By Seyi Balogun

Sustainable development can only be achieved when more individuals and businesses have access to financial opportunities, says Alternative Bank, adding that inclusive finance is critical to Nigeria’s long-term economic growth.

The bank’s statement was issued on Thursday following two awards it received in recognising of its contributions to sustainable development, financial inclusion and humanitarian partnerships.

The bank received the Champion of Sustainable Development Award at the Africa Social Impact Summit 2026 Impact Capital Dinner in Lagos.

According to the statement, it also received the Distinguished Humanitarian Partnership Award from the National Association of Nigerian Visually Impaired Students, University of Lagos Chapter, during the association’s 20th anniversary celebration.

Though presented by different organisations, they reflected a shared recognition that sustainable development goes beyond providing capital and requires broader participation in economic activities, including groups often excluded by conventional financial systems.

The Executive Director, Commercial and Institutional Banking, Lagos and South-West, Korede Demola-Adeniyi, while highlighting the import of the recognition said:

“Finance delivers its greatest value when it expands opportunity. Sustainable growth is achieved by supporting businesses, strengthening communities and ensuring more people have access to the tools they need to succeed. Anything less leaves the job unfinished.”

The statement noted that the Champion of Sustainable Development Award was presented during the Africa Social Impact Summit Impact Capital Dinner, organised by the Sterling One Foundation in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund and supported by the MacArthur Foundation.

It added that the summit brought together business leaders, policymakers, development partners and investors to discuss practical strategies for financing Africa’s development priorities.

The bank said the award acknowledged its efforts to promote responsible finance while supporting initiatives that expand economic opportunities and strengthen communities.

The statement further explained that the Distinguished Humanitarian Partnership Award recognised the bank’s collaboration with organisations advancing disability inclusion, educational access and community development.

The Head of Corporate Social Investment at The Alternative Bank, Solomon Okonkwo, said lasting partnerships were necessary to eliminate barriers that prevent people from participating fully in society and the economy.

“Inclusion becomes meaningful when people can learn, work and contribute without unnecessary barriers. We remain committed to partnerships that expand access and create opportunities for individuals and communities to thrive,” he said

By Seyi Balogun, Lagos

Wife of billionaire Mike Otedola, has revealed how she tried her hands ten other business ideas before finally settling one: laundry services.

The businesswoman Nana Otedola has revealed that she struggled through several ventures before hitting her successful laundry business.

Speaking on the How Far podcast hosted by her daughter Temi Otedola and son-in-law Mr Eazi, Nana said she experimented with about 10 different business ideas before finding her footing.

She recalled attempting to work as an administrative staff member, but said her husband was against it. Did buying and selling, but it didn’t work out.

“I tried like 10 other things. I tried to work as an admin staff member in an office, although your dad kicked against it. I tried to buy and sell. I was trying other things while doing the dry-cleaning business.

“I remember a consultant known as Brian said to me, ‘Do you think this will work?’ Your dad also asked me, ‘Do you think this will work?’ Lagos needs a good dry-cleaning and laundry service,” she said.

Despite initial doubts from both Femi Otedola and the consultant, Nana said she stayed committed and the business eventually thrived.

Lagos, like any city, has a huge demand for reliable laundry services today.

By Nick Ibe

Bassey Otu, Cross River State governor, has pledged to bring Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort back to life before the end of 2026.

The promise was made while fielding questions from newsmen in Calabar last Thursday. He revealed that his administration had engaged in lengthy negotiations to recover and reposition the business resort that the state recently recovered from Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).

Otu explained the imperative to focus on reviving Tinapa due to the state’s financial realities and the need to protect existing public investments. In his words:

“The state has invested more than 400 million US dollars in Tinapa over the years, making it impossible for his administration to abandon the facility.

“Leaving it unattended would have led to further deterioration of the infrastructure and a waste of the huge public investment already committed to the project.

“I am confident that before the end of the year, Cross River residents would begin to witness a transformed Tinapa.”

He revealed that rehabilitation works were already ongoing at the retail emporiums and other commercial facilities within Tinapa complex.

Otu added that government has restored the power generation segment to guarantee stable electricity for businesses operating there.

He further announced that an anchor tenant has already committed to operating in Tinapa, a move he believed would attract more investors and increase commercial activities.

He also disclosed plans to construct a jetty to improve access to the resort and create more opportunities for local businesses.

He noted that Cross River remained one of the states receiving the lowest federal allocations and that many inherited projects were initiated based on revenue projections that never materialised.

He explained that his government’s priority was to complete and revive abandoned investments before embarking on new mega-projects.

According to him, once those projects become fully operational and begin generating value, the state will be better positioned to pursue initiatives such as the gas project.

Otu also highlighted progress made in completing abandoned government infrastructure across the state. He cited the completion of buildings now occupied by the Local Government Service Commission, noting that several ministries and agencies were gradually relocating into modern office facilities.

“The administration’s goal is to provide a better working environment for civil servants, improve morale within the public service and strengthen service delivery.

“We will also ensure that government operates more efficiently for the benefit of Cross River residents.”

Tinapa was taken over by Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria in 2011 when the state had difficulties in meeting loan repayment agreements.

However, in 2025, Cross River negotiated and repossessed it.