Stanbic IBTC Capital, a subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings has been crowned the Best Investment Bank of the Year at the 2024 Association of Issuing Houses of Nigeria (AIHN) Investment Banking Awards, reaffirming its position as a trailblazer in Nigeria’s financial sector.

This top honor highlights the firm’s unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and value creation. Alongside this prestigious accolade, Stanbic IBTC Capital also clinched awards in four other categories: Public Sector Debt Issuance House of the Year, Corporate Bond House of the Year, Best Commercial Paper House of the Year, and Best Debt Capital Markets House of the Year, further cementing its dominance in the industry.

Eric Fajemisin, Executive Director, Corporate and Investment Banking, Stanbic IBTC Bank commended the achievement, stating, “These awards are a testament to the relentless dedication of our team and our commitment to delivering world-class investment banking solutions. At Stanbic IBTC, we remain steadfast in our mission to support economic growth by providing innovative financial instruments that meet the evolving needs of our clients.”

Oladele Sotubo, Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Capital, added: “Being honored with five awards, including the highly coveted ‘Best Investment Bank of the Year,’ highlights our leadership and consistency in Nigeria’s capital markets. These recognitions reflect our ability to structure and execute complex transactions that drive value for our clients. As we look ahead, we remain committed to setting the benchmark for excellence in investment banking.”

Stanbic IBTC Capital has consistently demonstrated its expertise in originating and executing a wide range of financial transactions, including debt capital markets, equity capital markets, and financial advisory solutions.

These awards reaffirm its position as a trusted partner for public and private sector clients, offering tailored solutions that contribute to Nigeria’s economic development.

This remarkable recognition at the 2024 AIHN Investment Banking Awards underscores Stanbic IBTC Capital’s leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment to shaping the future of Nigeria’s financial landscape.

Access Holdings Plc is pleased to announce that its flagship subsidiary, Access Bank Plc has completed the acquisition of Standard Chartered Bank Angola S.A and Standard Chartered Bank (Sierra Leone] Limited.

Commenting on the completion milestone, Roosevelt Ogbonna, the MD/CEO of Access Bank PLC and CEO of the Banking Group said:

‘We are pleased to have successfully concluded 2 important acquisitions in Angola and Sierra Leone, affording us synergies to strengthen the quality of our earnings from both countries by significantly growing our share of the Corporate and SME banking in the two markets. The combinations represent another significant step towards our broader vision of becoming the Worlds Most Respected African Bank.’

The parties are working on the completion of transactions that would see Access Bank acquire Standard Chartered Bank’s subsidiaries in Cameroon, the Gambia and its Consumer, Private and Business Banking business in Tanzania.

Access Holdings says it shall continue to make disclosures as and when required.

Experience Global Shopping with Verve: Shop and Pay on AliExpress!

Quit holding your breath, this is for real! It’s not a clickbait. Verve, Naija’s Agba and Odogwu card, understands the challenges of not having the right card to seamlessly transact across borders, all from the comfort of your home.

That’s why it focuses on breaking barriers and redefining convenience for its loyal customers.

The latest in its series of groundbreaking achievements is the acceptance of Verve cards on AliExpress, one of the world’s largest online retail platforms, unlocking new possibilities for cardholders. Abeg comot for road, Verve don enter AliExpress way!

This isn’t just a win for Verve; it’s a win for millions of its cardholders who can now explore a vast array of products on AliExpress, while enjoying the security and reliability they’ve come to trust in Verve. This partnership marks another giant leap in Verve’s mission to establish itself as a global payment powerhouse.

Over the years, Verve has forged strong alliances with renowned global brands such as Google, YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Facebook, Uber, Facebook, Spotify, among others, enabling Verve cardholders to make seamless payments for subscriptions in Naira.

This partnership with AliExpress further demonstrates Verve’s commitment to empowering its customers with access to seamless digital payments and world-class services to meet their evolving needs. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your tech gadgets, refresh your wardrobe, or find unique items for your home, AliExpress offers diverse possibilities, and Verve has made it easier than ever to shop and pay!

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to shop on AliExpress using your Verve card:

• Sign in to your AliExpress account.
• Select your desired items and click ‘Buy Now.’
• Add a new card and input your Verve card details.
• Save and confirm your details (You can also opt to save the card for future payments).

The Naija’s Agba and Odogwu card is a perfect example of the saying, ‘the light that shines farthest shines brightest at its base!’ While Verve is making waves and securing global wins, it’s also spreading joy right here at home!

Through the ongoing Verve GoodLife Promo 5.0, Verve is offering incredible rewards and benefits to its cardholders. Verve cardholders are enjoying up to 10 per cent cashback or discount for every transaction made at participating outlets, including Google, NNPC Retail, Addide, The Place Restaurants, Sweet Sensation, Chowdeck, BuyPower, and Market Square.

With Verve, the world is truly at your fingertips. From exploring global markets like AliExpress to enjoying rewards and discounts with local favourites, every swipe of your Verve card opens the door to endless possibilities. So why settle for less when you can have it all? Why stand on the sideline awwwing and shouting “God abeg, barb me this style” when you can be part of the action?

Take advantage of these incredible opportunities today. Experience the freedom to shop globally at your convenience, and unlock endless possibilities with Verve. The future is here, and with Verve, you’re already a part of it!

Interswitch Group, a leading integrated payments and digital commerce company in Africa, has been unveiled as key Sponsor of the Committee of e-Business Industry Heads (CeBIH) 2024 Conference. Scheduled for December 4th to 5th 2024, at the Eko Convention Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, the conference will explore the theme “Payment System Vision 2030: Navigating Contemporary Issues in Driving Future Growth.”

CeBIH is made up of top-tier electronic business practitioners from all banks in Nigeria, with the primary objective of promoting electronic banking services that align with global best practices.

The CeBIH 2024 Conference will play a pivotal role in advancing the goals of Payment System Vision (PSV) 2030 by evaluating progress, highlighting key milestones, and addressing challenges within the payment ecosystem.

The PSV 2030 is a strategic framework developed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to guide the evolution of the country’s payment systems over the next decade.

Building on the success of previous initiatives like the Payment System Vision 2020, PSV 2030 aims to further advance financial inclusion, drive innovation in the payments sector, and support the broader digital economy in Nigeria.

In anticipation of a keynote address titled ‘The Impact of Globalization and the Gig Economy on Inclusive Payment Systems in Nigeria’ to be delivered by Mitchell Elegbe, Founder and Group Managing Director, Interswitch, he remarked,

“We are proud to support CeBIH and the 2024 CeBIH annual conference as it aligns perfectly with our vision of building seamless, secure, and future-ready payment systems for Africa. This partnership highlights Interswitch’s commitment to drive innovation and advance the payments ecosystem. Together, we aim to address the evolving challenges in digital payments and contribute to the development of a robust, inclusive, and sustainable digital economy across Africa.”

The CeBIH 2024 conference will explore the role of technology and innovation in driving digital financial inclusion while fostering dialogue and collaboration between financial institutions, fintech companies, and regulators.

The conference will also generate policy recommendations aimed at creating a supportive environment for the growth and sustainability of Nigeria’s payment ecosystem.

Furthermore, this year’s event will bring together thought leaders, industry experts, and policymakers to explore strategies that will shape the future of payments in Nigeria and beyond. It will also feature engaging keynote speeches, panel discussions, and interactive sessions designed to drive meaningful outcomes.

Interswitch’s sponsorship of the 2024 CeBIH annual conference underlines its ongoing commitment to drive innovation and shape the future of payments in Nigeria.

By supporting this impactful event, Interswitch continues to play a key role in advancing digital financial inclusion, promoting collaboration among key stakeholders and fostering the development of a robust and sustainable payment ecosystem.

As Nigeria moves towards achieving the objectives of PSV 2030, Interswitch continues to play a key role in the financial ecosystem, working alongside industry leaders to ensure that Africa’s payment systems evolve to meet the dynamic needs of its people.

Interswitch will continue to lead the way in driving a seamless, secure, and inclusive digital economy for Nigeria and beyond.

Verve International, Africa’s leading domestic payments card scheme and token brand, has announced that its cards are now accepted on AliExpress, one of the world’s largest online retail platforms.

This landmark partnership expands Verve’s global reach, offering seamless and secure payment solutions and providing millions of Verve cardholders and merchants worldwide with easy access to AliExpress’ extensive range of products, including fashion, electronics, home goods, beauty, and more.

The collaboration empowers Verve cardholders, both locally and internationally, to engage in cross-border transactions. It also reinforces Verve’s unwavering commitment to delivering inclusive, innovative, and secure digital payment solutions that empower individuals and businesses alike, while bridging the gap in global digital commerce.

Speaking on the partnership, Vincent Ogbunude, Managing Director, Verve International, remarked:

“We are excited to announce that Verve is now accepted on AliExpress, a globally recognised e-commerce leader. This marks a significant milestone in our global expansion journey, reflecting our commitment to providing cardholders with access to more possibilities in today’s digital economy. The addition of AliExpress to our growing network is just the beginning, there’s much more to come as we continue to innovate, expand, and deliver value to millions of Verve cardholders in Nigeria and beyond.”

Verve’s expanding global network is bolstered by partnerships with renowned brands such as Google, YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Facebook, Uber, Spotify, among others, enabling cardholders to conveniently pay for subscriptions in Naira.

These alliances solidify Verve’s position as a trusted leader in the digital payments space, ensuring that consumers can access top-notch services across diverse industries.

With AliExpress joining this network and Verve integrated into its payment options, Verve cardholders can easily shop and pay for a wide range of products. To shop on AliExpress using a Verve card, simply sign in, select the items to buy, and click ‘Buy now.’

When prompted, add a new card and enter the Verve card details. Save the information for future use, confirm the details, and complete the payment seamlessly.

In addition to expanding its global partnerships, Verve continues to reward its cardholders through the ongoing Verve GoodLife Promo 5.0, which launched on August 15, 2024.

The promo offers up to 10 per cent discount or cashback on every purchase made at participating outlets, including Google, NNPC Retail, Addide, The Place Restaurants, Sweet Sensation, Chowdeck, BuyPower, Market Square, and more.

This initiative gives cardholders the opportunity to enjoy savings and exclusive benefits, reflecting Verve’s dedication to enriching their lives and reinforcing loyalty

This partnership with AliExpress highlights Verve’s commitment to redefining digital payments and enhancing the consumer experience. This collaboration empowers cardholders to seize cross-border opportunities, fostering greater financial inclusion and supporting economic growth.

With additional global partnerships on the horizon, Verve is poised for further innovation, bringing new developments that will enhance the value it offers to its cardholders.

The company remains committed to delivering seamless, secure solutions that enable individuals and businesses to connect with leading global brands, reinforcing its position as a leader in the digital payments space.

Stanbic IBTC Holdings has successfully completed the renovation of six classrooms and the Head Teacher’s office at the Waziri Primary School in Niger State as part of its Adopt-A-School initiative.

This programme exemplifies the organisation’s commitment to fostering better learning environments for Nigerian children.

This is the seventh school benefiting from the company’s commitment to educational development in Nigeria.

The Waziri Primary School project was officially inaugurated recently in a ceremony attended by esteemed dignitaries; among them were Muhammad Baba Ibrahim, the Chairman of the Niger State Universal Basic Education Board (NSUBEB); Hon. Aminu Ladan, the Local Government Chairman; Haj. Hadiza Shuru, the Niger State First Lady’s representative; along with other notable government officials and guests. Their presence emphasised the crucial role of community engagement in advancing educational facilities.

The renovation and infrastructure upgrades carried out at the school reflect Stanbic IBTC’s dedication to sustainable educational development.

The project involved several key improvements, including the renovation of two classroom blocks; the Installation of 120 new piece of classroom furniture; the construction of a modern computer laboratory; a modern block of 12 toilets; planting of 50 trees to enhance the school environment; and the development of a football area for recreation and physical education.

In addition to these infrastructural advancements, Stanbic IBTC provided essential learning materials to enrich the educational experience for both pupils and teachers.

These enhancements will directly benefit 1,000 students and 117 teachers; equipping them with improved resources to achieve their full potential.

Kunle Adedeji, Acting Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Holdings, emphasised the organisation’s commitment to long-term educational development. “The Adopt-A-School initiative is part of our broader mission to foster sustainable growth and development in Nigeria. We are dedicated to creating an environment where children can learn and thrive,” he stated.

This project marks another significant milestone in the Adopt-A-School initiative, which is already improving learning conditions of those impacted in Ogun, Akwa Ibom, Ekiti, Sokoto, Borno, and Gombe states. Through these efforts, Stanbic IBTC continues to reinforce its commitment to improving lives and shaping future generations.

In his speech during the event, Aminu Ladan, the Local Government Chairman, expressed how significant Stanbic IBTC’s impact will be on the community. “As a public-school graduate, I take pride in serving as the council chairman.” His journey highlights the importance of education and the opportunities it can offer. “It is essential to recognise and appreciate the individuals and organisations actively working to create a better future for our communities. Their efforts inspire hope and lay the groundwork for the next generation to achieve their dreams,” he stated.

By investing in education, Stanbic IBTC reaffirms its belief in the transformative power of knowledge. Through the Adopt-A-School initiative, the organisation plays a crucial role in shaping a brighter future for children, empowering them with opportunities to thrive in an ever-changing world.

This holistic approach enhances educational facilities and fosters an environment conducive for learning and personal development.

L-R Mazeedah Olutosin, Submissions Editor at Ouida Books; Maurice Igugu, Chief Marketing Officer at Sterling Bank; Lola Shoneyin, Founder, Book Buzz Foundation and Director, Aké Arts and Book Festival; Tobechukwu Anyachebelu, Administrative Manager at Book Buzz Foundation; Anjola Ayodeji, Bookstore Officer at Ouida Books during the opening of Ake Arts & Books Festival held in Lagos on Thursday.

The Aké Arts and Books Festival has kicked off with a bang, bringing together literature lovers, artists, and creatives from across Africa and beyond.

At the heart of this vibrant celebration is Sterling Bank, which has served as a dedicated headline sponsor for eight consecutive years, playing a key role in elevating Africa’s creativity and culture to global prominence.

Opening the festival, Lola Shoneyin, the dynamic and visionary director of Aké, captivated the audience with her reflections on the theme, “Finding Freedom.” Shoneyin addressed pressing global issues with a sense of urgency and candor.

“I’ve seen too many structures fail us—systems that were supposed to keep us curious and informed have crumbled, leaving people dehumanised and hopeless,” Shoneyin said. “But here, at Aké Festival, we don’t shy away from those hard truths. We embrace them, knowing our stories hold the power to heal, to inspire, and yes, to set us free.”

Her words resonated deeply with the crowd. “Freedom may feel harder to grasp these days, but through creativity—through art, literature, and music—we can spark hope and reimagine what’s possible,” she added, drawing a wave of applause that set the tone for an event brimming with promise and inspiration.

The festival buzzes with activity, offering a diverse lineup that includes book chats, panel discussions, poetry, music, and film screenings. Each event is thoughtfully designed to provoke reflection and foster connection, creating a space where attendees can celebrate the richness of Africa’s storytelling.

In a recent press briefing, Sterling Bank’s Chief Marketing Officer, Maurice Igugu, spoke about why the bank remains deeply involved with Aké. “Platforms like Aké are essential for fostering creativity and preserving culture,” Igugu explained. “It’s more than just an event—it’s a celebration of who we are and what makes us unique. It showcases the richness of African heritage and amplifies our voices on a global stage.”

He also emphasised Sterling’s role in supporting the arts. “When we invest in initiatives like Aké, we’re not just funding a festival; we’re supporting a movement that nurtures creativity and encourages intellectual and cultural growth,” Igugu said.

Sterling’s contributions have ensured that Aké remains a space where ideas thrive, and stories travel far beyond Africa’s borders. While Shoneyin’s leadership has shaped the festival’s soul, Sterling’s support has provided the foundation for it to flourish.

As the festival unfolds, its vibrant energy is a testament to the power of collaboration between visionaries like Shoneyin and supporters like Sterling Bank. Together, they are showcasing Africa’s creativity and paving the way for its future.

Our attention has been drawn to a video on social media wherein allegations of missing funds and unethical behaviour have been made against Access Bank Plc.

First and foremost, we wish to emphasise that the safety and security of our customers’ funds are core priorities which we take seriously.

Second, Access Bank Plc does not engage in or condone any unethical behaviour. In the instant case, the allegations of missing funds in the Bank are most untrue and baseless.

There is no N500 million or any other fund or amount missing from the subject customer’s account or from any other customer’s account with us. We and other independent stakeholders in the banking industry have thoroughly investigated these allegations and independently arrived at the same conclusions.

Access Bank Plc operates with the highest ethical standards, and we protect our customers’ interests whilst also respecting privacy laws.

Consequently, whilst we have engaged and will continue to engage with our customers, we must advise the public not to rely on or believe sensational and unverified claims that are designed to titillate and mislead the public.

We remain committed to serving our customers.

Thank you.

Management