The Chairman and Group Chief Executive Officer of Adron Group, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, has congratulated construction entrepreneur Otunba Muraina Olatunji Banjoko on his 65th birthday, describing him as a business leader whose work has influenced Nigeria’s construction sector and community development efforts.

In a goodwill message released on Thursday, Emmanuelking praised the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Threeco Construction Company Limited for what he described as decades of leadership in business and philanthropy.

Why it matters

Nigeria’s construction industry remains a major contributor to infrastructure development and employment, despite challenges such as rising building costs, inflation and financing constraints.

Industry leaders who have sustained businesses over several decades are often recognised for their contributions to economic growth, skills development and corporate social responsibility.

Emmanuelking said Banjoko had built Threeco Construction Company Limited into a company associated with quality, professionalism and reliability.

“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.”

He added that the businessman had distinguished himself not only as an entrepreneur but also through humanitarian initiatives that have benefited communities.

Recognition beyond business

The Adron Group chairman also highlighted several traditional and honorary titles held by Banjoko, including 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.

According to Emmanuelking, the honours reflect the respect Banjoko commands across business, religious and traditional institutions.

He prayed that the businessman would enjoy good health, wisdom and many more years of service.

Industry perspective

Business analysts say longevity in Nigeria’s construction sector often reflects an ability to navigate economic downturns, changing government policies and fluctuating material costs.

They note that beyond delivering projects, construction firms are increasingly expected to contribute to community development, environmental sustainability and job creation.

Public perspective

For many Nigerians, successful entrepreneurs who invest in community projects are viewed as complementing government efforts in areas such as education, infrastructure and youth empowerment.

However, governance experts also argue that corporate philanthropy should complement—not replace—public investment in essential services.

What we know

While Emmanuelking’s tribute celebrates Banjoko’s achievements, no new corporate initiative or policy announcement accompanied the birthday message.

The statement focuses on recognising the construction executive’s career, philanthropy and leadership within Nigeria’s private sector.

What next?

As Banjoko marks the milestone, attention is likely to remain on how established indigenous construction companies continue adapting to Nigeria’s evolving infrastructure needs and economic realities.

Nigeria’s young entrepreneurs can now apply for loans of up to ₦2 million under a new federal government-backed credit programme aimed at expanding access to finance for small business owners who have traditionally struggled to secure bank loans.

The Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) on Wednesday launched YouthCred for Entrepreneurs in Abuja, completing the third phase of the YouthCred initiative promised by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to support young Nigerians with structured consumer credit.

Why it matters

Access to affordable finance remains one of the biggest obstacles facing Nigeria’s micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), many of which operate informally without the documentation required by conventional lenders.

CREDICORP says the new programme is designed to bridge that gap by providing loans based on applicants’ affordability, financial education and repayment capacity rather than company registration or collateral.

The corporation believes the approach could help thousands of informal businesses establish credit histories, improve financial inclusion and expand their operations.

The launch also marks the completion of a phased rollout announced by President Tinubu during his Democracy Day address, beginning with National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, followed by employed young Nigerians and now entrepreneurs.

According to CREDICORP, more than 51,000 corps members enrolled during the pilot phase, while over 30,000 participants have completed financial education and received financing.

How the programme works

Unlike many traditional business loans, YouthCred requires every applicant to complete a financial literacy course before becoming eligible for credit.

Participants are taught budgeting, responsible borrowing, repayment planning and credit management before loans are approved.

CREDICORP says this “learn-before-you-borrow” model is intended to reduce loan defaults while helping beneficiaries build long-term credit profiles.

The entrepreneur phase targets Nigerians aged 18 to 35, offering working and growth capital of up to ₦2 million.

The loans are aimed at market traders, artisans, service providers, manufacturers and other small business owners whose businesses often operate in their personal names rather than as registered companies.

Officials say each successful loan will establish a formal credit record that could improve access to larger financing opportunities in the future.

Government says promise has been fulfilled

Speaking at the launch, the Honourable Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, said the initiative delivers on the Federal Government’s commitment to Nigerian youth.

“Mr. President made a commitment to Nigeria’s young people, and today we complete its delivery: Corps Members, employed youth, and now the entrepreneurs who power our markets and workshops. YouthCred for Entrepreneurs is capital deployed with discipline, matched to young Nigerians who are already building. This is how we unlock the next million Nigerian businesses.”

CREDICORP’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Uzoma Nwagba, said the programme focuses on supporting entrepreneurs who have often been excluded from formal lending.

“Hardworking young Nigerians deserve structured credit, not charity.

More than 90% of our MSMEs trade in the name of the person who built them so that is exactly how we built this credit line: for the individual, not just the entity.

Every naira is tied to eligibility, repayment discipline and business growth, because when builders win, Nigeria wins.”

Pilot begins with Wema Bank

CREDICORP said Wema Bank has become the first Partner Financial Institution for the entrepreneur phase, with applicants being onboarded immediately during the Abuja launch.

The corporation said additional financial institutions will be introduced in the coming months as the programme expands through markets, trade associations and cooperative societies across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

According to CREDICORP, it has so far disbursed more than ₦47 billion to over 301,000 applicants across its various programmes, while maintaining a reported non-performing loan rate of 0%.

The organisation said applications are now open through the YouthCred portal, where prospective beneficiaries can complete the mandatory credit education programme before applying.

What happens next

CREDICORP plans to extend the programme nationwide with a long-term goal of reaching one million young Nigerians.

If widely adopted, the initiative could increase access to formal finance for thousands of young entrepreneurs while helping expand Nigeria’s consumer credit system.

Industry observers say the programme’s long-term success will depend on sustained funding, transparent loan administration and whether beneficiaries are able to repay and grow their businesses despite prevailing economic challenges.

Chairman of Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs. Amaka Onwughalu, has been named Woman of the Year at the 5th Anambra Man of the Year (AMTY) Awards, recognising her more than three decades of leadership in Nigeria’s banking industry and contributions to corporate governance and national development.

The award was presented during a ceremony at the Stanel Dome Conference Centre in Awka, Anambra State, where business executives, academics, public officials and community leaders gathered to honour individuals whose work has influenced business, governance and society.

The recognition comes at a time when Nigeria’s financial sector continues to place greater emphasis on strong corporate governance, experienced leadership and gender inclusion at the highest levels of decision-making.

Why it matters

Mrs. Onwughalu assumed office as Chairman of Fidelity Bank on 1 January 2026, becoming one of the few women leading the board of a major Nigerian commercial bank.

With more than 32 years’ experience in financial services, she has held senior executive positions across the banking industry, including Group Managing Director of the former Mainstreet Bank Limited and Deputy Managing Director of Skye Bank Plc.

Industry analysts say recognising experienced female leaders in finance could encourage more women to pursue executive and boardroom positions in sectors where they remain underrepresented.

Corporate governance experts have also argued that strong board leadership plays an important role in maintaining investor confidence, regulatory compliance and long-term business sustainability.

Award recognises leadership and service

Accepting the award, Mrs. Onwughalu said the recognition held special significance because it came from her home state.

“I have been privileged to receive several honours over the course of my career. However, to be recognised by my home state makes this award especially meaningful. It reminds me of the values that have guided my journey such as integrity, resilience, service and excellence,” she said.

She dedicated the honour to those who had contributed to her professional journey.

“I am especially grateful to the Board, Management and staff of Fidelity Bank Plc. It is a privilege to serve as Chairman of a bank that continues to place strong governance, customer focus and sustainable growth at the heart of its operations,” she added.

Mrs. Onwughalu also said she hoped the recognition would encourage more young Nigerians, particularly women, to pursue their ambitions.

“I hope this recognition will inspire more young people, especially young women, to pursue their dreams with courage, discipline and confidence.”

Organisers highlight excellence

Chairman of the occasion and Founder of Falcon Corporation, Prof. Joe Ezigbo, said the awards were designed to recognise people whose achievements positively influence society.

He said celebrating individuals during their lifetime encourages continued excellence while motivating others to contribute meaningfully to their communities.

The ceremony also featured a keynote address by the Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof. Bond Anyaehie, who spoke on “Unstoppable Anambra: Leveraging Human Capital for Global Impact.”

Other winners

Several prominent Nigerians were also honoured during the ceremony.

They included High Chief Anthony Ikenna Obele, who received the Business Icon of the Year Award, Most Rev. Dr. Valerian Maduka Okeke, named Person of the Decade, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, honoured as Public Servant of the Year, Prof. Stella Okunna, who received a Lifetime Achievement Award, Joy Egolum, recognised as Corporate Leader of the Year, and Chinyere Moneme (SAN), who was named Inspiring Woman of the Year.

Industry perspective

Corporate governance specialists say awards alone do not determine institutional performance, but they can highlight leadership models that encourage accountability, ethical decision-making and diversity in executive management.

As Nigerian banks continue adapting to changing regulatory and economic conditions, experienced board leadership is expected to remain central to maintaining financial stability and customer confidence.

What’s next

Mrs. Onwughalu is expected to continue leading Fidelity Bank’s board as the lender focuses on governance, customer service, digital innovation and sustainable growth in Nigeria’s increasingly competitive banking sector.