The members of the House spoke during plenary describing Gbajabiamila as one who has brought pride to Lagos State.
Speaking about Gbajabiamila’s legislative acumen, Rt. Hon. Obasa described the Speaker of the House of Representatives as “a legislator who carries out his duty with passion and dedication. He has sacrificed his own personal interest in the interest of the people.
“You will recall during the reign of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); he was awarded a national honour, but because he had reservations the way and manner the country was being managed then, he rejected the offer.
“This shows that he has always been with the people and serves in the interest of the people. He has also contributed a lot to the development of legislative institutions in this country.”
The Speaker thereafter directed the Clerk Barr. Olalekan Onafeko to transmit a congratulatory letter to the celebrant.
The Deputy Speaker, Hon. Wasiu Eshilokun-Sanni, in his congratulatory message described Rt. Hon. Gbajabiamila as an example of what a legislator should be .
“He has shown that the older the wine, the better the legislature,” he said.
Majority Leader of the House, Hon Sanai Agunbiade, described Gbajabiamila is a man that is charismatic of the office he occupies.
“He is calm, composed and each time you watch him preside, you would know an experienced legislator is presiding,” he said.
The Deputy Whip of the House, Hon. Mosunmola Sangodara, described Rt. Hon. Gbajabiamila as a great leader who has brought developmental projects to Surulere constituency.
“He is a very outstanding man. His success cannot be far-fetched as this trait can be seen in his mother who was once a Local Government chairperson and performed very well during her time,” she said.
In his contribution, Hon. Temitope Adewale from Ifako-Ijaye said Speaker Gbajabiamila had shown to the world that there is credence in legislature .
“We are celebrating a man from Lagos who has rose from the ranks to become the ‘number four citizen’ in the country,” he said.
While lending his voice to the debate, Hon. Sa’ad Olumo opined that “Gbajabiamila had done everything in terms of quality representation. He has great impact on us in his capacity and representation.”
Sunday Musings: My Position on Bola Ahmed Tinubu (BAT) – Prof Bolaji Aluko
The man called Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (BAT) is an enigma.
I have known him since 1994 or so, and he actively enjoys his mystique, and luxuriates in powers assigned to him that he really does not always have. Despite everything said about him, many SW Yoruba people and the rest of Nigeria are probably intrigued, even enamored about his rags-to-riches, nothing-to-something rise to power.
BAT’s opponents do not seem to fully understand that the mystery behind his origins give him an unusual mystique. It is said he is from Iragbiji, not Lagos. It is said that his mother is not Madame Tinubu. It is said that he did not go to GCI as claimed, or that it was Chicago State University, not University of Chicago, that he attended. His primary school is now a mystery. It is said that he is 84 years old not 70 or even 72.
Oooo…mo gbo. Up until today, the Yoruba still discuss the origins of our progenitor Oduduwa, whether he came from New Bussa then through Old Oyo, or from Egypt (as Lamurudu), or from Benin (as Ozoduwa or Ekhalredan) – or whether he merely dropped from the sky. The “atapatadide” person is kind of celebrated in our clime, the silver-spoon-fed child dismissed as a lucky blighter.
My advice to BAT’s political opponents is that it is his political achievements – or lack of them – and his promises – and perceived (in)ability to achieve them – that should be interrogated, not his historical origins. He is not an angel, but who is, and he has not been walking along papal corridors.
Yes, attack BAT’s political achievements and wealthy circumstances with facts and figures – that is fair game – but not with insinuations and innuendoes and fake dated documents. However you will also have to explain how this Hercules of an Oduduwa-like fellow could have done all of these things alone all of these years…
I am not uncomfortable with spotlights on BAT. I am merely advising that energy be appropriately directed.
Now If you go into the archives, you will read that in 1999 I was one of the most ardent defenders of BAT during the travails leading to his governorship in 1999, as I used my own knowledge of the US academic record idiosyncrasies to defend him. Even many PDMers attacked him and myself then, but I understood very well the Afikuyomi angle of the story. I remember late Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti once calling me from Lagos to ask what the hullabaloo was about University of Chicago and Chicago State University….”Sebi varsity ni Chicago ni awon mejeji?” So when I carefully explained the difference in terms of national ranking and international reputation, and that BAT took courses in both but his degree is really in only one of them, Beko just hissed in his inimitable manner and said “Kan fi Bola sile ojare! University ewo ni Nigeria lo better Chicago State University?”
My defence – or even explanation – of BAT has nothing to do with our both being Yoruba. In fact, some of his most ardent critics are Yoruba. But I always resist the subtle blackmail in Nigeria where every ethnic group defends its own right or wrong, but when a Yoruba defends a Yoruba, he is accused of being an ethnicist.
The fact of the matter is that Nigeria is still just a country, not a nation of shared values yet, but one of a nation of nations. So it behooves of us public intellectuals to be honest enough to admit that in our interactions with each other, there may be cultural nuances that we exhibit that grate each other. Explanations are not necessarily excuses.
Finally, will BAT emerge as Nigeria’s president in 2023? There is nothing more difficult to predict than the future, but he stands a good chance against the present co-contestants. Indeed, o le je eleyi to nje Bola Ahmed Tinubu lo kan!
It is worthy to note that e-commerce platforms operators in Nigeria are in no little way contributing to the promotion of MSMEs. Alerzo, a leading e-commerce platform in Nigeria is ahead of the pack in making strides towards empowering retail business owners with its various innovations including loan provisions.
This is following the data from the National Bureau of Statistics as well as the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), that Micro and Small Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) account for about 96 percent of registered Nigerian businesses that employs about 75% of the national labour force, and contributes about 48% to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), it is clear that the Micro and Small Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) form the bedrock of the economy.
With its cashless payment and lending platform – Alerzopay, Alerzo provides retailers, regardless of their economic situations, with working capital to keep their stores running and to drive financial inclusion to the excluded informal retailers.
With the advanced POS terminals that run on Alerzopay platform, retailers can act as agents: processing customer deposits and withdrawals to purchase goods or use as spending cash and process value added services such as utility bill payments, etc.
The integration of Alerzopay and the use of the POS machines in their customers’ businesses improves their overall profit margins, as retailers receive commissions for each transaction carried out on the platform.
AFRIMA MEETS ECCAS, UNESCO IN GABON, DISCUSSES PLANS TO STIMULATE AFRICA’S CREATIVE ECONOMY
President/Executive Producer, All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), Mr. Mike Dada; United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) representative to Gabon and ECCAS, Mr. Eric Voli Bi, at the ECCAS Secretariat, in Libreville, Gabon
As the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) began its countdown to the 2022 main awards ceremony, Monday, with the call for submission of entries from artistes, the continental awards platform has restated its commitment to uplifting the African creative economy, using music as its tool.
It made this known during a recent strategic stakeholder meeting, in Libreville, Gabon, with the President of Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) Commission, Minister of Culture and Tourism, Gabon, delegates and senior officials from the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), as well as delegates from Centre International des Civilisations Bantu (CICIBA) who are excited about the AFRIMA initiative.
AFRIMA, which is in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC), corroborated UNESCO’s standpoint, on the need to deepen Africa’s creative exports, especially through providing access to training and resources for young aspiring creatives.
According to UNESCO’s representative to Gabon and ECCAS, Mr. Eric Voli Bi, Africa’s creative economy needs more support and opportunities for the youth – who make up the larger chunk of the workforce – to thrive.
He said, “I must thank AFRIMA for constantly projecting the continent in a positive light to the world, and for giving African youths opportunities to be recognised on a continental and even global scale. UNESCO is always interested in youth education and development initiatives, and AFRIMA is one veritable platform to help stimulate potentials among these youths. I believe, with one voice, we can speak louder. That is the way to go.”
The President of ECCAS Commission, His Excellency Gilberto Da Piedade Vérissimo, accompanied by Her Excellency Ms. Kapinga-Yvette Ngandu, Commissioner in charge of the Department of Gender Promotion and Human and Social Developments, ECCAS, welcomed the AFRIMA delegates to its regional secretariat and pledged support towards AFRIMA. He assured that ECCAS will partner AFRIMA to provide capacity building for African youths across the central African region as well as develop its music industry.
Vérissimo said, “Every year, we see our African artistes shine on global levels. It will be retrogressive for us, if we do not invest in them as well. ECCAS, in partnership with the European Union, will continue to invest resources into capacity building for African youths, especially within the entertainment sector. Apart from healthcare and education, the cultural and creative sector of the Central African region is within our primary focus. We are excited that platforms like AFRIMA thrive to give voice to our objectives, and we will pull our weight behind it, for the growth of the continent.”
On behalf of the awards platform, the President and Executive President, AFRIMA, Mr. Mike Dada, assured Africans that the AFRIMA, which has been running since 2014, will continue to prioritise inclusivity in its capacity-building initiatives.
(From Left) Commissioner in charge of the Department of Gender Promotion and Human and Social Developments, Economic Committee of Central African States (ECCAS), Her Excellency, Ms. Kapinga-Yvette Ngandu; ECCAS President, His Excellency Gilberto Da Piedade Vérissimo; President/Executive Producer, All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), Mr. Mike Dada; AFRIMA Associate Producer, Ms Victoria Nkong, at the ECCAS Secretariat, in Libreville, Gabon.
“AFRIMA, and all its supporting initiatives, like the Africa Creative Academy, which we have in the pipeline, is for the entire continent. It is not an East African affair, or a West African Affair. We are one voice and one platform for the African people. So, our capacity-building efforts will cover the length and breadth of the continent and the diaspora. We equally apply this same character in all our campaigns, especially our submission of entries which is ongoing from now till August 5, 2022; it covers everyone across the continent and the diaspora.
“We have done this since 2014, and we are committed to consolidating our efforts this year, with even more zeal, initiatives and twists, to make AFRIMA the pride of not just the African individual, but also every black person and lover of African music out there.”
The main ceremony of the All Africa Music awards will be held from Thursday November 3 to Saturday November 6, 2022. It will feature a 4-day fiesta of music, glitz, and glamour, which commences with a welcome soiree, followed by the AFRIMA Music Village, the host city tour, African Music Business Summit, and the exclusive nominees’ party, before culminating with the live awards ceremony broadcast to over 84 countries around the world.
The submission of entries for the awards is also ongoing for artistes, artiste managers, record producers, recording companies, video directors, disc jockeys and other relevant stakeholders can submit their work or submit on behalf of their clients via the official afrima website at www.afrima.org. All entries must be done in consonance with AFRIMA guidelines, which are also available on the website. Importantly, all prospective entries must have been created between August 20, 2021 and August 5, 2022, being the year-in-review for all submissions.
African music lovers can follow through with the build-up events to the main awards, by engaging the social media platforms (Instagram – Afrima.official; Twitter – Afrimaofficial).
(From Left) – Gabonese musician, Fang the Goldenman; Commissioner in charge of the Department of Gender Promotion and Human and Social Developments, Economic Committee of Central African States (ECCAS), Her Excellency, Ms. Kapinga-Yvette Ngandu; President/Executive Producer, All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), Mr. Mike Dada; Gabonese musician, Kessidekifra, at the ECCAS Secretariat, in Libreville, Gabon
ADEDUNTAN SUSTAINS HIS WINNING STREAK, PIONEERS LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE IN BANKING
Since his appointment as MD/CEO of First Bank of Nigeria Limited in 2016, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan has completely transformed the financial institution and has made it attractive to every strata of the society. From an institution that used to be perceived as an old-generation bank, FirstBank is now a darling to all as it leverages latest digital tools to meet its customers’ needs. Also, under Adeduntan’s leadership, the 128-year old bank has made huge contributions to national development, thereby stimulating development, setting standards and motivating excellent output across sectors. Clearly, these contributions to national development were what endeared Adeduntan to President Muhammadu Buhari who recently saluted him on his recognition by Cranfield University, UK, one of the most prestigious citadels of learning in Europe. Adeduntan will on Wednesday, June 22, be conferred with Doctor of Science, Honoris Causa and he would be delivering an address to the graduating class of the university. This feat, the president in a statement by his Special Adviser (Media and Publicity), Femi Adesina, described as, “another testament to the fact that Nigeria is blessed with the brightest and the best in all areas of human endeavor.” Buhari lauded Adeduntan for being a role model to the younger generation, showing that hard work pays, and with resourcefulness and doggedness, great heights are achievable.
Adeduntan holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Ibadan, Master’s in Business Administration from Cranfield University, and is Fellow of Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), as well as Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN).
The president sent best wishes to Adeduntan and family as he hoisted Nigeria’s flag proudly to receive an honor Cranfield University said was in recognition of his outstanding contribution to business. Incidentally, Buhari’s commendation came on the day the bank successfully held its AGM which showed a stellar performance in its financials, a transformational result that put the bank on course to reclaiming its leadership position of the financial sector.
Adeduntan has a distinguished career in finance having held senior positions at Citibank Nigeria, KPMG and Arthur Andersen Nigeria. He studied at Cranfield University as a British Chevening Scholar, achieving an MBA in 2005.
Commenting on the honour by Cranfield University, the FirstBank boss said: “I am extremely humbled and most grateful to the university for this recognition. My time at Cranfield served as a catalyst for my professional and personal development propelling me to the leadership position I occupy today.
“I am a firm believer in talent management, being vital to further accelerate Africa’s growth to enable it to benefit from its demographic dividend and the opportunities therein. I look forward to sharing my experiences with the students on the universal applicability of the skills the Cranfield MBA provides to positively impact the world.”
On his part, the Chief Executive and Vice-Chancellor of Cranfield University, Professor Karen Holford CBE FREng also congratulated Adeduntan, saying: “It is an honour to welcome Dr Adeduntan back to Cranfield to recognise all his professional achievements in this way. His own experience at Cranfield University has propelled his career forward and this serves as a true inspiration for our graduates both this year and in the future.”
Indeed, Adeduntan is an accomplished professional with distinctive international and domestic experience in commercial and investment banking, development finance, audit, and consulting; a philanthropist and leader with keen interest in providing platforms for the development of other young leaders.
The FirstBank Group, the commercial banking arm of FBN Holdings Plc, which he heads is made up of First Bank of Nigeria and subsidiaries including FBNBank UK, FBNBank DRC, FBNBank Ghana, FBNBank Senegal, FBNBank Guinea, FBNBank Gambia, FBNBank Sierra Leone and First Pension Custodian as well as Representative Offices in France and China.
Adeduntan is overseeing one of the most extensive transformation programmes in sub-Saharan African financial services industry, with the goal to reposition FirstBank Group to market pre-eminence.
He is leading FirstBank Group on the journey to win the most significant emerging business opportunities in the financial services industry through the development and execution of a digital-led strategy that has established FirstBank as the dominant player in digital banking.
FirstBank Group’s transformation programme, under the leadership of Adeduntan has enabled the bank to grow customer accounts from about 10 million in 2015 to over 36 million (including digital wallets), become the second largest issuer of cards in Africa with over 11.8 million issued cards, onboard over 18.6 million active customers on FirstBank’s digital banking platforms, and initiate and grow the most expansive bank-led Agent Banking Network in Africa with over 170,000 agents.
His career in banking and finance, spanning almost three decades, has earned him various recognitions and awards including Forbes Best of Africa – Outstanding Leader in Africa, Distinguished Alumnus Award by both the Cranfield University’s School of Management and the University of Ibadan, African Banking Personality of the Year, African Banker of the Year Award; Banking Icon of the Decade by the Sun Newspapers and induction into the African Leadership Magazine (ALM) Hall of Fame, Honorary Citizenship of the State of Georgia and Congressional Commendation Award from the Georgia Senate – USA, Bank CEO of the Year by the AES Excellence Club and several other awards.
He has attended various executive and leadership programmes at Harvard Business School (USA), Wharton School (USA), London Business School (UK), IESE (Spain), University of Oxford (UK), University of Cambridge (UK), CEIBS (China) and INSEAD (France). He is a fellow of both the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN).
Adeduntan’s leadership drive also reflected in First Bank Nigeria Limited’s recently released full year 2021 financial statement. The results clearly showed the strength and resilience of the iconic African elephant as well as the financial institution’s leadership in the industry. The impressive results were a reflection of the robust strength and growth of the iconic African elephant, showing that the bank has taken its rightful position among the industry leaders.
In addition, it showed the level of work the current board, management and staff of the bank have put in to turn the tide in the 128 years old institution with entrenched corporate governance.
The full year 2021 performance by the bank represented a shift in the financial institution’s performance trajectory and was made possible through its undeterred commitment in pursuing its transformational agenda; cutting across customer-led innovation, building a digitalised bank, culture change, reinventing the bank’s workplace and safeguarding its assets for the digital age.
For the first time, FirstBank Group posted the best result in more than a decade history of the bank by crossing the N100 billion profit line. Specifically, in the full year 2021 financial statement, the FirstBank Group reported a 73.9 per cent growth in its profit after tax to N117.8 billion, as against the N67.8 billion recorded as of December 2020, just as its profit before tax stood at N130.9 billion, which was a significant rise by 77.9 per cent year-on-year, as against the N73.6 billion it was as of December 2020.
FirstBank’s gross earnings also increased by 30.3 per cent to N716.8 billion in 2021, up from N550.3 billion it was as of December 2020. Also, it recorded non-interest income of N342.2 billion in the year under review, which was 106.4 per cent higher than the N165.8 billion recorded as of December 2020. As a result of years of strategic restructuring of its balance sheet and operations, its gross earnings also moved northwards by 30.3 per cent, its total assets was up 15.9 per cent to N8.5 trillion as of the end of 2021, as against the N7.4 trillion recorded the previous year, just as its customer deposits also climbed by 19.5 per cent to N5.6 trillion, up from the N4.7 trillion recorded the previous year. The bank’s customer loans and advances also improved by 28 per cent to N2.8 trillion in the year under review, up from N2.2 trillion the previous year.
FirstBank has shown innovation, resilience and commitment to growth by significantly reducing its non-performing loans (NPL) from 25% in 2016 to an acceptable level of 6.1% in 2021.
To demonstrate that the bank’s performance in 2021 was not a fluke, the Bank equally performed excellently well in Q1 2022. FirstBank recorded 32% increase in gross earnings to N180bn in Q1’22 from N136.6bn in Q1’21. Profit after tax was up 108% to N32.4 billion (Q1’22) relative to N15.6 billion (Q1’21). This impressive performance is hinged on robust loan portfolio, effective cost structure and increased digital services.FirstBank recorded the highest decline in its cost-to-income ratio in Q1 2022, dropping from 79.5% recorded in Q1 2021 to 67.03% amongst tier-1 Banks in the review period.
With FirstBank under Adeduntan, the safety of customers and the security of their transactions come first. This has ensured the bank keeps the trust of Nigerians gained over the many years of its enduring legacy of safety and security.
The bank also delivers unique and bespoke financial services solutions across all customer segments underpinned by its commitment to innovation and the customer experience. It also leverages its strong investment banking capabilities to support clients in defining and executing innovative debt solutions as well as offer strategic advice at the highest level, arrange tailor-made financing structures, manage risk and ultimately help clients to realise their aspirations
Since its establishment in 1894, FirstBank has consistently built relationships with customers focusing on the fundamentals of good corporate governance, strong liquidity, optimised risk management and leadership.
Over the years, the bank has led the financing of private investment in infrastructure development in the Nigerian economy by playing key roles in the federal government’s privatisation and commercialisation schemes. With its global reach, FirstBank provides prospective investors wishing to explore the vast business opportunities that are available in Nigeria, an internationally competitive world-class brand and a credible financial partner. It is expected that the leadership excellence and recognitions accorded to Adeduntan would continue to reflect positively on the FirstBank brand and fundamentals of the bank so that the elephant will continue to stand ‘gidigba.’
The Product Odyssey: Oluwafunke Akingboye’s Leadership in Tech
Oluwafunke Kofoworade is a dynamic and passionate Product Manager with five years of experience in driving product innovation and delivering human-centered solutions. She is currently the Lead Product Manager at Regaleon, a Lagos-based technology and creative powerhouse revolutionizing how digital services are built and experienced in Africa. At Regaleon, Oluwafunke plays a central role in aligning digital product strategy with user needs, leading cross-functional teams, and crafting delightful user experiences across web, mobile, and enterprise platforms.
What inspired you to pursue a career in Product Management, and what keeps you passionate about it?
I’ve always been fascinated by how people interact with digital products. Initially, it started with analyzing mobile apps—figuring out what made some intuitive while others felt clunky. That curiosity evolved into a mission: to create experiences that solve real-world problems. As a Product Manager, I find immense joy in the impact we create. At Regaleon, we build products that help businesses operate more effectively while leaving a human touch—something we call “putting a smile” on the user’s face.
What challenges have you faced as a Gen Z building your Product career in Africa, and how did you overcome them?
One major challenge was access to mentorship and structured learning opportunities early in my career. I turned to online resources, communities, and side projects to gain experience. It also wasn’t easy to be taken seriously in executive conversations, but I learned how to lead with value, present data, and always let the product speak for itself. With time and consistent delivery, I earned the trust of stakeholders.
What makes a great Product Manager, and what advice do you have for aspiring young professionals?
A great Product Manager is empathetic, data-informed, and outcome-driven. Empathy lets you connect with your users, data helps you validate decisions, and a focus on outcomes keeps you aligned with business value. My advice? Start small—build things, break them, learn fast. Join communities, seek feedback, and never stop being curious. Your soft skills matter just as much as your technical abilities.At Regaleon, you work in a very dynamic and multi-disciplinary environment.
How do you align product strategies with such diverse verticals?
Regaleon is truly unique. Our entrepreneurial culture means we’re constantly innovating across IT, engineering, and digital media. It requires staying agile and deeply listening—to users, clients, and the market. I begin every product with discovery sessions that cut across departments and industries. The goal is always the same: identify pain points and solve them in a way that feels intuitive and impactful. Whether we’re designing an app interface or launching a video ad tech product, we ensure the solution creates a moment of delight—a smile.
What tools or trends have significantly influenced your product practice?
Tools like Jira, Figma, and Notion have become staples—they make collaboration seamless. I also stay tuned to trends like no-code/low-code platforms, AI-assisted product development, and accessibility-first design. These have enabled me to deliver faster and more inclusive solutions, particularly useful in an emerging market context.
How do you balance creativity and functionality in your role?
Balancing both starts with understanding the user’s core need. At Regaleon, we never create for the sake of aesthetics alone. My approach is “function-first, delight-second.” Once the backbone is solid, I work with our designers to inject beauty into usability. For example, in one recent logistics solution, we simplified the UI while retaining backend power—resulting in 40% faster onboarding for SMEs.Collaboration is crucial in product development.
How do you work with engineers, marketers, and designers?
Collaboration is where the magic happens. I make it a point to involve all stakeholders early. Engineers help validate technical feasibility, designers bring in empathy and creativity, while marketers ensure messaging is aligned. At Regaleon, we function more like a startup incubator—agile, quick to pivot, and driven by feedback loops. I facilitate cross-functional meetings, retrospectives, and design sprints that promote transparency and collective ownership.
What’s your next goal as a Product Manager?
My next goal is to lead Regaleon’s expansion into AI-driven digital products. I’m also passionate about mentoring the next generation of product leaders in Africa. There’s so much raw talent on the continent, and I want to help create the platforms and resources that empower them to thrive.
What’s your vision for the future of product leadership in Africa?
I envision Africa not just as a consumer of tech but as a creator of world-class digital solutions. The challenges we face here are unique, and solving them requires localized thinking and bold innovation. I see product leadership evolving into a strategic function, with PMs driving change not just in startups, but in government, education, and infrastructure too.
Lastly, any advice for young Nigerians looking to get into Product Management?
Learn by doing. Start with side projects, internships, or volunteering. Study products you love—reverse-engineer them. Build your communication and stakeholder management skills. And most importantly, believe that your ideas matter. Africa needs builders, and the time to start is now.
UK-based Actress, Juwon QUADRI to give marriage a second chance?
This might be the moment of joy for one of Nollywood favourite actors, Oluwajuwon Quadri as she is about to give marriage a second chance.
The mother of one who is based in UK, recently posted a picture ring on her micro-blogging page; Instagram with caption ‘marriage again..!’ but those who are close to her in the Queensland disclosed that actress who has been rumoured to have intimate relationship with ace actor Femi Adebayo is indeed giving marriage another shoot.
According a source in UK, juwon is in a serious relationship with a UK-based businessman and she flaunted it at her last movie premier; Jibola, which hosted numbers dignitaries here in London.
The actress fondly called Juwon is a producer with many film productions to her credit such as ‘Okan Mi’ ‘Fikemi,’ ‘Igboran,’ ‘Etan,’ ‘Adanwo nla,’ ‘Ewawumi,’ ‘Orun,’ ‘Odun marun,’ ‘Tianshi,’ ‘Secret of tomorrow,’ ‘Eku Imura.’
Oluwajuwon who is the CEO of TGL Logistics company based in London, gained prominence after the release of her debut film as a producer, ‘Okan mi,’ in 2014.
Polaris Bank in N19 Million Criminal Deduction Mess
Innocent Chike, Polaris Bank Managing Director
A Magistrate Court sitting in Surulere area of Lagos has ordered Polaris Bank to refund the illegal deductions made on domiciliary and Naira accounts of three businesswomen with the bank to the tune of $30,769 (USD) N18,676,783.
The businesswomen – Mrs. Adebomi Orogun, Mrs. Kehinde Banjo, and Mrs. Oluwatoyin Ode had filed an originating application before the court against the bank over unjustifiable freezing of their accounts and subsequent illegal deductions on the said accounts.
In an application brought pursuant to Order 1 Rule 2 of the Magistrates’ Courts Civil Procedure Rules of Lagos State (2009), the businesswomen narrated how their USD (US Dollar), Euro, and Naira accounts were frozen by the bank without a valid court order.
They said the bank proceeded to make unauthorized deductions from their accounts without any justification whatsoever as there was no time they were accused of engaging in fraudulent activities with the said accounts.
In her affidavit in support of the application, the first applicant (Orogun) who maintained USD, Euro, and Naira accounts with Polaris Bank, said the bank usually deducts the requisite commission after every transaction she made.
According to her, “I regularly transact on my Euro account with the bank. I recently wanted to transfer money with my Euro account, only to discover that I no longer have access to make any transaction.
“I also discovered that there was no available balance left in my USD account. I was confused and had to make an inquiry with the bank to know the reason why I no longer have access to my Euro account and why my USD account was cleared out. However, I was informed by the Bank that they had not been deducting the proper commission per transaction on my account which they only commence later and ultimately led to my USD account being cleared out.
“This action carried out by the Bank was done entirely without recourse to me, who believed that all due commissions had been deducted and I had enough balance to plan my life with. On the 4th of March, 2022, I was shocked to discover that all my accounts (USD, EURO, and Naira) with the respondent (Polaris Bank) had been frozen and a post no debit order was placed on them.”
Orogun said she was neither informed nor given a satisfactory reason for the cruel act by the respondent, adding: “I did not engage in any fraudulent activity nor have I been officially accused of same by the bank. Hence, the freezing and placing of a post no debit on my accounts was totally unnecessary.”
She said the actions of the respondent greatly disrupted her business activities and also subjected her to financial cruelty with no hope as to when her accounts would be unfrozen.
“The actions of the respondent have also caused financial distress due to my inability to complete pending transactions,” she averred.
The other applicants also deposed to affidavits containing similar facts.
The bank failed to neither show up nor present any evidence to counter the claim of the applicants, while after reviewing the facts of the case, Magistrate Oluwatoyin Otitoju held that the action of the bank was illegal and void.
“An order of this Honourable Court is hereby made declaring the “post no debit” order placed on the 1st applicant USD, Euro, and Naira accounts and 2nd applicant’s USD and Naira accounts, and 3rd applicant’s USD and Naira accounts by the respondent (Polaris Bank) as illegal.
“An order of this Honourable Court is hereby made declaring the unauthorized deductions from the 1st applicant’s USD account, 2nd applicant’s USD account, and 3rd applicant’s USD account as illegal and void.
“An order of this Honourable Court is hereby made directing the respondent to revert the applicants’ accounts back to status quo as of 17th January 2022,” the court held.
Fidelity Bank Renovates Classroom Blocks, Commissions ATM Gallery In Zaria to Drive Financial Inclusion
L – R: Emir of Zazzau, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli; Executive Director, North Directorate, Fidelity Bank Plc, Hassan Imam; and Divisional Head, Brand and Communications, Fidelity Bank Plc, Meksley Nwagboh at the commissioning of classroom blocks renovated by the bank at Madrasatul Anwarul Islam, Kwarbai, Zaria, Kaduna State on Saturday, 18 June 2022. The bank also inaugurated a state-of-the-art Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) gallery at the Emir’s palace at the event.
Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, recently commissioned the newly renovated Madrasatul Anwarul Islam school in Zaria, Kaduna State as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives targeted across Nigeria.
Established over five decades ago by the emir’s father, late Maga in garin Zazzau, Alhaji Nuhu Bamalli, Madrasatul Anwarul Islam is the alma mater of the current Emir of Zazzau and has produced several notable personalities in the country.
The bank also inaugurated a state-of-the-art Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) gallery to drive financial inclusion within the community.
Speaking at the official project commissioning event which held on Saturday, 18 June 2022, Executive Director, North Directorate, Fidelity Bank Plc, Hassan Imam, said the bank’s decision to renovate the school was borne out of its commitment to make learning conducive for both students and teachers across the country.
According to Imam, “Our CSR footprint extends beyond education, healthcare and youth empowerment initiatives across the country as we are driven by the belief that we can only succeed as an organization when the people and community where we do business succeed. That is why we have taken it upon ourselves to help upgrade the facilities here at Madrasatul Anwarul Islam. Our hope is that the teachers and students in the school would put the facility to good use.”
“As part of our commitment to drive financial inclusion across the country and boost commerce in Zaria in particular, we have installed an ATM gallery at the emir’s palace. We hope this would make financial services easier and accessible to members of the Zaria community in line with our mission as a bank and thank the emir, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, for his support in executing this project as well,” explained Imam.
Applauding the bank for its gesture towards promoting education and commerce in Zaria, HRM Ambassador Alhaji Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli encouraged members of the community to put the facilities to good use and protect them against vandalism. He also urged businesses and merchants to patronize the bank as a way of appreciating their efforts in developing the community.
Fidelity Bank is a full-fledged commercial bank operating in Nigeria with over 6.7 million customers serviced across its 250 business offices and digital banking channels. The bank was recently recognized as the Best SME Bank Nigeria 2022 by the Global Banking & Finance Awards. The bank has also won awards for the “Fastest Growing Bank” and “MSME & Entrepreneurship Financing Bank of the Year” at the 2021 BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.
Ecobank Launches Super Rewards Season 3; 100 customers to get N50,000 Monthly
Ecobank Nigeria has launched Season 3 of its Super Rewards Campaign. The customer-focused initiative is designed by Ecobank to reward customers loyalty, with Season 3 set to reward 100 customers with cash prizes of N50,000 monthly, while 2 customers will go home with N1 million each at the end of the Season. The two-month campaign kicks off June 20 and will run through to August 21, 2022.
Announcing the commencement of the new season in Lagos, Korede Demola-Adeniyi, Head, Consumer Banking, Ecobank Nigeria said season 3 promises to be bigger with 100 customers benefiting N50,000 each. She stated that participation is open to both new and existing individual customers of the Bank, who qualify to be rewarded, while also enjoying a first-grade banking experience.
“Now is the perfect time to open an account with us or reactivate and fund your dormant account. The Super Reward campaign which was initiated by Ecobank in March 2021 is designed to promote a healthy savings culture amongst Nigerians and reward customers’ loyalty to the Ecobank brand. The success of season 1 and 2 campaigns followed by customers’ demand led to the introduction of Season 3. Both Seasons 1 and 2 have produced a total of 8 Millionaires and 1600 customers being rewarded N25,000 weekly in batches of fifty per week”. She stated.
Speaking on the dynamics of the campaign, Daberechi Effiong, Head, Consumer Products, Ecobank Nigeria, said the conditions to qualify for the campaign are simple and easy to ensure both new and existing customers participate and get rewarded. According to her, “New customers only need to open an account with a minimum of N5,000 while existing customers should make minimum deposits of N5,000. Customers with dormant account will also qualify when they reactivate and fund their account with a minimum of N5,000.
She further explained that qualifying customers will be rewarded monthly. “Rewards will be done monthly for the 2 months starting from July, 100 customers will be rewarded with N50,000 monthly. There will be two grand prize rewards of N1 million each at the end of the campaign.” She enjoined those that are yet to open an account with the bank to do so to enjoy the benefits of our bouquet of products and services.
Ecobank Nigeria Ltd. is a subsidiary of the Ecobank Group, the leading pan-African banking group with operations in 33 African countries and an international presence in four locations (London, Paris, Beijing, and Dubai). Ecobank is a major player in the distribution of financial services in Nigeria, leveraging digital platforms including Ecobank Mobile App and USSD *326#, Ecobank Online, Ecobank OmniPlus, Ecobank Omnilite, EcobankPay, Ecobank RapidTransfer, ATMs, POSs and an extensive distribution network of over 250 branches and over 50,000 agency banking locations.
