Union Bank of Nigeria has received an award for its gender inclusion efforts at the 2026 Women in Marketing and Communications Conference and Awards (WIMCA).

The bank was named Most Outstanding Bank in Gender Inclusion at the event, held on Saturday, 29 August 2026, at the Landmark Event Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos.

The recognition highlights the bank’s stated efforts to promote gender diversity in the workplace and expand opportunities for women through financial services, mentorship, capacity building and professional networks.

Why the award matters

Gender inclusion has become an important issue for businesses seeking to widen access to leadership opportunities, finance and professional development for women.

Union Bank said its approach includes supporting women entrepreneurs and professionals through tailored financial products, capacity-building initiatives, mentorship and networking opportunities.

The award therefore places the bank’s gender-focused initiatives in the spotlight at a time when women’s participation in business and professional sectors remains an important part of conversations about inclusive economic growth.

Union Bank brand chief also honoured

The bank’s Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, Mrs Olufunmilola Aluko, was also recognised at WIMCA 2026.

Aluko was named among the Top 50 Most Influential Women in Marketing and Communications, alongside other professionals in the industry.

Reacting to the recognitions, she said the awards were a validation of Union Bank’s commitment to gender inclusion.

“Union Bank’s recognition at WIMCA 2026 is a strong validation of our sustained commitment to advancing gender inclusion as a driver of institutional excellence, innovation, and sustainable growth,” she said.

“We are proud to champion platforms and initiatives that empower women to lead with confidence, build meaningful careers, and contribute significantly to the evolution of the marketing and communications industry.”

WIMCA 2026 brings industry leaders together

The 2026 edition of WIMCA was held under the theme “Grow, Give, Glow: Building Resilience for Distinction.”

The conference brought together female marketing and communications professionals from across Africa to discuss leadership, resilience, industry trends and women’s advancement within the branding, marketing and communications sector.

The event was established by Nigerian brand and marketing publication Brand Communicator as a platform for recognising female leadership and promoting women’s participation in marketing and communications.

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What Union Bank says comes next

Union Bank said it would continue to support platforms and initiatives that promote women’s empowerment and participation in the marketing and communications industry.

The bank also said it remained focused on creating opportunities for women across its workforce, customer base and wider society.

The WIMCA recognition adds to the bank’s public positioning around gender inclusion, while the recognition of its brand chief highlights the role of women in leadership within Nigeria’s marketing and communications industry.

About Union Bank

Established in 1917, Union Bank of Nigeria provides financial services to individual and corporate customers across the country.

The bank says it operates more than 300 branches and provides services including savings and current accounts, transfers, loans, trade finance, digital banking, debit cards, ATMs and point-of-sale services.

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has received the prestigious Times Heroes Award for his contributions to public service and national development.

The award was presented to Adeniyi on Thursday, 3 September 2026, at the THISDAY Dome in Abuja during celebrations marking the centenary of the Daily Times newspaper.

The event brought together prominent figures from government, business and traditional institutions to recognise individuals and organisations considered to have contributed to Nigeria’s development.

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Adeniyi dedicates award to Customs officers

Adeniyi described the recognition as an encouragement to do more in public service.

“It’s very good when you do something, and you are recognised; this should be an inspiration to us to do much better,” he said.

He dedicated the award to officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service, acknowledging their dedication and sacrifices in carrying out the agency’s responsibilities.

The Customs chief also credited the collective efforts of the Service and praised compliant members of the public for helping to raise standards in public service.

Focus on revenue and trade

The Nigeria Customs Service plays a major role in collecting government revenue, facilitating legitimate trade and enforcing customs laws at Nigeria’s borders and ports.

Adeniyi said the Service under his leadership remained focused on increasing revenue generation while improving trade facilitation.

He also highlighted the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to increase trade among African countries and create a larger single market for goods and services across the continent.

According to the Customs chief, greater compliance by businesses and members of the public would help the Service deliver its mandate more effectively.

Why the award matters

Recognition of senior public officials can draw attention to the wider responsibilities of institutions such as the Customs Service, particularly their role in revenue collection and facilitating legitimate commerce.

For businesses involved in imports and exports, efficient customs processes can affect the cost, speed and predictability of moving goods across Nigeria’s borders.

The implementation of AfCFTA also places greater importance on trade facilitation as African countries seek to expand intra-African commerce.

What’s next for the Customs Service?

The award comes as the Nigeria Customs Service continues to focus on revenue mobilisation, trade facilitation and the implementation of AfCFTA-related measures.

Adeniyi’s comments suggest that cooperation between the Service, businesses and compliant members of the public will remain important as Customs works to improve the efficiency of its operations.

Rite Foods Limited has joined Muslim faithful in Nigeria to mark Eid-el-Maulud, the annual celebration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad.

The company said the occasion should encourage Nigerians to reflect on values including peaceful coexistence, tolerance, unity and love.

Eid-el-Maulud is observed by Muslims in many parts of the world, although practices and the decision to mark the occasion vary among Muslim communities and countries.

In Nigeria, the celebration is also an opportunity for public and religious leaders to call for peace and social cohesion in a country facing economic pressures, insecurity and political divisions.

Rite Foods’ Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Seleem Adegunwa, urged Muslims to reflect on the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad during the celebration.

“As a company that shares in the joy of our consumers, we stand with our Muslim brothers and sisters as they mark this important moment in their faith,” Adegunwa said. “We hope this season brings renewed unity and progress for all Nigerians.”

He also urged believers to pray for the country’s growth and to live in harmony with others.

What the company is saying

Ekuma Eze, Rite Foods’ Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, said the company wanted to celebrate significant moments with its consumers.

“Speaking on the occasion, Seleem Adegunwa, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Rite Foods Limited, urged Muslims to show exemplary conduct and live in harmony as they reflect on the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad. He also urged believers to pray for the country’s growth in all spheres as they celebrate.”

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Why Eid-el-Maulud matters

Eid-el-Maulud commemorates the birth of Prophet Muhammad and is marked through religious gatherings, prayers, sermons and other activities, depending on local traditions.

The celebration has historically provided Muslim communities with an opportunity to reflect on the Prophet’s teachings and values.

In Nigeria, the period can also have wider social and economic effects as families travel, attend religious gatherings and spend on food, transport and other goods.

For businesses in the consumer-goods sector, religious and cultural festivals can therefore form an important part of the annual trading calendar.

What happens next

Rite Foods said it would continue to mark important cultural and religious occasions with its consumers.