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Interswitch Unveils Nine Finalists as InterswitchSPAK 7.0 Nears Grand Finale

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Lagos, Nigeria | January 19 — Interswitch, one of Africa’s leading integrated payments and digital commerce companies, has successfully concluded the semi-final stage of the seventh edition of its flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, the InterswitchSPAK National Science Competition, unveiling nine exceptional students who will compete at the grand finale of Nigeria’s most prestigious STEM contest. From an initial pool of over 18,000 registered senior secondary school students nationwide, the competition progressed through a rigorous computer-based qualifying test, producing 81 outstanding students drawn from across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. Following the preliminary rounds, 27 semi-finalists emerged, marking a major milestone in the journey toward the grand finale. From this highly competitive group, nine exceptional students have now been selected as finalists, reflecting the depth of talent, discipline, and scientific excellence demonstrated throughout the multi-stage evaluation process. The finalists are Lyon Awhaisoba of Apt Scholars Universal College, Ogun State; Naetochukwu Ochi of Jesuit Memorial College, Rivers State; Saint Riman of Adedokun International Schools, Ogun State; Emmanuel Ashaolu of Welkin International School, Ogun State; and Gbolamiga Atekoja of Heritreats Private Secondary School, Ondo State. The remaining finalists are David Solomonezemma of Deeper Life High School, Enugu State; Eke David of Marist Brothers’ Juniorate, Abia State; Chukwubudem Ezeobi of British Spring College, Anambra State; and David Okorie of Caleb International College, Lagos State. Speaking on the significance of the milestone, Cherry Eromosele, Executive Vice President, Group Marketing and Communications, Interswitch, said the competition continues to play a critical role in shaping Africa’s future talent pipeline. “InterswitchSPAK was created to identify, inspire, and reward excellence in STEM education while equipping young Africans with the skills needed to solve real-world problems. These nine finalists have demonstrated exceptional brilliance, resilience, and a passion for innovation. They represent the future of science, technology, and problem-solving in Africa,” she said. At the grand finale, the finalists will vie for scholarships and prizes valued at over ₦35 million. The overall winner will receive a ₦15 million tertiary education scholarship spread across five years, a brand-new laptop, and monthly stipends. The first runner-up will be awarded a ₦10 million scholarship over three years and a laptop, while the second runner-up will receive a ₦5 million one-year scholarship and a laptop. Additional cash prizes will be awarded to finalists ranked fourth through ninth, alongside recognition for the top 18 semi-finalists and 27 outstanding teachers whose mentorship supported the students’ journeys. Now in its seventh year, InterswitchSPAK has evolved beyond a competition into a national platform dedicated to nurturing the next generation of scientists, engineers, innovators, and problem-solvers. Through sustained investment in STEM education, Interswitch continues to reinforce its commitment to empowering young Africans with the skills required to drive innovation, economic progress, and long-term socio-economic development across the continent. Viewers can watch the upcoming grand finale episode set to air on Sunday, January 25th 2026 on DSTV Africa Magic Family (Channel 154) at 6:00pm on Sundays, or on AIT Network at 5:30pm. Repeat broadcasts air on DSTV Africa Magic Family (Channel 154) at 5:00pm on Tuesdays. Episodes are also available on YouTube, Facebook, and X via @InterswitchSPAK every Sunday at 6:00pm, and on LinkedIn via @InterswitchGroup at 5:30pm.

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Coalition Delivers Nationwide Environmental Action Across 12 Locations on World Environment Day 2026

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Nestlé Nigeria, working alongside coalition partners, has completed the 2026 World Environment Day community sensitization and clean-up campaign across 12 locations nationwide, bringing together volunteers, communities and stakeholders in coordinated action to support environmental stewardship and responsible waste management.Speaking on the initiative, Victoria Uwadoka, Lead Corporate Communications, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, Nestlé Nigeria, said: “Environmental progress is most sustainable when communities see themselves as active participants rather than observers. What encouraged us most this year was not only the volume of waste recovered, but the willingness of volunteers, partners and community members to work together towards a shared goal. Lasting environmental progress depends on that sense of collective ownership, and it is often through small actions taken together that meaningful change begins.”Through the efforts of 424 volunteers across the 12 locations, a total of 4,507.8kg of solid waste and 48.2kg of recyclable waste was recovered, according to reports from the African Clean-Up Initiative (ACI) and the Recyclers Association of Nigeria (RAN). The recovered waste was channelled through appropriate recycling and disposal pathways, contributing to cleaner public spaces and supporting broader efforts to reduce waste leakage into the environment.The nationwide activation was driven by Nestlé Cares volunteers, the company’s employee volunteering programme, alongside volunteers from the 15 organisations participating in the coalition unveiled ahead of World Environment Day. Across Lagos, Abuja, Agbara, Jos, Kano, Enugu, Awka, Ota, Abaji, Sagamu, Port Harcourt and Ibadan, volunteers worked alongside community members in structured clean-up and sensitization activities designed to strengthen environmental awareness and encourage responsible waste management practices.The initiative was delivered through a coordinated multi-stakeholder framework, bringing together government institutions, regulators, industry platforms, development partners and recyclers to support implementation and ensure alignment with national environmental priorities.At the Abuja activation, the Honourable Minister of Environment was represented by the Director of the Pollution Control and Environmental Health Department, Federal Ministry of Environment, Mrs. Adeola Omotunde who noted: “Addressing environmental challenges requires consistent action at all levels. Initiatives such as this demonstrate how government, private sector and communities can work together to drive responsible environmental practices and deliver real impact.”The representative of the Country Manager of the National Plastics Action Partnership (NPAP), Mrs. Esther Chibueyin Fagbo, said: “Nigeria’s plastic pollution challenge requires bold, collaborative action, and this initiative demonstrates the value of bringing together communities, partners and the private sector around a shared goal. We are proud to have supported this effort and look forward to continuing our collaboration to advance circular economy solutions that create environmental and economic value.”As Nestlé Nigeria continues to work with partners, communities and stakeholders to create shared value, the initiative demonstrates how collective action can contribute to cleaner environments, stronger waste recovery systems and more sustainable communities. The company remains committed to supporting collaborative approaches that help advance circular economy outcomes across Nigeria.

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MILO Recovers over 1 Million Wrappers Through Elevate Recycling Initiative

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More than 60,000 children across 100 primary schools in Lagos State recovered over 1 million used MILO wrappers through the MILO Elevate Recycling Initiative to mark World Environment Day 2026. The Initiative combined sustainability education with a school-based recycling competition. In addition to the collection of used wrappers, the children received lessons on responsible waste management and practical exposure to recycling and circularity principles. For 26 years, MILO has contributed to youth development through grassroots sports programmes. Through the Elevate Recycling Initiative, the brand is extending its commitment to nurturing future champions beyond the values of sports, by helping children develop environmental awareness and positive sustainability habits. Speaking at the awards ceremony on World Environment Day, Gilbert Tweneboah-Koduah, Category Manager, MILO, Nestlé Nigeria Plc, said, “At MILO, we believe that nurturing children includes helping them build the values, habits and mindset needed to thrive and make a positive contribution to society. Through the Elevate Recycling Initiative, we are encouraging children to understand that small everyday actions can create meaningful environmental impact. Just as we have inspired generations of future sports champions, we are proud to contribute to raising future climate champions.”Commenting on the initiative, Stephen Avoseh, Deputy Director of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), said, “Implementing this initiative through schools creates an opportunity for children to learn about environmental responsibility and share these lessons with their families and communities. Schools play an important role in building lasting awareness and positive environmental habits.”The behavioural impact of the initiative was also evident among participating pupils. Treasure John told us that the programme deepened her understanding of how improper waste disposal contributes to environmental pollution and flooding, while encouraging her to adopt more responsible waste management habits.In a practical demonstration of how materials that might otherwise be considered as waste can be recovered and given a new purpose, the Rotaract District 9112 led an upcycling project that transformed the recovered wrappers into 1,013 items including school bags, lunch bags and pencil cases. These items were donated to participating schools and awarded to top-performing pupils. The success of the Elevate Recycling Initiative reinforces MILO’s conviction that deepening environmental education and encouraging responsible waste management practices among children and communities can support a circular economy. It also contributes to Nestlé Nigeria’s broader sustainability and circularity agenda to build the awareness, values and behaviours needed to achieve and protect a cleaner and more sustainable future.

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TomTom Continues to Back the Music Talents through its Youth Focus Initiatives

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Every year, World Music Day serves as a reminder of the powerful role music plays in shaping culture, identity, and human connection. In Nigeria, especially, music has become more than entertainment. It is how young people express themselves, tell their stories, build communities, and increasingly, create opportunities for globalrelevance.From Afrobeats becoming an international force to local sounds influencing popculture conversations across the world, Nigeria’s music industry has evolved into one of the country’s strongest cultural exports. But behind the success stories andchart-topping moments is a growing need to properly support the next generation of talents who will carry the industry forward.For years, TomTom has maintained a strong connection with Nigeria’s youth culture and entertainment scene, growing beyond a household menthol candy brand into one that naturally exists within music and pop culture conversations. From major concerts and live music experiences to youth-focused creative initiatives like; Trace the City, and the MTV Base Cypher, the brand has consistently shown up in spacesthat matter to young Nigerians.In recent time, that relationship with culture is evolving into something more intentional through initiatives like Breathe Academy, the Breathe For It Summit, andthe Breathe Through It Verse Challenge, platforms designed to support, inspire, and empower emerging music talents.As Nigeria’s music industry continues to gain global recognition, there is also growing awareness around the importance of mentorship, education, and access for emerging talents. While talent is abundant, many young creatives still struggle with understanding the business side of music and navigating the realities of an increasingly competitive industry.This is part of what makes initiatives like Breathe Academy relevant.TomTom’s online learning platform created to help aspiring artists and creatives better understand both the craft and business of music. At a time when many young talents are trying to navigate an increasingly competitive industry, access to practical knowledge and mentorship has become just as important as talent itself.Through curated learning sessions, industry-led conversations, and expert insights,participants gain exposure to areas like branding, music distribution, content creation, marketing, audience building, and career development. The platform is helping simplify industry knowledge in a way that feels practical, relatable, and accessible for young creatives trying to find their footing.Ahead of World Music Day, TomTom continues to strengthen its position as a Brant that understands and contributes to Nigeria’s music culture not only through entertainment experiences, but also by helping create opportunities for the next generation of artists, creators, and music entrepreneurs to grow and succeed

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