ZENITH BANK TO HOST 10TH INTERNATIONAL TRADE SEMINAR, CHARTS PATH TO UNLOCKING GREATER VALUE IN NIGERIA’S NON-OIL EXPORT SECTOR
Zenith Bank Plc will host the 10th edition of its International Trade Seminar on Non-Oil Export on Tuesday, 25 August 2026, bringing together leading policymakers, regulators, exporters, manufacturers, investors and other key stakeholders to explore practical strategies for unlocking value and accelerating growth in Nigeria’s non-oil export sector.
Themed “Unlocking Value and Harnessing Growth in Non-Oil Export”, the virtual seminar will examine how Nigeria can move beyond exporting raw commodities to build globally competitive value chains, expand market access, strengthen trade infrastructure and financing, and deepen the contribution of non-oil exports to sustainable economic growth.
The high-level event will feature an impressive line-up of guest speakers, including the Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, H.E. Wamkele Mene; the Chief Executive Officer of Plot Enterprise Ghana Limited, Mrs Patricia Poku-Diaby; and the immediate past President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), Professor Benedict Oramah.
The seminar will also convene leading voices from the public and private sectors in two panel discussions. The first panel, dedicated to public sector perspectives, will bring together key stakeholders driving Nigeria’s trade, export, investment and economic development agenda. It will feature the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM Bank), Mr Abba Bello; the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Mr Adewale Adeniyi; the Director, Trade and Exchange Department, Central Bank of Nigeria, Ms Aderinola Shonekan; the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Mrs Aisha Rimi; and the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mrs Nonye Ayeni.
The second panel, focused on private sector perspectives, will feature the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Starlink Global & Ideal Limited, Alhaji Adeniji Adeyemi; the Group Executive Director, Dangote Group, Alhaji Sada Ladan-Baki; Senior Consultant at 3T Impex Trade Centre, Mr Bamidele Ayemibo; the Managing Director of Terra Aqua Environmental Consultancy Nigeria Limited, Alhaji Mobolaji Salako; the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of RMM Global, Mr Ramzi Taher; and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Lelook Nigeria Limited, Chief Mrs Chinwe Ezenwa.
The discussions will offer practical perspectives on trade facilitation, export financing, customs and port efficiency, regulation, market access, and the competitiveness of Nigerian businesses in regional and global markets.
A key focus of the seminar will be the African Continental Free Trade Area and its potential to open up a larger market for Nigerian goods and services while deepening intra-African trade. With the AfCFTA offering businesses access to a market of more than one billion people, the discussions will examine how Nigerian enterprises can leverage regional integration, build competitive value chains and seize emerging opportunities across the continent.
Zenith Bank has consistently championed conversations around trade and economic development. It remains at the forefront of efforts to support businesses seeking to participate more effectively in regional and international commerce. The Bank has also partnered with the AfCFTA Secretariat on initiatives to facilitate cross-border trade and expand access to opportunities across Africa.
Now in its 10th edition, the Zenith Bank International Trade Seminar has evolved into a leading platform for high-level dialogue on Nigeria’s trade and export ecosystem. Over the years, the seminar has brought together government, regulators, businesses, financial institutions, and other stakeholders to examine emerging trends, identify challenges, and proffer practical solutions to strengthen Nigeria’s position in global commerce.
The 2026 edition will build on this legacy, convening some of the most influential voices shaping Nigeria’s trade, investment and economic landscape around one critical question: how can Nigeria unlock greater value from its non-oil exports and translate its vast productive potential into sustainable economic growth?
The seminar will be held virtually and streamed live on Zoom, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, X, and TikTok, enabling participants in Nigeria and around the world to join the conversation. Interested participants can register at www.zenithbank.com/exportsem
Legal Storm Awaits AAC’s Doris Ogala as Federal High Court Sets October 28 Hearing
Before AAC Abia governorship candidate Doris Ogala claims a fresh health issue or another hospital admission, this piece serves as a firm reminder ahead of October 28. Regardless of past delays or excuses, she must appear at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, to answer the allegations against a popular Lagos clergyman
While observers wish her political career well, accountability remains non-negotiable. Doris Ogala must prove her allegations in court with verifiable evidence not media antics
Nigeria is a nation bound by the rule of law, and anyone who fails to substantiate public allegations must face the full weight of legal justice
Over the past year, Doris Ogala waged a persistent campaign against a well-known Lagos man of God, levying heavy allegations without concrete facts
While she claims to hold proof, October 28th at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi will be the ultimate test. Observers expect her to appear in court and present her evidence rather than staging another theatrical disappearance to escape legal accountability
With all eyes fixed on the Federal High Court in Ikoyi come October 28th, the public eagerly awaits the outcome as the wheels of justice begin to turn.
ROYAL GLAMOUR & TOWERING ACHIEVEMENT: CELEBRATING THE ICONIC OTUNBA ROTIMI AJANAKU
BY FISAYO AJIBOLA
A popular saying has it that “Greatness is not a teachable nor gainable thing, but the expression of the mind of a God-made great man.”.
When high society gathers to toast true greatness, few names evoke as much admiration, prestige, and quiet power as the God-made great man, Otunba Rotimi Ajanaku. Affectionately dubbed “Don Dino” by his sprawling network of elite friends and well-wishers, the celebrated business mogul, grassroots champion, and chieftain of Nigerian commerce turns another year older—and society is rolling out the red carpet.
Blessed with the unmistakable gait of a refined gentleman and an appetite for excellence, Otunba Ajanaku remains a proverbial goldfish with no hiding place. Today, high society celebrates not just a milestone birthday, but a remarkable journey of entrepreneurial genius, philanthropic impact, and visionary leadership.
*A Multi-Sector Empire Built on Vision*
Otunba Ajanaku’s rise in the business world reads like a masterclass in diversification and foresight. Over two decades ago, he ventured into the demanding oil and gas sector, a bold move that birthed Dux Oil—a major player expanding across upstream and downstream energy markets.
Yet, Don Dino’s midas touch extends far beyond energy:
*Hospitality & Tourism:*
As Chairman of Dino Hotels and owner of luxury leisure ventures, Ajanaku has consistently elevated Nigeria’s hospitality scene. His state-of-the-art beach resort development along the pristine Atlantic coastline at Ibeshe, Lagos, stands as a testament to his vision for world-class tourism.
*Real Estate Development:*
A quiet giant in property development, his portfolio features premium residential and commercial assets across key commercial hubs.
*Media & Broadcasting:*
Amplifying voices across the region, he established DUX FM, expanding his footprint into broadcast media and information technology. Watch out for the rebranding of Dux FM in Lagos in the next few weeks.
*Corporate Leadership:*
Recognizing his authority in modern commerce and data privacy, he was inducted as Vice President of the Institute of Data Processing Management of Nigeria (IDPM).
*The Heart of a Philanthropist & Grassroots Leader*
Beyond the boardroom and the glitter of high-society galas, Otunba Ajanaku’s true legacy lies in his devotion to human empowerment. As the Asiwaju Odo Oodua (Leader of Yoruba Youth), he has consistently poured resources into youth empowerment, educational scholarships, and local community development across Oyo State and South-West Nigeria.
Whether providing business grants to budding entrepreneurs or spearheading grassroots welfare drives, Don Dino exemplifies the noble tradition of wealth deployed in service of humanity.
*A Toast to the Birthday King*
A connoisseur of the finer things in life—from sleek, classic automobiles to jet-setting across world capitals—Otunba Rotimi Ajanaku balances high-octane luxury with deep-rooted humility and accessible charm.
As the champagne corks pop and tributes pour in from captains of industry, traditional rulers, and political heavyweights, we join the world in celebrating a stellar leader.
Here’s to Otunba Rotimi Ajanaku: May the years ahead bring even greater heights, radiant health, and boundless satisfaction.
Happy Birthday, Don Dino!
Happy Bithday World R.A!
Nigeria’s Finance Talent Pipeline Gets a New Benchmark, and Access Sets It
New data from CFA Society Nigeria is reshaping how the country’s financial sector thinks about talent development, with Access emerging as the single largest source of CFA candidates in Nigeria, a distinction industry watchers say signals a deeper shift in how leading institutions are building investment expertise from within.
In its Where Nigeria’s Finance Professionals Work series, published in a national daily, CFA Society Nigeria placed Access first among employers of CFA candidates nationwide, with 82 candidates enrolled in the programme, more than double the 38 recorded at the next-placed institution and well ahead of every other bank or financial services firm on the list. Access also ranked second among employers of CFA charterholders, with 11 professionals who have completed all three levels of the Programme and met its experience and ethics requirements.
For an industry that has long measured itself by balance sheet size and branch count, the rankings point to a different kind of competition: one over who is building the deepest bench of certified, globally credentialed talent. CFA Society Nigeria compiled the data from its Salesforce Membership Database as at June 2026, and described the exercise as a way of recognising employers whose people “bring rigour, integrity and global best practices into the workplace every day.”
Analysts following the sector say the outcome is notable less for the ranking itself than for what it suggests about talent strategy across Africa’s financial services industry. A single institution developing more aspiring charterholders than the rest of the market combined raises the floor for professional standards nationally, not just within one balance sheet. Every candidate who advances through the CFA Programme adds to a shared pool of ethics-trained, analytically rigorous professionals that Nigeria’s capital markets, pension funds and asset managers all eventually draw from.
Access Holdings Group Chief Executive Officer Innocent C. Ike, commenting on the rankings, framed the achievement in terms of institution-building rather than recruitment: “Every candidate on that list represents our commitment to building institutions and professionals that endure.” The remark echoes a broader thesis increasingly voiced by market observers, that talent depth, not scale alone, is what will determine which African financial institutions earn lasting global credibility.
That distinction sits at the centre of Access’s stated ambition to become the World’s Most Respected African Financial Services Group. If the CFA numbers are any indication, the Group’s route to that goal runs less through square metres of branch network and more through the calibre of the people sitting inside it, a bet that Nigeria’s finance professionals, and the institutions that will one day hire them, are already placing alongside Access.
LESOTHO MUSIC AWARDS (LMA) AND AFRIMA ANNOUNCE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP TO ADVANCE LESOTHO’S MUSIC INDUSTRY
The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) and the Lesotho Music Awards (LMA) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing a three-year strategic partnership aimed at strengthening Lesotho’s music industry while creating new opportunities for Basotho artists to engage with the broader African creative ecosystem.
Through this collaboration, AFRIMA, the biggest music awards platform on the continent, has officially recognised the Lesotho Music Awards as AFRIMA’s collaborating country partner and regional liaison in the Kingdom of Lesotho, marking a significant milestone in the country’s creative and cultural development.
The partnership will focus on promoting African music and cultural exchange through artist development, talent discovery, institutional collaboration, knowledge sharing, industry networking, advocacy, and the facilitation of stronger relationships between government, private sector stakeholders, media organisations, and the music industry. As part of the agreement, the Lesotho Music Awards will promote AFRIMA initiatives, facilitate industry engagement within Lesotho, encourage greater participation by Basotho artists in AFRIMA programmes, and coordinate AFRIMA-related activities in the country. AFRIMA, in turn, will support LMA through official recognition, promotional resources, collaborative programmes, and ongoing institutional engagement.
A key feature of the Memorandum of Understanding is the introduction of a collaborative framework for selected Lesotho Music Awards categories supported by AFRIMA. Under this arrangement, AFRIMA will participate in mutually agreed adjudication and verification processes to further strengthen fairness, transparency, accountability, integrity, and international credibility, while fully respecting the independence of all other LMA award categories.
Speaking on the partnership, Malibe Mahao, Founder and Executive Director of the Lesotho Music Awards, said:
“This partnership represents a defining moment for the music industry in Lesotho. Working alongside AFRIMA allows us to connect Basotho artists with one of Africa’s most respected music institutions while strengthening our own commitment to developing a sustainable and internationally competitive creative industry. Together, we are creating new pathways for talent, investment, collaboration, and continental recognition.”
Adenrele Niyi, Chief Experience Officer of AFRIMA, added: “At AFRIMA, our vision, driven by our seven core pillars—Music Awards, Music Festivals, The AFRIMA Kreative Academy (TAKA), Music Business Hub, Talent Discovery and Promotion, Advisory and Policy Debates, and CSR & Advocacy—has always gone beyond an awards ceremony. We are building Africa’s leading music ecosystem that discovers talent, creates opportunities, connects cultures and takes African music to the world. This partnership with the Lesotho Music Awards is another significant step towards deepening continental collaboration and expanding opportunities for African creatives.
“We are delighted to welcome the Lesotho Music Awards into the AFRIMA family as our collaborating country partner in Lesotho. Together, we are not only celebrating music; we are building bridges, creating prosperity, promoting African unity through culture, and ensuring that the next generation of African music stars has the platform they deserve.”
Founded in 2014 by the International Committee of AFRIMA in partnership with the African Union, AFRIMA has grown into Africa’s longest-running global music awards platform. Broadcast live to millions of viewers through more than 84 television stations worldwide, AFRIMA has become the continent’s foremost platform for celebrating and rewarding African musical excellence while promoting Africa’s rich cultural heritage to the world. Previous editions have been successfully hosted in major African cities including Lagos, Nigeria; Accra, Ghana; and Dakar, Senegal.
Established in 2021, the Lesotho Music Awards is the country’s premier awards platform dedicated to celebrating excellence in the Basotho music industry by recognising and honouring outstanding talents. The LMAs serve as a platform to uplift and promote musicians, producers, and industry professionals who contribute to the country’s vibrant music scene, while fostering growth, recognition, and international opportunities for Basotho artists.
The partnership reflects both organisations’ shared vision of building a stronger African music ecosystem through collaboration, innovation, and cultural exchange. It also reinforces Lesotho’s growing presence within the continental creative economy and opens new opportunities for artists, producers, executives, media professionals, and creative entrepreneurs.
AFRIMA and the Lesotho Music Awards look forward to announcing collaborative programmes, artist initiatives, industry engagements, and other partnership activities in the coming months.
Zenith Bank Widens the Gap: Inside Nigeria’s Best-in-Class Lender
Zenith Bank Plc has spent 2026 collecting the kind of hardware that separates a good regional lender from a genuine African champion.
Fresh off a sweep of Euromoney’s most coveted awards, a completed acquisition in Kenya, a newly opened subsidiary in Francophone West Africa, and plans for a London Stock Exchange listing in 2027, Nigeria’s most profitable bank is now making the case that it is also the best-run one.
A close read of its unaudited first-quarter 2026 financial statements — its net interest income, fee income, capital buffers and loan book all expanding faster than the industry average — backs that case up with numbers.
The Lagos-based lender’s Group profit before tax rose 3% year-on-year to ₦361 billion in the three months to March 31, 2026, the highest absolute pre-tax profit among Nigeria’s seven largest banks and the only one of the group to combine top-line profitability with double-digit growth in net interest income, fee income and shareholders’ equity simultaneously.
Layer on a historic Euromoney double and an accelerating Pan-African build-out, and the numbers tell a story that goes well beyond one good quarter.
Zenith closed the first quarter of 2026 with total assets of ₦32.01 trillion, up 1.8% from ₦31.46 trillion at the end of December 2025, even as the balance sheet held broadly flat year-on-year against the ₦32.42 trillion reported in March 2025 — a sign of a bank actively re-shaping its asset mix rather than simply expanding its footprint.
Customer deposits, the cheapest and stickiest source of funding for any lender, climbed 7.9% year-on-year to ₦24.47 trillion, while total shareholders’ equity surged 16.3% to ₦5.17 trillion — a rate of capital accretion that outpaces balance-sheet growth and signals a bank retaining and compounding earnings rather than chasing volume.
That equity build has real consequences for market standing. Zenith Bank’s shares have gained more than 104% year-to-date through July 23, 2026, pushing its market capitalization to roughly ₦5.18 trillion.
The top three banks by market capitalization are now separated by less than 2% of market value — but Zenith is the only one of the trio backing its valuation with the industry’s fastest brand-value growth, up 33.6% on the continent, according to the latest report by Brand Finance.
While Access Holdings’ aggressively acquisitive strategy has made it Nigeria’s largest bank by sheer balance-sheet size — ₦51.56 trillion in total assets as of 2025 — Zenith’s smaller, more capital-efficient balance sheet is generating disproportionately more profit per naira of assets deployed, a theme that recurs throughout its results.
Loan Book: Growing Faster Than the Balance Sheet, Cleaner Than a Year Ago
Zenith’s credit expansion in the first quarter outpaced every other line on the balance sheet. Gross loans and advances to customers rose 8.6% year-on-year to ₦12.04 trillion, while net loans — after impairment allowances — jumped a sharper 13.2% year-on-year to ₦11.38 trillion, reflecting both fresh credit extension and an improving quality of the existing book.
That improvement in quality is the more important story for analysts and investors skeptical of loan growth achieved by lowering underwriting standards.
Zenith’s non-performing loan ratio — Stage-3, credit-impaired loans as a share of gross loans — stood at 3.79% at the end of March 2026, essentially flat against 3.82% at the end of 2025 but down sharply from 4.70% at the end of 2024, continuing a multi-year de-risking trend even as the loan book itself expanded.
Independent disclosures from full-year 2025 put Zenith’s loan-loss coverage ratio at 172.6% — meaning provisions held against bad loans exceed the value of the impaired loans themselves by more than 70%, a comfortable buffer well above what regulators require.
Growing the loan book faster than the balance sheet while simultaneously cutting the bad-loan ratio is a combination few Tier-1 African lenders can claim in the same quarter.
Interest and Fee Income: A Diversifying Revenue Engine
Zenith’s income statement shows a bank successfully diversifying away from pure interest-rate carry. Gross earnings for the quarter rose 6.1% year-on-year to ₦1.01 trillion, but the composition of that growth is the more telling detail.
Net interest income — the core spread between what the bank earns on loans and investments and what it pays on deposits — climbed 7.3% to ₦634.1 billion, the largest net interest income of any Nigerian bank in the quarter.
The standout, however, is fee income. Net fee and commission income surged 44.6% year-on-year to ₦81.0 billion, up from ₦56.0 billion a year earlier — a growth rate more than six times faster than net interest income and a clear signal that Zenith is successfully monetizing transaction banking, digital channels and card services rather than relying solely on its loan book for growth.
For full-year 2025, the bank’s net interest margin stood at 13.7%, one of the widest among Nigerian Tier-1 banks and a reflection of disciplined asset-liability pricing through a high-rate environment.
Return on Equity: Profitability That Outruns Balance-Sheet Growth
Return on average equity is where Zenith’s capital discipline shows up most clearly. The bank closed full-year 2025 with a return on average equity of 23.2% and a return on average assets of 3.4%, both figures independently disclosed alongside its FY2025 results.
That profitability was rewarded directly at the shareholder level: Zenith’s board doubled its total dividend for 2025 to ₦10.00 per share — split between a ₦1.25 interim payout and a ₦8.75 final dividend — from ₦5.00 the previous year, distributing roughly ₦410.7 billion to shareholders, one of the largest dividend payouts in Nigerian corporate history.
Cost discipline underpins the returns: full-year 2025 cost-to-income ratio came in at 45.2%, while the bank’s own Q1 2026 figures point to further improvement, with operating expenses absorbing roughly 47.15% of operating income for the quarter — a leaner ratio than the FY2025 run rate.
Against peers, the ROE story favors Zenith on a risk-adjusted basis.
Capital Adequacy: A Fortress Balance Sheet
Regulators and rating agencies alike have flagged Zenith’s capital position as a standout. The bank’s capital adequacy ratio stood at roughly 25% at the end of full-year 2025 and its liquidity ratio at 71%, both comfortably clear of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s regulatory minimums for systemically important banks. Fitch Ratings’ most recent update pegs Zenith’s standalone total capital ratio even higher, at 25.8% at end-2025, against a fully-loaded core capital ratio of 28% — a buffer Fitch frames as well in excess of regulatory requirements.
Equity research from CardinalStone projects that buffer widening further, forecasting a capital adequacy ratio of 28.7% for 2026 and 30.8% for 2027 as retained earnings continue to compound. A capital position this deep gives Zenith room to absorb credit shocks, fund loan growth internally, and — as its international ambitions make clear — write bigger cross-border checks without straining its own solvency.
A Historic Euromoney Double
The market recognition arrived in force this month. At the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2026, presented July 16 at The Peninsula London Hotel against a record field of more than 770 entries, Zenith Bank was named both “Africa’s Best Bank” and “Nigeria’s Best Bank” — the latter for the second consecutive year, having also won the national title in 2025.
Zenith Bank, Group Managing Director Dr. Adaora Umeoji called the double “a reflection of the trust of our customers, the dedication of our unicorn workforce, and our unwavering commitment to building a truly African global financial institution.”
The Euromoney sweep sits atop an already crowded trophy shelf: Zenith has been ranked the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital for 17 consecutive years in The Banker’s Top 1000 World Banks Ranking, and has separately been named Bank of the Year (Nigeria) by The Banker in 2020, 2022 and 2024, and Best Bank in Nigeria by Global Finance’s World’s Best Banks Awards in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2024 and 2025.
Pan-African Expansion: Kenya, Côte d’Ivoire and a London Listing
Zenith’s ambitions have moved decisively past Nigeria’s borders in 2026, on three fronts simultaneously.
East Africa: In April 2026, Zenith completed its acquisition of 100% of the issued share capital of Paramount Bank Kenya Limited, following regulatory approvals from both the Central Bank of Kenya and Nigerian authorities — a deal first disclosed in November 2025.
Paramount is a modest player — ranked 33rd of Kenya’s 39 licensed banks with roughly 0.2% market share — but the acquisition hands Zenith a regulated foothold in East Africa’s largest and most stable economy, with GDP exceeding $136 billion, giving it a platform to build out corporate and trade-finance relationships beyond West Africa.
Francophone West Africa: On April 29, 2026, Zenith formally launched its Côte d’Ivoire subsidiary at SCI Wall Street in Abidjan’s Plateau business district — its first entry into Francophone West Africa after securing a license from the Ivorian Ministry of Finance and Budget in December 2025 and regulatory clearance from the UMOA Banking Commission.
The subsidiary, led by Cédric Tano, gives Zenith direct access to the eight-nation WAEMU currency bloc — Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Guinea-Bissau, Togo, Benin and Côte d’Ivoire — and comes as the bank simultaneously moves into Cameroon and the Central African Economic and Monetary Community.
“We are proud to establish Zenith Bank’s presence in Côte d’Ivoire at a time of strong economic growth in the country and increasing regional integration,” Tano said at the launch. GMD Adaora Umeoji framed the move as fulfilling founder Jim Ovia’s founding vision: “to build a truly global brand with a strong presence across Africa and key international markets.”
The Ivorian entry follows a ₦350.5 billion (roughly $231 million) capital raise disclosed in 2025, of which 40% was earmarked specifically for overseas expansion, alongside a newly secured Paris branch license to support the broader Francophone Africa push.
London: Perhaps the most consequential long-term move is Zenith’s stated intent to list on the London Stock Exchange in 2027. Bloomberg first reported the plan on March 17, 2026, describing Zenith as seeking to “broaden access to capital and strengthen client services.”
A bank spokesperson told Bloomberg the rationale is explicitly deal-driven: “There are a lot of deals we have on the table to finance across the UK and other countries, for which we need to raise more capital.”
The plan builds on Zenith’s existing UK subsidiary and Manchester branch network, and would give the bank direct access to deeper international capital pools to fund the very cross-border pipeline its Kenyan and Ivorian expansions are now generating.
Taken together, the Kenya deal, the Côte d’Ivoire launch and the LSE listing plan describe a bank building simultaneously outward in three directions — East Africa, Francophone West Africa, and international capital markets — rather than defending Nigerian market share alone.
The Bottom Line
No single data point confirms Zenith Bank’s case as Nigeria’s Best-in-Class Lender — it is the accumulation of them. A balance sheet growing its loan book faster than its total assets while cutting bad debt. A revenue mix diversifying into fee income at a 44.6% annual clip. A capital position deep enough that rating agencies and equity researchers alike see room for it to widen further through 2027. A shareholder payout that doubled in a single year. And now, external validation from the industry’s most competitive award program, layered on top of simultaneous expansion into Kenya, Côte d’Ivoire and — pending 2027 — the London Stock Exchange.
Rivals can point to faster growth in isolated quarters, but none combine Zenith’s scale, capital strength and cross-border momentum in the same reporting period. That combination, more than any single metric, is what underpins the “best-in-class” label Euromoney’s judges affixed to Zenith Bank this July.
NOTE: This analysis draws on Zenith Bank Plc’s unaudited consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2026, supplemented by independent research and data from MoneyCentral, Bloomberg, ThisDay, Nairametrics, Euromoney, Fitch Ratings, CardinalStone Research, Brand Finance and other sources. All figures are in Nigerian naira unless otherwise stated. Market capitalization and share-price data reflect trading as of the cited publication dates (July 23, 2026) and are subject to change.
Obasanjo Set To Unveil 999 Memoir of Charly Boy in Tribute to Justice Oputa In Lagos
..as music and cultural icon champions men’s health awareness
Former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo will headline the public presentation of 999, the latest memoir by iconic entertainer, social activist and television personality, Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, at a special event in Lagos dedicated to celebrating the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of the late Justice Chukwudifu Oputa.
Scheduled for Friday, July 31, 2026 at the Alliance Française de Lagos/Mike Adenuga Centre, Osborne Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, the event promises an unforgettable evening where legacy meets literature, storytelling inspires reflection and advocacy drives social impact.
The presentation, to be led by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, will honour the memory of Justice Oputa, whose unwavering commitment to justice, integrity and the rule of law left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s legal and democratic history. It will also celebrate the remarkable life journey of Charly Boy, an unconventional public figure whose fearless advocacy, artistic expression and unwavering commitment to social justice have influenced generations of Nigerians.
With the compelling tagline, “A Story. A Legacy. A Rebellion in Ink,” 999: The Memoir of Charly Boy offers an unfiltered account of a life defined by courage, controversy, creativity and conviction. It also offers readers an intimate and thought-provoking account of the author’s life, from his upbringing as the son of one of Nigeria’s most respected jurists to his emergence as one of the country’s most outspoken cultural figures. The memoir explores themes of identity, family, resilience, courage, rebellion and purpose, presenting a powerful narrative of a life lived on its own terms.
In 999: The Memoir of Charly Boy, Charles Oputa offers an unfiltered account of a life defined by courage, controversy, creativity and conviction. From challenging societal norms to championing the rights of ordinary Nigerians, the memoir chronicles the experiences that shaped one of Africa’s most unconventional and influential public figures.
Beyond its literary significance, the event will also support the Charly Boy Foundation, which is championing nationwide awareness of men’s health, with a particular focus on prostate cancer advocacy. Through sustained public education and awareness campaigns, the Foundation seeks to encourage regular screening, early detection and timely treatment, helping to improve health outcomes for men across Nigeria.
The event is expected to attract an array of distinguished personalities, including leaders from government, the judiciary, the diplomatic corps, the private sector, civil society, academia, healthcare, media, and the creative industries, as well as literary enthusiasts and members of the public.
Speaking ahead of the memoir’s unveiling, the music icon said it is “more than a personal story.”
“This book is about truth, courage and the freedom to be yourself despite the odds. It is my tribute to my father, whose sense of justice shaped my worldview, and my gift to every Nigerian who has ever dared to be different. If it also encourages more men to pay attention to their health, then its mission extends far beyond literature.
“999 is not just about me. It is about courage, truth, legacy and survival. It is a reflection of where I come from, the values my father stood for, the battles I have fought and the hope that our stories can inspire others to live boldly, care for themselves and never give up,” Charly Boy said.
Adron Group Chairman Celebrates Business Icon Otunba Muraina Banjoko at 65
Tributes have continued to pour in for renowned entrepreneur and construction magnate, Otunba Muraina Olatunji Banjoko (MOB), as he marks his 65th birthday, with the Chairman/GCEO of Adron Group, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, leading the celebration with glowing commendation for the accomplished business leader and philanthropist.
In his goodwill message, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking described the Chairman and CEO of Threeco Construction Company Limited as an icon of excellence whose remarkable contributions to business, community development, and humanity have earned him widespread admiration and enduring respect.
He noted that Otunba Banjoko has distinguished himself as an accomplished entrepreneur, visionary leader, and compassionate philanthropist whose impact transcends the construction industry. According to him, under the celebrant’s leadership, Threeco Construction Company Limited has become synonymous with quality, professionalism, and reliability, while his numerous humanitarian initiatives have positively transformed lives and communities.
He further acknowledged the numerous traditional and honorary titles held by the celebrant, including the Oluwo of Ibaragunland, Baba Adini of Akuteland, Ifo Local Government Renewed Hope Ambassador, Otunba of Akuteland, Bashorun of Agbado, and Dr. Olowore Adini of Egbaland, describing them as a reflection of the immense respect and admiration he commands across different spheres of society.
“As Otunba Muraina Olatunji Banjoko marks this remarkable milestone, we celebrate not only his achievements but also his commitment to excellence, integrity, and service to humanity. His life remains a shining example of purposeful leadership and enduring impact,” Aare Adetola Emmanuelking stated.
He prayed that Almighty God would grant the celebrant renewed strength, sound health, greater wisdom, and many more years of fulfilment, prosperity, and impactful service, expressing confidence that his legacy of excellence and selfless service would continue to flourish for generations to come.
Serviceking Celebrates Five Years of Excellence in Automobile Services and Telecom Solutions
Serviceking, one of Nigeria’s emerging leaders in integrated automobile services and telecom infrastructure solutions, is celebrating its 5th anniversary, marking five years of innovation, quality service delivery, customer satisfaction, and business growth.
Founded by renowned entrepreneur Mr. Abayomi Oguntowo, Serviceking has evolved into a trusted brand by bringing together two essential aspects of modern living—seamless mobility and reliable connectivity. From its headquarters in Ibadan, Oyo State, the company has consistently delivered professional automobile repair and maintenance services while providing cutting-edge telecom infrastructure solutions that support businesses and communities across Nigeria.
Reflecting on the milestone, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Abayomi Oguntowo, expressed profound appreciation to customers, business partners, employees, and stakeholders whose unwavering support has been instrumental in the company’s success.
“Celebrating five years is not merely about the passage of time; it is about the relationships we have built, the confidence our customers have reposed in us, and our unwavering commitment to delivering excellence. We are grateful to every client, partner, and member of our dedicated workforce who has contributed to this remarkable journey.”
Since its inception, Serviceking has built a reputation for combining technical expertise with innovation. Its automobile division provides a comprehensive range of services, including vehicle diagnostics, body repairs, auto painting, engine works, auto glass repair, tire and wheel services, paintless dent repair, vehicle inspection, and preventive maintenance. The company emphasizes quality workmanship delivered by certified technicians using modern equipment and customer-focused processes.
Beyond automobile services, Serviceking has established itself as a reliable player in the telecommunications sector by delivering telecom site construction, shared communications infrastructure, renewable energy solutions, fiber-optic deployment, tower maintenance, network expansion, and related engineering services that help strengthen digital connectivity across Nigeria.
Operating under the inspiring slogan, “Driving Happiness, Connecting Possibilities,” the company has remained committed to its vision of enhancing customers’ experiences both on the road and in the digital world through innovation, professionalism, and sustainable solutions.
As Serviceking enters its next chapter, the company is set to expand its footprint, deepen investments in advanced technologies, strengthen customer experience, and broaden its service offerings to meet the evolving needs of individuals, corporate organizations, and telecom operators across Nigeria and beyond.
The management reaffirmed that the fifth anniversary is not only a celebration of past achievements but also the beginning of a renewed commitment to excellence, innovation, operational efficiency, and sustainable growth.
Serviceking thanked its loyal customers, strategic partners, and dedicated workforce for making the first five years of success possible and pledged to continue delivering world-class solutions that inspire confidence and create lasting value.
For more information about Serviceking and its services, visit Serviceking or
Plot 36, College Crescent, Abel Koyejo Layout, Oke-Ado, Ibadan, Oyo State
Email: support@serviceking.ng
Phone: +234-91-3500-0384, +234-91-3538-0000
Aare Adetola Emmanuelking Hails Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu’s Impact on Education as He Marks Birthday
The Chairman/GCEO of Adron Group, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, has paid glowing tribute to the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Ogun State, Professor Abayomi Arigbabu, describing him as one of the foremost architects of educational transformation whose leadership continues to redefine learning and human capital development in the Gateway State.
In a heartfelt birthday message, the renowned real estate entrepreneur commended Professor Arigbabu for his exceptional blend of scholarship, administrative excellence, and visionary public service, noting that his stewardship of the education sector has continued to inspire confidence in the future of education in Ogun State.
According to Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, Professor Arigbabu has distinguished himself as an education reformer whose policies and programmes have consistently advanced academic excellence, strengthened institutional standards, promoted innovation, and positioned education as a strategic driver of sustainable development.
“Professor Abayomi Arigbabu exemplifies the ideals of visionary leadership. His dedication to improving educational outcomes and empowering the next generation through quality learning continues to leave an indelible mark on Ogun State and Nigeria as a whole. His legacy is one of impact, excellence, and selfless service,” he stated.
The Adron Group Chairman further acknowledged the Commissioner’s commitment to building an education system that equips young people with the knowledge, skills, and values required to thrive in an increasingly dynamic world, describing his contributions as invaluable to the state’s development agenda.
As Professor Arigbabu marks another year, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking prayed for renewed strength, divine wisdom, robust health, and greater accomplishments, expressing confidence that the celebrant’s passion for educational advancement would continue to shape lives and inspire generations.
He wished the Commissioner a memorable birthday celebration and many more years of impactful service to Ogun State, Nigeria, and humanity.
