Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, continues to demonstrate its commitment to youth empowerment and leadership development as 700 young professionals joined the bank through the Graduate Management Accelerated Programme (GMAP), signalling a major investment in the next generation of leaders who will continue to drive the continent’s economic and financial transformation.

At the graduation ceremony, which was held at Landmark Events Centre in Lagos on Sunday, October 19th, 2025, the bank celebrated graduates from Nigeria and across African countries where the bank operates.

UBA’s Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu; Deputy Group Managing Director, Chukwuma Nweke, and other Board Members, Executive Management, faculty members, were on ground to receive the newly graduated professionals into the UBA Tribe.

Since the inception of the program over three years ago, the GMAP, designed to equip entrants with the necessary skills and knowledge, has graduated well over 4,000 banking and finance professionals while providing them with mentorship, training, and hands-on experience needed to boost their career.

In his speech, Elumelu, who referred to the graduands as “lions and lionesses”, reiterated the bank’s commitment towards raising the next generation of passionate and competent leaders on the continent.

“We are happy to have you as part of this tribe. At UBA, we strongly believe in the transformative power of young people, and that is why we designed this programme that allows us to transfer the baton of knowledge and experience onto others,” he said. “A few decades ago, I started out just like you fresh out of the university, and I am glad that this organisation is providing for you that same opportunity that I got, and I look forward to seeing you guys prove your worth.”

He connected the graduates’ journey to the bank’s larger mission, emphasising that UBA’s role extends beyond profit, as it is also about being relevant to situations in the environment as well helping to catalyse economic prosperity for Africa.

Also speaking at the event, Deputy Managing Director, Chukwuma Nweke, who represented the Group Managing Director, Oliver Alawuba, celebrated the graduates’ perseverance and reaffirmed the bank’s belief in human capital development.

“This ceremony is a celebration of potential, perseverance and purpose. You all are not just graduates; you are our next generation of innovators, leaders, and ambassadors of an enduring legacy. This program reflects our belief that Africa’s future will be shaped not by chance, but by capable and courageous Press leaders like you,” he said.

Nweke elaborated on the rigorous, six-month Graduate Management Accelerated Programme (GMAP), which, according to him, blended classroom learning, digital simulations, field assignments, and mentorship from senior executives.

The new cohorts, who now join UBA’s family of over 25,000 employees were charged to take ownership of their careers, show initiative, and be at the forefront of transformation in technology, customer experience, and sustainability.

United Bank for Africa is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees group wide and serving over 45 million customers globally. Operating in twenty African countries and the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting-edge technology.”

The Lagos operations of Africa Independent Television (AIT), one of Nigeria’s foremost private broadcast stations, have been shut down following severe operational and financial constraints, PorscheClassy has learnt.

According to insiders, the management of Daar Communications Plc — owners of AIT, RayPower FM, and Faaji FM — ordered the closure after it became impossible to sustain the Lagos office due to mounting maintenance costs, and irregular staff payments.

While AIT has ceased operations, both RayPower FM and Faaji FM, which operate under the same ownership, are said to still be on air and running.

The closure marks a major setback for AIT, which has historically maintained one of the most active television bureaus in Lagos, serving as a key production and news centre for national and international content.

No official statement has been issued by Daar Communications Plc as of press time.

A Director with the Lagos State Government, Serifat Olubukola Talabi, has died just four days before her scheduled retirement and her 60th-birthday thanksgiving party.

Talabi, who served as Director of Procurement at the Lagos State Resident Registration Agency (LASRRA), was supposed to retire on 22 October 2025. According to available information, she was knocked down by a vehicle on 18 October 2025.

According to a report from The Eagle Online, Talabi had printed invitations for her “Thanksgiving Retirement and 60th Birthday” event, set to hold at the NERDC Conference Centre, NERDC Road (adjacent to Fela Shrine) in the Ikeja area of Lagos State, starting at 11 a.m. on 22 October 2025.

However, the incident occurred on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway around the camp of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in the Ibafo area of Ogun State, where Talabi was reportedly hit and died from injuries sustained.

Talabi’s family has announced the wake and burial arrangements: the wake will be held on 23 October 2025, and the burial service on 24 October 2025. Both will take place at 10 Ore-Ofe Street, Ara Hall Bus Stop, Ibafo, Ogun State.