General News
Nigeria International Wine & Spirit Fair 2014 Gets Date

Spronks Creations Limited; the organiser of the yearly Nigeria International Wine & Spirit Fair (NIWSF), the foremost business event that brings wine and spirit producers, traders and consumers together, has unveiled plans for this year’s fair.
The fair, will hold at the External Ballroom and Extension, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos on Thursday and Friday 23 – 24, October 2014.
The Nigerian International Wine and Spirit Fair (NIWSF) is a world class platform for on-and-off trade businesses aimed at fostering inter-cultural business relationship between wine and spirit producing countries and sub-Saharan African countries.
NIWSF also aimed at promoting local production of quality ingenious wine and spirits including educating consumers on wine cultures and etiquette.
This year’s fair, now fourth in the series, with the theme: Wine, Spirit, Trade, Consumer Experience and More, is sponsored by Louis Roederer; the prestigious producer of the number one Champagne in the world – Cristal Champagne and other expressive Champagnes.
Over 30 wine and spirit exhibitors drawn from over 10 countries including Spain, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, United States of America, Argentina, Chile, Italy, France and Nigeria are expected grace this edition.
Thousands of wine lovers, trader, restaurateurs, beverage and hospitality industry, connoisseurs, major retail chains, independent wine shops and those seeking joint ventures partnership are expected to visit the fair. It also offers networking opportunities and wide range of contents for the media.
Speaking at the media briefing and pre-event party which held in Lagos, Mrs. Aderonke Sobodu, managing director, Spronks Creations, organiser of the fair, observed that, “The growth and acceptance of wine and spirit into our social lifestyle has made the country one of the fast emerging markets in the world, which in turn offers great opportunity for tourism, trade and commerce.
“This also created the need to expose indigenous wine and spirit producers to the global trade environment with Nigeria ranking as a fast growing market. Currently consumption figure of wine and spirit in the country is valued at over $350million based on our exportation”.
She added that, “The team of the Nigeria International Wine and Spirit Fair, in partnership with the International Oenologists, is exploring the possibility of growing and producing the first commercial wine range in West Africa. Obudu Plateau, found on the Oshie Ridge of the Sankwala Mountain range has been identified as a potential location to explore wine production based on the landscape and altitude of this region. We are seeking the help of the Cross River State Government to achieve this feat.”
The Nigerian International Wine and Spirit Fair (NIWSF) 2014 promises to enthral with assorted display of wines and spirit for visitors to taste and savour.
Exciting activities lined up include special Piano & Cigar Lounge designated for VVIP guests. Guests in this room will be treated to live smooth Jazz music, luscious canapés, Cognac and champagnes courtesy of Louis Roederer- world number one champagne house and complimentary cigar stick by the Lagos Cigar Club.
The General Relaxation Hub is the perfect spot to relax, have fun, network, play games and enjoy good smooth and jazz tunes.
Other features include the top twenty wine tasting, raffle draws, press hub and many more.
Also speaking, Ms Frances Lawrence, brand and country manager, Louis Roederer, said the company is excited to sponsor the fair adding that, “We are very glad to be associated with Nigeria International Wine and Spirit Fair. Over the years the organisers have managed to position and maintain the fair as a prestigious event in the industry especially in West Africa, where there has been less focus on quality wine and spirit.
“For us at Louis Roederer, it is important to associate our brand with event such as this; that promotes wine and spirit culture and lifestyle. As the Number One Champagne in the world, we are proud to say that we only associate with the very best and we can say categorically that the Nigeria International Wine and Spirit offers such platform.”
As described by the Cellar Master, Louis Roedere Champagnes exhibits “the freshness, finesse and brightness of any champagne, making it the perfect wine for festive occasions”.
Its structured texture, richness, and length are distinctly winey. It is a full, complex wine that is both rich and powerful, whilst remaining the great classic champagne that can ever be.
General News
NDIC Reinforces Full Oversight Compliance to Safeguard Depositors

Mr. Thompson Sunday, the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), has reaffirmed the Corporation’s strict compliance with fiscal and financial regulations, including the provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) 2007, noting that the NDIC has consistently remitted the required percentage of its earnings to the Federal Government.

Mr. Sunday made this known during a courtesy visit to the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), Dr. Armstrong Takang, as part of NDIC’s ongoing engagement with key stakeholders following his formal assumption of office in July 2025.
According to him, NDIC takes financial accountability and transparency seriously, stressing that the Corporation complies fully with statutory remittance obligations, including the payment of 20 per cent of gross earnings or 80 per cent of net surplus to the Federal Government, as applicable. He added that NDIC also submits its financial statements ahead of statutory deadlines.
The NDIC MD/CE explained that this culture of compliance aligns with the Corporation’s role as a key institution within Nigeria’s financial safety-net, charged with protecting depositors and promoting confidence in the banking system. He emphasized that adherence to fiscal discipline remains central to NDIC’s credibility and effectiveness.
Mr. Sunday further disclosed that NDIC also complies with the Federal Government’s 50 per cent cost-to-income ratio policy, although he noted that the policy poses operational constraints. He explained that the deductions affect NDIC’s ability to build a strong Deposit Insurance Fund, which is needed to respond effectively to bank failures.
He stressed that international best practices under the Core Principles for Effective Deposit Insurance issued by the International Association of Deposit Insurers (IADI) require deposit insurers to maintain adequate funds to reimburse depositors when banks fail without recourse to government, adding that the NDIC is seeking an exemption to strengthen its capacity in this regard.
Mr. Sunday described MOFI as a critical stakeholder, noting that the Federal Government, through MOFI, holds a 40 per cent equity stake in NDIC. He said sustained collaboration with MOFI is essential to ensuring that NDIC continues to meet its obligations to government while effectively safeguarding depositors’ funds.
In his remarks, Dr. Takang commended the NDIC for its exemplary collaborative spirit and acknowledged the Corporation’s compliance with fiscal regulations. He assured that MOFI would continue to engage the Federal Ministry of Finance on NDIC’s behalf, noting that a strong NDIC is vital to sustaining confidence in Nigeria’s financial system.
Both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to continued cooperation, transparency and accountability, with Mr. Sunday reiterating that NDIC remains focused on balancing regulatory compliance with its overriding mandate of depositor protection and financial system stability.
General News
T2 Backs Youth Excellence as NCBC Wins Bosun Tijani Foundation Basketball Tournament

T2 has reaffirmed its commitment to youth development and excellence through sport as the NCBC basketball team, adopted by the brand, emerged champions of the Bosun Tijani Foundation Youth Basketball Tournament held at the Alake Sports Complex, Ijeja, Abeokuta.

The tournament, organised by the Bosun Tijani Foundation in collaboration with the Ogun State Government and supported by several partners including T2, brought together 12 competitive teams from across Nigeria, positioning basketball as a powerful platform for youth engagement, discipline, and opportunity.
NCBC’s championship run reflected the values T2 seeks to champion, work ethic, intelligence, teamwork, and resilience. The team recorded commanding victories over Team Vision, Warlords, and Elevate before defeating the Ilupjeu Raiders 66–52 in a gripping final.
Commenting on the adoption of the team, Seni Ogunkola, Vice President, Brands and Communication, T2 stated “NCBC embodies the qualities we believe in, exceptional work rate, intelligence on the ball, discipline, and a hunger to excel. By supporting them, T2 is investing in potential, purpose, and the next generation of leaders on and off the court.”
The climax of the event saw His Royal Highness, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, the Alake of Egbaland, alongside Nigeria’s Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, present the trophy to the victorious team, drawing rapturous applause from spectators. The event was also attended by the Chief of Staff to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Mr. Lere Olayinka, and the Ogun State Commissioner for Sports, Honourable Wasiu Isiaka, underscoring strong institutional support for youth-focused initiatives.
Through its participation in the tournament, T2 continues to position itself as a brand that goes beyond sponsorship, championing platforms that unlock talent, inspire ambition, and create lasting social impact for Nigerian youth.
General News
Ecobank Guarantees Seamless Digital Banking Services Throughout the Christmas and Year-End Period

Ecobank Nigeria, a member of Africa’s leading pan-African banking group, has assured customers of uninterrupted access to banking services throughout the year-end holiday period via its secure and robust digital platforms. The Bank also urged customers to remain vigilant against fraud and scams during the festive season.

Ecobank Bank
Speaking on the development, Victor Yalokwu, Head, Products & Analytics, Consumer & Commercial Banking, Ecobank Nigeria, said the Bank’s digital channels – including the Ecobank Mobile App, Ecobank Business App, USSD *326#, Ecobank Online, OmniPlus, Omnilite, EcobankPay, RapidTransfer, Ecobank Cards, ATMs, PoS terminals, and over 35,000 Ecobank Xpress Point (Agent Banking) locations nationwide – will remain fully available to support customers throughout the yuletide and year-end holiday period.
He noted that customers will continue to enjoy a wide range of services during the period, including local and international funds transfers, bill payments and airtime top-ups, merchant payments, balance inquiries and account statements, as well as cardless cash withdrawals via ATMs.
According to Yalokwu, “Ecobank encourages customers to leverage these digital solutions for safe, fast, and efficient banking, especially during the festive season when convenience and reliability are essential.
“While physical branch operations may be subject to adjusted working hours in line with public holidays, customers can be assured that Ecobank’s digital platforms are designed to deliver uninterrupted service and enhanced security at all times.
“Ecobank remains committed to providing innovative financial solutions and exceptional customer service, and we wish all our customers a joyful festive season and a prosperous New Year.”
Yalokwu also cautioned customers to remain vigilant against fraudsters and scammers during the period. “Before you wrap up the year, tighten your security. December brings online sales, travel, and year-end distractions—this is exactly when scammers are most active. From fake festive deals to cloned merchant sites and suspicious messages, staying vigilant helps keep your money safe.”
He advised customers to shop only on trusted websites, never share their PINs, passwords, or one-time passwords (OTPs), avoid banking on public Wi-Fi networks, be cautious of urgent or emotionally charged messages, and regularly review their account activity.
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