In a renewed push to expand financial access and strengthen youth participation in the digital economy, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Civic Education (MINJEC) has reaffirmed its strategic partnership with UBA Cameroon, signaling a deepened commitment to financial inclusion, innovation, and youth empowerment in Cameroon.

The renewed agreement was formally signed by the Minister of Youth Affairs and Civic Education, Mr. Mounouna Foutsou, alongside the Deputy Managing Director of UBA Cameroon, Mrs. Jeanne Anie Ekeme. The partnership underscores a shared vision between both institutions to equip young people with the tools needed to actively participate in the formal financial system and the evolving digital economy.

At the center of this collaboration is the Biometric Youth Card initiative, a flagship project designed to serve as a gateway for young Cameroonians into financial services. Beyond simplifying access to banking solutions, the initiative is expected to enhance financial literacy, encourage savings culture, and promote entrepreneurship among young people across the country.

In an increasingly digital world where financial access plays a critical role in shaping opportunities, stakeholders say the initiative represents more than a banking solution—it is a pathway to economic inclusion and empowerment for a generation that holds the future of the continent.

UBA Cameroon continues to position itself as a key driver of financial innovation and inclusion in the region. Through partnerships such as this, the institution reinforces its long-standing commitment to youth-focused development programs, aligning financial services with broader socio-economic impact.

For MINJEC, the renewed collaboration reflects its continued drive to bridge the gap between civic engagement, education, and economic empowerment, ensuring that young citizens are not left behind in the country’s development journey.

As Africa’s youth population continues to grow, initiatives like this highlight a broader continental shift toward inclusive financial systems that prioritize access, innovation, and opportunity.

For the diaspora community and readers of Naija Diaspora Magazine, this development resonates beyond Cameroon. It reflects a larger African narrative—one where young people are increasingly recognized not just as beneficiaries of development policies, but as active architects of economic transformation across the continent.

A Concise Portrait of Diplomatic Excellence

Chantal Moussokoura Fanny, also known as Chantal Fanny Diaby, stands as a leading Ivorian political figure, diplomat, and advocate for women’s leadership in Africa. She was recently awarded a PhD in International Relations, Politics, and Diplomacy with the highest distinction, Summa Cum Laude, marking a significant academic and intellectual achievement.

Born to a former diplomat father, Inza Fanny, and of Nigerian origin through her mother, she developed an early interest in public affairs, becoming a student leader in 1983. She later earned a political science degree from Université Laval and advanced her studies in communication and political science, culminating in her doctoral success in 2025.

Her career bridges diplomacy and governance. She joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2006 and rose to ambassadorial rank. As Mayor of Kaniasso (2013–2023), she delivered impactful local development, particularly in healthcare infrastructure. She serves as Vice-President of the Senate of Côte d’Ivoire in charge of diaspora and international cooperation, and as President of ECOFEPA, advancing women’s political leadership across West Africa.

Deeply committed to transformation, she is the founder of influential women’s leadership networks, promoting inclusion, capacity-building, and economic empowerment.

Aligned with the vision of Making Africa Great Ahead [maga.ng], her work reflects a strategic commitment to:

Elevating African leadership on the global stage

Empowering women as drivers of sustainable development

Strengthening diaspora engagement and international cooperation

Through her academic excellence, policy influence, and advocacy, she embodies the core mission of MAGA: building a stronger, more inclusive, and globally influential Africa led by empowered women and visionary leaders.

Married to Dr. Mamadou Diaby and a mother of three, she represents a modern model of leadership rooted in excellence, balance, and impact.

By Uche EJIMS

In a landmark celebration of leadership, integrity, and community impact, the Chairman of Ultimum Limited, Whalen Kadji, was conferred with the highly respected Igbo chieftaincy title “Ekwueme”. The conferment took place immediately following the commissioning of Ultimum’s state-of-the-art beverage plant in Osisioma Industrial Layout, Aba, by the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti. The title was bestowed by the traditional ruler of the area, Ossisioma Ngwa, in recognition of the chairman’s integrity and contributions to the community.

The title Ekwueme, meaning “one who does what he says” or “a man of his word,” is one of the most revered honours in Igbo culture, reserved for individuals whose lives embody truth, reliability, and consistency. It is a fitting recognition for Whalen Kadji, whose leadership and vision have driven Ultimum Limited’s significant contribution to Aba’s industrial resurgence.

The commissioning event drew traditional rulers, community leaders, government officials, and key business stakeholders. Governor Dr. Alex Otti hailed the investment as a major milestone in the state’s industrial development, highlighting the plant’s role in creating jobs, stimulating local enterprise, and boosting Aba’s reputation as a commercial hub.

Razzl drinks, the flagship beverage of Ultimum Limited, has rapidly become the talk of the town, enjoying impressive acceptance not only in Aba but also across neighboring states and throughout Nigeria. This remarkable success highlights the company’s dedication to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, while reinforcing its deep connection with the host community and its growing influence in the Nigerian beverage market.

Community elders praised Whalen Kadji for his unwavering commitment to delivering on promises, both in business and in community engagement. The Ekwueme title cements his status as a trusted leader whose actions consistently match his words.

This recognition highlights the synergy between private enterprise and host communities, demonstrating that responsible investment and integrity-driven leadership can drive sustainable economic growth.

Naija Diaspora Magazine congratulates Whalen Kadji on this well-deserved honour and celebrates his contribution to Abia State’s industrial and economic advancement.