NEWS
Ecobank to Raise $250m through Private Placement
By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) has launched a private placement offering to raise up to $250m in Additional Tier 1 (AT1) capital through contingent convertible notes.
The transaction follows shareholders’ approval secured during an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) held in Togo.
The offering window will remain open for ten days, beginning July 9. Renaissance Capital Africa has been appointed as transaction adviser for the capital raise.According to the group, the move forms part of a broader strategic initiative to strengthen ETI’s capital adequacy ratio, enhance its financial resilience, and support long-term growth objectives across its diversified African banking network.
“The launch of this Additional Tier 1 capital raise signals our commitment to maintaining a strong capital base as we continue to expand our operations and invest in innovation across key markets,” the company said in a statement.
The capital instruments to be issued are contingent convertible notes — a common tool for banks to bolster their regulatory capital buffers under Basel III standards.
These instruments qualify as Additional Tier 1 capital, designed to absorb losses in times of financial stress and support the institution’s overall capital structure.
Ecobank emphasized that the capital raise is being conducted through private placement, not a public offering, and as such, does not constitute an invitation to the general public to subscribe to or purchase the securities.
The initiative is seen as a proactive measure to position ETI more competitively in an evolving financial landscape, where macroeconomic volatility, regulatory shifts, and capital adequacy demands continue to shape banking strategies across Africa.
Ecobank Transnational Incorporated reported a profit after tax of N187.1bn for the first quarter of 2025, marking a 33 per cent increase compared to N140.9bn in the same period of 2024.
In the bank’s financial statement filed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited on Wednesday, the group’s gross earnings for the quarter rose by 17 per cent, reaching N1.054tn, up from N904.2bn in Q1 2024.
Ecobank’s revenue for the first quarter grew by 19 per cent to N788.7bn, compared to N665.4bn in the corresponding period of 2024.
This growth was largely attributed to strong operating income, which increased by 24 per cent to N381.6bn, compared to N307.5bn in the first quarter of 2024.
This operating income surge was driven by higher net interest income and a solid performance in non-interest income.
The bank’s profit before tax for Q1 2025 reached N267.3bn, reflecting a 33 per cent increase from N201.5bn recorded in the same period in 2024.
NEWS
NYSC Doctor Donates 155 Menstrual Cups to Policewomen in Jos
From Jude Dangwam, Jos
A National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member Dr. Hope Adeyi serving at Police College Cottage Hospital in Jos, Plateau State, has donated 155 menstrual cups to policewomen, wives of police officers alongside civilian staff.
The donation was made during the “Affordable and Hygienic Menstruation for Every Woman” outreach held at the Nigeria Police Staff College on Tuesday in Jos the Plateau State capital.
According to Adeyi, “The cost of sanitary pads has risen sharply nationwide, and for many families, it has become increasingly unaffordable.
“As a result, some women are now forced to use unsafe alternatives such as old rags, tissue paper, or improvised materials.
Unfortunately, these practices significantly increase the risk of reproductive tract infections, urinary tract infections, bad odour, discomfort, and reduced confidence,” she statedThe Doctor Copper highlighted the benefits of menstrual cups, saying, “Menstrual cups offer several benefits; they are safe, reusable, and environmentally friendly. A single cup can last up to 10 years when properly cared for. They only require regular washing with clean water, which is readily available in our community.
“They greatly reduce the financial burden of buying monthly disposable pads and help prevent infections by promoting cleaner and safer menstrual practices,” she explained.
She emphasized that providing the cups is more than a donation: “By providing menstrual cups to our women today, we are not just giving a product, we are offering long‑term relief, health protection, and empowerment. This project ensures that no woman in our community has to choose between her health and affordability,” she maintained.
The initiative she said was made possible by generous sponsors, whose contributions Dr. Adeyi thanked. “Your contributions go beyond financial support—they demonstrate a deep commitment to the dignity and health of women in this community. We thank you sincerely,” she said.
The NYSC doctor urged the women present to prioritize their health and dignity noting that, “Your health matters. Your comfort matters. Your dignity matters. Today’s outreach is a step toward ensuring that every woman in this community is supported, protected, and empowered,” she emphasised.
NEWS
Mutfwang Congratulates Gen. Danjuma on 88th Birthday, Lauds His Philanthropy
From Jude Dangwam, Jos
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has extended his warm congratulations to Lt. Gen. Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma on his 88th birthday.
In a statement signed by his Director of Press and Public Affiars Gyang Bere and made available to Newsmen on Tuesday described Gen.
Danjuma as “a symbol of excellence, an exemplary philanthropist, and a symbol of hope whose life has been wholly devoted to the defence, progress, and upliftment of humanity”.Mutfwang praised Gen. Danjuma’s outstanding contributions to national life, citing his courageous military service, visionary business leadership, and transformative philanthropic work.
“You remain a priceless national asset and an extraordinary achiever who has enjoyed uncommon grace from God to lead, to serve, and to excel in diverse spheres of human endeavour,” he stated.
The Governor also highlighted Gen. Danjuma’s commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable Nigerians through the TY Danjuma Foundation, which has become a lifeline to underserved communities nationwide.
Mutfwang on behalf of his family, the government, and the people of Plateau State wished Gen. Danjuma long life, sound health, renewed strength, and divine wisdom as he continues to offer wise counsel and mentor younger generations.
CRIME
Enugu Police Arrest 25-Year-old Man over Alleged Kidnapping, Armed Robbery
From Sylvia Udegbunam, Enugu
Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command attached to the New Haven Division and the Distress Response Squad (DRS), on 6th December 2025 at about 6 a.m., swiftly responded to a distress call and arrested one Orlu Chukwuemeka (male, 25).
Investigations revealed that the suspect and his accomplice, who is currently at large, disguised as commercial operators of an unregistered white mini bus and abducted their female passenger in a one-chance-styled operation at Fourth Dimension, along Chime Avenue, Enugu.
During the incident, the suspects stabbed the victim, pushed her out of the moving vehicle along the same Chime Avenue, and escaped, after robbing her of an Android phone and ATM card.
Police operatives immediately trailed and intercepted them within Independence Layout, Enugu, leading to the arrest of Orlu, while the other suspect fled.Ina press statement sent by the Police public relations officer Enugu State Command, Daniel Ndukwe stated that the victim was promptly taken to the hospital for medical attention, where she regained stability and was able to positively identify the arrested suspect as part of the criminal gang.
The suspect has since been arraigned in court and remanded in custody, while intensive efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing accomplice and ensure every person involved is brought to justice.
The Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, appreciates the timely support from public-spirited citizens that aided the swift arrest. He reiterates the Command’s unwavering resolve to combating violent crimes across Enugu State this festive season and beyond, urging residents to continue providing credible and timely security information.

