SaharaReporters learnt that the incident occurred in the Central Ward of Kontagora, one of the 25 local government areas where elections were held on November 1, 2025. ArticlesRead More
SaharaReporters learnt that the incident occurred in the Central Ward of Kontagora, one of the 25 local government areas where elections were held on November 1, 2025. ArticlesRead More
Matrix Energy Strengthens Leadership, Appoints Umunna as Deputy GMD
In a decisive move to consolidate its growth trajectory and deepen operational excellence, Matrix Energy Group has appointed Mr. Patrick C. Umunna as its new Group Deputy Managing Director (G-DMD), effective November 3, 2025.
The appointment underscores the Group’s renewed commitment to innovation, efficiency and sustainable profitability across its diverse energy operations, as it positions for the next phase of strategic expansion within and beyond Nigeria.
Umunna, a seasoned corporate leader with more than 27 years of experience spanning banking, energy and financial services, brings a strong track record of transformative leadership.
Before his appointment, he served in senior management roles at Premium Trust Bank and Polaris Bank Limited, where he was instrumental in driving growth, managing large business portfolios and strengthening operational performance.
At Matrix Energy, Umunna will work closely with the Group Chief Executive Officer to execute the company’s strategic agenda — focusing on operational optimisation, value creation, and the expansion of the Group’s footprint across critical sectors of the economy.
Industry observers have said the move reflects Matrix Energy’s proactive approach to leadership renewal at a time when the energy landscape demands adaptability, innovation and bold thinking.
Founded on a vision to deliver reliable energy solutions across Africa, Matrix Energy has grown into one of Nigeria’s leading integrated energy players, with operations spanning petroleum products trading, downstream oil and gas, shipping, storage, and logistics.
The company has been instrumental in bridging supply gaps and strengthening Nigeria’s energy value chain through investment in infrastructure, technology and strategic partnerships.
Welcoming Umunna to the team, the Group’s Corporate Communications Unit, led by Mr. Ibrahim Akinola, described the appointment as “a strategic reinforcement of Matrix’s leadership team to sustain growth momentum and deliver long-term value to stakeholders”.
“The Group is confident that Mr. Umunna’s wealth of experience and leadership acumen will further energise Matrix Energy’s mission to be a preferred energy partner for success,” Akinola stated.
With the appointment, Matrix Energy signals its readiness to accelerate its next phase of growth — one anchored on operational excellence, sustainability and a renewed commitment to powering Africa’s economic development.
In a decisive move to consolidate its growth trajectory and deepen operational excellence, Matrix Energy Group has appointed Mr. Patrick C. Umunna as its new Group Deputy Managing Director (G-DMD),
NELFUND: Student Loan Application Hits One Million
* N116bn has been disbursed so far
Kuni Tyessi in Abuja
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has disclosed that records on its portal indicates that application for student loan has hit one million.
The Director, Strategic Communications,
Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, in a statement on Sunday, noted that over N116 billion has been disbursed to students so far.
“This covers both institutional fees and upkeep allowances to students across universities, polytechnics and colleges of education nationwide.
“This milestone reflects the administration’s unwavering commitment to human capital development and inclusive growth, restoring faith in government-led social empowerment programmes and making higher education more accessible to all Nigerians,” Oluwatuyi said.
NELFUND’s Managing Director, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, described it as a defining moment in Nigeria’s journey towards equitable education financing.
He said: “Crossing the one million mark represents more than data; it represents renewed hope for a generation of Nigerians determined to rise above financial barriers to education. It is a testament to visionary leadership, sound policy design and the collective efforts of all stakeholders driving this transformative agenda.”
He reaffirmed NELFUND’s commitment to continuous process improvement, ensuring that every qualified Nigerian student regardless of background or location, can access education funding with transparency, efficiency and dignity.
“With this milestone, NELFUND stands as a shining example of a government initiative that is working, authentic, effective and truly transformative. The programme demonstrates that when leadership, vision, and accountability align, lasting change is possible,” he added.
He maintained that NELFUND is a non-discriminatory initiative that benefits Nigerians of all faiths and tribes, Christians, Muslims, and others across diverse ethnic backgrounds, adding that it helps unify the country by providing equal access to education and fostering shared progress.
“As the NELFUND continues to expand its reach and impact, it remains steadfast in its mission to ensure that no Nigerian is denied the opportunity to learn, grow, or contribute to national progress because of financial limitations,” he added.
* N116bn has been disbursed so far Kuni Tyessi in Abuja The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has disclosed that records on its portal indicates that application for student loan