Lagos, Nigeria – March 1, 2026 – Founder and Group Managing Director of Interswitch Group, one of Africa’s leading integrated payments and digital commerce companies – Mitchell Elegbe, has been conferred the 2025 Silverbird Special Achievement Award, in recognition of his leading role in building Nigeria’s digital payments infrastructure and shaping Africa’s financial landscape.

The award was presented at the prestigious Silverbird Man of the Year Awards ceremony held on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, where Elegbe was recognised alongside other eminent Nigerians whose leadership and contributions continue to shape national development and industry transformation.

The Silverbird Special Achievement Award recognises individuals whose innovation, vision, and sustained impact have left an indelible mark on society. For Elegbe, the honour underscores more than two decades of pioneering leadership in building Nigeria’s modern digital payments infrastructure and advancing financial inclusion across Africa.

Elegbe founded Interswitch in 2002, inspired by a bold conviction that technology could fundamentally redefine how value moves within and across economies. Under Elegbe’s leadership, the company has evolved into one of Africa’s foremost integrated payments and digital commerce companies, powering financial transactions for governments, banks, businesses, and millions of consumers. Today, much of Nigeria’s electronic payments ecosystem traces its foundational architecture to the systems and rails established under his leadership.

Reflecting on the recognition, Elegbe described the award as both humbling and symbolic of a broader journey.

“This honour represents far more than a personal milestone. It reflects the courage of a team that believed, long before it was fashionable, that Nigeria and Africa could build world-class financial infrastructure. When we started Interswitch, we were driven by a simple but powerful idea that technology could democratise access, unlock opportunity, and enable commerce at scale. This recognition by Silverbird strengthens our resolve to continue building systems that empower businesses, support governments, and expand inclusion across the continent,” he said.

Also speaking on the recognition, Cherry Eromosele, Executive Vice President, Group Marketing and Communications, Interswitch, noted that the honour reflects the enduring impact of visionary leadership.

“Mitchell’s journey is inseparable from Nigeria’s digital payments evolution. His foresight and resilience helped establish foundational infrastructure at a time when the ecosystem was still nascent. This recognition affirms not only his personal legacy, but the broader impact of Interswitch in enabling commerce and strengthening financial systems across Africa,” Eromosele stated.

The Silverbird recognition comes just days after Elegbe’s induction as a Fellow (FICA) of the National Institute of Credit Administration (NICA) at its Presidential Investiture and Fellowship Ceremony held at the MUSON Centre, underscoring a remarkable week of national recognition for his contributions to financial systems development.

The Fellowship, the Institute’s highest professional distinction, is reserved for eminent leaders whose exceptional contributions have strengthened credit systems, advanced financial integrity, and supported economic development in Nigeria.

With these latest honours, Mitchell Elegbe’s legacy as the leading architect of Africa’s digital commerce infrastructure is further cemented, not only as a fintech pioneer, but as a leader helping to shape the institutions that underpin sustainable economic growth.

Aquafina took centre stage at the 11th edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon on 14 February 2026, rewarding the first ten groups to complete the 10-kilometre race with N1 million each. The initiative highlights the brand’s continued investment in fitness, wellness, and the spirit of collective achievement within Nigeria’s growing running community.

Under its campaign theme, “Run am with your Padi of Life,” Aquafina encouraged runners to participate alongside friends, teammates, and running crews, celebrating the role of support systems in pushing limits and sustaining performance.

Throughout the race, Aquafina ensured strong on-course visibility while providing hydration support to help participants maintain energy levels. Its on-ground activations added excitement for both runners and spectators, contributing to the vibrant atmosphere of the event.

By rewarding groups rather than individual runners, Aquafina spotlighted the value of shared goals and mutual accountability. The N1 million prize elevated the competitive energy of the 10km race while reinforcing the importance of collaboration within Nigeria’s evolving fitness culture.

Widely regarded as one of West Africa’s most prestigious road races, the marathon once again attracted elite athletes, recreational runners, corporate teams, and fitness enthusiasts from across the country and beyond. Within this high-energy environment, Aquafina positioned itself as a trusted hydration partner supporting endurance and peak performance.

Speaking after the race, Funso Elubeku, Assistant General Manager at Seven-Up Bottling Company (SBC), said:

“The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon represents resilience, discipline, and the power of community. Through Aquafina, we ensured participants remained hydrated while celebrating the teamwork and support that help runners push beyond their limits. Rewarding the first ten finishers underscores our commitment to recognising dedication, performance, and personal achievement.”

Aquafina’s presence at the marathon underscores its broader mission to promote active lifestyles and support platforms that inspire healthier living, strengthening its connection with Nigeria’s fitness community through meaningful engagement.

FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria PLC through its Peak Yoghurt brand made from locally sourced 100% fresh milk has reinforced its commitment to nourishing Nigerians with quality dairy nutrition. This was announced during its Nutrition Intervention Programme at Ojodu Primary School, Lagos as part of its broader strategy to improve child nutrition, promote access to nutrition and support healthy childhood development.

The programme was flagged off by the President, Middle East, Pakistan & Africa (MEPA), Royal FrieslandCampina, Ali Ahmed Khan, along with the Managing Director, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria, Roger Adou. The Commissioner, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, was represented by the Registrar, Lagos State Examinations Board, Adebayo Orunsolu. Pupils, teachers, representatives of the State Universal Basic Education Board and Ikeja Local Government Education Authority also attended.

During the programme, over 1400 pupils were taken through a brief but engaging nutrition awareness session designed to educate them on the role of dairy nutrition in supporting physical growth, cognitive development, and learning outcomes. This was followed by the distribution and donation of Peak yoghurt drink made from 100% fresh milk sourced locally, providing the children with access to high-quality dairy nutrition while reinforcing positive dietary habits.

Commenting on the initiative, Ali Ahmed Khan highlighted the company’s global nutrition agenda and its relevance within local communities: “At Royal FrieslandCampina, we recognise that good nutrition is a foundation for healthy development and long-term success. When children eat right, they grow and develop well. Through programmes such as the Nutrition Intervention, we are doing dairy right and making quality dairy nutrition more accessible to children to support their growth and learning.”

Also speaking at the event, Roger Adou reaffirmed: “Our mission at FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria is to nourish Nigerians with quality dairy nutrition. This Nutrition Intervention Programme demonstrates our commitment to supporting school children with nutritious dairy products while promoting nutrition education that encourages healthier choices from an early age. By investing in children today, we are contributing to a stronger and healthier future for Nigeria.”

Beyond the flag off, over 1400 pupils were served refreshing Peak yoghurt drinks made from 100% fresh milk daily from February 11, and this will run till February 28.