L-R: Hero Daniels, Host, InterswitchSPAK National Science Competition; Eric Denyefa Omare, First Runner-up, InterswitchSPAK 6.0; Yemisi Owonubi, Head, Communications and CSR, Interswitch; Ndudu Ekong Henry, Winner, InterswitchSPAK 6.0; Titilola Shogaolu, MD, Interswitch Financial Inclusion Services (IFIS); David Umeojiaka, Second Runner-up, InterswitchSPAK 6.0 and Tomi Ogunlesi, Divisional Head, Brands & Communication, Interswitch, at the grand finale of the InterswitchSPAK 6.0 National Science Competition which held recently in Lagos.

STEM Champions Emerge at InterswitchSPAK 6.0!

The curtains have been drawn on another exciting season of InterswitchSPAK, Nigeria’s biggest national science competition. Once again, Interswitch has brought together the nation’s brightest young minds, reaffirming its commitment to advancing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education and innovation. This flagship CSR initiative continues to inspire and empower the next generation of scientists, engineers, and tech leaders who will shape Nigeria’s future.InterswitchSPAK 6.0 was nothing short of electrifying. Students from across Nigeria participated, showcasing remarkable talent, resilience, and problem-solving skills. With each challenging round, these young innovators proved their mettle, captivating audiences with their brilliance and determination.After an intense battle of wits, three outstanding students emerged victorious:• First Place: Ndudu Ekong Henry from Pegasus School, Akwa Ibom state claimed the grand prize—a whopping ₦15 million scholarship spread over five years, a brand-new laptop, and monthly stipends to support his academic journey.• Second Place: Eric Denyefa Omare from St. Gregory’s College, Lagos state secured a ₦10 million scholarship spread over three years and a brand-new laptop.• Third Place: David Umeojiaka from Graceland International School, Rivers State won a ₦5 million scholarship for one year, alongside a brand-new laptop.The rewards didn’t end there! Students who placed fourth to ninth received cash prizes, while the top 18 semi-finalists and 27 teachers were treated to a plethora of gifts for their dedication and hard work. Also, the top 200 preliminary qualifiers were given free JAMB e-PINs, reaffirming Interswitch’s commitment to education accessibility.For the winners, the experience was a dream come true. Overjoyed and proud, they shared their excitement and gratitude for being part of such a transformative journey. Their hard work and perseverance stood out, proving that determination truly pays off.InterswitchSPAK is more than just a competition, but a platform that ignites potential, nurtures innovation, and celebrates the boundless possibilities within STEM. As Nigeria’s digital future unfolds, Interswitch remains steadfast in lighting the path for these young trailblazers, promoting innovation and breaking boundaries in science and technology. Reflecting on the success of InterswitchSPAK 6.0, it invokes a sense of pride and optimism for what lies ahead. The future of Nigeria’s STEM community is undoubtedly bright, and the world can’t wait to see these young talents redefine the world of science and technology.Here’s to the future scientists, engineers, and innovators who will lead the way. Your journey has only just begun, and the possibilities are limitless!

LAGOS, January 16, 2025 – Olam Agri in Nigeria has again been recognised as a Top Employer by the Top Employers Institute, marking the fifth consecutive year it has achieved this prestigious certification. Announced during an event celebrating organisations that excel in the Institute’s annual HR Best Practices Survey, this milestone underscores Olam Agri’s exceptional workplace culture, innovative HR strategies, and growing appeal to talent locally and globally. The Top Employer Institute evaluates organisations based on a comprehensive survey covering six key HR domains and 20 topics: People Strategy, Work Environment, Talent Acquisition, Learning, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and Wellbeing. Since 2020, Olam Agri’s operations in Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, and the Africa region have consistently earned top rankings, solidifying its reputation as an employer of choice. As a leading agribusiness in food, feed, and fibre, Olam Agri is deeply committed to making a positive impact on its workforce, customers, host communities, and stakeholders. Through its efforts in Nigeria and other markets, the company contributes to food security, environmental sustainability, and economic development. This latest certification reflects Olam Agri’s adherence to global best practices and focus on creating meaningful, lasting change. David Plink, CEO of the Top Employers Institute, commended Olam Agri and other certified organisations for their resilience and excellence. He noted: “Consistency in a not-so-consistent world is remarkable. Amidst technological advances, economic shifts, and evolving social landscapes, it’s inspiring to see organisations like Olam Agri rise to the challenge. This year’s certification celebrates those who continue to lead with people-first strategies, setting the standard for enriching the world of work.” Jaideep Biswas, Regional Head of Human Resources at Olam Agri, highlighted the significance of the recognition, stating: “Our people-centric strategy aligns with the dynamic demands of the global talent landscape, embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion at the core of our operations. This certification validates our approach, but we’re not stopping here. We remain committed to helping our workforce thrive in a rapidly evolving work environment.” Anil Nair, Managing Director, Olam Agri in Nigeria, expatiated, “As we celebrate this recognition, we also look to the future. Olam Agri is committed to scaling our HR practices to ensure alignment with global standards. We will continue to make significant investments in our people and the food value chain, enriching lives and driving economic growth. Our goal is to create an environment where our employees can excel and thrive, and we are dedicated to achieving this. Olam Agri’s continued success as a Top Employer reflects its unwavering dedication to fostering growth, well-being, and excellence in its operations.

Lagos, January 13, 2024 – Interswitch Group, one of Africa’s leading integrated payments and digital commerce companies, has announced plans to host its first-ever startup innovation mixer. Themed “Unlocking Synergies between Startups and Established Corporates,” the event will take place on January 24, 2025, at the Interswitch Innovation Lab, Victoria Island, Lagos.Designed to bridge the gap between startups and established businesses, the Innovation Mixer will provide a platform for stakeholders across the tech ecosystem to collaborate, share ideas, and forge partnerships, as it promises to bring together a vibrant mix of innovators, tech enthusiasts, investors, and industry leaders for an evening of transformative solutions and networking.Highlighting the significance of the event, Adaobi Okerekeocha, Chief Innovation Officer, Interswitch, noted that partnership remains central to driving innovation within Africa’s tech ecosystem. She expressed optimism about the mixer’s potential to generate lasting impact, saying:”At Interswitch, we believe collaboration is the bedrock of innovation. As the tech and innovation landscape in Nigeria and across Africa continues to evolve, its immense and untapped potential calls for platforms like this to unlock new possibilities.The Startup Mixer represents a pivotal step toward building a vibrant community where startups and established corporates can exchange ideas, explore opportunities, and forge synergies that drive impactful solutions.”The event will feature a panel discussion, which will be moderated by Akeem Hassan, Technical Adviser to the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Lagos State Government. The panelists include Ireayo Oladunjoye, Managing Director, Endeavor Nigeria; Linda Ochugbua, Digital Sales Manager, BusinessDay; and Olapeju Nwanganga, Founder, Pepcode. Together, they will delve into the theme, exploring practical ways to strengthen collaboration between startups and established corporates.Attendees can look forward to a thoughtfully curated experience featuring stimulating discussions and unparalleled networking opportunities. The mixer will spotlight groundbreaking ideas, inspiring success stories, and transformative partnerships that are shaping the future of Nigeria’s tech ecosystem and driving innovation across Africa.By hosting this event, Interswitch reaffirms its unwavering commitment to nurturing innovation and fostering partnerships that drive growth within Nigeria’s tech ecosystem and beyond.Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with innovators, industry leaders and changemakers. Register now at tinyurl.com/ISWmixer to secure your spot!