Brand
Verve Deepens Global Presence with New Memberships in PCI SSC, NEXO Standards
Lagos, Nigeria – March 8, 2026 — Verve International, Africa’s leading payment card brand, has announced its membership in two major global payment standards bodies, the PCI Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) and the NEXO Standards community. These memberships further position Verve within the international ecosystem responsible for defining, securing, and harmonising payment experiences worldwide. The PCI Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) is the global body responsible for setting and overseeing security standards that protect cardholder data across the payment ecosystem. NEXO Standards is the international organisation that develops unified messaging specifications and protocols for seamless, interoperable payment acceptance. These dual memberships mark a significant milestone in Verve’s ongoing commitment to advancing payment security and global interoperability, while delivering world-class experiences to consumers, merchants, and financial partners across Africa and beyond. Speaking on the announcement, Vincent Ogbunude, Managing Director, Verve International, said:“Security, trust, and seamless interoperability remain central to Verve’s mission. Joining the PCI Security Standards Council and the NEXO Standards community reinforces our commitment to global best practices and strengthens our ability to deliver secure, scalable, and innovative payment solutions across Africa and beyond. This step positions Verve not just as a participant in the global payments ecosystem, but as a contributor helping shape its future.” The PCI Security Standards Council governs the globally adopted PCI Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), which ensures that issuers, acquirers, processors, merchants, and solution providers that store, process, or transmit cardholder data meet strict security requirements. As a member, Verve will now participate directly in shaping emerging standards, contributing African perspectives to global discussions, and ensuring its products and partners remain aligned with evolving guidelines. Membership in the NEXO Standards community further elevates Verve’s role on the global stage. NEXO delivers a modern, universal, and interoperable payment acceptance standard that harmonises how banks, processors, and payment terminals communicate. Through this membership, Verve will collaborate with industry leaders worldwide to accelerate next-generation payment experiences and simplify integrations for partners across markets. These developments align with Verve’s broader strategy to deepen its global footprint, expand partnerships with financial institutions and fintechs, and scale innovations such as contactless payments, enhanced chip-and-PIN capabilities, tokenisation, and advanced security technologies. With membership in both PCI SSC and NEXO, Verve is better positioned to empower partners, protect consumers, and support the growth of secure, interoperable payment systems across Africa, while cementing its role as a key contributor to global payment innovation.
Brand
Interswitch Returns as Key Sponsor of 12th AMVCAs, as Quickteller and Verve Spotlight Excellence in African Music and Storytelling
Lagos, Nigeria – April 27, 2026 – Interswitch, through its flagship brands, Quickteller and Verve, has announced its sponsorship of three major award categories at the 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs), reaffirming its continued support for the growth and global recognition of Africa’s film and television industry. Through Quickteller and Verve, the company is backing key segments of the continental awards that spotlight creative excellence. Quickteller will feature as the sponsor of the Best Music Score category, while Verve will sponsor the Best Writing in a Movie category as well as the Best Writing in a TV Series category, recognising the creative depth and storytelling craft that shape Africa’s film and television landscape. The sponsorship underscores Interswitch’s broader commitment to enabling platforms that celebrate African talent and elevate the continent. Over the years, the company has continued to support initiatives that drive cultural expression, industry visibility, and cross-sector innovation. Commenting on the partnership, Dr. Cherry Eromosele, Executive Vice President, Group Marketing and Communications at Interswitch, noted that the collaboration reflects the company’s long-standing belief in the power of storytelling to drive connection and growth, particularly within Africa’s rapidly evolving creative ecosystem. “At Interswitch, we see the creative industry as a powerful engine for cultural expression and economic growth across Africa. Our partnership with the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards reflects our commitment to supporting platforms that amplify African voices and showcase world-class talent. We are proud to support categories that recognise the creativity and craftsmanship behind the stories that resonate with audiences across the continent and beyond,” Eromosele said. As part of its participation in this year’s awards, Interswitch will be represented by senior executives at the ceremony. The Best Music Score award will be presented by Franklin Ali, Group Chief Human Resources Officer, Interswitch, while the Best Writing in a Movie award will be presented by Dr. Cherry Eromosele. Also commenting on Interswitch’s return as a sponsor of the 12th AMVCAs, the Divisional Head, Brands, Communications, Content and Storytelling, Tomijogun Ogunlesi stated:“Interswitch Group is proud to support the celebration of Africa’s storytelling brilliance. Through Quickteller and Verve’s participation as sponsors of the AMVCAs, we are playing a role in amplifying the voices of those telling our authentic African stories with passion, authenticity, and creativity. For us, the AMVCA is more than just an award show, but a powerful platform that reflects the vibrancy and vision of African creators whom we are proud to support.” Beyond the sponsorship, Interswitch will also deliver an engaging on-site brand experience across key moments of the AMVCAs. Activations are scheduled to take place during the Cultural Day celebration at the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos on the 8th of May and at the main awards ceremony at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, on May 9, 2026. These activations will showcase the seamless capabilities of Quickteller and Verve, while creating interactive touchpoints that connect technology, lifestyle, and entertainment in a way that reflects how consumers engage with modern commerce. By combining sponsorship, executive participation, and experiential engagement, Interswitch continues to position itself at the intersection of technology and culture, supporting not just transactions, but the ecosystems that drive creativity, connection, and economic opportunities across Africa.
Brand
Fidelity Bank Advocates for Inmates’ welfare with donation to Enugu Custodial Centre
L-R: Team Lead, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Fidelity Bank Plc, Victoria Abuka; Deputy Controller of Corrections, Enugu Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Dr. Sunday Igwe; Team Lead, Human Resources and Business Partner, East & South, Fidelity Bank Plc, Osayi Uwumarongie; and President, Legacy Inductees Class of 2026, Fidelity Bank Plc, Darlington Okereke; during Fidelity Bank’s donation of food and essential items to Enugu Maximum Security Custodial Centre, in Enugu State recently.
Tier one lender, Fidelity Bank Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to health and social welfare with the donation of food and essential items to inmates at the Enugu Maximum Security Custodial Centre.
The outreach was carried out by the newly inducted Legacy Class of 2026 and executed under the bank’s flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) platform known as the Fidelity Helping Hands Project (FHHP). Through the FHHP, staff identify areas of critical interventions in their immediate communities, raise funds and then receive matching financial support from the bank’s management to execute the projects.
Items donated by the Legacy class include a range of food supplies such as garri, spaghetti, noodles, biscuits, milk, and other essential consumables aimed at supporting the welfare and living conditions of inmates at the facility.
Speaking on the visit, Divisional Head, Brand and Communications Division, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr Meksley Nwagboh, described the initiative as a key component of the Bank’s culture, designed to inspire compassion and a sense of responsibility in its workforce.
“As part of our induction programme, we encourage new staff to identify meaningful ways to impact their communities. In assessing the needs of this facility, it became clear that providing food and other essentials would make an immediate difference. With over 3,000 inmates here, the daily effort required to feed and care for them is enormous. We believe that this donation will significantly support the centre’s ongoing work and contribute to improving the welfare of the inmates,” he said.
Nwagboh further emphasized the broader vision behind the initiative, noting that the bank is committed to raising socially conscious professionals. “At Fidelity Bank, we are intentional about building not just skilled employees, but responsible citizens. Initiatives like this help our staff connect with real societal needs and inspire them to make meaningful contributions beyond the workplace,” he stated.
In his response, the Deputy Controller of Corrections at the facility, Dr. Sunday Igwe, commended Fidelity Bank for nurturing a strong culture of social responsibility among its workforce. He described the donation as timely and impactful, noting that it would help alleviate some of the operational challenges faced by the facility.
Igwe further used the opportunity to caution Nigerians, particularly young professionals, against engaging in criminal activities such as fraud and cybercrime, emphasizing that personal decisions can have far-reaching consequences.
“People must understand that their choices determine their outcomes. We encourage everyone to stay focused and avoid actions that may bring them into conflict with the law,” he advised.
The Fidelity Helping Hands Project remains one of Fidelity Bank’s key CSR initiatives, enabling employee-led contributions that drive meaningful impact through inclusive development across Nigeria.
Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 10 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.
The Bank is a recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.
Brand
One Universe Launches to Redefine How People Find and Pay for Trusted Services
One Universe, a new trusted digital marketplace designed to connect people who need services with skilled professionals, has officially launched and is now available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Built to solve the everyday challenge of finding reliable service providers, One Universe brings trust, convenience, and transparency into one seamless platform. From beauty and lifestyle services to technical, creative, and professional support, users can now discover verified professionals, agree on terms, and complete payments securely – all within the app.
A Safer, Smarter Way to Get Things Done
One Universe was created to eliminate uncertainty in service transactions. The platform enables buyers to find professionals, chat directly, agree on pricing and timelines, and make payments securely. Funds are held safely until the job is completed, ensuring protection for both parties.
Empowering Professionals to Grow
For service providers, One Universe offers a powerful opportunity to showcase skills, receive referrals, build credibility through reviews, and access more customers without the usual barriers. Professionals can focus on delivering quality work while the platform supports visibility, trust, and secure payments.
Introducing the One Universe Recruiter Program
As part of its launch, One Universe is rolling out the Recruiter Program, designed to reward individuals who help grow the community. Recruiters earn incentives by inviting people to join the platform – especially buyers seeking services – thereby helping professionals get more jobs while expanding the ecosystem. The program turns everyday referrals into real value and shared growth for all participants.
Key Features Include:
- Verified professionals across multiple service categories
- Secure in-app payments with buyer and seller protection
- Transparent pricing and direct communication
- Ratings and reviews to build trust
- A growing community driven by referrals and reputation
- Incentives through the Recruiter Program for community growth
Now Available on iOS and Android
One Universe is now live and ready for use. Individuals and businesses are encouraged to download the app, explore services, and experience a smarter way to connect and transact.
Download One Universe today:
Apple App Store
https://apps.apple.com/au/app/one-universe/id6753012310
Google Play Store
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.oneuniverse.oneuniverse
About One Universe
One Universe is a trusted digital marketplace built to connect people with skilled professionals, making service discovery, engagement, and payment simple, safe, and reliable. The platform is committed to empowering service providers while giving users confidence and peace of mind.
Media Contact:
www.oneuniverse.ng
info@oneuniverse.ng
08083327368
