Nigeria’s Diaspora Remittances Hold Steady At $21.8bn In 2025 Despite Global Economic Pressures

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Nigeria’s Diaspora Remittances Hold Steady At $21.8bn In 2025 Despite Global Economic Pressures

Nigeria’s diaspora remittance inflows remained resilient in 2025, stabilising at $21.8 billion despite mounting global economic headwinds, tighter immigration policies in advanced economies, and persistently high money transfer costs across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria showed that total remittances stood at $21.806 billion in 2025, marginally below the $21.811 billion recorded in 2024, reflecting sustained support from Nigerians living abroad amid global uncertainty.

Brandspur Banking News Desk reports that the 2025 performance followed a strong rebound in 2024, when remittance inflows climbed by over 13 per cent to $21.81 billion, up from $19.27 billion in 2023, signalling renewed confidence in Nigeria’s remittance channels.

A quarterly breakdown of inflows revealed a steady upward trend throughout 2025, rising from $5.12 billion in the first quarter to $5.72 billion by the fourth quarter, underscoring consistent financial contributions from the diaspora despite weak global growth conditions.

The stabilisation marks a clear shift from the volatility experienced during the COVID-19 era, when annual remittance inflows dropped to around $17 billion, reflecting widespread job losses and economic disruptions in host countries.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/05/19/kasi-cloud-commissions-first-phase-of-100mw-ai-ready-hyperscale-data-centre-in-lagos/

Meanwhile, a recent report by the World Bank highlighted that Sub-Saharan Africa remained the most expensive region globally for remittance transfers, despite gradual reductions in average transaction costs worldwide.

According to the World Bank’s Remittance Prices Worldwide report for the third quarter of 2025, the average cost of sending money to Sub-Saharan Africa stood at 8.46 per cent, significantly higher than the global average of 6.36 per cent.

The report further noted that banks continued to be the most expensive remittance channels globally, charging an average fee of nearly 15 per cent, while digital platforms and fintech operators offered relatively lower costs but had yet to fully close the affordability gap.

In contrast, the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan region emerged as the cheapest remittance destination globally, with an average transfer cost of 5.11 per cent, overtaking South Asia.

Analysts say sustaining remittance inflows remains critical for Nigeria’s foreign exchange stability, household consumption, and broader economic resilience, particularly as policymakers continue to seek ways to lower transfer costs and formalise remittance channels.

Kasi Cloud Commissions First Phase Of 100MW AI-Ready Hyperscale Data Centre In Lagos

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Kasi Cloud Commissions First Phase Of 100MW AI-Ready Hyperscale Data Centre In Lagos

Kasi Cloud has officially commissioned the first phase of its planned 100-megawatt AI-ready hyperscale data centre campus in Lekki, Lagos, marking a major milestone in Nigeria’s digital infrastructure expansion and local compute capacity development.

The newly activated facility is designed to support artificial intelligence workloads, cloud computing, enterprise storage, and high-density digital services, as global demand for AI and advanced computing infrastructure continues to surge.

Brandspur Banking News Desk reports that the project, valued at approximately $250 million, began development in April 2022, with major construction works commencing in the second quarter of 2023. The first phase represents the initial operational deployment within a broader campus that is expected to scale progressively to a full 100MW data infrastructure ecosystem.

Industry estimates indicate that Nigeria currently has about 17 operational data centres, most of which operate below 25MW capacity. Kasi Cloud said the Lekki campus is positioned to significantly expand Nigeria’s compute footprint while reducing reliance on foreign-hosted digital infrastructure.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony in Lagos, Founder and Chief Executive Officer Johnson Agogbua described the project as a strategic move to reverse Africa’s dependence on overseas digital infrastructure and create local capacity capable of supporting next-generation AI-driven applications.

He noted that the first deployment includes a 5.5MW data hall alongside a 7.5MW ecosystem floor, offering flexible colocation, cloud hosting, storage, and networking services for both local and international businesses.

According to Agogbua, the ecosystem floor allows customers to lease infrastructure ranging from a single server node to a full aisle of racks, depending on operational needs, making the facility adaptable to startups, enterprises, and hyperscale clients.

Also speaking, Global Director of Marketing and Sales Operations at Kasi Cloud, Ngozika Agogbua, said the project reflects Africa’s growing push for digital sovereignty at a time when the continent controls less than one per cent of global compute capacity despite being one of the fastest-growing digital markets.

She explained that dependence on overseas infrastructure forces African businesses to export critical data and economic value whenever they run AI workloads, creating long-term strategic and economic costs.

The company disclosed that the campus is equipped with a dedicated 132-kilovolt substation capable of scaling up to approximately 100MW of IT load, positioning it among the largest planned AI-ready compute facilities in West Africa. Each floor is designed to support up to eight megawatts of critical load, while a single building could scale beyond 30MW.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/05/19/lagos-plans-to-scrap-electricity-band-classification-targets-24-hour-power-supply/

Kasi Cloud added that the upper floors of the campus are designed to attract wholesale and hyperscale cloud providers seeking expansion capacity in the region, while the facility will also function as a carrier-neutral interconnection hub linking telecommunications operators and international submarine cable systems.

Beyond enterprise infrastructure, the company highlighted the broader economic potential of local AI deployment, noting that accessible compute infrastructure could drive efficiency and innovation across sectors such as retail, healthcare, logistics, and small business operations.

Kasi Cloud further emphasised its commitment to local talent development through its internal Kasi Academy, which trains Nigerian engineers involved in the design, deployment, and operation of the facility, reinforcing its positioning as an African-led digital infrastructure initiative.

Lagos Plans To Scrap Electricity Band Classification, Targets 24-Hour Power Supply

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Lagos Plans To Scrap Electricity Band Classification, Targets 24-Hour Power Supply

The Lagos State Government has disclosed plans to eliminate the existing band classification system used for electricity consumers, signaling a renewed push toward uninterrupted power supply across the state.

The disclosure was made by Biodun Ogunleye, Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, during an inter-ministerial briefing highlighting achievements of the administration of Babajide Sanwo-Olu in the energy sector over the past year.

Brandspur Brand News reports that the commissioner addressed concerns raised over communities in Aboru and other areas currently placed under low-service electricity bands, explaining that the state is intentionally shifting away from a system that limits customers to fixed daily power hours.

Ogunleye stated that the banding structure, which categorizes consumers based on three to 21 hours of electricity supply, does not align with the government’s long-term vision. According to him, the Sanwo-Olu administration is focused on achieving continuous electricity rather than managing scarcity through classifications.

He stressed that delivering 24-hour electricity is achievable, noting that Lagos has previously experienced near-constant power in select areas. The commissioner added that the state government is prioritizing policies that support stable, round-the-clock supply rather than debates around band placement.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/05/19/dangote-refinery-slashes-jet-fuel-price-to-%e2%82%a61650-introduces-30-day-interest-free-credit-for-airlines/

To support this objective, Ogunleye revealed that Lagos is targeting an additional 2,000 megawatts of embedded power generation through partnerships with private investors. He said residents should begin to see noticeable improvements from these embedded power projects within the next six to 12 months.

The commissioner further explained that the state prefers to play a regulatory and enabling role, allowing private sector operators to drive power generation and distribution instead of the government directly running power plants.

He added that Lagos currently has 12 regulated independent power producers, with seven already operating commercially, while critical infrastructure upgrades have been completed, including the rehabilitation of over 37 kilometres of 132KV transmission lines across Badagry, Epe, and other strategic corridors.

Ogunleye concluded that electricity remains central to Lagos’ economic growth, warning that without reliable power, productivity, development, and opportunities for residents would remain severely constrained.

Dangote Refinery Slashes Jet Fuel Price To ₦1,650, Introduces 30-Day Interest-Free Credit For Airlines

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Dangote Refinery Slashes Jet Fuel Price To ₦1,650, Introduces 30-Day Interest-Free Credit For Airlines

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a fresh reduction in the price of aviation fuel, cutting the cost of Jet A1 to ₦1,650 per litre from ₦1,750, as part of broader efforts to stabilise Nigeria’s aviation industry and ease mounting financial pressure on domestic airlines.

The refinery said the new price, which takes immediate effect, is designed to provide cost relief to airline operators who have struggled with volatile fuel prices that threatened flight schedules and raised concerns about potential service disruptions across the country.

By Brandspur Banking News Desk, the refinery also unveiled two additional support measures aimed at strengthening airline operations. These include a 30-day interest-free credit facility for marketers and airline operators, subject to bank guarantees, and a shift in aviation fuel sales from dollar-denominated transactions to naira-based pricing.

Industry pressures had intensified in recent months following sharp increases in Jet A1 prices, driven largely by global energy market instability linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Local operators argued that domestic fuel prices rose far beyond global averages, worsening an already fragile operating environment.

According to industry data, aviation fuel prices surged from about ₦900 per litre before the crisis to between ₦2,700 and ₦2,900 nationwide, with some locations recording prices as high as ₦3,300 per litre. The spike made fuel the single biggest and most unpredictable expense for domestic carriers.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/05/19/nigerias-inflation-rate-climbs-to-15-69-in-april-2026-as-food-and-consumer-prices-rise/

The situation reached a critical point in April when the Airline Operators of Nigeria issued a 48-hour ultimatum, warning that all domestic flights could be grounded if urgent intervention failed to materialise.

Dangote Refinery had previously responded by announcing a gantry price of ₦1,820 per litre in late April, a move seen as an initial attempt to calm the market. The latest reduction to ₦1,650 represents a further step, though prices remain above pre-crisis levels.

The refinery stated that the combined measures are expected to lower fuel procurement costs, improve operational stability for airlines, and help moderate domestic airfares, which have risen steadily in response to higher operating expenses.

While industry stakeholders continue to assess whether the latest intervention will fully resolve tensions between airlines and fuel suppliers, the move is widely viewed as a significant development in efforts to restore confidence and stability in Nigeria’s aviation sector.

Nigeria’s Inflation Rate Climbs To 15.69% In April 2026 As Food And Consumer Prices Rise

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Nigeria’s Inflation Rate Climbs To 15.69% In April 2026 As Food And Consumer Prices Rise

Nigeria’s headline inflation rate increased to 15.69 per cent in April 2026, reflecting renewed pressure on consumer prices and the cost of living across the country.

The latest inflation figures released by the National Bureau of Statistics showed an increase from the 15.38 per cent recorded in March 2026, indicating a continued rise in the prices of goods and services nationwide.

The report revealed that inflation grew by 0.31 percentage points on a year-on-year basis, underscoring persistent economic pressure affecting households and businesses despite recent monetary tightening measures.

Brandspur Business News reports that while annual inflation remained elevated, month-on-month data suggested that the pace of price increases slowed during the review period.

According to the statistics agency, the month-on-month headline inflation rate declined sharply to 2.13 per cent in April from 4.18 per cent recorded in March, signalling moderation in short-term price growth across several sectors of the economy.

The bureau explained that the latest figures indicate that although prices are still increasing, the speed at which they are rising has slowed compared to previous months.

On a 12-month average basis, headline inflation stood at 19.16 per cent for the period ending April 2026, slightly below the 19.33 per cent recorded during the corresponding period in 2025.

A breakdown of the report showed varying inflation trends between urban and rural areas across the country.

Urban inflation rose to 15.40 per cent year-on-year in April, while the month-on-month urban inflation rate eased significantly to 1.86 per cent compared to 3.16 per cent in March.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/05/18/malta-guinness-launches-profession-themed-mosaic-installation-at-lagos-shitta-roundabout/

The 12-month average urban inflation rate also declined to 19.07 per cent from 20.76 per cent recorded in April 2025.

In rural communities, inflation remained higher at 16.36 per cent year-on-year, highlighting sustained pressure on household spending and consumer purchasing power outside major cities.

However, rural month-on-month inflation slowed considerably to 2.80 per cent in April from 6.73 per cent in the previous month.

Economic analysts say the latest inflation figures reflect ongoing challenges linked to food supply costs, transportation expenses, exchange rate pressures, and broader economic adjustments affecting consumer markets nationwide.

The moderation in monthly inflation growth, however, has raised cautious optimism among market observers that inflationary pressure may gradually ease if supply conditions improve and monetary policies remain stable in the coming months.

Malta Guinness Launches Profession-Themed Mosaic Installation At Lagos Shitta Roundabout

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Malta Guinness Launches Profession-Themed Mosaic Installation At Lagos Shitta Roundabout

Malta Guinness has unveiled a large-scale profession-themed mosaic installation at Shitta Roundabout in Lagos as part of its new “Every Side Of You” consumer campaign targeted at celebrating creativity, ambition, and self-expression among young Nigerians.

The outdoor installation, described as the first of its kind in Nigeria, was created using real-life items contributed by individuals from different professional backgrounds, transforming a busy Lagos public space into a unique blend of art, culture, and brand engagement.

The project features the phrase “Every Side Of You” carefully designed with materials representing various careers including medicine, sports, fashion, law, and education. Items used in the installation include fabric pieces, sporting accessories, medical tools, educational materials, and legal work instruments donated by young professionals across the country.

Brandspur Brand News reports that the campaign reflects Malta Guinness’ growing investment in experiential marketing and consumer-driven storytelling aimed at deepening emotional connections with Nigeria’s youth population.

According to the brand, the initiative was developed to highlight the diverse talents, passions, and aspirations of modern consumers while encouraging people to embrace every dimension of their personal and professional identities.

By turning everyday career tools into a public art installation, Malta Guinness transformed a major traffic location in Lagos into an interactive brand experience designed to attract both commuters and digital audiences.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/05/18/impact-investors-foundation-launches-gesi-baseline-report-at-4th-gender-impact-investment-summit/

The Shitta Roundabout location was selected because of its strategic visibility and heavy daily movement of motorists and pedestrians, giving the installation strong public exposure and continuous audience engagement.

Marketing analysts say the initiative demonstrates how brands are increasingly shifting toward non-traditional advertising strategies that combine public art, community participation, and social interaction to strengthen consumer loyalty and visibility.

The company is also expected to drive additional engagement around the installation through social media conversations, on-ground activities, and digital storytelling connected to the “Every Side Of You” campaign.

Industry observers note that the use of community-sourced materials and career-themed symbolism positions the campaign as more than a conventional outdoor advertisement, but as a cultural activation celebrating individuality, creativity, and youth identity.

Malta Guinness continues to expand its presence within Nigeria’s lifestyle and youth market through campaigns focused on authenticity, inclusion, and consumer participation, while leveraging innovative public engagement strategies to strengthen brand relevance.

Impact Investors Foundation Launches GESI Baseline Report At 4th Gender Impact Investment Summit

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Impact Investors Foundation Launches GESI Baseline Report At 4th Gender Impact Investment Summit

… Premier platform set to translate $8 billion inclusive capital roadmap into measurable action

[Lagos, Nigeria] – May, 2026 – The Impact Investors Foundation (IIF), Nigeria’s leading platform for unlocking impact capital, today hosted the 4th Gender Impact Investment Summit (GIIS). The landmark event featured the historic unveiling of the Inclusive Capital Scorecard, a Gender Equity and Social Inclusion Baseline report, which establishes a foundation and clear understanding for GESI integration practices in impact investment.

The summit, themed “From Commitment to Action: Strengthening Inclusive Gender Lens Investment for Nigeria’s Growth,” convened at a critical juncture for deepening the Nigeria’s National Women Economic Empowerment policy. Building on the momentum of previous years, where over 50 organizations pledged support for inclusive capital, the 4th GIIS serves as the definitive platform to translate high-level pledges into tangible, measurable results for women, youth, and the over 35 million Nigerians living with disabilities.

The centerpiece of this year’s summit was the GESI baseline survey, which serves as a reference point for tracking progress, informing interventions, and strengthening accountability toward achieving the national inclusive capital roadmap. It also features a policy roundtable, where regulators, ministries and government agencies made actionable commitments to strengthen cross-sector collaboration, and accelerate policy implementation for women, youths and persons with disabilities (PwD) in key economic sectors, including climate resilient industries.  “The GESI Baseline Report is more than a document; it is the data-driven foundation required to fix structural barriers in our financial system,” stated Etemore Glover, CEO of the Impact Investors Foundation. “While women own nearly 40% of Nigerian businesses, they receive a disproportionately small share of formal credit. This report empowers stakeholders to identify acute gaps and benchmark progress as we move toward a truly inclusive economy.”

Ibukun Awosika, Chair of GSG Nigeria Partner and Vice Chair of GSG Impact, emphasised the significance of this milestone at the 4th GIIS: “By providing the data-driven foundation needed to benchmark progress, it demands that stakeholders not only mobilise inclusive capital at scale but also embed GESI and gender lens investment principles into every investment decision and policy. This summit is the definitive platform to close investment gaps, unlocking Nigeria’s full economic potential and ensuring our growth is truly equitable and transformative.”

The 4th Gender Impact Investment Summit (GIIS) acts as a vehicle to dismantle obstacles for women, serving as a catalyst for growth by actively driving impact to accommodate women, including those in the informal labour market. It moves beyond rhetoric to institutionalise accountability by encouraging organisations to not only track how capital is raised, but also the type of capital deployed, jobs created, enterprise growth, geographic reach, and measurable inclusion outcomes.

Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) are increasingly recognized as critical leverage points; by addressing the institutional gaps that leave women, youths and persons with disabilities-led businesses under-resourced, Nigeria can catalyze a new wave of data-driven investment and productivity.

The keynote address, ‘Turning Gender Equity into Economic Advantage,’ presented by His Highness Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II CON, Sarkin Kano, stressed the need for the intentional dismantling of structural barriers that hinder women’s financial inclusion, noting that gender equality is not merely a social imperative but a critical economic lever for national prosperity.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/05/18/masterchef-nigeria-food-meets-fashion/

To facilitate immediate economic impact, the 4th GIIS introduced enhanced Deal Rooms, operating both virtually and in-person. These rooms are specifically designed to provide a direct matchmaking pipeline, connecting investors with ready-to-scale, women-led enterprises, leading to a soft commitment of about $250,000 from investors.

In addition, the summit featured technical sessions which emphasised institutional capacity building, equipping both public and private sector actors with the GESI diagnostic tools, investment readiness tools and data capturing frameworks necessary to mainstream GESI and gender lens investing (GLI) into their core operations.

The economic urgency of this intervention is underscored by current data showing a stark inclusion gap: only 23% of Nigerian women have bank accounts, compared to 77% of men. By providing credible, first-of-its-kind data, the IIF is positioning the GESI Roadmap as a strategic necessity for sustainable national growth.

The summit featured high-level participation from financial institutions, Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), and policymakers. Through interactive panels and policy conversations, leaders were invited to move beyond discourse and lead in GESI integration, utilizing the new report to influence future policy and investment strategies.

The 4th Gender Impact Investment Summit reaffirms IIF’s role as a strategic architect in the Nigerian investment market, dedicated to establishing actionable interventions that ensure no one is left behind in the pursuit of prosperity.

About Impact Investors Foundation

The Impact Investors Foundation (IIF) is a nonprofit organization driving impact investing in Nigeria. Through knowledge sharing, policy advocacy, and capacity building and research, it unlocks domestic and international capital for high-impact investments. IIF has spearheaded major initiatives, including the establishment of the Nigerian National Advisory Board for Impact Investing (NABII), which secured government backing for the $1 billion Nigerian Wholesale Impact Investment Fund (WIIF) to finance MSMEs. Other notable programs include Deal Source Africa, which has facilitated $1.9 million in deals, and the Nigerian Impact Investment and Industry Research Collaborative (NIIRIC), which promotes research commercialisation. Additionally, its Enterprise Support Organization (ESO) Collaborative has empowered over 200 organizations to help businesses become investment-ready, thereby contributing to sustainable development and economic growth in Nigeria.  Visit www.impactinvestorsfoundation.org to learn more.

About the Gender Impact Investment Summit

The Gender Impact Investment Summit is a robust platform that convenes stakeholders to address the gender financing gap in Nigeria. By bringing together key stakeholders, showcasing innovative models, and facilitating meaningful discussions, the summit aims to accelerate progress towards a more inclusive and equitable investment landscape.

Building on the commitments to Inclusive Capital made by over 50 organizations during the 3rd Gender Impact Investment Summit, where the Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI) Roadmap 2025–2035 was officially launched, this upcoming summit is designed to translate pledges into measurable action. The event will serve as a platform to present baseline data, highlight the tangible progress achieved by organisations leading the charge in capital inclusion, and foster a deeper understanding of best practices and innovative approaches. Visit https://gs.impactinvestorsfoundation.org/ to learn more.

MasterChef Nigeria: Food Meets Fashion

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MasterChef Nigeria: Food Meets Fashion

This week, the MasterChef Nigeria kitchen turned up the heat as the home cooks faced one of the competition’s most demanding tests yet the very first team challenge. The team challenge was built around the two ingredients essential to every successful kitchen: leadership and teamwork.

For many, it was unfamiliar territory. Cooking under pressure is one thing, but trusting others, communicating effectively and working together against the ticking clock proved to be an entirely different challenge.

Adding an extra layer of excitement to the challenge, the home cooks were tasked with drawing inspiration from the vibrant and expressive world of Nigerian fashion. To help steer and judge this unique culinary showcase, the MasterChef Nigeria kitchen welcomed renowned fashion expert and founder of Zinkata, Ezinne Chinkata, as guest judge.

Bringing the energy and glamour of the runway into the kitchen, Ezinne introduced eight models fresh from Lagos Fashion Week, setting the stage for a challenge where fashion and food collided in spectacular style.

In a challenge where presentation was just as important as flavour, each team was tasked with creating four dishes inspired by the looks worn by the models. From bold prints and striking colours to intricate textures and silhouettes, every plate had to serve as an edible interpretation of Nigerian fashion transforming runway style into culinary artistry.

Having secured victory in last week’s challenge, Fads entered the MasterChef Nigeria kitchen with a valuable advantage the opportunity to select her first teammate. Without hesitation, she chose Demilade, setting the tone for what would become a closely coordinated Red Team.

Made up of Fads, Demilade, Loye and Favy, the Red Team approached the challenge with structure and intention. Under the leadership of Demilade, the team carefully mapped out their menu, ensuring that every dish aligned with the brief and that each home cook had a clearly defined role in bringing their culinary vision to life.

On the other side of the kitchen, the Blue Team — led by David embraced a more free-flowing and instinctive approach to marrying the worlds of fashion and food. However, with differing creative perspectives in the heat of competition, tensions soon surfaced, leading to an unexpected and spirited clash between Isabella and David as the pressure of the challenge mounted.

Despite their challenges, the Blue Team’s organic approach ultimately paid off. Their bold interpretation of the brief impressed the judges, earning them victory and proving that in the MasterChef kitchen, there is more than one recipe for success.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/05/18/iquo-ukoh-and-lolu-akinwunmi-to-chair-the-2026-cmo-circle/

Next week the members of the Red Team, Demilade, Fads, Loye and Favy enter the MasterChef Nigeria kitchen for the competition’s very first Pressure Test. Who will rise to the occasion and survive the heat — and whose MasterChef journey will come to an end?

Produced by Primedia Group, MasterChef Nigeria is supported by a strong coalition of leading Nigerian brands, including headline sponsor Power Oil, alongside Indomie, Dano Milk, Malta Guinness, Sonia Tomato, Kiara Rice, Golden Penny Flour, Golden Penny Sugar, Golden Penny Garri, Golden Penny Semolina, Golden Penny Chocolate Spread, and Golden Penny Wheat.

The show airs weekly on Sundays at 7 pm on Africa Magic Showcase and Africa Magic Family with rebroadcast on Wednesdays at 6 pm on Africa Magic Showcase and Thursdays at 12 pm on Africa Magic Family.

For more information and a chance to win great prizes, visit www.masterchefnigeria.com and follow the conversation on social media: Facebook: MasterChef Nigeria | Instagram: @masterchefngr | TikTok: @masterchefngr | X (formerly Twitter): @masterchefngr

Iquo Ukoh And Lolu Akinwunmi To Chair The 2026 CMO Circle

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Iquo Ukoh And Lolu Akinwunmi To Chair The 2026 CMO Circle

The CMO Circle—Nigeria’s premier, invitation-only forum for Chief
Marketing Officers and senior marketing leaders—announces Iquo Ukoh
and Lolu Akinwunmi as Co-Chairs for its 2026 convening. Designed as a
high-trust, executive platform, the Circle brings together the most
influential voices in marketing to shape strategy at the highest levels
of business and public policy.

Convened by MarkHack in partnership with StatiSense and Brand
Communicator, the CMO Circle operates at the intersection of enterprise
leadership and national development. Beyond dialogue, the Circle
institutionalizes its influence through the quarterly CMO Index—a
flagship publication that aggregates executive sentiment, market
intelligence, and forward-looking insights to inform policy
conversations and economic decision-making. In doing so, the Circle
positions marketing leadership as a critical voice in shaping
Nigeria’s business environment and policy direction.

As Co-Chairs, Ukoh and Akinwunmi will curate and lead high-level
discussions focused on innovation, talent density, enterprise growth,
and the expanding mandate of the CMO within the C-suite. Their
stewardship reinforces the Circle’s role as a convening
authority—one that not only reflects industry thinking but actively
defines it.

Ukoh, Chief Executive Officer of Entod Marketing and former Director of
Marketing Services at Nestlé Nigeria, is widely regarded for her
leadership in brand strategy, consumer engagement, and cultural
storytelling. Akinwunmi, Group CEO of Prima Garnet (Ogilvy Nigeria),
brings decades of experience advising leading national and multinational
brands, alongside a distinguished record of industry leadership.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/05/18/guinness-adds-more-glamour-and-moments-to-amvca-with-best-dressed-voters-choice-award-immersive-brand-moments/

Commenting on the announcement, Dr. Victor ’Gbenga Afolabi, Convener
of MarkHack and the CMO Circle, stated:

“The CMO Circle is intentionally designed as a premium,
outcomes-driven platform—one that moves marketing leadership beyond
the boardroom into the sphere of policy influence. With Iquo Ukoh and
Lolu Akinwunmi as Co-Chairs, we are setting a clear tone of authority,
depth, and relevance. Through the CMO Index and our quarterly
convenings, the Circle will play a defining role in shaping both
industry direction and policy dialogue.”

The inaugural 2026 session, themed “The C-Suite Mandate: Talent
Density and Marketing Leadership,” will convene a curated network of
CMOs and business leaders, reinforcing the Circle’s position as the
definitive forum for strategic influence, peer exchange, and
policy-relevant insight in Nigeria’s marketing ecosystem.

Guinness Adds More Glamour And Moments To AMVCA With Best Dressed Voters’ Choice Award, Immersive Brand Moments

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Guinness Adds More Glamour And Moments To AMVCA With Best Dressed Voters’ Choice Award, Immersive Brand Moments

Lagos, Nigeria – May 2026

At the 12th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), Guinness took centre stage by blending high fashion and pop-culture moments with fan engagement through its sponsorship of the Guinness Best Dressed Voters’ Choice Award. Hosted on the Guinness Most Rated platform, the initiative handed the power to the fans, allowing them to vote for the night’s most iconic and their favourite celebrity looks from the night.

Reality TV stars Sultana Auduson Ibrahim and Faith Adewale emerged as winners in the female and male categories, respectively. Both winners were awarded a ₦1 million cash prize for their standout style. With more than 25,000 votes recorded, the platform proved to be a massive digital hit and drove the bulk of post-event conversation online.

The brand also sponsored the Best Director award, which was won by Akinola Davies Jr., director of My Father’s Shadow, a film that also took home the coveted Best Movie award.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/05/18/chivita-strengthens-wellness-strategy-to-expand-nigeria-fruit-juice-market-share/

Further amplifying its presence, Guinness celebrated African creativity through live performances by Nigerian music stars Tiwa, Fave, and BNXN. The brand also delivered immersive experiences through its Guinness Black Carpet, fan engagement lounge, and its continued presence at the official after-party, rounding off with a strong and visible brand participation across the AMVCA.

This level of engagement points to the brand’s obsession with its consumers; a commitment to showing up consistently in the spaces that matter most to them. By fueling and celebrating these moments, Guinness cements its role as a primary driver of creative culture, pushing forward the bold style and storytelling that define modern Africa.

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