Graceful Basil Aroma Restaurant Births Healthy, Home-Style Dining In Lagos

Graceful Basil Aroma Restaurant Births Healthy, Home-Style Dining In Lagos

LAGOS – In a world where fast food often sacrifices nutrition for convenience, Graceful Basil Aroma (GBA) is stepping in to redefine the dining experience by offering healthy, home-style meals without compromising on taste. Set to launch on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, GBA is more than just a restaurant—it is a culinary experience crafted to […]

LAGOS – In a world where fast food often sacrifices nutrition for convenience, Graceful Basil Aroma (GBA) is stepping in to redefine the dining experience by offering healthy, home-style meals without compromising on taste. Set to launch on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, GBA is more than just a restaurant—it is a culinary experience crafted to bring the warmth of home cooking to individuals and families seeking wholesome, satisfying, and nutritious meals. Founded on the belief that healthy food should be delicious and comforting, GBA is dedicated to using high-quality, carefully sourced ingredients to create dishes that not only nourish the body, but also evoke the joy of home-cooked meals. With an emphasis on fresh produce, balanced recipes, and expert preparation, the restaurant located at the Total Grace Oil and Gas Complex, opposite the Lagos Business School (LBS), along the Lekki – Epe Expressway aims to be the go-to destination for those looking for great-tasting meals that support a healthy lifestyle. Basil Agboarumi, Founder, GBA, said: “People often assume that eating healthy means sacrificing flavour or settling for bland meals. At GBA, we are here to challenge that notion by offering meals that taste just as good as they are good for you. Our goal is to provide a space where people can enjoy food that makes them feel at home while knowing they are making the best choices for their health.” As part of its commitment to providing a seamless and enjoyable dining experience, GBA will offer dine-in, takeaway, and delivery options to cater to the busy lifestyles of Lagos residents. The restaurant will feature a diverse menu of flavourful, nutrient-rich meals, ensuring that whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a family dinner, or a healthy snack, GBA has something for everyone. The launch of Graceful Basil Aroma marks a new chapter in Lagos’ dining scene—one where wellness and indulgence go hand in hand. As anticipation builds, GBA is set to become a name synonymous with healthy, comforting, and delicious food. ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////// From Surviving To Dominating – Wema Bank Resilient Story @80 Wema Bank, the oldest surviving bank in Nigeria has brought dynamism, style and comfort to the banking industry despite the tough beginning. Charles Ayodele writes. The impact of the economic downturn in Nigeria cannot be over-emphasised. Many burgeoning and established companies have ceased operations and thousands of workers thrown once again into the shrinking labour market. The financial institutions in Nigeria were not immune to the crisis. The economic downturn occasioned by a combination of factors, including recapitalisation of the banking sector, increased unemployment rate, loss in the value of naira, less exportation and drop in production, among others, led to a sharp decline in the value of securities and a loss of confidence in the banking system. In the last two decades, no fewer than 15 Nigerian banks have either closed operations after the revocation of their operating licenses by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), merger or acquisition by stronger financial institutions. Yet, the operating environment is still toxic to many companies, including the financial sectors. Wema Bank, though not consumed by the various policies of the Federal Government and the global economic meltdown, also faced some challenges to stay afloat in the business. Through the astute management and board of directors and its strict adherence to the CBN rules and regulations, Wema Bank has moved from a surviving bank to a dominating financial institution in Nigeria and indeed in the West African sub-region. The bank, which was originally named Agbonmagbe Bank Limited, which literally meant an inexhaustible bank when it was established on May 2, 1945 in Lagos, remains the oldest surviving bank in Nigeria today at 80 years old. Its history is one of a rise from humble beginnings to the top of banking in Nigeria, despite all odds, surviving many government policies, operating environment and unveiling numerous developmental schemes to remain relevant. Agbonmagbe was established by late Chief Mathew Adekoya Okupe as a private limited liability company with branches in Ebute-Metta (Lagos), Sagamu, Abeokuta, and Ijebu-Igbo (Ogun) and operated as a regional bank. Under the leadership of Okupe, its founder, Agbonmagbe flourished before it was later acquired by the Western Nigeria Marketing Board in 1987. It was listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange in 1990, barely three years after acquisition by the Western Nigeria Marketing Board with a new symbol and logo. Today, the story has continued to glow. It is one of the most geographically spread financial institutions in the country with about 150 branches nationwide and beyond and backed by a robust Information and Communication Technology (ICT) platform across its spread. Due to its continuous dynamism, growth and incisive management and board, the CBN in February 2021, granted the bank a Universal Banking Licence. This has further expanded its horizon and made it a force to be reckoned with in the continent’s financial sector. Moruf Oseni as the Right man for the job Under the leadership of Mr. Moruf Oseni, the Managing Director of Wema Bank, the fortune and opportunities of the bank has further surged. Oseni took over as the substantive Managing Director of Wema Bank on April 1, 2023, having joined the bank in June 2012 as an Executive Director. Oseni has over 25 years of cognate experience, with more than 16 years at senior to Executive Management levels. He has been part of the bank’s Executive Management team since the transformation programme began in 2012 and played a major role in the execution of the turnaround programme of the bank. He was responsible for the launch of ALAT – Nigeria’s first digital bank that has received multiple local and global accolades. Following six years as an Executive Director, Oseni then served as the Deputy Managing Director for four years, with responsibility for several strategic functions in the bank including – operations, information technology, treasury, retail, and digital. He also served as the Executive Compliance Officer of the bank. Before joining Wema Bank, Oseni was the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MG Ineso Limited, a principal investment and financial advisory firm. Prior to MG Ineso, Oseni was a Vice President at Renaissance Capital, and an Associate at Salomon Brothers/Citigroup Global Markets in London. He is also a member of the Board of Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System Plc. (NIBSS). He is also the Chairman of AFRIGO, the National Domestic Card Company (a subsidiary of NIBSS). Since his appointment about two years ago, Wema Bank has consistently adapted, positioning itself at the forefront of Nigeria’s banking revolution. His forward-thinking approach has redefined the bank’s role in society, transforming it into a driver of economic growth and innovation. One of his major successes is the embracing of digital transformation in Wema Bank, while maintaining core values of trust and customer service. For instance, the modernisation of the ALAT digital banking platform, the first of its kind in Nigeria under Oseni, demonstrates this commitment, making banking more accessible and efficient for customers nationwide. By championing technological advancements and fostering a culture of innovation, Oseni has ensured that Wema Bank not only remains competitive, but continues to lead the industry. Also, the significance of the Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) Fellowship extends far beyond recognition; it validates his strategic acumen and his contributions to the broader banking sector. His initiative, ranging from forging partnerships that enhance financial inclusion to developing programmes aimed at empowering youth—demonstrate a deep understanding of the societal impact of banking. Oseni embodies the key qualities of effective leaders: resilience, foresight, and commitment to creating sustainable value. As the financial landscape continues to evolve, the lessons drawn from Oseni’s leadership resonate deeply. He exemplifies the idea that true leadership in finance requires not only a keen understanding of market dynamics, but also the courage to challenge the status quo. Oseni’s recognition as a Fellow of the CIBN stands as one of the highest honours in Nigerian banking, reserved for those whose contributions have reshaped industry standards. As Wema Bank forges ahead, Oseni’s forward-thinking vision, now validated by this honour, will continue to drive not only his institution’s success, but also inspire broader change across the industry. His story exemplifies how leadership that blends innovation, integrity, and purpose can redefine the future of finance. In a recent interview, reaffirmed his commitment to empowering lives through innovation and exceeding customers’ expectations with unparalleled banking experiences tailored to their needs. He added: “We pledge to stand by our customers through every stage of life, offering enabling platforms to accelerate their growth and propel them to extraordinary heights.” Wema Bank Boosting MSMEs, Others Wema Bank’s dedication to the Micro, Small Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) development showcases its role as a partner in progress for entrepreneurs nationwide. Through comprehensive support initiatives and a steadfast commitment to excellence, Wema Bank empowers MSMEs to achieve their full potential, driving economic growth and prosperity across communities. Just a few weeks ago, Wema Bank partnered Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to empower 800,000 businesses. The partnership is focused on training Micro, Small Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) on soft skills, technical skills, and business skills, empowering them to build profitable businesses, gain more visibility and scale sustainably. Oseni at the partnership ceremony, said that the bank doesn’t pay lip service to Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) matters, stressing that from inception in 1945, Wema Bank was built with a purpose to provide financing for the indigenous people. He explained that the bank focused on MSEs because it identified some gaps in access to finance for that segment of the people, assuring that it would continue to provide tailored financial services and empower Nigerians to thrive on both individual and business levels. He added: “Over the past eight decades, Wema Bank has been driving this lifelong mission of empowering Nigerians with access to finance, constantly reinventing to develop more efficient ways of delivering value to the people. “One cardinal thing that we have not deviated from is that we are fully committed to empowering entrepreneurs and small businesses in Nigeria. “The petty traders we provided for in the 1900s are the entrepreneurs and MSMEs that we continue to empower in the 2000s, and we will never relent in fulfilling this promise. So, MSME empowerment for us is not just a buzzword. It is what we have always done, what we are doing through this partnership with SMEDAN and what we will continue to do beyond 80 years.” Commending Wema Bank’s commitment and role in empowering businesses and stimulating growth in the MSME sector, Charles Odili, the Director-General of SMEDAN, expressed confidence in the success of this partnership with Wema Bank towards building a sustainably successful future for Nigerian MSMEs. Besides, Wema Bank’s partnership with the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management has birthed the SME Business School, nurturing over 500 MSME owners since 2021. Through structured training programmes, participants gain insights into business scaling strategies, financial management, and market positioning, thereby enhancing their operational efficiency and profitability. Besides, Chris Amokwu, an SME entrepreneur, commended Wema Bank for its elevation of small business investors. Amokwu in an interview with our correspondent, said that he had been banking with Wema Bank for over three years. According to him, the bank had since changed the face of his business through easy access to loans, which he has constantly serviced regularly. Amokwu expressed that Wema Bank stands out for its proactive approach to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation among MSMEs. He said: “I was not banking with Wema until about three years ago through a colleague who convinced me to change my business account with the bank. The colleague and a friend, has lots of testimonies to say about Wema Bank. “So, about three years ago, I decided to give it a trial by switching my account to the bank. Unlike my former bank, I was able to secure a loan with ease without any stringent measures. Since then, I have moved my major account to this bank and there is no regret of any sort.” Besides, Adekunle Adesanya, another SME operator in the pure water business in Lagos, poured encomiums on Wema Bank for its encouragement, introduction of innovative programmes and training of its customers for enhanced business. Adesanya, like Amokwu, said he switched to Wema Bank from another bank after he was convinced of excellent service delivery and security of his resources. He expressed that the bank had contributed to the growth of his small business from just a plot of land to an acre within the last five years despite the tough operating environment. He pointed out that apart from loans, which he had been repaying as at when due, he has also benefited from period business advice, training and knowledge from the bank. He lauded the management for focusing its attention on the SMEs, saying that the contributions of small business owners to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) could not be underestimated. He advised other financial institutions in the country to take a cue from Wema Bank by growing the sector and accelerating development in the country. He said: “Other banks can take a cue from Wema Bank. This bank doesn’t pay lip service to helping the small businesses grow. They don’t just talk the talk, but they work the talk. “This is a bank that has contributed to the nation’s GDP by working with the small business owners. Thousands of MSMEs have benefitted from their programmes over the years. Personally, my firm has witnessed growth in the last five years, courtesy Wema Bank. No bank would have done it better for me. I want to say a big thank you to the management and board of this bank for their collaboration and cooperation with the small business owners.” Wema Bank has had a significant impact on the Nigerian banking industry despite the ups and down in the sector. The past crisis in the industry has served as a catalyst for its growth and the foresightedness of its management and board have further strengthened its performance and acceptance among the Nigerian people. Wema Bank is leading the pack in the diversification, expansion and refocusing of the financial sector in Nigeria by making finances more accessible to clients to all Nigerians and unveiling numerous firsts programmes among its mates in the banking sector. All these, have made the oldest surviving bank in Nigeria at 80 more relevant and with its continuous in this trajectory, Wema Bank will remain in business for centuries to come. Weathering the storms – The story of Nigeria’s most resilient bank at 80 Strongest At Its Oldest: The Story Of Nigeria’s Oldest Indigenous Bank At 80 BusinessIndependent SUNDAY By EKENEDILICHUKWU UGBACHIE On Feb 16, 2025 ShareFacebookTwitterGoogle+ Not all institutions grow stronger with age. For some, longevity be-comes a burden, weighed down by resistance to change, outdated models, or the inability to navigate evolving landscapes. Others, however, turn the passage of time into a competitive advantage—learn-ing, transforming, and continuously evolv-ing to stay ahead. They refine their strate-gies, deepen their expertise, and harness decades of experience to build resilience and drive innovation. The banking industry, in particular, is one where longevity is not just about sur-vival but about sustained relevance. As financial markets shift, customers’ expectations change, and regulatory land-scapesevolve, onlybanksthatcanadaptand innovate stand the test of time. Yet, amidst this constant flux, one in-stitution has not just stood firm, but has consistently grown stronger: Wema Bank. As Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank, Wema Bank is not only standing strong at 80 but also breaking new grounds. The bank’s remarkable journey demon-strates that age is not a liability but a tes-tament to enduring strength, continuous evolution, and a relentless pursuit of ex-cellence. For eight decades, Wema Bank has de-fied the odds of economic turbulence, reg-ulatory changes, and industry disruptions to emerge stronger with each passing year. This demonstrated adaptability and remarkable resilience has solidified the Bank’s position as a leader in the nation’s financial services industry. Weathering the Storms: The True Meaning of Resilience Resilience has been the story of Wema Bank’s since its founding as Agbonmagbe Bank Limited in 1945– a year that marked the end of the Second World War, which left in its wake a global landscape eager for new beginnings. At the time, Nigeria’s economy was heavily influenced by foreign banks, mak-ing the establishment of an indigenous bank not just an act of entrepreneurship but a statement of national pride and eco-nomic autonomy. Agbonmagbe Bank was an institution that was primed to grow with the nation, echoing the resilience and aspirations of its people. The bank emerged as a beacon of Nigeria’s economic revival during a time of global uncertainty, laying the groundwork for the nation’s journey toward economic and political independence 15 years later. Agbonmagbe Bank survived the era of “mushroom banking” which was charac-terised by rapid and largely unregulated growth in the banking sector, particularly in the years leading up to the enactment of the first comprehensive banking legislation in 1952. During that era, many banks collapsed in quick succession due to factors such as the stringent regulations by the colonial government, leadership weaknesses, bad debt, inconsistent banking practices, lack of adequate capital base or the lack of reg-ulatory oversight. This instability created a climate of uncertainty and distrust in the Nigerian banking sector. Agbonmagbe Bank grew alongside Ni-geria’s journey towards independence. It was not just about banking; it was about fostering economic growth in a region ea-ger to assert its identity. In 1969, as Nigeria was grappling with the civil war, under the stewardship of the Western Nigeria Marketing Board, The Bank underwent a transformation, re-branding to Wema Bank. This was more than a name change; it symbolized the bank’s commitment to growth and adaptation, mirroring the evolving Nigerian society. Through the post-war years, the Ni-gerian economy saw several challenges including currency devaluations, policy shifts, global financial crises, and industry reforms. Yet, through these economic tempests, Wema Bank not only survived but thrived, weathering the storms that have reshaped the financial sector. The bank’s strategy has been a blend of cautious optimism and ag-gressive innovation. One of the most defining moments in the bank’s history was the banking consol-idation era of the mid-2000s. Faced with stringent capital require-ments set by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Wema Bank took a strategic step by restructuring and streamlining operations. The Bank was one of the 25 banking groups to emerge after reforms that slashed the number of banks from 89 institutions. However, internal challenges soon fol-lowed. A boardroom crisis and internal conflicts. The situation escalated to the point where regulatory intervention from the CBN became necessary to stabilize the bank and restore confidence. Subsequent-ly, the bank voluntarily transitioned to a regional bank, refocusing its strategy to operate in the South-West. As a bank that is not merely content with Surviving, Wema Bank in 2015, after strengtheningitsoperationsandexpanding its footprint into South-South and Abuja, successfully regained its national banking license—a move that signaled its renewed strength and ambition. Today, Wema Bank stands tall as a na-tional bank with a digital edge, constantly innovating to serve the ever-changing needs of its customers. One of Wema Bank’s most defining qualities is its ability to evolve with the times. In an era where digital banking has become the standard, Wema Bank has led the charge in redefining customer experi-ence. The launch of ALAT by Wema in 2017 was a game-changer. As Nigeria’s first fully digital bank, ALAT transformed how bank-ing was done—offering a seamless, paper-less experience, automated savings, instant loans, and virtual card services. This moves positioned Wema Bank as the pioneer of digital banking in Nigeria. The impact of ALAT has been pro-found. ALAT is not just offering banking services online, it redefined the banking experience for the digital native. Within 8 years of launch, the platform has attracted millions of users, expanded financial inclu-sion, and won numerous awards for digital innovation. Advertisement This digital transformation has been crucial in keeping Wema Bank relevant and competitive. With features tailored for both individual and business users, ALAT has expanded from personal banking to so-phisticated corporate solutions like ALAT for Business, ensuring that Wema Bank remains at the forefront of digital banking advancements for individuals, small busi-nesses and large corporations. The bank hascontinuedtochurnouttechnology-driv-en products, embedded finance solutions and integrated customer experience. Furthering its commitment to financial empowerment, the bank introduced ALAT Xplore, Nigeria’s first licensed banking app for teenagers (13-17 years old). Designed to foster financial literacy and independence, ALAT Xplore offers savings goals, interest earnings, bill payments, and a customizable interface. Parents can monitor and manage their child’s banking activities through a paren-tal-control framework, ensuring a secure and educational banking experience. To address the traditional challenges faced by cooperative societies, such as man-ual record-keeping, limited access to loans, poor communication, and insecurity, the bank launched CoopHub, a groundbreak-ing digital platform. CoopHub offers a range of features that promote efficiency, transparency, and security. Leaders of cooperative societies can manage their operations from a simpli-fied dashboard, accessing financial records, communication, member analytics, and more in real-time. Members also benefit from increased accesstoloans, seamlesscontributiontrack-ing, secure transactions, and easy commu-nication with leaders. The platform provides a Three-Factor Authentication System to ensure secure transactions, requiring approval from three members, including the admin. Additionally, CoopHub offers a Digitized Database for record-keeping, User Manage-ment for efficient member management, and a Transparent Overview of contribu-tions. Wema Bank introduced ALATPay, a seamless digital payment solution designed to help businesses of all sizes digitize their transactions. ALATPay enables Nigerian merchants to process transactions globally, offering secure payments, instant settlements, and customizable storefronts. It allows business-es to select preferred payment channels (cards or bank transfers) and access APIs to facilitate transactions. The bank strengthened its cross-border payment solutions with the launch of the ALAT UnionPay card, in partnership with ChamsSwitch Limited. This initiative enhances international transactionsbyleveragingUnionPay’sglob-al network, which spans 75 countries with over 180 million issued cards. The card is denominated in domiciliary accounts, allowingbothpersonalandcorpo-rate users to make international transac-tions without currency conversion. As a bank committed to digital trans-formation and technological advance-ment, Wema Bank launched Hackaholics, a tech-driven accelerator programme designed to nurture innovators, entrepre-neurs, and problem solvers across Africa. Since its inception in 2019, Hackaholics has evolved into a leading innovation hub, pro-viding young tech talents with resources, mentorship, andfundingtodevelopground-breaking solutions for the financial sector and beyond. Five editions of Hackaholics have been done, with over $300,000 dis-bursed to over 51,000 participants. These milestones, coupled with Wema Bank’s focus on digital innovation and customer-centric solutions, clearly demon-strate its commitment to staying ahead of the curve. As Wema Bank gears towards its 80th anniversary celebration, one can point to a series of significant achievements that un-derscore the Bank’s continued growth and success in recent times. These milestones reflect the Wema Bank’s positive impact on its customers and the communities it serves. Despite the economic fluctuations that have challenged the banking sector, Wema Bank has maintained a strong financial health, reporting steady growth in prof-its, customer deposits, and assets over the years. The Bank recorded a PBT of N43.5 billion in 2023 and then surged to N102.08 billion in the unaudited financial report for 2024, a remarkable 134% increase year-on-year. This impressive performance is mir-rored in the bank’s balance sheet, with total assets growing by 61% to N3,610.92 billion in Q4 2024, compared to N2,240.06 billion in 2023. Customer deposits have also seen substantial growth, increasing by 36% to N2,529.62 billion from N1,860.57 billion in 2023. The bank’s financial strength has gar-nered recognition from reputable rating agencies. Agusto and Co. upgraded Wema Bank’s rating to BBB+, while Global Credit Ratings (GCR) assigned a BBB rating. These independent assessments af-firm the bank’s financial stability and its capacity to meet its financial obligations, providing further assurance to customers and investors. This positive momentum is also reflected in the bank’s share price, which experienced a robust 58.04% year-to-dategrowthin2024, signalingstrongmarket confidence in Wema Bank’s prospects and its strategic direction. Reinforcing this investor confidence, Wema Bank successfully raised N40 billion in capital in December 2023, bolstering its capital buffer and positioning it for future growth. The bank has also announced plans to raise an additional N200 billion to meet the new CBN capital requirements, further demonstrating its proactive ap-proach to regulatory compliance and its commitment to sustainable growth. Wema Bank’s Future Outlook Longevity in banking is not just about survival; it is about continuous reinven-tion and relevance, anticipating the shift-ing sands of the financial landscape and adapting to them with agility and foresight. Wema Bank’s trajectory, from its humble beginnings as a small regional institution to its status as a national and digitally driven financial powerhouse, is a compelling narrative etched in determina-tion, fueled by adaptability, and guided by visionary leadership. Its story is one of a phoenix rising, not from the ashes of defeat, but from the relent-less pursuit of excellence and innovation. As Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank, Wema Bank embodies the resilience and adapt-ability necessary to lead in a sector marked by rapid change and high competition. Its journey through economic turbu-lence, regulatory shifts, and technological disruptions paints a picture of a bank that is not just surviving but thriving as one of the best in Nigeria. As Wema Bank moves into its next de-cade, it carries with it the weight of history, but also the energy of a forward-thinking institution. With a legacy built on trust, in-novation, and a deep understanding of the Nigerian market, Wema Bank is well-posi-tioned to shape the future of banking in Ni-geria for generations to come. It continues to symbolize hope and stability in Nigeria’s financial sector, proving that indeed, it is at its strongest at its oldest. Ekenedilichukwu Ugbachie is a finan-cial analyst based in Lagos. /////////////////////////////////////////////// Overland Links Minna From Lagos, Abuja Airports Olusegun Koiki, Lagos Overland Airways in partnership with Niger State Government, has unveiled plans to commence flight services to Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport Minna, from Lagos and Abuja, effective April 23, 2025. A statement by Monday Ukoha, Business Manager, Aviation & Allied Business Publications, said that the flight would be operated three weekly flights on the Minna-Lagos-Minna route and additional weekly flights on the Minna-Abuja-Minna route. These flights, the statement hinted would be operated on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, using its brand-new Embraer 175 aircraft. Flights will depart Lagos to Minna at 8am and Minna to Lagos at 3pm, while flights from Minna to Abuja will depart at 9:30am. Also, Abuja to Minna will depart at 2pm. Commenting on the planned launched, Capt. Edward Boyo, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Overland Airways, expressed delight with the new flight services to Minna from Abuja, the Federal Capital and Lagos, the commercial hub of Nigeria. He added: “This flight services will facilitate trade, tourism and economic activities in Niger State and its environs and support the government of Niger State in its quest to attract more direct investments and improve the livelihood of citizens of the state. “We thank particularly His Excellency Mohammed Umar Bago, the Executive Governor of the Niger State for his passionate commitment to the growth and development of the state and for making the dream of connecting Niger State come true.” The Niger State Ministry of Transport in collaboration with the New Niger Development Project (NNDP), jointly stated, “It has been an uphill journey to bring the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport to fruition—from its construction to its operationalization. “Today, we are immensely proud to see this dream become a reality. We are honoured to have Overland Airways as the pioneer airline for this project, setting the foundation for expanded air travel connectivity in Niger State. Mr. Governor is particularly proud of this achievement, which aligns with his vision of modernizing infrastructure and boosting economic development in Niger State.” Besides, Alhaji Liman Kutigi, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the New Niger Aviation, assured this partnership with Overland Airways would ensure regular and robust flight services from Abuja and Lagos to Minna, Niger State. He expressed joy with the partnership with Overland Airways, which he said had a reputation for excellent customer service and reliability, He equally looked forward to working together with the airline to reposition the aviation sector and economy of the state. ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Ethiopia To Host Inaugural Aviation Forum In Addis Ababa Olusegun Koiki, Lagos The Ethiopian aviation sector is set to take centre stage as the country prepares to host the inaugural Ethiopian Aviation Forum, slated from April 24 through 25, 2025, at the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa. A press statement by the airline, said that this landmark event would gather approximately 400 senior aviation leaders from airports and airlines, comprising Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), Chief Operating Officers (CCOs), General Managers (GMs) and other key executives. The statement hinted that participants would engage in dynamic discussions and case studies to tackle critical industry issues. The forum focuses on practical insights and fosters collaborative solutions essential for the evolution of aviation in Africa featuring specialised tracks for airlines and airports, such as Airline Expansion Challenges in Africa, Blockchain in Aviation, Airport Growth, Optimising Airport Operations in Africa, Airport Business: Beyond Aeronautical Revenue, and many more. All tracks focus on sharing meaningful and applicable insights that are Return on Investment (ROI)-driven. The Ethiopian Aviation Forum has been designed to help aviation leaders deliver more positive business impact and build powerful global relationships, ensuring a time-efficient experience from start to finish.