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Entrepreneurs Remain Life Wire Of Nigeria’s Economy-UBA GMD

Published

6 years ago

July 26, 2019

… As 100 exhibitors from 20 countries storms UBA marketplace

Joel Ajayi

The Group Managing Director and Chief Executive of UBA Kennedy Uzoka
has revealed that entereprenur in the country remains life wire of the Nigeria’s economy.

He stated this on Friday at the 2019 UBA Market Place & Tony Elumelu Foundation forum in Abuja.

He expressed that UBA have been providing superior financial services to small scale business, corporations, governments, institutions and individuals globally for more than seven decades and would not relent until they accomplish the aim and objectives.

According to him, Today is a wonderful day in the history of UBA, this is the bank that has operates for over 70 years
We operate in 20 African countries, UBA is a very important bank.

“We discovered that a gap that which enterprises like our should cover and that viod is how to bring in a buyer and a seller, people who want to exchange goods. That is why we are bringing customers together, we have started the online but we discover that we need the physical one, over 100 exhibitors from different countries are right here now.

“The whole ideal is to bring people together to interact and also to leverage on Tony Elemelu Foundation which give out money and at same time create a mentorship.”

Talking about the UBA commitment to the SME’s, he said the bank is working closely with CBN, Bankers to ensure people get enough training before money will be given.

“That is why we created a very strong SME’s desk for them to enjoy the benefit.
“In term of finance, we have enter into partnership with global organization to help derisk the market, the question is how to manage the risk in the business. We are committed, we have platform where we are teaching people about the account in our interaction with most of these SME’s
We are encouraging them on to maximize the profit.”

However, Mr Uzoka added that, UBA is not all about business, it’s also about given back to the society.

Speaking on the challenges of an entrepreneur One of foremost business experts Mr Jude Anele identified inability of entereprnuer having access to fund as the cog in the wheel of SME’s accelerate in Nigeria.

Speaking at the entreprenuer panelist on the topic: “A tale of grit: The making of an African entrepreneur” Anele said UBA and Tony Elemelu has creating a solution to the societal problem by creating environment for entrepreneurs in Africa to thrive.

More than 100 exhibitors from 20 countries in Africa, the UBA market place 2019 features food, fashion, beauty, home and decor, to ensure unforgatable experience for individuals and families visiting market place.

The fair is complemented by master classes, movies screening games, fashion shows and a star-studded clothing concept.

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Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support

Published

6 days ago

September 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria is poised to make history as it seeks to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, a monumental opportunity that promises to transform the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and global standing.

More than a sporting spectacle, the Games would serve as a catalyst for development across multiple sectors, leaving behind a legacy of national pride and sustainable growth.

The benefits of hosting the Games extend far beyond the sports arena. Nigeria stands to gain both empirical and non-empirical advantages, with direct, indirect, and induced impacts that will touch every corner of society. Infrastructural development will take center stage, with new facilities such as indoor sports halls, conference centers, and improved road networks reshaping urban landscapes while strengthening the nation’s capacity to host future international events.

Economic growth is another significant dividend. Over 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, spanning construction, facility management, event planning, and tourism services.

The hospitality industry will undergo major improvements as hotels and resorts are upgraded to meet international standards, while local restaurants, lounges, and tourist attractions will see a surge in patronage from international visitors. Small and medium enterprises, particularly in the transport, finance, and food service sectors, will become some of the greatest beneficiaries, as the Games generate new demand and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The Commonwealth Games will also accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s sports industry.

Investments in training facilities, coaching, and talent development will inspire a new generation of athletes, ensuring long-term benefits that extend beyond 2030, a major focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
At the same time, the process of preparing for the Games will create opportunities for Nigerians to learn new crafts, acquire technical skills, and engage in global-standard event management, thereby strengthening human capacity and innovation across industries.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General, have been widely recognized for their tireless and visionary leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s sporting sector.

Their commitment to facilitating infrastructural development and strengthening grassroots sports development has laid the foundation for Nigeria’s bold bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Under their leadership, the NSC is fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation in sports administration, they have demonstrated the nation’s readiness to stage an event of such global magnitude.

Beyond the tangible gains, the hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games carries profound symbolic value. It would be a moment of unity and pride, a chance for Nigeria to showcase its cultural richness, resilience, and excellence to the world.
As a centenary edition, the Games would stand as a historic milestone not just for the Commonwealth but for Nigeria itself, cementing its place on the global stage as a capable, ambitious, and forward-looking nation.

The gains from hosting the Commonwealth Games can never be undermined or overemphasized. This is Nigeria’s time to step forward and show the world our resilience, and excellence. We call on every Nigerian, across sectors and communities, to support this noble aspiration.

Nigeria’s pursuit of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a vision for transformation, a blueprint for national development, and a legacy project that will inspire generations to come.

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