As part of its continued commitment to sustainability, Access Holdings PLC will be amongst the leading participants in the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) Regional Roundtable on Sustainable Finance for Africa and the Middle East.

Taking place from May 6-7, 2025, in Marrakech, Morocco, the event will bring together regulators, policymakers, and key stakeholders from the financial sector to discuss and shape critical sustainability issues, including climate mitigation and adaptation, nature-positive finance, just transition and financial inclusion, carbon finance, among others.

The Chief Brand and Communications Officer of Access Holdings; Amaechi Okobi; the Group Head of Credit Administration, Governance andProject Monitoring, Edmund Otaigbe; and Group Head of Products and Segments, Njideka Esomeju, will be contributing insights from their extensive experience in driving sustainability within the financial sector.

Among the discussions will be sessions dedicated to accelerating the transition of real economy sectors towards sustainability, addressing climate risks, and ensuring financial inclusion.

One of the focal points will be how financial institutions can support climate adaptation and resilience, particularly in vulnerable sectors across Africa and the Middle East. The event will further tackle the challenge of unlocking private finance for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), exploring innovative ways to align capital flows with regional sustainability needs.

Other high-level dialogues will explore regional collaboration to support sustainability goals, advancing action on climate adaptation, and the regulatory developments promoting sustainable finance across the region.

Panels will focus on topics such as financing and insuring MSMEs for climate resilience and fostering an inclusive transition by ensuring that vulnerable communities and underserved populations are not left behind in the push for green growth.

Prominent speakers at the event include Mahmoud Mohieldin, UN Special Envoy on Financing the 2030 Agenda; Louise Gardiner, Senior Operations Officer at the International Finance Corporation (IFC); Lily Burge, Policy Manager, Climate Bonds Initiative; Samuel Tiriongo, Director of Research and Policy, Kenya Bankers Association; Walid Ali, General Manager, Sustainability Department, Central Bank of Egypt; Yasser Mounsif, Director of Issuers, Moroccan Capital Market Authority, alongside other leaders in sustainable finance.

The UNEP FI Regional Roundtable promises to be a critical platform for deepening collaboration among stakeholders across Africa and the Middle East, with the shared goal of creating a resilient, sustainable future for the region.

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it has granted popular social media activist, Mr Martins Innocent Otse, otherwise known as VeryDarkMan (VDM) an administrative bail.

VDM was apprehended in the premises of GTBank in Abuja last weekend after he was at the bank to question why the account of his mother was debited for a loan she did not apply for.

It was reported that VeryDarkMan was blindfolded and beaten by security operatives who came for him.

Since his arrest, there have been claims that some powerful persons instigated the EFCC to pick him up because of his criticisms online.

In a statement on Tuesday, the anti-money laundering agency said it apprehended VDM over “grave allegations of financial malfeasance.”

The agency said it received petitions against the suspect, adding that it obtained an order to keep him beyond the 24 hours stipulated by the Constitution.

However, the EFCC said it have granted him an administrative bail, with VDM still making efforts to meet for his eventual release.

“The EFCC has a lawful right to hold Otse in custody like any other suspect being investigated by the Commission. The appropriate Remand Order was obtained in this regard. He has been offered an administrative bail and would be released after fulfilling all the bail conditions.

“The commission appreciates the interest of Nigerians in its operations. The passion, enthusiasm and torrential reactions to all of its activities are welcome.

“However, insinuations about its motive in carrying out its assignment should no longer continue. The EFCC should be allowed to do its job without fear or favour. As soon as investigations are concluded, charges will be filed,” the statement said.

The commission said it acted the way it did because the suspect “refused to show up in spite of several invitations sent to him through his known addresses and medium of communication.”

It was stated that the petitions pertain to grave allegations of financial malfeasance which cannot be ignored by the commission” because it has the mandate of “tackling economic and financial crimes.”

Since his arrest a few days ago, there have been calls, including from outside the country, for his release

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

President Bola Tinubu has been applauded by the president of Dangote Group, Mr Aliko Dangote, for his steps in repositioning the country’s oil and gas sector.

Recall that recently, Mr Tinubu changed the board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, leading to the removal of Mr Mele Kyari as the chief executive, with Mr Bashir Bayo Ojulari chosen to replace him.

Mr Dangote described the new team as eminently qualified to take the NNPC to a greater height, noting that the new management will bring a wealth of technical expertise, and all have managerial experiences that are essential for revitalising Nigeria’s most strategic public enterprise.

“The calibre of individuals at the helm, and their deliberate, reform-driven agenda, demonstrate a commitment to fostering a culture of performance and professionalism,” the businessman said when he visited President Tinubu to commend him for putting together such a formidable and professionally competent team.

“The calibre of individuals at the helm, and their deliberate, reform-driven agenda, demonstrate a commitment to fostering a culture of performance and professionalism,” he added.

Mr Dangote expressed confidence that the new leadership of NNPC will propel the country’s energy industry to new heights and reaffirmed his group’s commitment to supporting the collective vision of a prosperous, energy-secure Nigeria.

Reacting to questions from the select media over the weekend on his statement that he is still fighting for the survival of his $20 billion refinery in Lagos, Mr Dangote said his statement was not in any way connected to the new leadership of the NNPC, noting that the new leadership in the NNPC has been so far supportive in terms of meeting the company’s needs.

He revealed that the cabals he was referring to were some major oil marketers and traders who were bent on frustrating the efforts on President Tinubu in revamping the nation’s economy.

He noted that the recent activities and structural reforms introduced by NNPC serve as strong indicators of the organisation’s renewed focus on transparency, efficiency, and accountability.