Connect with us


BUSINESS

Ecobank Launches Ellevate, Set To Empower Over 40 Million Women In Business

Published

on

Ecobank Nigeria has launched “Ellevate”, a gender-based proposition for women-owned businesses to reduce gender inequality in entrepreneurship and aid equal representation for women in the formal business sector.

The Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria, Patrick Akinwuntan said the Ellevate product introduced to the nation’s financial landscape on Wednesday, is targeted at empowering at least 40 million women-owned or women-managed businesses in the country.

This he reiterated is part of Ecobank’s Group objective as the leading pan-African financial institution to drive financial integration and contribute to the economic development of the continent by deepening engagement with women-owned businesses.

He said; “Ellevate is designed by Ecobank to empower women-owned and women-managed businesses in Nigeria and indeed across all our Africa footprints, leveraging various unique financial and non-financial benefits. Ellevate promises an end-to-end partnership in which they could gain access to financial services specially tailored for them, these include loans at special terms and other mouthwatering discounts.”

“They will also get fixed deposit investments at special premium rates, zero account maintenance fee, continuous financial education and capacity building under our AUDA-NEPAD academy and other special arrangements. They will have access to networking and recognition under our business clubs as well as access to markets, leveraging our various e-commerce solutions”.

Further, the Ecobank Nigeria Managing Director reiterated that the businesses under Ellevate will also have; “Access to Ecobank’s unique digital payments and collections solutions like Omnilite for payments, EcobankpayNQR for contactless local and cross-border collections, modern POS channels, and various lifestyle benefits including campaigns and promotions to drive their business growth and personal well-being.”

He said “the Ellevate proposition is a total package addressing the broad needs of women-owned businesses in Nigeria including businesses that produce for women.

In his comment, the special guest of honour, Managing Director, Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), Mr Tony Okpanachi, represented by Mr. Bonaventure Okhaimo, Chief Operating Officer, lauded the Ecobank for introducing the product, stating that it would go a long way to assisting the target group.

He disclosed that DBN was doing a lot to uplift small businesses in the country, stressing that it was ready to partner with reputable financial institutions such as Ecobank in that regard.

Founder of Ruff n Tumble, Nike Ogunlesi, who was a panelist at the event, advised women business owners to avail themselves of the opportunity provided by Ecobank through Ellevate to develop their businesses.

She called on women entrepreneurs to be resilient and know the role customers, people, finance, community, and technology play in business growth. On her part, Innovations and Partnerships Advisor at Nigeria for Women Project, Tolulope Babajide, said; “With Ellevate, Ecobank truly understands the needs of women-owned businesses. She spoke on scalability, sustainability, and expansion of MSMEs.”

Other speakers at the event including the Founder, Health Africa, Fola Laoye; the Founder, Braveline Growth Partners, Taba Peterside, all lauded Ecobank for initiating such a product, stating that it would benefit women businesses and lift many families out of poverty.

BIG STORY

JUST IN: Dangote Refinery Stops Sales To Unregistered Marketers

Published

on

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has halted self-collection gantry sales of petroleum products at its plant, effective Thursday, September 18, 2025.

This was disclosed in an internal mail obtained by our correspondent on Friday, signed by the refinery’s Group Commercial Operations Department.

According to the directive, the decision is aimed at encouraging broader use of the refinery’s free delivery scheme for retail stations and blocking unregistered marketers from accessing supplies either directly or through third parties.

The company described the measure as an operational adjustment to enhance efficiency and advised marketers to embrace its Free Delivery Scheme, which allows direct shipments to outlets.

It further cautioned that any payments made after the cut-off date would not be recognised.

The message to marketing partners partly stated: “We wish to inform you that, effective 18th September 2025, Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE has placed all self-collection gantry sales on hold until further notice. In light of this development, we kindly request that all payments related to active PFIs for self-collection are also placed on hold until further notice. Please note that any payment made after this date will not be honoured.”

However, the refinery clarified that its Free Delivery Scheme remains active for both existing and new customers.

“We encourage all active and newly onboarded customers to register for the DPRP Free Delivery Scheme, which remains fully operational and offers a seamless delivery experience to your station,” the mail added.

The management also apologised for any inconvenience, assuring stakeholders that the move was necessary to improve operations.

The suspension comes amid an ongoing dispute involving the refinery, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), and the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN).

While NUPENG has accused the company of blocking unionisation among its truck drivers despite government intervention, DAPPMAN has criticised the “free delivery scheme,” alleging it forces marketers to depend on Dangote’s fleet at commercial costs.

Dangote Refinery, on the other hand, insists the delivery model is designed to ensure stable supply and reduce costs, accusing marketers of pushing for subsidies and diversion of products. The standoff has fueled concerns around pricing, workers’ rights, and market competition.

The new policy could affect independent marketers and retail operators who have not registered for the scheme and previously relied on direct self-collection at the gantry.

Earlier report had it that Dangote reaffirmed its stance in the face of DAPPMAN’s demands, stressing it would not absorb transportation costs that marketers want classified as subsidies.

This latest clash between Dangote and DAPPMAN comes at a time of rising anxiety over fuel costs and supply logistics nationwide.

DAPPMAN, whose members own most privately run depots in Nigeria, argues that moving products from the refinery’s Lagos base to other regions involves substantial logistics and coastal shipping expenses.

In a statement issued via Dangote Group’s official X account, titled “We Stand By Our Statement on DAPPMAN … Marketers’ ₦1.505trn Subsidy Demand”, the refinery reiterated its right to protect its operations from “misleading reports.”

Continue Reading

BIG STORY

Adron Homes Launches Lemon Friday Plus Promo 2025 With Discounts, Flexible Payments, And December Rewards

Published

on

Adron Homes and Properties has announced the official launch of its Lemon Friday Plus Promo 2025, an exciting opportunity for Nigerians to own land at discounted rates while enjoying mouth-watering rewards this festive season.

This year’s edition allows customers to begin their homeownership journey with an initial deposit as low as ₦50,000 and spread payments over multiple instalments. Subscribers also enjoy a 30% discount on land purchases with the option to clear the balance conveniently over 24 months.

Adron Homes’ estates are carefully designed to provide residents with the best of modern living, featuring adequate power supply, good road networks, functional drainage systems, CCTV, 24-hour security, recreational centers, shopping malls, and green spaces that promote healthier lifestyles.

The promo covers estates across Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ekiti, Abuja (FCT), Nasarawa, Plateau, Osun, and Niger States, giving prospective homeowners multiple location options in rapidly developing communities.

Promo Rewards by Category:

• BRONZE (₦300,000 deposit): 25kg bag of Rice + 2 Chickens + Vegetable Oil OR Home Theatre.
• SILVER (₦500,000 deposit): A Goat OR 50kg Bag of Rice + 3 Chickens + Vegetable Oil OR Rechargeable Fan.
• GOLD (₦1,000,000 deposit): A Goat + 50kg Bag of Rice + Palm Oil + Garri Ijebu OR 2 Bags of 50kg Rice + 4 Chickens + Palm Oil + Garri OR Washing Machine.
• DIAMOND (₦3.5M deposit on estates above ₦20M before discount): A Cow OR Double-Door Fridge.

Adron Homes has consistently bridged the home ownership gap in Nigeria by introducing flexible and convenient payment plans that allow more families to become homeowners. With initiatives like Lemon Friday Plus, the company is breaking down financial barriers and creating sustainable pathways for Nigerians to secure their future through real estate.

Promo Duration

• Instalment payments for initial deposits run from 7th July to 31st November 2025.
• The promo officially ends 6th January 2026.

“The Lemon Friday Plus Promo is our way of making December unforgettable for our customers,” said Adron Homes’ management. “We are not only offering affordable land ownership, but also giving families gifts that make the festive season brighter.”

Adron Homes invites all aspiring homeowners, investors, and families to take advantage of this limited-time opportunity to own property with flexible payment plans and rewarding bonuses.

Continue Reading

BIG STORY

Dangote Replies NUPENG: Our CNG Trucks Will Create 24,000 Jobs, Drivers Earn Triple Of Minimum Wage

Published

on

Aliko Dangote, president of Dangote Group, has dismissed claims that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery is displacing workers, insisting instead that the company is creating thousands of new jobs.

Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, the billionaire said the deployment of 4,000 compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks would generate at least 24,000 direct and indirect jobs nationwide.

“We are not taking jobs away; we are creating more opportunities. The CNG trucks will not be operated by robots,” Dangote said.

He explained that the refinery’s drivers are paid salaries three times higher than the national minimum wage. In addition, employees receive life insurance, health insurance that covers their spouses and up to four children, and a guaranteed lifelong pension.

According to him, the recruitment drive extends beyond drivers to include mechanics, fleet managers, and other technical professionals who will support the new fleet.

The refinery had announced the acquisition of the 4,000 CNG trucks on June 15, saying the move would strengthen its nationwide fuel distribution. By June 29, the company projected that the distribution scheme could save Nigeria over ₦1.7 trillion annually.

However, three months later, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) threatened a nationwide strike, accusing Dangote Refinery of anti-union practices. Though the union suspended a two-day strike on September 9, it warned of possible further action.

‘Refinery not opposed to unions’

Sayyu Dantata, founder of MRS Oil Nigeria Plc, stressed that Dangote Refinery was open to working with NUPENG and other labour organisations.

“We are not against unions. We want to live and work alongside them. There’s no problem with that,” he said.

He noted that the refinery only became aware of the union’s grievances through media reports, despite his longstanding ties with industry unions.

“By law, unions are expected to give notice and a grace period before action. Even so, we went into dialogue. Unionism is not by force. People have the right to decide whether or not to belong,” Dantata said.

He added that the refinery welcomes all business partners without discrimination, whether they are union members or not.

“Our focus is the common man. Most of our drivers prefer independence because we ensure they earn a decent wage,” he said.

According to him, the new working conditions have elevated the social status of truck drivers in Nigeria. “For the first time, a driver can proudly tell his children that he is a truck driver and still provide them with food, shelter, and education,” Dantata said.

Continue Reading


 

 


 

 

 

Join Us On Facebook

Most Popular