with digital services. As global investment in artificial intelligence accelerates, ChatGPT’s latest milestone highlights both the scale of adoption and the intensifying race among technology companies to define the next phase of the AI economy.

MultiChoice Launches Open Time 2026 As DStv And GOtv Customers Get Free Package Upgrades In June

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MultiChoice Launches Open Time 2026 As DStv And GOtv Customers Get Free Package Upgrades In June

MultiChoice Nigeria has rolled out Open Time 2026, a time-limited promotion that gives eligible DStv and GOtv subscribers complimentary access to higher-tier packages throughout June, offering expanded content without additional subscription costs.

The campaign runs from June 1 to June 30, 2026, and applies to both new and existing customers who pay or reconnect on selected bouquets within the period. Once payment is completed, qualifying accounts are automatically moved to a higher package for the duration of the offer, while subscribers continue to pay the price of their original plans.

Under the initiative, customers on DStv Compact Plus and Compact are elevated to Premium, Confam subscribers are moved to Compact, and Yanga customers receive Confam access. On the GOtv platform, Supa and Max subscribers are upgraded to Supa Plus, while Jolli users are moved to Max. Access remains active only while subscriptions are fully paid during the campaign window, after which accounts revert to their original packages at the end of June.

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The promotion is designed to broaden viewers’ entertainment choices for the month, opening up premium channels across drama, movies, sports, action and children’s programming, according to Brandspur Brand News. The move also reflects ongoing competition in Nigeria’s pay-TV market as operators intensify value-driven incentives to retain and reactivate customers.

Subscribers can renew or activate through multiple channels, including official websites, mobile apps, USSD codes, banking platforms and authorised payment outlets nationwide. For details and eligibility information, customers are advised to visit the official platforms for DStv and GOtv

Sports Industry Awards Nigeria Founder Ojeikere Aikhoje To Receive UNIBEN Alumni Excellence Award In 2026

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Sports Industry Awards Nigeria Founder Ojeikere Aikhoje To Receive UNIBEN Alumni Excellence Award In 2026

Ojeikere Aikhoje, a leading sports brand strategist and media entrepreneur, has been named a recipient of the Award of Excellence by the University of Benin Alumni Association Lagos Branch, in recognition of his long-standing impact on sports development, sports media and brand communications in Nigeria. The honour will be formally conferred later this month in Lagos.

The award recognises distinguished alumni of the University of Benin who have demonstrated exceptional professional achievement and contributed meaningfully to national growth. Aikhoje, an alumnus of the institution, has built a notable career spanning sports branding, football business strategy and media entrepreneurship within Nigeria’s evolving sports ecosystem.

Over the years, Aikhoje has played a central role in advancing sports recognition and industry professionalism through platforms he founded or co-founded, including Sports Industry Awards Nigeria and the League Bloggers Awards. He also leads MatchRoom Sports and Media Limited, where he has driven initiatives focused on stakeholder engagement, sports marketing and media innovation, according to Brandspur Brand News.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/06/06/openai-appoints-colin-fleming-as-business-cmo-to-drive-enterprise-growth-strategy-in-2026/

Beyond entrepreneurship, Aikhoje is widely known for his analytical contributions to football discourse in Nigeria and across Africa. His regular media engagements and industry commentary have influenced conversations around football administration, sports commercialisation and sustainable industry growth.

He is also affiliated with several professional and social bodies, including the Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria, the Football Coaches Association of African Nations, Lagos Country Club and Ikoyi Club 1938, reflecting his broad engagement across media, sports and business communities.

The award ceremony is scheduled for June 13, 2026, at the Sheba Centre and will form part of activities marking the 105th Council Meeting of the University of Benin Alumni Association, Lagos Branch. The event is expected to draw alumni leaders, corporate executives and notable figures from Nigeria’s business and professional sectors.

OpenAI Appoints Colin Fleming As Business CMO To Drive Enterprise Growth Strategy In 2026

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OpenAI Appoints Colin Fleming As Business CMO To Drive Enterprise Growth Strategy In 2026

OpenAI has appointed Colin Fleming as Chief Marketing Officer for its business division, signalling a sharpened push into enterprise adoption and large-scale commercial expansion. The move positions Fleming at the centre of the company’s efforts to strengthen brand relevance among corporate customers as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly embedded in organisational operations worldwide.

The appointment comes as OpenAI builds on its global visibility in consumer AI tools while accelerating its focus on enterprise solutions tailored to businesses seeking productivity gains, operational efficiency and faster innovation cycles. Fleming’s arrival reflects a deliberate strategy to develop a specialised business marketing engine capable of addressing complex corporate buying environments and long-term customer engagement.

Fleming joins OpenAI after serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at ServiceNow, where he played a key role in advancing the company’s growth agenda and enterprise positioning. His broader industry reputation was shaped during a 13-year tenure at Salesforce, where he progressed through senior leadership roles, ultimately overseeing global marketing and brand strategy during a period of significant international expansion, Brandspur Brand News reports.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/06/06/entries-open-today-for-2026-maltina-teacher-of-the-year-competition-as-%e2%82%a610-million-grand-prize-is-announced/

Beyond technology marketing, Fleming’s professional background spans product storytelling, customer engagement, global communications and demand generation across multiple markets. Earlier in his career, he also held marketing leadership roles outside the mainstream software sector, adding to a profile defined by cross-industry experience.

Notably, his career path includes an unconventional chapter outside corporate leadership. Before transitioning fully into marketing, Fleming spent several years as a professional racing driver supported by Red Bull, competing internationally and gaining exposure to elite performance environments that later influenced his leadership approach.

Industry observers view the appointment as a strategic response to the accelerating pace of enterprise AI adoption. As organisations increasingly seek practical, scalable ways to deploy artificial intelligence, OpenAI appears intent on strengthening executive leadership to compete more aggressively for corporate market share. Fleming’s mandate is expected to centre on deepening engagement with business customers, refining enterprise brand positioning and supporting OpenAI’s next phase of commercial growth in a rapidly evolving global AI landscape.

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