Connect with us

Nigeria News (Standard)

VFD Group Launches WhatsApp Channel to Deepen Business Engagement in Lagos

Group Managing Director Nonso Okpala says platform will connect over 1,000 subscribers to real-time leadership insights and opportunities

Published

on

Group Managing Director Nonso Okpala says platform will connect over 1,000 subscribers to real-time leadership insights and opportunities

VFD Group has introduced a new WhatsApp channel, VFD Connect, aimed at bringing stakeholders and the general public closer to the inner workings of its diverse business ecosystem. The initiative was officially launched in Lagos on Tuesday, as part of the company’s strategy to increase transparency and provide direct updates to customers, investors, entrepreneurs, and employees.

The platform allows subscribers to receive timely information on business milestones, product launches, industry trends, leadership perspectives, and events across VFD Group’s portfolio—which spans financial services, technology, real estate, hospitality, investments, and retail technology. According to the company, the move is in response to growing demand for context and clarity around corporate decisions and opportunities within Nigeria’s fast-evolving economy.

Speaking at the launch event, Group Managing Director Nonso Okpala explained that VFD Connect was developed after identifying a shift in audience preferences. “We realised that people don’t just want announcements anymore. They want context. They want to understand the stories behind the milestones, the thinking behind the decisions, and the opportunities emerging across the ecosystem,” Okpala said.

Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications Adaure Achumba noted that WhatsApp was chosen due to its widespread adoption among Nigerians. “People already live on WhatsApp. Rather than asking audiences to come somewhere new, why not meet them where they already are?” Achumba stated during a media interaction.

Currently boasting over 1,000 followers since its inception, VFD Connect seeks to become a trusted destination for business intelligence and leadership commentary. The company believes this approach will bridge gaps between fragmented information sources by providing a single space for updates directly from VFD Group. While traditional social media platforms remain important for visibility, VFD says WhatsApp offers immediacy and reliability free from algorithmic interference.

Industry analysts say this reflects a broader trend as Nigerian companies seek more direct communication channels amid increasing competition for attention online. For investors and professionals seeking insight into Nigeria’s business environment—especially in Lagos as the country’s commercial nerve centre—the channel offers access to real-time updates that may impact decision-making.

The group says interested members of the public can join by scanning a barcode or following the official VFD WhatsApp Channel with notifications enabled.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/beyond-the-headlines-why-vfd-wants-to-bring-you-closer-to-the-story-2026061116203541222

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Nigeria News (Standard)

Minister of Interior Declares June 12 Public Holiday to Mark Democracy Day Nationwide

Tunji-Ojo urges Nigerians to uphold democratic values as government offices, banks and schools to close across all states

Published

on

Tunji-Ojo urges Nigerians to uphold democratic values as government offices, banks and schools to close across all states

The Federal Government has declared Friday, June 12, 2026, a public holiday across Nigeria in commemoration of this year’s Democracy Day. The announcement was made in Abuja on Thursday by Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, through a statement signed by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Magdalene Ajani.

According to the ministry, the decision is part of efforts to recognise the significance of June 12 in Nigeria’s democratic journey and honour those who contributed to the country’s return to civilian rule. All federal and state government offices, schools, banks and many private businesses are expected to remain closed nationwide on Friday as citizens observe the national holiday.

Democracy Day has been officially celebrated on June 12 since 2019, following a policy shift by the Federal Government to acknowledge the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election—widely regarded as the freest and fairest poll in Nigeria’s history. The day also pays tribute to the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, who is believed by many Nigerians to have won that election and became a symbol of the struggle for democratic governance.

In his Democracy Day message, Minister Tunji-Ojo congratulated Nigerians and called for reflection on the sacrifices made by pro-democracy activists. “As we mark this historic day, every Nigerian is encouraged to remain law-abiding… and remember that the strength of any democracy lies ultimately in the character of its citizens,” he stated. He further urged Nigerians to support ongoing efforts towards national unity, peace and development.

The minister assured citizens that Government remains committed to upholding democratic ideals including respect for rule of law and transparency. He added that security agencies would be working closely with his ministry during the holiday period to maintain peace and order throughout all geopolitical zones. The opposition could not be immediately reached for comment regarding the announcement.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/fg-declares-june-12-public-holiday-democracy-day-2026-2026061117135419198

Continue Reading

Nigeria News (Standard)

Nigerian Army Officer Breaks Record at US War College in Pennsylvania

Senior officer becomes first Nigerian to achieve top honours at prestigious American military institution, marking a milestone for Nigeria’s armed forces

Published

on

Senior officer becomes first Nigerian to achieve top honours at prestigious American military institution, marking a milestone for Nigeria’s armed forces

A senior officer of the Nigerian Army has made history in the United States by becoming the first Nigerian to achieve top honours at the US War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. The achievement, which was confirmed on Thursday, June 11, highlights a significant milestone for Nigeria’s armed forces on the international stage.

According to information released by military authorities, the officer distinguished himself among peers from several countries during his academic and leadership programmes at the institution. His performance reportedly surpassed previous records set by Nigerians and other international participants at the college.

The US War College is recognised globally for grooming senior military leaders and strategists. Nigeria’s army has maintained a tradition of sending selected officers for advanced training there as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen its defence capabilities. This latest accomplishment is seen as a boost to Nigeria’s reputation in international military circles and is expected to inspire other officers within the service.

While official statements from Defence Headquarters praised the officer’s commitment and excellence, some security analysts described the feat as evidence of improvement in Nigeria’s military training standards. “This shows that with proper support and exposure, Nigerian officers can compete favourably anywhere in the world,” one analyst said.

The officer is expected to return to Nigeria soon, where he will be decorated in an official ceremony. The Army says his success underscores its commitment to investing in human capital development. Stakeholders believe this will motivate more personnel to pursue excellence both locally and internationally.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/886915-nigerian-army-officer-makes-history-at-us-war-college.html

Continue Reading

Nigeria News (Standard)

Army GOC Commissions New Barracks in Rivers, Honours Fallen Soldiers at 29 Battalion

Major General Emekah says improved troop welfare remains top priority under Chief of Army Staff Shaibu’s command philosophy

Published

on

Major General Emekah says improved troop welfare remains top priority under Chief of Army Staff Shaibu’s command philosophy

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, has commissioned newly renovated accommodation and a Heroes Memorial Stand at the Headquarters of the 29 Battalion in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The event, which held on 8 June 2026, saw the Army reaffirm its commitment to the welfare and morale of personnel serving in the South-South region.

During the commissioning ceremony, Major General Emekah stressed that sound administration and improved living conditions are central to the command philosophy of Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu. He stated that providing decent accommodation is critical for boosting troops’ morale and ensuring operational effectiveness as they confront contemporary security challenges in the Niger Delta and beyond.

The GOC commended Lieutenant Colonel Irinam Otogo, Commanding Officer of the 29 Battalion, for demonstrating leadership by executing projects targeted at raising living standards for soldiers under his command. According to Emekah, such investments are necessary to maintain a highly motivated and combat-ready force. “Welfare of our troops is not just a routine; it is an ongoing priority that ensures our men remain focused and ready to defend national interests,” he said at the event.

The ceremony also featured the unveiling of a Heroes Memorial Stand in honour of officers and men who lost their lives in service. While the Nigerian Army did not disclose casualty figures during the event, Emekah emphasised that remembering fallen heroes is vital for building esprit de corps among serving personnel.

As at press time, representatives from civil society groups were not present at the occasion and opposition parties have yet to comment on the development. The Army has indicated that further barracks renovation projects are planned across key formations in Rivers and neighbouring states under ongoing welfare initiatives led by Army headquarters.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/national/army-reaffirms-commitment-to-troops-welfare-honours-fallen-heroes/

Continue Reading