sitemaps.org/schemas/sitemap/0.9/sitemap.xsd BrandArena : May 2025

Sunday, 11 May 2025

The Quiet Flame Shines Brightest: An Ode to Igho Sanomi at 50

By Lanre Alfred


Yes, Igho Sanomi at 50 exceeds a headline; it is a hymn. A ballad of enterprise without arrogance. Of power without pride. Of faith without fanaticism. He is what happens when vision, coupled with virtue and affluence, elevates empathy. Sanomi reminds us that success need not be noisy, that influence can be wielded with grace, and that the most powerful men are often the ones whose names are whispered in prayer by those they helped in silence.

Tariff Hike Triggers Drop in Internet Users, Shifts in Data Use and Subscriber Movement — NCC Report


Nigeria’s telecommunications sector is feeling the impact of a steep 50 percent tariff hike introduced in January 2025, with a noticeable decline in internet subscriptions and shifting usage patterns across networks, according to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

NNPC, Dangote Deepen Alliance to Bolster Nigeria’s Energy Security and Economic Growth


The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) and Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals have reaffirmed their commitment to working together to strengthen Nigeria’s energy security and promote inclusive national prosperity.

Nigeria Eases PAPSS Rules to Boost Intra-African Trade for SMEs and Entrepreneurs


The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued a new circular that significantly reduces paperwork for cross-border transactions through the Pan-African Payment & Settlement System (PAPSS), marking a key step in advancing Nigeria’s participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Afreximbank’s CANEX Shorts Returns for 2025, Spotlighting Young African Filmmakers Across the Globe


Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX), an initiative powered by the African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank), has launched the third edition of its acclaimed short film competition, CANEX Shorts, aimed at discovering and elevating emerging filmmakers from Africa and the global Diaspora.

9mobile Suffers Major Setback... Loses 300K Subscribers as MTN Roaming Deal Stalls


Telecommunication service provider 9mobile has lost over 300,000 subscribers in just two months, as delays in finalising a long-anticipated national roaming agreement with MTN raise new concerns about the operator’s long-term competitiveness in Nigeria’s telecom sector.

Los Angeles 2028 to Break Tradition with Dual-Stadium Olympic Opening Ceremony


Los Angeles is set to make Olympic history in 2028 by becoming the first city to stage its opening ceremony across two stadiums, the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and SoFi Stadium.

Saturday, 10 May 2025

Invest Africa and UK Government Forge Strategic Partnership Ahead of The Africa Debate 2025


Invest Africa, the premier platform advancing trade and investment across the African continent, has announced a strategic partnership with the United Kingdom Government for the upcoming 11th edition of The Africa Debate, set to take place on Wednesday, 2 July 2025, at London’s historic Guildhall.

Lamine Yamal Joins Beats by Dre as Global Ambassador


Barcelona and Spain’s rising star, Lamine Yamal, is the newest global ambassador for Beats by Dre, joining a lineup of elite athletes that includes Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, LeBron James, Qinwen Zheng, and Alessia Russo.

Emirates Becomes World’s Most Profitable Airline with Record $6.2 Billion Profit


Emirates Group has reported its strongest financial results in history, posting record highs across profit, revenue, EBITDA, and cash reserves for the 2024–25 fiscal year. According to its newly released Annual Report, the Group has now emerged as the most profitable aviation company globally, with Emirates airline claiming the top spot as the world’s most profitable airline.

LG Unveils Bold 2025 Refrigerators with Big Vibes, Cool Tech, and Colour That Matches Your Mood


As Nigeria rides a wave of innovation and rising aspirations, LG Electronics is bringing the energy home, unveiling refrigerators designed to be smarter, greener, and more expressive than ever before.

Wednesday, 7 May 2025

Windows 11 Revamps Start Menu with Smarter Features, AI Upgrades, and Faster Performance


Microsoft is rolling out one of its most noticeable updates to Windows 11: a redesigned Start Menu focused on usability, speed, and intelligence. While previous updates prioritised security and system stability, this latest release puts the user experience front and centre.

Visa Named Official Payment Technology Partner for Inaugural FIFA Club World Cup 2025


FIFA has confirmed that Visa, a long-time global leader in digital payments and trusted partner of the organisation, will serve as the Official Payment Technology Partner for the first-ever FIFA Club World Cup to be held across the United States from 14 June to 13 July 2025.

Nigeria Launches Virtual Data Protection Academy to Equip Citizens with Privacy and Cybersecurity Skills


In a major push to boost the country’s digital security and workforce capacity, the Federal Government has officially launched the Data Protection Academy, a virtual learning platform developed by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC). The initiative is designed to train job seekers, private sector employees, and public servants in data protection and cybersecurity fundamentals.

United States, China to Resume High-Level Trade Talks in Switzerland Amid Escalating Tariff Dispute


Amid rising trade tensions, the United States and China are preparing for a new round of high-level discussions, with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent set to meet senior Chinese officials in Switzerland later this week.

AMTEC 2025: Africa’s Top Marketing Conference Returns with a Data-Driven Focus for the New Economy


Marketing Analytics Africa (MAA) has announced the return of its flagship event, the Africa Marketing Technology and E-commerce Conference (AMTEC), which will be held on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at the Landmark Events & Conference Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Monday, 5 May 2025

US Dollar Slips Ahead of Fed Decision as Global Markets Eye Policy Shifts


The US dollar lost ground against major currencies on Monday as global investors shifted focus to the upcoming Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting set for Wednesday.

Unity Bank Debuts GenFi: A Gamified Banking App to Build Financial Skills in Nigerian Youth


In a strategic push to reshape how young Nigerians learn about money, Unity Bank Plc has introduced GenFi, a digital banking platform designed to teach children and teenagers, ages 8 to 18, essential financial skills through gamified tools and parental collaboration.

Sanwo-Olu Urges ECOWAS to Champion Grassroots Justice and Equal Access for All

...West African Judges and Civil Society Gather in Lagos for ECOWAS Court Outreach


Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has urged legal professionals and civil society groups across West Africa to actively work towards building an inclusive justice system, one that safeguards rights and ensures equal access to legal recourse for every citizen, regardless of status or background.

CSCS Unveils 7270# USSD Code to Make Investment Information More Accessible to Nigerians


The Central Securities Clearing System Plc (CSCS) has introduced a new USSD code, *7270#, aimed at improving access to key investment services for Nigerian investors. The service, which goes live on Thursday, May 8, will initially be available to MTN subscribers and is designed to make market information more accessible, especially to users without internet access.

First Asset Management Crosses ₦1 Trillion AUM, Signals Strong Investor Confidence and Growth


First Asset Management Limited, a subsidiary of First HoldCo Plc. and one of Nigeria’s prominent investment firms, has reached a major milestone by surpassing ₦1 trillion in Assets Under Management (AUM).

African Banker Awards 2025: Finalists Announced as Banks Champion Innovation, Inclusion, and Growth


The African Banker Awards 2025 shortlist has been unveiled, spotlighting 58 finalists driving innovation, transformation, and inclusive growth across Africa’s financial sector. 

Saturday, 3 May 2025

West Ham kicks in New Balance in New Five-Year Kit Deal


West Ham United has secured a long-term partnership with New Balance, ending speculation about a possible future with Castore and bringing their decade-long relationship with Umbro to a close.

AIICO Insurance Sees 50% Profit Decline in Q1 2025 Despite Strong Revenue Growth


AIICO Insurance Plc has reported a 49.57% year-on-year decline in profit after tax for the first quarter of 2025, dropping from ₦9.26 billion in Q1 2024 to ₦4.67 billion.

TVC Debuts Nigeria’s First AI News Anchors

...Ushers In a New Era of Multilingual Broadcasting 


TVC Communications has made history as the first Nigerian broadcaster to introduce artificial intelligence-powered news anchors, setting a new benchmark for media innovation in Africa.

GTCO Market Value Climbs to ₦2.15 Trillion as Foreign Investors Boost Demand Ahead of Q1 Earnings


Guaranty Trust Holdings Company (GTCO) Plc, Nigeria’s most valuable financial services group, saw a nearly 7% jump in market capitalisation last week, closing at ₦2.15 trillion despite a price markdown following its ₦7.30 dividend payout.

Bolt Launches Electric Trikes in Lagos

...Aims to Cut Fuel Costs and Rewrite Driver Economics


Bolt’s new ₦3.2 million electric tricycles, introduced in partnership with SGX Mobility, mark a bold step toward solving one of Africa’s most urgent challenges: affordable and sustainable transportation for everyday Nigerians.