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Media, banking leaders honour FirstBank’s Olayinka Ijabiyi at Lagos event – Technology Times
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Friends, colleagues and associates recently gathered in Lagos for Olayinka Ijabiyi a dual event celebrating his confirmation as group head of marketing and corporate communications at First Bank of Nigeria Limited and his 53rd birthday.
The gathering, held at Luxe35 Hotel in Ogba, Lagos, brings together professionals from the financial services, telecoms, media and international development sectors.
The event was moderated by Mojeed Jamiu, publisher of Upshot Reports, who invited guests to share memories and reflections on Ijabiyi’s professional journey and personal relationships.
“Many of us here have known Yinka for years. What stands out,” according to Jamiu, “is his ability to connect with people and earn respect across different industries. His confirmation is a reflection of years of dedication to his profession.”
Jamiu described Ijabiyi as a communications professional whose career had been built on consistency and strong relationships.
“Many of us here have known Yinka for years. What stands out,” according to Jamiu, “is his ability to connect with people and earn respect across different industries. His confirmation is a reflection of years of dedication to his profession.”
Olumide Iyanda, publisher of QEDNG, congratulated Ijabiyi on the milestone, noting that his career growth had been closely followed by many of his friends and colleagues.
“Yinka started out in journalism and has continued to grow through hard work and professionalism. It is gratifying to see him attain another important career milestone while also celebrating a new year in good health and good spirits,” Iyanda added.
While congratulating Ijabiyi on his confirmation as substantive group head of marketing and corporate communications at First Bank after serving in an acting capacity since December 2024, amon Nasir, group head of media and external relations at UBA, noted that the position comes with greater responsibilities and higher expectations.
He urged Ijabiyi’s friends and colleagues to continue supporting him as he takes on the demands of the role and strives to sustain his performance in the corporate sector.
Rasheed Bolarinwa, group head of brand management and corporate communication at Polaris Bank, who is also the immediate past president of the Association of Communication and Marketing Professionals in Banks (ACAMB), echoed Nasir’s remarks, noting that overseeing marketing and corporate communications in a major bank is a demanding responsibility that requires dedication, strategic thinking and resilience.
Responding, Ijabiyi thanked those present for honouring him and sharing in his celebration.
“I am deeply grateful for the friendship, support and encouragement I have received over the years. This gathering means a lot to me because it brings together people who have been part of my journey in different ways. I look forward to the opportunities and responsibilities that come with this new role,” he said.
Ijabiyi began his professional career as a reporter with TheNews/Tempo magazine and has since built a career spanning journalism, marketing and corporate communications.
A fellow of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria, he has developed and executed corporate brand strategies at leading organisations including MTN, MultiChoice, Etisalat Nigeria and British Council.
The roll call of attendees include Shina Badaru, founder of Technology Times; Olumide Iyanda, publisher of QEDNG; Ayeni Adekunle, founder of Black House Media; Azuh Arinze, publisher of YES International; Mojeed Jamiu, publisher of Upshot Reports; Ayodele Aminu, managing director of New Telegraph; Eki Eboigbe, creative director at Entertainment Bus Stop Limited; Rasheed Bolarinwa, group head of brand management and corporate communication at Polaris Bank; Ramon Nasir, group head of media and external relations at UBA; and Olakunle Aderinokun, head of media and public relations at Access Holdings.
Others in attendance included Bamidele Johnson, chief operating officer at Strategic Outcomes Limited; Chris Adetayo, director of CNG Marketing Communications Limited; Ademola Akinbola, publisher of The Podium International Magazine; Tunde Oladipo, group brand lead at Dangote Industries Limited; Semiu Okanlawon, publisher of NPO Reports; Mike Dada, founder of All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA); and Steve Ayorinde, former Lagos State commissioner for information and strategy.
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The 11th Jos National Trade Fair is witnessing increased commercial activities, with more exhibition pavilions springing up and young entrepreneurs showcasing their products and services.
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Commercial activities at the ongoing 11th Jos National Trade Fair are gaining momentum, with an increasing number of exhibition pavilions, business organisations, established enterprises and emerging entrepreneurs taking advantage of the platform to showcase their products, promote their services and explore new business opportunities.
The trade fair, which continues to attract businesses and visitors from different sectors, is gradually expanding its exhibition space, with new exhibitors joining existing participants to create a more diverse and engaging marketplace.
Among the organisations and institutions already participating are the Plateau State Commodity Marketing and Export Agency (PLASCHEMA), Plateau State Microfinance Development Agency (PLASMIDA) and the Agricultural Services and Training Agency (ANISTA). They have been joined by several private businesses and emerging brands, including Smash and Stack Fast Food, Scent by Custom, Jam Jam Enterprise, Art and Urban Nigeria, among others.
The growing presence of these businesses reflects the increasing interest in the trade fair as a platform for product visibility, business networking, customer engagement and market expansion.
One of the notable highlights of this year’s edition is the participation of young entrepreneurs and youth-led businesses, many of whom are using the opportunity to introduce their brands to a wider audience, interact directly with potential customers, generate sales and establish valuable business connections.
For many of these young business owners, the trade fair represents more than just an exhibition space. It provides an opportunity to gain market exposure, understand consumer preferences, build confidence and position their businesses for future growth.
Some exhibitors and participants have also commended the Plateau State Government, under the leadership of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, for providing an enabling environment that encourages business participation, entrepreneurship and private-sector engagement.
They noted that platforms such as the Jos National Trade Fair are important for creating opportunities for small and medium-scale enterprises, particularly young entrepreneurs who may otherwise struggle to gain access to wider markets and potential business partners.
Beyond its commercial and business activities, the 11th Jos National Trade Fair is also incorporating entertainment and youth engagement into its programme.
The Back to the Root Concert brought together young people and entertainment enthusiasts for an exciting atmosphere of music, dance and social interaction. The concert added a vibrant entertainment dimension to the trade fair, providing participants with an opportunity to relax, connect and enjoy activities beyond the exhibition pavilions.
In addition, a talent hunt competition has been scheduled as part of the event’s activities to discover, encourage and provide a platform for emerging talents to demonstrate their creative abilities.
The competition is expected to attract aspiring performers, giving them an opportunity to showcase their skills before an audience while competing for a ₦250,000 cash prize sponsored by Mrs Bolcit Barshep Amakiri, Vice President of the Plateau State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PLACCIMA).
The sponsorship further highlights the importance of supporting young talents and creating opportunities for the next generation to develop their abilities and pursue their creative ambitions.
With more exhibitors coming on board, increasing youth participation, business networking opportunities and entertainment activities, the 11th Jos National Trade Fair continues to demonstrate the importance of bringing commerce, entrepreneurship, creativity and community engagement together on one platform.
As the fair progresses, it is expected to further strengthen business connections, encourage local enterprise development and showcase the growing potential of Plateau State as a destination for investment, trade and entrepreneurship.
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has warned that anyone who threatens, intimidates or attacks the Commission's personnel will face the full consequences of the law ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Amupitan gave the warning on Saturday, October 31, 2026, during the South-South Zonal Readiness Assessment and Interactive Staff Engagement held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
He said the Commission would not tolerate attacks against its ad-hoc staff, National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, members or permanent employees, adding that their safety remained essential to conducting credible elections.
According to the INEC chairman, security challenges would not weaken the Commission's determination to fulfil its constitutional responsibilities. He warned that "anyone who attempts to harm electoral workers would be prosecuted."
Amupitan explained that the South-South engagement was the fifth zonal assessment conducted by the Commission, following similar exercises in the South-West, North-West, South-East and North-East geopolitical zones.
He said INEC had adopted a field-focused strategy to strengthen electoral preparations, adding that credible elections required effective coordination across all 123 Local Government Areas in the six South-South states.
On election security, the chairman disclosed that the Commission had moved away from relying on election-day security arrangements towards an early-warning and intelligence-driven approach known as the ICCES Tentacle.
He explained that the framework would strengthen cooperation among security agencies from the national and state levels down to local governments and Registration Area Centres. Its major priorities include identifying threats, protecting electoral personnel and ensuring voters have safe access to polling units.
Amupitan disclosed that about 60 major operational formations, headquarters and state commands were involved in the security arrangement under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, ICCES. The network comprises military, naval, air force, police and other security agencies operating across the South-South.
He said the region had "15,823,550 registered voters, representing 15.30 per cent of Nigeria's national voter register. Rivers State alone accounts for 3,736,434 registered voters spread across 23 local government areas."
Providing an update on preparations, Amupitan said INEC had "completed nine out of the 14 major statutory activities outlined in its timetable for the 2027 elections."
Amupitan noted that the exercise would cover more than 103 million registered voters and 176,846 polling units nationwide. The presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while governorship and State Assembly elections will take place on February 6, 2027.
The chairman also disclosed that INEC had concluded an agreement with the Maritime Transporters Union to facilitate the safe and timely movement of election personnel and materials to riverine and coastal communities. He added that operational pickup vehicles had been distributed to state and local government offices to improve logistics.
On staff welfare, Amupitan said the Commission had introduced the Consolidated Election Management Body Salary Structure, effective January 1, 2026. He also announced a 150 per cent increase in monthly overhead allocations to state offices, which took effect on July 1, 2026.
He urged electoral officers to maintain professionalism, neutrality and discipline, warning that negligence, absenteeism, financial misconduct and partisan behaviour would attract serious sanctions. He also cautioned that poor administrative performance, including late opening of polling units and unresolved technological challenges, could encourage misinformation and damage public confidence.
The INEC chairman reminded staff of the provisions of Section 26 of the Electoral Act 2026, which mandates an Oath of Neutrality. He urged them to follow electoral laws and guidelines in carrying out their duties, adding that the Commission would not compromise its standards.
2027: ‘There’ll be consequences’ – Amupitan warns against attack on INEC officials
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