Union Bank of Nigeria has demonstrated its commitment to homegrown businesses by sponsoring the 2025 RISE Business Challenge in the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka.

In a statement released by the bank on Friday, the sponsorship took place under Union Bank’s Made In Naija initiative, during the 6th Annual Youth Leadership Conference in UNILAG.

Dubbed “Turning Point 6.0”, the Resilience, Innovation, Social Responsibility, and Entrepreneurship (RISE) Challenge is a partnership.

The collaboration is between the Union Bank and the Conference Convener, Mr Olusegun Odufuwa, designed to empower youth-led businesses with financial and mentorship support through a pitch competition.

Targeted at uplifting young men and women with requisite entrepreneurial skills, the event aligns with one of the Union Bank’s primary objectives of encouraging Made In Naija.

The event is targeted at empowerment of the next generation of Nigerian innovators and business leaders, culminating in positive social impact and sustainable economic growth.

The competition also aims to identify and reward outstanding business ideas demonstrating viability, sustainability, and social impact.

The 2025 RISE Challenge winners were chosen after a rigorous selection process involving participants sending their proposals for a team of judges and business experts to assess.

The final four selected competitors then pitched their ideas individually to a panel of judges, who chose the winners based on innovation, social impact, sustainability, and financial viability.

The first, second and third places received cash prizes of N1,000,000, N750,000, and N250,000, respectively.

During the event, Ayokunumi Abraham, Head SME of Union Bank of Nigeria, said the bank was passionate about supporting Made In Naija and youth-led businesses to scale for sustainable growth.

“We believe this will not only boost and nurture upcoming enterprises but also create a positive ripple effect that will drive employment, innovation, economic opportunity, and access.

“(It will) also empower small and medium businesses across the length and breadth of the country,” he said.

Abraham said the RISE conference was a premier annual gathering designed to equip young leaders and entrepreneurs with the resilience, innovation, and social responsibility required to thrive in fast-paced world.

He added that the 2025 edition attracted diverse attendees, including young professionals, entrepreneurs, business executives, policymakers, and thought leaders.

He said that the Union Bank would continue to promote Made In Naija and young innovators to drive economic growth and strengthen its position as a leading bank for entrepreneurs. (NAN)

Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has raised alarm over the life-threatening impact of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Director-General, NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, raised the alarm in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja.

NAN reports that AMR occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites develop the ability to defeat drugs that were designed to kill them.

Idris explained that the development poses a serious threat, not only to human health, but to the environment and the entire planet.

He said that the misuse and overuse of antibiotics in humans, animals and agriculture were accelerating the spread of drug-resistant infections.

“It makes infections harder to treat, leading to longer illnesses, higher healthcare costs and increases the risk of death.

“This is endangering lives, livelihoods and the ecosystems,” he said.

He blamed the development of AMR in Nigeria on indiscriminate access to antibiotics without prescription, poor infection prevention and control, and use of antimicrobials in livestock and poultry without veterinary oversight.

He called for urgent and responsible use of antimicrobials across all sectors, saying, “together, we can fight AMR by the responsible use of antimicrobials”.

He revealed that the Federal Government, through the NCDC and its partners were strengthening surveillance systems.

Idris added that the NCDC was also enforcing regulations and promoting a “One Health” approach, which recognises the interconnectivity of human, animal and environmental health.

The D-G also said that Nigeria’s National Action Plan on AMR was being updated to ensure a coordinated national response, guided by evidence, stakeholder engagement, and global best practices.

He also said that public education, laboratory capacity, antimicrobial stewardship and responsible waste management were top priorities in tackling the rising AMR threats in the country.

“The World Health Organisation has warned that if urgent action is not taken, AMR could cause 10 million deaths annually by 2050.

“In Nigeria, health experts have also called for a ban on over-the-counter sales of antibiotics and urged citizens to avoid self-medication,” he said.

He said that the fight against AMR required a collective effort.

“We must all play our part by using antibiotics responsibly and following medical advice,” he added. (NAN)