News
ZENITH BANK REAFFIRMS MARKET DOMINANCE AND LEADERSHIP WITH Q3 2019 RESULT

Zenith Bank Plc has announced its unaudited results for the period ended 30 September, 2019, with numbers that clearly demonstrates its market dominance and leadership.
From the unaudited account which was presented to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), gross earnings increased by 4% percent from N474,607 billion recorded in Q3 2018 to N491,268 billion in Q3 2019. Profit Before Tax (PBT) grew by 5% from N167,307 billion in Q3 2018 to a record N176,183 billion in Q3 2019. Also, profit after tax rose by 5% from N144,179 billion in Q3 2018 to N150,723 billion in Q3 2019.
Despite a challenging macro-economic backdrop, the Group recorded a significant growth in Non-Interest Income, expanding by 22% from N128.7 billion in Q3 2018 to N156.8 billion for the current period. Our platforms and channels have been the enablers of this growth, with fees from electronic products doubling to N35.3 billion from N17.6 billion in Q3 2018.
Our cost optimization strategies and aggressive retail banking drive are yielding the desired effects as cost-to-income ratio declined from 51.2% in Q3 2018 to 50.1% in Q3 2019 with Earnings Per Share (EPS) growing by 5% from N4.58 in Q3 2018 to N4.80 in Q3 2019.
Our retail and corporate banking franchises continued its momentum with customers’ deposits growing by 7% to N3.95 trillion from N3.69 trillion recorded as at December 2018, a reflection of increasing share of the industry’s deposits and customers’ confidence in the Zenith brand. These deposit acquisitions have directly contributed to our cost of funds improving from 3.3% in Q3 2018 to 2.95% as at Q3 2019.
We have continued to deploy capital to creating viable risk assets with gross loans and advances growing by 9% from N2.02 trillion as at December 2018 to N2.2 trillion as at Q3 2019 across both the retail and corporate segments. Our focus remains the search for bankable lending opportunities to ensure the attainment of the minimum regulatory loan-to-deposit ratio (LDR) of 65% by December 31, 2019 without compromising our prudence.
Our robust risk management framework has ensured that non-performing loans (NPL) ratio declined from 4.98% in December 2018 to 4.95% in the current period. Our commitment to maintaining a shock-proof balance sheet remains with liquidity and capital adequacy ratios at 63.8% and 23.8% respectively, both above regulatory thresholds.
In this final quarter of the year, we will sustain our competitiveness and share of market in the corporate segment and build upon our digital foundations to reinforce our retail banking initiatives.
As a testament to this superlative performance and in recognition of its track record of excellent performance, the bank was recently named as the Bank of the Year and the Best Bank in Retail Banking at the 2019 BusinessDay Banks’ and Other Financial Institutions Awards (BAFI Awards).
News
EFCC Arrests Top Businesswoman, Aisha Achimugu

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recently arrested prominent businesswoman and socialite, Aisha Achimugu, following allegations of fraudulent activities related to a multi-million-naira contract awarded to her company by a South-West state.
Achimugu, who serves as the Chairman of Bluewave Exploration and Production Limited, was detained last weekend after a civil society group filed a petition accusing her of involvement in dubious dealings concerning the contract. She was granted bail the following day but has been instructed to return for further questioning in the coming week.
Beyond her corporate endeavors, Achimugu is well-known in elite circles across Lagos and Abuja. Her social media presence showcases a lavish lifestyle, featuring exotic vacations, exclusive yacht parties, and private jet travels.
This arrest marks a significant challenge for Achimugu, whose business empire and social standing are now under intense public scrutiny. The EFCC’s investigation is ongoing, and the outcome may have far-reaching implications for her career and reputation.
A source hinted that Achimugu was asked by the commission to report back on the 30th of March,2025 for further questioning.
Not really bothered by the investigation, the billionaire days after her arrest launched a 30-day feeding Ramadan programme where she targets the less-privileged.
Additional Information- Streetjournal Magazine
News
Obasa Missing as Lagos Assembly Sits, Lauds President Tinubu

The Lagos State House of Assembly convened for a crucial legislative session yesterday, but an unexpected absence stole the spotlight, the ousted Speaker Mudashiru Obasa was nowhere to be seen. The sitting, which focused on key legislative matters and a commendation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, went on without Obasa, raising eyebrows among lawmakers and political observers alike.
New Speaker Mojisola Meranda presided over the proceedings, ensuring the session ran smoothly. During deliberations, the lawmakers took turns applauding President Tinubu for his strides in governance, particularly his economic and infrastructural policies aimed at revitalizing Lagos and Nigeria as a whole. However, whispers about Obasa’s absence could not be ignored.
Sources within the Assembly remained tight-lipped on the reason for his nonappearance, fueling speculation.
As lawmakers dispersed after the session, the big question lingered where was Obasa? For now, the mystery remains, but all eyes will be on the next sitting to see if the seasoned politician resurfaces.
lifestyle
Meet The New 47-year-old Alaafin Of Oyo, Prince Akeem Owoade

Prince Akeem Owoade is a Nigerian and Canadian entrepreneur, philanthropist, and president of 100279 Manitoba Limited, a real estate investment and financial services business in Manitoba, Canada.
Born 47 years ago to a prominent and royal family of Owoade-Agunloye in Oyo town, Prince Akeem Owoade is one of the surviving children of Pa Rasaki Ibiyosi Owoade, the descendant of Aremo Aderounmu Iyanda Owoade, Agure Compound, Oyo town in Oyo State, Nigeria.
aking an early interest in engineering, Prince AkeemOwoade began his engineering studies by completing his National Diploma and Higher National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from ‘The Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State (1994 to 1997) and The Polytechnic, Ibadan (1999 to 2001), Oyo State. Nigeria respectively. He did his NYSC with Nigeria Gas Company as Mechanical Intern/Planner in 2002.After the completion of his NYSC, he worked with Oceanic Bank International Plc. in Warri as a teller. (2003 to 2004).
Prince Akeem Owoade decided to further his education in the United Kingdom where he attended University of Sunderland (2008) and Northumbria University (2012)
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