Business
Ekondo MfB Partners NAMB, Water.org To Launch WASH Loan Products
Cyril Ogar
In a move to support current Nigerian governments’ efforts to improve Nigeria’s healthcare system through grassroots-oriented funding, Ekondo Microfinance Bank (MfB) has launched EKWASH and EKPURELYFE loan products under the WaterCredit adoption programme in partnership Water.org and the National Association of Microfinance Banks (NAMB).
Speaking during the unveiling of the innovative products at Calabar, Cross River State, the Managing Director of the MfB, Mr. Charles Efedodama, said the initiative was more than a product, but represented the micro-credit lender’s commitment to improving lives.
He maintained that access to safe water and decent sanitation remained not just a basic need but a strong driver of health, dignity, productivity, and economic growth.
According to him, through the partnership with the NAMB and Water-org, Ekondo MfB is expanding financial access to households, small businesses, and communities, enabling them to invest in water connections, boreholes, toilets, and hygiene facilities.
The banker explained: “At Ekondo MFB, our mission has always been to create value and empower people.
Today, we are turning that mission into deeper impact. With Water.org providing technical expertise and NAMB strengthening industry collaboration, we are confident that this product will transform thousands of lives across Cross River State and beyond.
“To every family that will gain access to clean water, to every woman relieved from spending hours fetching water, to every child who can now stay in school — this is why we are here”, Efedodama stressed.
He commended the MfB’s partners, board of directors, employees and every stakeholder who made this launch of the WASH facility a reality, adding that “together, we are not just launching a product — we are launching hope, dignity, and a healthier future for all Nigerians.”
In his remarks at the event, Senior Relationship Account Manager at Water.org, Gilbert Okpono, enthused: “Today, we’re proud of Ekondo Microfinance Bank for the launch of it’s new WSS loan products captioned EKWASH and EKPURELYFE respectively, under the WaterCredit adoption programme in partnership Water.org and NAMB.
“This collaboration empowers communities with access to safe water and sanitation while promoting financial inclusion. Together, we’re not just launching a product—we’re driving healthier lives and sustainable growth”, he added.
Business
NTDA: Naija Flavour Poised to Create Wealth, Empower SMEs, and Drive National Growth
Joel Ajayi
The Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Olayiwola Awakan, has affirmed that the 2025 edition of Naija Flavour… Destination December will play a pivotal role in creating wealth, empowering local businesses, strengthening the creative economy, and accelerating national growth.
Scheduled for December 13, 2025, Naija Flavour will showcase a vibrant marketplace of culture, food, fashion, games, live theatre, and music. Designed as a platform for SMEs to increase visibility, attract customers, and build partnerships, the event aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic priorities under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Speaking at the launching in Abuja on Friday, the DG described Naija Flavour as a strategic cultural tourism initiative that channels Nigeria’s identity, creativity, and entrepreneurial energy into economic impact.
“Naija Flavour has been conceptualised to generate wealth, empower local businesses, strengthen our creative economy, and build a tourism experience that sustains itself and stimulates national growth,” Awakan said.
He noted that Nigeria’s globally recognised Detty December culture has become a magnet for visitors seeking the country’s music, food, nightlife, and cultural vibrancy. NTDA, he explained, saw an opportunity to transform this natural phenomenon into a structured tourism product.
“Nigeria is not just a country; we are a global vibe. So, we asked ourselves: how do we package that vibe into a tourism experience that drives jobs, revenue, and international attention? Naija Flavour is our answer,” he said.
To amplify cultural tourism, NTDA also unveiled a theatrical production titled Echoes of the Drums—a celebration of unity, ecotourism, folklore, and Nigeria’s ancestral heritage. Written by Ola Awakan and directed by Isioma Williams, the production will serve as a centrepiece for cultural storytelling.
Awakan expressed appreciation for institutional partners including The Monoliza Abuja, NIHOTOUR, the National Troupe of Nigeria, CBAAC, NFVCB, and GOTHAD.
He called on the media, corporate bodies, SMEs, and creative entrepreneurs to support the movement and seize the opportunities Naija Flavour will unlock.
“Let the flavours travel. Let the world know that Nigeria is shaping tourism with innovation, entertainment, and economic impact,” he said.
Encouraging Nigerians and global visitors to save the date, he added: “Naija Flavour is a celebration of our diversity, creativity, and innovation. Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, we will continue to build a tourism industry that generates income, sustains jobs, and promotes national pride. Let the drums speak. Let the flavours rise. Let Nigeria shine.”
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