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Rising Stars Shine at Ecobank’s National Schools Team Chess Championship

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  • Unilag, Daysprings School, Marvelvine Montessori School Top List; Cart Away Millions in Prize Monies

Lagos, May 28, 2024 –   University of Lagos (UNILAG), DaySpring School, Lagos and Marvelvine Montessori School, also in Lagos, have emerged winners in the tertiary, secondary and primary schools’ categories of the 2024 Ecobank National Schools’ Teams Chess Competition at the Pan African Centre in Lagos over the weekend.

The Chess Competition which has been described as the largest gathering of chess players in Africa attracted over 1200 players from over 250 schools across 18 states in Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Right: Vice President, Nigeria Chess Federation, Prince Adeyinka Adewole; Managing Director/Regional Executive, Ecobank Nigeria, Bolaji Lawal with one of the winning schools

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Vice President, Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF), Prince Adeyinka Adewole, expressed excitement that the Championship which was introduced last year when the International Chess Federation (ICF) started the World Schools Team Chess Championship has grown in leap and bounds. He noted that the 2024 edition attracted over 1200 participants, describing NCF’s partnership with Ecobank as a shining example of the public-private partnership needed for the advancement of sports in Nigeria.

“118 primary schools, 86 secondary schools, and 42 tertiary institutions participated and jostled for prizes of over N15 million at the three-day tournament which took place between Friday 24th and Sunday 26th at the Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC) in Victoria Lagos. At the end of the highly competitive tournament, University of Lagos came tops in the tertiary school category and was followed by University of Benin and Chess in Slums Africa (CISA) while DaySpring School, Platforms School, Ireti Senior Grammar School came first, second and third respectively in the secondary school category. For the Primary school category, Marvelvine Montessori School came first while Scholars Academy, Ibadan was second best and followed by Okikioluwa Junior in the third position”. He stated. Further, he said, “When we introduced this Championship last year, only 15 schools participated but today we have over 250 schools. This is a remarkable accomplishment for us in the Nigeria Chess Federation, and we wouldn’t have been able to achieve this without the unwavering support of Ecobank. We’re deeply grateful for Ecobank’s generous support and unwavering commitment to empowering young minds and fostering intellectual growth. Your sponsorship has made this event possible, and your dedication to the development of chess among Nigerian youth is truly commendable.” He reiterated the Federation’s delight in providing a platform for young participants to horn their skill and become world champion, stating that the championship is a celebration of strategic thinking, the relentless pursuit of excellence, and the future of Nigerian chess.

Managing Director/Regional Executive, Ecobank Nigeria, Bolaji Lawal, said the decision of the bank to sponsor the Chess competition was to further showcase Ecobank’s commitment to supporting intellectual and sports development in Nigeria, being part of Ecobank’s strategic human capital development drive. “The winners here today are ‘rising stars. And I must say this is in line with our objective of supporting children and youths as the next-generation of changemakers. This sponsorship aligns with our overall long-term vision of building a world class Pan African bank that contributes to the economic and financial integration of the continent. We are also using the opportunity of this competition to introduce and empower them with convenient, affordable, and accessible digital financial services they can access anytime and anywhere they are. Arrangements are in place to make our partnership an annual event, as it is exciting and fulfilling for both the children and undergraduate students”. He stated. In his comment the Minister of Sports Senator John Owan Enoh, represented by the Director, Federal Ministry of Sports Liaison Office in Lagos, Ms Ikana Mbora, said the ministry is proud of the NCF. He commended the students for their resilience and determination to win as “this represents the Nigerian can do spirit”.

It would be recalled that Platform Schools, Ikeja, Lagos emerged as the national champion at the first National Schools Team Chess Championship held last year earning the honor to represent Nigeria at the World Schools Team Chess Championship in Kazakhstan. The Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF) is the national governing body for chess in Nigeria. It was established in 1975 and is responsible for promoting, regulating and developing chess in Nigeria. The NCF is a federation under the Federal Ministry of Sport Development, and it is affiliated with the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and follows its rules and regulations. The objectives of the NCF include organizing national and international chess tournaments, training and selecting chess players to represent Nigeria in international competitions, and promoting the game of chess at all levels, from grassroots to elite. The NCF organizes various chess events throughout the year, and has also been successful in producing strong chess players who have represented Nigeria in international tournaments. These players have achieved notable successes, including winning medals in African Chess Championships and participating in Chess Olympiads.

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Interswitch Leadership Visits FIRS Executive Chairman to Deepen Strategic Collaboration

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The leadership of Interswitch Group, one of Africa’s leading integrated payments and digital commerce companies, recently paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, at the FIRS Headquarters in Abuja.

The Interswitch delegation was led by the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mitchell Elegbe, and the Board Chairman and Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London, Sir Ken Olisa. Also present at the meeting was the Chief of Staff to the Executive Chairman and Coordinating Director of the FIRS Strategic Management Office, Tayo Koleosho.

The visit served as an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between Interswitch and the FIRS, reinforce ongoing collaboration, and reiterate Interswitch’s commitment to responsible corporate citizenship and support for national development efforts.

Speaking concerning the visit, Elegbe, remarked:

We recognise the critical role that the FIRS plays in shaping Nigeria’s fiscal landscape, and we are honoured to engage at this level. At Interswitch, we see our work not just through the lens of innovation, but also through the responsibilities that come with growth. This visit reflects our belief that public-private partnerships are essential to building sustainable progress in the digital economy.”

The courtesy visit reflects Interswitch’s continued efforts to maintaining strong, transparent relationships with key regulatory institutions, while contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic advancement. Interswitch remains committed to building solutions that support national objectives, aligning innovation with compliance, and driving transformation across Africa’s financial ecosystem.

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First Asset Management Limited Surpasses ₦1 Trillion in Assets UnderManagement

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Lagos, Nigeria – May 2025 – First Asset Management Limited, a leading investment
management firm in Nigeria and a subsidiary of First HoldCo Plc., has announced a significant
milestone, the company has surpassed ₦1 trillion in Assets Under Management (AUM).
This achievement reflects the firm’s steadfast commitment to delivering exceptional client
service and strong investment performance. It also underscores the trust and loyalty shown
by its clients, partners, and stakeholders, which have been instrumental in driving the
company’s sustained growth.
Speaking of the milestone, Ike Onyia, Managing Director of First Asset Management Limited,
credited the accomplishment to the enduring support of the firm’s clients and stakeholders.
“This milestone is a clear indication of the confidence placed in us by our clients and partners.
It highlights the firm’s ability to deliver successful investment outcomes and reinforces its
dedication to fulfilling its mandate,” Onyia said.
He went on to express deep appreciation to the firm’s clientele: “The continued partnership
of our clients is not taken for granted. Their commitment has been pivotal, and the
performance of their investments inspires the team’s dedication to providing best-in-class
service. As the firm continues to grow, it remains focused on deploying innovative and
forward-looking investment strategies tailored to each client’s financial goals.”

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FBNQuest Trustees Limited Hosts Estate Planning Summit in Port Harcourt

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L-R: Head, Private Trust, FBNQuest Trustees, Rotimi Obende; Group Head, Wealth Management and Investment Advisory, FirstBank Nigeria – Private Banking, Dike Nze-Dike,; Head, Marketing and Business Development, FBNQuest Trustees, Abimbola Ajinibi; Acting Managing Director, FBNQuest Trustees, Babajide Fetuga; Private Trust Specialist, FBNQuest Trustees, Mutiat Olatunji and Head, Trust Investment and Strategy, FBNQuest Trustees, Yosola Odunaiya at the Estate Planning Summit recently held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Lagos, Nigeria, April 2025 – FBNQuest Trustees Limited, a subsidiary of First HoldCo Plc, provider of trust solutions to individuals, corporate and government institutions, recently hosted its inaugural Estate Planning Summit in Port Harcourt.The maiden event, themed: Wealth Preservation and Transfer without Hassle, was organised to strategically enlighten and empower the participants with the necessary knowledge required to seamlessly manage and successfully transfer their assets and legacies to their beneficiaries.Speaking at the event, the Acting Managing Director, FBNQuest Trustees, Babajide Fetuga, stressed the critical importance of seeking professional guidance on estate planning, preservation and transfer of wealth to successive generations and other beneficiaries. He stated that a professionally drafted estate plan gives no room for any form of ambiguity; hence, it provides clear directives on what to do at any time.‘’The potential consequences of not having an estate plan include perennial family disputes and protracted court cases, which may result in a huge financial burden and foster long-lasting resentments among loved ones if proactive steps are not undertaken to protect individuals, families and loved ones from avoidable stress.‘’Understanding the values of wealth preservation is crucial. It is vital to recognize the importance of having a strategic estate planning blueprint, and we are determined to educate you with knowledge that not only informs but inspires you to take the necessary actions as you move forward,” he added.FBNQuest Trustees is dedicated to promoting effective estate planning solutions. The company has a track record of successfully hosting estate planning summits in Abuja, Lagos, Minna and Ibadan and continues to emphasize the importance of thoughtful planning through initiatives like the Legacy Series Campaign and the Legacy Room podcast.The summit featured industry experts who delivered valuable insights on the significance of wealth preservation and transfer, addressing the residents of Port Harcourt and its environs. The discussions focused on practical approaches and proactive measures attendees can adopt to manage their estates effectively and minimize potential future challenges.For further information, please contact: privatetrust@firsttrustees.com or 08103893744.

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