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Access Holdings confirms passing away of MD, Herbert Wigwe, wife, & son

By Favour Nnabugwu

 

The Board of Directors, Access Holdings Plc  has confirmed the passing of Dr. Herbert Wigwe, CFR, the Company’s founding Group Chief Executive Officer and former Group Managing Director of its flagship subsidiary, Access Bank Plc.

Dr. Wigwe died alongside his wife and son on Friday, February 9, 2024, in a helicopter accident in the United States of America.

The entire Access Family mourns the loss of Herbert, Doreen and Chizi. We extend our deep and sincere sympathies to his family and loved ones. Dr. Wigwe was a key driving force and a larger-than-life personality who brought his remarkable passion, energy, and experience to the transformation of the Access franchise since joining the Bank in 2002.

Commenting on the passage of Dr. Wigwe, Mr. Abubakar Jimoh, Chairman of Access Holdings said:

“The Access Family has suffered a major loss with the passing of Dr. Wigwe who was a great friend and fine gentleman. He had a prodigious intellect, admirable personal qualities, and vast business experience which he brought to bear on the Access Family and for which we owe him a debt of gratitude.

We remain confident that the Access Group will build further on Dr. Wigwe’s legacy of growth and operational excellence.”

Dr. Wigwe was instrumental in the growth of Access Bank, which he co-founded with his friend and business partner Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede. He took over as Access Bank Group CEO in 2014, focusing on the Bank’s expansion in Nigeria and Africa before taking the helm at Access Holdings in 2022. Under his leadership, Access Bank drove its African strategy to become Sub Saharan Africa’s largest retail bank by customer base.

Dr. Wigwe was a member of the Access Bank UK board as well as the board of the Nigerian Business Coalition Against AIDS (NiBUCAA). He has long been an advocate for the eradication of malaria in Africa, working with the Corporate Alliance on Malaria to support this objective.

He also sat on the board of the Nigerian Mortgage Refinance Company and Friends Africa and was an honorary member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria and a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and Institute of Credit Administration.

A two-time winner of the African Banker of the Year award from the African Banker Awards, Dr. Wigwe was a passionate advocate of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which form the bedrock of Access Holdings’ growth strategy.

His academic credentials include a degree in Accounting from the University of Nigeria, an MA in Banking and Finance from the University College of North Wales (now Bangor University), and an MSc in Financial Economics from the University of London. He also completed the Harvard Business School Executive Management Program.

Dr. Wigwe recently founded Wigwe University, Africa’s first ivy league institution dedicated to providing a world-class education and raising the next generation of fearless leaders.

Patoma Admin by — February 11, 2024 in Banking & Finance 0
AFCON 2023: Nigeria overpower South Africa 4-2 on penalties to reach Cup Final

By  Favour Nnabugwu 

 

 

Nigeria stepped gingerly into the Championship Match of the 34th Africa Cup of Nations after a turgid 120 minutes battle with South Africa that eventually went into a nail-biting penalty shootout in Cote d’Ivoire’s second city, Bouake on Wednesday.

The game ended 1-1 after extra time and the Super Eagles triumphed 4-2 after penalties.

It was dubbed the “Ampiano Derby’ but there was so much piggybacking on the game, and as the players stepped onto the turf of the Stade de la Paix, it was obvious that they were determined to fight a ‘war’.

Sphephelo Sithole got his leg to a through ball as the Bafana Bafana poured forward in the quarter-hour, but Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali would never be beaten that way. Minutes later, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman combined to pull something out of the chestnut, but the defenceline of Teboho Mokoena, Aubrey Mobida and Siyanda Xulu was very much on the alert.

Nwabali was again on the alert in the 28th minute to break the heart of Percy Tau, and nine minutes later, Alex Iwobi’s shot from the edge of the box was too feeble to rattle goalkeeper and captain Ronwen Williams.

In the 39th minute, Nwabali again denied Tau as the forward concocted a chip. At the other end, Osimhen failed to direct his header well when Ola Aina sped down the left and heaved the ball into the opposition box.

Osimhen again failed to direct his header properly in the 57th minute. Eight minutes later, Nigeria earned a penalty after the tireless Osimhen was upended in the box as he went on a sharp solo. William Ekong made no mistake from the spot.

In the 72nd minute, the combination of Osimhen, substitute Chukwueze and Lookman had the Bafana defence flat-footed, only for Osimhen to get too much purchase on the ball when he tried to find Lookman for the final delivery.

Evidence Magkopa got behind the Nigeria defence in the 75th minute and watched his fierce shot roll aimlessly away. For a response, Chukwueze and Aribo combined to set Lookman free in the middle, but the striker was checkmated.

With five minutes left, the Eagles broke forward in a sweeping team move. The irrepressible Lookman sped away from the middle and found Bright Osayi-Samuel on the right, and the defender’s cross screened goalkeeper Williams to allow Osimhen a simple tap-in. After ruling it a goal, Egyptian referee Amin Mohamed Omar’s attention was called to an earlier incident in the Nigerian box, and he instead awarded a penalty to South Africa, converted by Teboho Mokoena.

In extra time, Lookman watched his shot parried by Williams, who then saved a shot by Osimhen. Osimhen headed just slightly over the bar as Nigeria searched for a means to end the encounter without going into penalty shootout.

In the ensuing penalty shootout, Williams, who had saved four in the shootout against Cape Verde that saw the Bafana Bafana reach the last four, could not stop any of Nigeria’s kicks. Only Ola Aina booted his kick over the sticks. Terem Moffi, Kenneth Omeruo, Ekong and Kelechi Iheanacho all scored, while Nwabali saved two of South Africa’s kicks and was duly named Man of the Match.

In the event, Nigeria will play in the Final of the continent’s flagship football competition for the eighth time.

The Super Eagles will take on tournament surprise team and hosts Cote d’Ivoire in the Final on Sunday night at the 60,000 – capacity Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Ebimpe, outside Abidjan.

Patoma Admin by — February 8, 2024 in Metro 0
President Bola Tinubu’s daughter, Mujidat Folasade Tinubu-Ojo to receive Award in Berlin on Nov. 18

By Favour Nnabugwu 

 

 

 

The eldest daughter of Nigeria‘s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chief (Mrs) Mujidat Folasade Tinubu-Ojo will be honoured in the German capital city on 18 November.

Chief (Mrs) Mujidat Folasade Tinubu-Ojo, an astute business woman and indefatigable social entrepreneur, will receive an award for her tireless efforts to promote trade and investment in Nigeria at the 1st Hope Renewal Africa Awards in Berlin.

The event, christened ‘International Recognition for Outstanding Contributions to Agricultural Business Development in Nigeria’ and jointly organised by AGB Paulas, African Courier Media and German Agribusiness Alliance, aims to promote deeper trade relations between Germany and Nigeria.

L- Ambrose Okojie, CEO of ABG Paulus (left), and Chief (Mrs) Folasade Tinubu-Ojo in Abuja/Photo: ABG Paulus

 

Ambrose Okojie, CEO of AGB Paulas, a Germany-based international business facilitation company, said the awards will honour public and private actors who are playing an important role in repositioning Nigeria as an attractive destination for trade and investment, especially in agribusiness.

As the Iyaloja General of Lagos (Matron of Markets in Lagos), Dr (Mrs) Tinubu-Ojo promotes the interests of traders in Lagos State and is currently extending her influence across the country by being a chief advocate for improved ease of doing business in Nigeria,” Mr Okojie said.

“It’s gratifying to note that the Iyaloja is channelling her experience, knowledge and networks in support of her father’s administration,” Okojie added.

Passionate about putting gender equality at the heart of economic development, Chief (Mrs) Tinubu-Ojo, who is usually addressed as Iyaloja General of Nigeria, also partners with both local and international NGOs with track records of excellence in women inclusion.

Also explaining the rationale for the Awards, Femi Awoniyi, CEO of the African Courier Media, said all efforts must be made to support democratically elected governments in Africa so that they can meet the expectations of their citizens.

“Recent coups in Africa show that many governments are not delivering the dividends of democracy which provide the excuse for military intervention,” he added.

“It’s therefore important now more than ever to back democratically elected governments in their development efforts. We are therefore proud to partner AGB Paulas and German Agribusiness Alliance.”

“This Award is also a recognition of the Iyaloja’s dedicated work to women’s economic empowerment. We hope she will continue to inspire many young women in Nigeria to create a better future for generations to come”, Awoniyi commented.

Among other dignitaries who will received International Recognition for Outstanding Contributions to Agricultural Business Development in Nigeria on 18 November are HRH Anslem Eidenojie II (The Ojuromi Of Uromi Kingdom), and top officials of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, consisting of Dr Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe (Permanent Secretary), Engr A. M. Adebiyi (Director, Agribusiness and Market Development), Engr Frank Satumari Kudla (Director, Rural Development), and Engr Dr Taye Samaila Tehinse (Deputy Director, Rural Development).

Other awardees who have distinguished themselves in the development of agribusiness in Germany are Mr Frank Nordmann, General Manager, Grimme Germany, and Co-Chairman, German Agribusiness Alliance, Dr Karl-Heinz Knoop, Managing Director, Riela Germany, and Dr Franz -Georg von Busse, General Representative, Poettinger Austria.

The award ceremony will cap week-long activities, including visits to German companies by the visiting Nigerian delegation.

The delegates will also attend Agritechnica, one of the most prestigious international trade fairs in agriculture, from 12 to 18 November in Hanover. The event is also an excellent opportunity for networking, exploring the latest advancements in agriculture, and fostering collaboration between Nigerian companies and their international counterparts.

“We are convinced that collaborative partnership is the best way to deepen German-Nigerian business relations,” Okojie said.

Patoma Admin by — September 22, 2023 in Metro 0
Fountain of Life Church Family G.O, Pastor Taiwo Odukoya dies in US

By Favour Nnabugwu

 

The Fountain of Life Church Family headquarters in Lagos has announced the death of their founding pastor, Taiwo Odukoya (67).

The church disclosed this via its official Facebook page on Tuesday, adding he passed on in the United States.

“The Fountain of Life Church Family, in total submission to the will of God almighty, announces the passing unto greater glory of our father, teacher, a great servant of the most high God, pastor Daniel Taiwo Odukoya, Founding Pastor of The Fountain of Life Church, who passed unto glory on the 7th of August 2023 in the USA.

“We are in total submission to you LORD!!! We thank the Lord for the gift of a greater leader!!!” the church wrote while not providing details of the cause of his details.

Recall that in November, 2021, his wife, Pastor Nomthi Odukoya, died after battling with cancer.

Patoma Admin by — August 9, 2023 in Metro 0
Africa’s population hit 1.5 bn, now 17.89% of world population

By Favour Nnabugwu
Africa’s current population is said to be at 1,463,378,937 as of August 1, 2023 with the continent population put at 17.89 percent of the total world population, according to the most recent United Nations projections
While the largest population growth between 2022 to 2050 is projected to come from the countries of sub-Saharan Africa, there are countries on the continent that currently have a substantial population.
More than half of the world’s predicted population expansion between now and 2050 will come from just eight nations, five of which are African: the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia,  Nigeria and Tanzania  while the three other are Pakistan, the Philippines, and India.
The world population is expected to reach 8.5 billion people by 2030, 9.7 billion by 2050, and 10.4 billion by 2080, where it will stay until 2100, according to the United Nations’ 2022 World Population Prospects report.
With over 140 million infants born each year, the world’s population is still growing, the pace of population growth has been gradually slowing for decades, even though the world’s population is projected to keep growing until around 2100.
For the first time since 1950, the pace of population growth on the planet dipped below 1 percent in 2020. The population growth rate maintains a downward trend that started in the 1970s when it was calculated in five-year intervals.
Africa currently stands as the fastest-growing economy in the world, boasting the youngest population of any region. As a result, the population growth prediction stated above juxtaposes numerous economic benefits with problems associated with poor management of population growth.
Africa’s status as a developing continent presents the opportunity to tap into its rapidly expanding population or stand the risk of running into massive socio-economic challenges.
Patoma Admin by — August 6, 2023 in Metro 0
40% of women in MSMEs – NBS

By Favour Nnabugwu

 

 

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has unveiled a major milestone for women in Nigeria’s business landscape says 40% of women are into Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)

According to the report titled “Country Data Overview,” women now own a remarkable 40% of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) nationwide, signifying a resounding triumph for gender equality and women empowerment in Nigeria’s business landscape.

The NBS findings highlight the momentous impact of women-owned MSMEs on the country’s economic growth and job creation. According to the report, these businesses, led by visionary women entrepreneurs, are emerging as pivotal drivers of Nigeria’s economic resurgence, contributing significantly to the nation’s development across diverse sectors.

From bustling urban hubs to remote rural
communities,

Further insights from the report revealed that Nigerian women are breaking barriers and redefining traditional gender roles in entrepreneurship. It noted that their unwavering determination and entrepreneurial acumen are reshaping the face of business ownership, inspiring a new generation of aspiring women leaders to take charge of their destinies.

The report also underscores the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, particularly in accessing finance, technology, and business support. NBS urged industry stakeholders, policymakers, and financial institutions to unite to create an enabling environment fostering women’s entrepreneurship.

“Targeted support, access to capital, and mentorship programs can propel these trailblazing women to even greater heights of success,” the report noted.

This remarkable surge in women’s entrepreneurship is not merely a statistical triumph but an affirmation of the transformative potential of gender inclusivity in Nigeria’s economic growth. “As the nation strives for sustainable development goals, empowering women-owned businesses will play a pivotal role in shaping a more vibrant and equitable society,” the report added.

Patoma Admin by — August 6, 2023 in Metro 0
Tower Saghana’s son, Best Saghana Weds Deborah Adesoga in Lagos

Wedding ceremony of the first son of Tower and Celestina Saghana, Best Okesebulogue Saghana in Lagos on April 29, 3023

CAPTIONS

Best Saghana, his mother, Celestina Saghana and Deborah Temitooe Saghana after the wedding yesterday

The New groom and bride, Best Saghana and Beborah Adesoga now Saghana

Best Saghana and wife, Deborah Temitooe Saghana (Nee Adesoga

Mother of the groom, Celestina Saghana, the groom, Best Saghana and standing in as the father of the groom, Mr Monday Okoh

 

Father of the bride, Mr Mudashiru Oseni and mother of bride, Mrs Abosede Adesoga

Father of the bride, Mr Mudashiru Oseni, groom, Best Saghana and mother of the bride, Abosede Adesoga

Mr & Mrs Best and Deborah Saghana

L- Mrs Abosede Adesoga, mother of the bride and mother of the groom, Mrs Celestina Saghana

Patoma Admin by — April 30, 2023 in Metro 2
Kelvin Egerue lays mother to rest in Imo

The Mother of Kelvin Egerue, Managing Editor of Champion Newspaper, died on January 8, 2023 and was buried on April 12, 2023 in Ehime Mbano LGA of Imo State

CAPTION

L– Kelvin Egerue, Managing Editor, Champion Newspapers, his senior brother Godwin Egerue and wife Mrs Rosaline Egerue listening to advise from Very Rev Fr Patrick Iwuchukwu Egerue shortly after the burial of late Mrs Anne Chinyere Egerue which held on April 12, 2023.

Patoma Admin by — April 12, 2023 in Metro 0
NIS family produces the First Head of  Mission, IPC-Nigeria – CGI Jere.

By Favour Nnabugwu
The Comptroller General , Immigration Service, Isah Jere Idris (MFR) has commended the World Chairman International Peace Commission for confirming the appointment of Amb Hussaini Haruna Coomassie as the Head of Mission International Peace Commission (IPC)-Nigeria.
This was made known when Dr Coomassie and his team paid a courtesy visit to the Immigration Boss at the Service Headquarters to show appreciation to the service for it’s effort during the process of his confirmation.
Jere appreciated the effort and doggedness of Dr Coomassie for being a worthy Ambassador of NIS and Nigeria. He promised to look into some issues brought up by the Head of Mission, International Peace Commission (IPC-Nigeria) to move the service forward.
He also promised that before the end of the Buhari administration, printing of passports would commence in Nigeria. And that staff welfare is one of his major focus areas of leadership for the Service.
“I would like to congratulate you on this appointment as an Ambassador of Peace. It is by the grace of God that you are there and NIS has played an important role in your confirmation because, we were contacted and we told them who you are, behold today, you are confirmed.”
” We are working hard to secure our borders and, thankfully, with the approval of Mr. President, the NIS has secured the go-ahead for E-Border. Because with the massive nature of our boarders, it is only with technology that we can effectively secure it.
“We pray that you support our efforts in asking for more fundings from the Federal Government and donour agencies too. We do not necessarily require money from them but logistics to enable us maintain the borders so we can be at peace”, he said.
Speaking earlier, Amb. Hussaini Coomassie called on the CGI to, as a matter of urgency, look into certain areas in the NIS that are of concern to Nigerians. On his own part, the Head of Mission promised to do everything in his power that will draw the attention of the government to increase funding for the NIS.
“Immigration needs more allocation to operate optimally in the 21st century. The lack of fundings for the NIS operations must not be allowed to continue. And we pray that you work on waiver and the printing of passports in Nigeria.
“Immigration need to be supported otherwise the borders will continue to  be poor. In Katsina State for example, you cannot differentiate a Katsina man from a man that hails from Niger Republic. That is because the boarders are porous and they enter without checks.
“We will push for immigration to have more allocation to be very effective, with lots of operational vehicles and other logistics.
Patoma Admin by — April 12, 2023 in Metro 0
PADIN promises to help people with disability, shares over 360 crutches

By Favour Nnabugwu
A nongovernmental organization, Poverty and Disability Initiative in Nigeria, (PADIN) has decried the increased rate of poverty among people disability in the country.
PADIN pained with the poverty rate of those living with disability promised to contribute their quota in filling the gap’
The NGO gave out over 360 crutches to persons living with disability at Karumajigi on Saturday
This much was said by the president and founder of the NGO, Olatunji Oladaya Lincoln while speaking with our correspondent on Saturday during the occasion of the distribution of clutches to people living with disability at the Disable colony, Karumajigi, a suburb in the Federal Capital Territory.
He maintained that there has been a lot of talk about taking care of the disabled once in Nigeria but nothing much has been done by the Government to alleviate the suffering of these persons, which he said prompted their Organization in collaboration with their partner, NCGI to deliver clutches to them, with the promise to make more deliveries in the nearest future.
He explained further, “I was born as a person with a disability, and if you look at over thirty million Nigerians that are persons with disabilities, we need people to fill the gap for them. The rate of poverty increases within the range of these persons within the disabled community is very high and alarming. Thank God I had the privilege to have gone to school.
And as the person with a disability that I am, I think I have to represent the thirty million people, I have to fill the gap too which is why you saw me here doing this for my people. They are my people,”
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Taiwo Ibukun Oluwa Okpeyo who is one of the volunteers for NCGI Nigeria, said, “Today we are partnering with PADIN to distribute clutches for disabled people here. Our main aim and objective is to hel people living with disability by giving them clutches, walking aides, and wheelchairs, and again we cater for elderly persons in our society. Most people have one form of deformity or the other.
Meanwhile, the project Director of PADIN, Christina Obinna Okafor explained why the choice of Karumajigi for the delivery of the clutches,
“We discovered that this Karumajigi is actually the disability colony in Abuja. This is where you have the majority of people living with a disability residing. So rather than going about seeking disabled people on the street we felt it is better we can come here”
‘When you talk to the chief there is actually somebody who is the leader of the people living with disability here which makes it easier to reach out to all manner of people living with disability, because they have them on record. Like you have seen they actually have the list, they have it typed out and it made our work easier.
She explained further that the joy they see on the faces of the recipients is what motivates them to want to do more, “As you saw on the NCJI T-shirt, we are sharing love, we are sharing passion, and we are sharing joy. It’s unbelievable the relief you see on the faces of these people.
“As we tagged it UNBURDEN, we are actually lifting off the burden of having to look for proteases for these people, because I don’t know when you look at them to get proteases like the clutches, or the wheelchairs it’s quite expensive.  And so when you have these things and you can give it out to them you are actually lifting lots of loads.
The Country Director of PADIN in Nigeria, Paul Mubuchi Ogbonna on his own part stressed that the job of trying to alleviate the suffering of the people living with a disability does not end at shearing clutches, “As a matter of fact we are going to be bringing a lot of things on the table like entrepreneurship. We are going to bring the such thing to the table to make them understand that they can be more useful to themselves in spite of their disability.
“We plan to move a lot of them out off the street and empower them, giving them entrepreneurship spirit. And it all starts with teaching. Once you are able to impact knowledge and education into someone you have helped the person.
.
Patoma Admin by — April 10, 2023 in Metro 0