Access Bank Plc has appointed Mrs Ifeyinwa Osime as Chairman Board of Directors, following the retirement of Mr Paul Usoro, on Jan. 29, according to a statement to the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. on Monday.

Osime, an accomplished legal practitioner, joined Access Bank’s Board in November 2019 as an Independent Non-Executive Director and had chaired the Board Human Resources and Sustainability Committee and the Governance, Nomination, and Remuneration Committee.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this role made her contribute significantly to bank’s corporate governance, leadership development, and sustainability initiatives.

In addition to her role at Access Bank, Osime is a Director at Ebudo Trust Ltd.

She is also a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, Women Corporate Directors, Nigeria Chapter, and Chartered Institute of Directors Nigeria, where she serves on the Executive Committee of the Women Sectorial Group.

Beyond her professional responsibilities, Osime is committed to mentoring youths and is actively involved in the Autism and Developmental Delays Support Community, reflecting her dedication to inclusion and social impact.

Speaking on her appointment, the Group Chairman, Mr Aigboje Aig-lmoukhuede, said: “Mrs Osime is a principled and experienced leader with a deep understanding of the Bank’s strategy and values.

“She has demonstrated strong commitment to the Bank’s vision and mission, and I am confident that, under her leadership, the Bank will continue to advance its strategic objectives of delivering sustainable value to shareholders and other stakeholders in the pursuit of its vision to become the world’s most respected African Bank.”

The Group Chairman also congratulated Usoro on the completion of his tenure and for his exemplary leadership, dedication and significant contribution to the Group, saying he remains a valued member of the Access family.(NAN)

From Ayinde Akintade, Osogbo

No fewer than 1000 indigent students on Saturday benefitted from the sixth edition of IIeri-Oluwa for AMBO Free UTME (JAMB) sponsored by the Executive Director, Marine and Operations, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Olalekan Badmus.

The initiative which had commenced 6 years ago, had successfully impacted greatly in humanity as over 1000 had benefitted largely since its introduction.

The beneficiaries of the sixth edition seems to be the largest since the lofty initiative was introduced by the donor.

Addressing journalists during the screening exercise, the donor, Olalekan Badmus popularly called (Omo Oloore), expressed gratitude to Almighty God for the sustenance of the scheme since its commencement.

Badmus, who described the initiative as worthwhile, disclosed that over applicants had gainfully been admitted into tertiary institutions through the free JAMB scheme.

He said the initiative was conceptualized to bring much-desired support and ease the financial burden on parents and guardians and as well contribute significantly and productively to the provision of quality and qualitative education in the state.

Badmus who decried the state of education in Osun State under the current administration noted that no efforts would be spared to prioritize education when the progressive party returns to government this year.

He urged the beneficiaries to take maximum advantage of the initiative targeted to advance gainful admission into tertiary institutions of their choice.

Some of the beneficiaries extolled the donor and promised to see the support as a veritable tool to be admitted into higher institutions.

From Dan Amasingha, Minna

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said that the ongoing reforms of President Bola Tinubu’s administration are opening new and sustainable pathways for Nigerian youths to thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development.

The minister stated this during the weekend, while delivering the 2026 Convocation Lecture at the 34th Convocation Ceremony of the Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna, held at the Gidan Kwano Campus, Niger State.

Speaking on the theme “Youth and Nation Building: Navigating Opportunities in an Era of National Reforms,” Idris described Nigeria’s youthful population as a strategic asset that must be properly empowered through education, skills development, and inclusive economic policies.

He noted that Nigeria is currently undergoing one of the most ambitious reform phases in its history, driven by the political will and vision of Tinubu, adding that the reforms are deliberate steps aimed at correcting longstanding structural challenges in the economy.

According to him, major policy decisions such as the removal of petrol subsidy, foreign exchange unification, and the implementation of new tax laws are already restoring investor confidence, improving transparency, and creating a more stable business environment.

The minister explained that the reforms have begun to attract renewed interest from both domestic and foreign investors, leading to expanding opportunities across critical sectors including technology, agriculture, energy, and the creative industry.

He further highlighted several youth-focused initiatives of the Tinubu administration, including the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which he said has enabled hundreds of thousands of students to access tertiary education through affordable, long-term financing.

Idris also referenced other empowerment programmes such as technical and vocational training schemes, startup support initiatives, and youth-friendly credit facilities, stressing that these interventions demonstrate the government’s commitment to rewriting Nigeria’s youth narrative.

While acknowledging public scepticism borne out of past experiences, the minister urged young Nigerians to actively seek out and engage with the opportunities created by the reforms, noting that “opportunities only deliver results when they are deliberately pursued.”

He advised graduating students to embrace lifelong learning, leverage technology responsibly, build strong professional networks, and consider public service as a viable avenue for nation-building.

The minister concluded by charging the graduands to see themselves as builders of Nigeria’s future, adding that meaningful contributions to national development can begin from any level and at any stage of life.

Welcoming the Lecturer, the Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Technology, Prof. Farouk Adamu Kuta said the Minister was carefully chosen to deliver the convocation lecture due to his vast experience and knowledge in private and public administration over the years.