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Unity Bank Holds 10th Edition of Corpreneurship Challenge; Agropreneurs, Others Win N10M Business Grant 

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AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Retail lender, Unity Bank Plc has extended N10 million business grant to 30 members of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, who took part in the 10th edition of the Bank’s flagship Entrepreneurship Development Initiative, known as Corpreneurship Challenge.  

The winners, including upcoming entrepreneurs developing innovative solutions in several business value chains such as Honey production, Rice, and Snail farming, among others, claimed top positions after participating in a business pitch that took place across 10 state NYSC Orientation Camps – Katsina, Kano, Kwara, Imo, Rivers, Delta, Sokoto, Edo, Akwa-Ibom, and Osun recently. 

At the NYSC Orientation camp at Ikot Itie Udung, Nsit Atai, Akwa Ibom State,  Azegba Chimuanya Perpetual, who pitched business on honey production emerged as the overall winner to clinch the N500,000 grand prize; while Iyorwa Kater Israel, a budding commercial rice farmer won N300,000 grant. Similarly, Egelonu Emmanuel Friday walked away with a N200,000 grant to support his Snail farming business.  

In the remaining nine states, no fewer than twenty-seven other winners also emerged, after pitching business plans across various economic segments including Fish production, Poultry farming, Fashion, Soap and Cake making, Printing, Piggery, Beverage making, etc. 

The Unity Bank Corpreneurship Challenge, which has proved its invaluable social benefit as an entrepreneurship development and job creation platform since its inception receives applications from thousands of serving NYSC Corp members. These business plans are then evaluated based on their originality, marketability, future employability potential of the product, and knowledge of the business. 

Speaking during the grand finale in Akwa Ibom State, Unity Bank’s Head of Retail and SME Banking Group, Dr. Opeyemi Ojesina said the Unity Bank Corpreneurship Challenge has earned its pride of place in Nigeria as one of the country’s foremost business incubation platform and entrepreneurship development. 

He said, “Unity Bank has sustained this Corpreneurship Challenge for the past five years, and throughout the period we have witnessed the tremendous impact it has had on youth empowerment and job creation in the country.  And I believe that the innovative approach to entrepreneurship which the programme has adopted has enabled us to seamlessly integrate financial support, mentorship, and skill development to foster the growth of aspiring entrepreneurs.” 

He added, “At its core, the initiative addresses the unique challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises, as they recognize the sector as the backbone of economic development. And Unity Bank’s commitment to financial inclusion is exemplified through tailored financial solutions that empower corp members to actualize their business dreams.” 

Ojesina further explained that “the mentorship provided to participants adds unparalleled value, as it connects corp members with seasoned professionals who provide insights, guidance, and a roadmap for success,” emphasizing how Unity Bank recognizes that true empowerment extends beyond financial assistance to honing entrepreneurial skills”. 

The Corpreneurship Challenge has earned the Bank national recognition for its impact on youth empowerment and job creation, just as the scheme continues to elicit growing interest among the corps members, attracting over 2000 applicants and participation in every edition.   

In partnership with the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development, SAED, the initiative prominently features a business pitch presentation that provides the participants with the opportunity to present their business plans and stand a chance to win up to N500,000 cash in the business grant.   

So far, Unity Bank has invested over N100 million in the initiative which has now produced 148 winners since it was launched.  

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Ethnos Unveils Aquila, an AI Powered Mobile Application Security Platform, at Zenith Bank Tech Fair 2023

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AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Ethnos, a cybersecurity firm based in Lagos Nigeria, marked a significant milestone at the Tech Fair 2023 organized by Zenith Bank by introducing Aquila, a mobile application scanning and security solution. This strategic move solidifies Ethnos’ position as an innovative cybersecurity firms in the country, showcasing their commitment to advancing cybersecurity through groundbreaking innovation.

The introduction of Aquila was took at the just concluded Tech Fair 2023, where Ethnos captivated technology enthusiasts, stakeholders and spectators with an  impressive display of their world-class mobile application solution.

Peter Ejiofor, the Chief Executive Officer of Ethnos expressed his enthusiasm for the invitation to the fair by Zenith Bank Plc, highlighting the confidence and trust the bank has placed in Ethnos over the years.

Ejiofor stated, “Being part of this event is a testament to the level of confidence Zenith Bank and the organizers have in us. Our longstanding relationship with the bank has been instrumental in establishing this trust. We are here to showcase our expertise, built over decades in the cybersecurity domain, and highlight our commitment to providing top-notch solutions.”

Addressing the media, Ejiofor explained, “that Aquila is a powerful software that scans .apk, ipa files for vulnerabilities, including comprehensive protection and monitoring of your mobile apps for potential threats. This development aligns with our mission to bring world-class cybersecurity solutions to their customers and empower local talent in the field.”

Olamide Ajayi, head, development for Aquila, emphasized the significance of their product, stating, “Aquila is security platform that scans mobile apps for insceure data storage, insecure communications, weak authentication, insufficient cryptography, weak authorisation, client code quality, code tampering and lots more. The platform also prevents your app from reverse engineering and safeguarding it against cyber threats. It is a must-have solution for organisations that have mobile application ensuring the security of their products from breaches.”

In addition to aquila, Ethnos also presented her cost efficient Managed SIEM solution designed for cyber threat monitoing, prevention and remediation. Miracle Chukwudebe, a Security Architect with Ethnos, highlighted their focus on providing affordable cybersecurity solutions for small businesses. “We understand the budget constraints faced by SMEs, and that’s why we offer Managed Security solutions that are cost-effective.”

Ejiofor concluded, “As an organization, we take pride in our world-class team, comprising Security Architects, Implementers, Engineers, Consultants, Developers, Product Managers, and Customer Experience Personnel. Working diligently to ensure the safety of their clients’ cyber assets.”

Ethnos also showcased some of their security solutions including Security Training, Managed Security Services, Compliance Certification (BAU), CISO as a Service.  The event also served as a platform to announce their latest offerings, particularly in the realm of Managed SIEM Platform, designed to improve the protection of digital asset.

The Zenith Bank Tech Fair 2023, dedicated to fostering a deeper understanding and utilization of emerging technologies, features Zecathon, providing startups and tech enthusiasts with a platform to present innovative solutions.

The fair also includes a tech exhibition with leading IT firms, spanning cybersecurity solution providers to Fintechs. Exceptional ideas presented at the fair stand a chance to win grants and support from Zenith Bank.Ethnos is a leading indigenous cybersecurity firm committed to providing world-class cybersecurity solutions.

With decades of experience, Ethnos has established itself as a trusted partner for businesses, offering a comprehensive suite of services to safeguard against cyber threats.

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Transcorp Plc Wins Four Awards at the International Business Magazine Awards 2023

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AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Transnational Corporation Plc (Transcorp) has won four awards at the International Business Magazine Awards 2023, highlighting the company’s outstanding performance and dedication to corporate governance, as well as environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards.

The company emerged victorious in four key categories: Most Diversified Conglomerate in Nigeria 2023, Best Corporate Governance Company Nigeria 2023, Best ESG Conglomerate in Nigeria 2023, and Best CSR Initiatives Nigeria 2023.

Transcorp Plc has long been a trailblazer in the industry, and these awards serve as a testament to the company’s unwavering commitment to excellence across various parts of its operations.

International Business Magazine conducts its annual awards ceremony annually to commemorate the top companies of Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia and The Americas. 

Transcorp Group is a publicly quoted Conglomerate with a shareholder base of approximately 300,000. The Group’s diverse portfolio comprises strategic investments in the Power, Hospitality, and Energy sectors. Among its notable businesses are Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Transcorp Hotels Calabar, Transcorp Power, Transafam Power, and Transcorp Energy.

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SANWO-OLU HAILS MORAYO AFOLABI-BROWN’S APPOINTMENT AS MD OF TVCe

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AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated popular television presenter, Dr. Morayo Afolabi-Brown, on her appointment as the Managing Director of TVCe, the Entertainment Channel of TVC Communications. 

He said the new role given to Afolabi-Brown, the host of the TVC’s breakfast programme, ‘Your View’ is well deserved. 

Governor Sanwo-Olu in a statement issued on Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, said Afolabi-Brown’s appointment as Managing Director of TVCe is inspirational to young media practitioners that they can get to the top position of their career with hardwork, commitment and discipline. 

He said: “The appointment of Dr. Morayo Afolabi-Brown as the Managing Director of TVCe, the Entertainment Channel of TVC Communications, is deserving having distinguished herself at TVC Communications and the media industry for almost two decades. 

“Morayo Afolabi-Brown is one of the most influential women presenters not only in Nigeria but Africa. She has been recognised as one of the top 25 most influential women in Journalism Africa (WIJA) 2020 where she ranked 18th on the list. 

“I believe strongly that Morayo Afolabi-Brown’s new appointment is an inspiration to young media practitioners, particularly members of staff of TVC Communications, that they can get to the top of their career in the company if they put in a little more than is expected from them by their employers.

“Morayo Afolabi-Brown’s new role attests to her exceptional track record of achievements in TVC Communications as a former Deputy Director of Programmes TVC News, where she created content on three independent channels for broadcast. She has also made a lot of impact as a host in addressing basic issues in society through the TVC’s breakfast show ‘Your View,’ programme.

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