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GTCO Plc acquires the Mutual Fund and Pension Subsidiaries of Investment One Financial Services Limited; Investment One Funds Management Limited and Investment One Pension Managers Limited

GTCO Plc acquires the Mutual Fund and Pension Subsidiaries of Investment One Financial Services Limited; Investment One Funds Management Limited and Investment One Pension Managers Limited.

Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO Plc or the Group), a diversified financial services provider, today notified the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) and the investing public that GTCO Plc has concluded the acquisition of the 100% equity stake in Investment One Pension Managers Limited (IOPM) and Investment One Funds Management Limited (IOFM) (together, the Companies) held by Investment One Financial Services Limited (IOFS or the Seller).

IOPM is licensed by the Nigerian Pensions Commission (PenCom) to operate as a Pension Fund Administrator in Nigeria. On the other hand, IOFM is licensed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to undertake fund management and investment services on behalf of clients and manage collective investments schemes as a corporate investment adviser. The Seller is regulated by the SEC and offers a wide range of services including Investment Management, Trust Services, Financial Advisory Services, Security Brokerage and Pension Funds Management. Forthwith, the Companies cease to be subsidiaries of the Seller and have become wholly owned subsidiaries of GTCO Plc.

In line with GTCO Plc’s aspirations to operate across the financial services sector value chain in Africa, these acquisitions would expand the product and service offerings of the Group into the Assets and Funds management segments whilst positioning GTCO Plc as a dominant player for all critical financial services.

Commenting on the completion of the Corporate Reorganization, Mr Segun Agbaje, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO), said: “We are very excited to get started on the next phase of our incredible journey to driving Africa’s growth by making end-to-end financial services easily accessible to every African and African Businesses by leveraging Technology and Strategic Partnerships. As a bank, we were always looking to meet every customer need; with our corporate reorganization, we will be able to do more to help our customers thrive in this new world of digital technologies and unprecedented possibilities”.

He further stated that, “Whilst we are evolving as an organization, we remain committed to our founding values which have endeared our brand to millions of people across Africa and beyond, and which continue to drive our financial success. As a Proudly African and Truly International brand, we will continue to live by these values — of excellence, hard work and integrity, even as we create faster, cheaper, safer and products for people and businesses through every stage of life.”

The acquisitions were facilitated by Exotix Advisory Limited and Vetiva Capital Management Limited as Financial Advisers, Aluko & Oyebode as Legal Adviser and Deloitte & Touche (Nigeria) as Financial Due Diligence Adviser.

GTCO Plc is a diversified financial services company with N5.144trillion in assets, providing commercial banking services and non-banking financial services across eleven countries, including the United Kingdom. The Group offers a wide range of banking as well as non-banking financial services in Nigeria, West Africa, East Africa, and the United Kingdom. The Group is rated B- by S&P, a reflection of the Group’s stability and reputation of being a well-established franchise with strong asset quality and consistent excellent financial performance.

Transcorp Hilton Abuja wins Traveller Review Award 2022

The award is given to brands who have exceeded travellers’ expectations

Transcorp Hilton Abuja, the flagship hotel of leading hospitality brand Transcorp Hotels Plc., has won Booking.com’s Traveller Review Award 2022. This award celebrates businesses that consistently exceeded travellers’ expectations, having earned great traveller reviews.

“We are honoured to receive this award which highlights Transcorp Hilton Abuja as consistently delivering quality experiences while navigating changing guest expectations during a pandemic.

“Our ability to evolve and adapt to changing guest preferences has been key to making our hotel a top destination for business and leisure travellers, as well as locals who want a luxurious hospitality experience.”

“We remain committed to providing exceptional services across all our touch points,” the Transcorp Hotels Plc MD/CEO added.

According to an Award letter signed by Glenn Fogel, President & Chief Executive Officer of Booking.com, the Dutch Online Travel Agency said it understood how difficult it is to exceed the expectations of travellers.

“We know that’s never easy – let alone amid a global pandemic. It takes a lot of hard work, vision, coordination, and attention to detail, and you’ve excelled,” said Fogel.

Transcorp Hotels Plc. has always maintained that its mission is to redefine hospitality standards in Africa and the company has been doing this through innovation and exceptional services as it creates value for its customers and other stakeholders.

The company is developing a word-class event center at Transcorp Hilton Abuja, as it seeks to increase its market share in the conference and events space. Transcorp Hotels Plc is also working on a lifestyle center in Lagos that will rival the best of its kind globally. As part of its continuous expansion plans, the hospitality giant is planning developments in Lagos and Port Harcourt, even as it continues to build its online accommodation booking platform Aura by Transcorp Hotels, where guests can book both hotels and short let homes. Transcorp Hotels Calabar is also currently being upgraded to maintain the high standards the hospitality brand is known for.

I am not a polygamist, Odegbami debunks Newspaper headline interview

The owner of Eagle-7 Radio, Segun Odegbami has clarified some information about the interview granted to The Nation newspaper and published on February 5, 2022 which presents aspects of misinterpretation.

The publication which was titled “I’ve no scandals, polygamy is part of Egbaman’s life” gives the impression that the former Nigerian footballer who is from Egba, Ogun State consents to polygamy as a common practice of his people, “This is completely misleading, and it depicts a negative impression of the true state of affairs in my life, ” he stated.

Mr. Segun Odegbami clearly indicates that the title was structured from his conversation between his father which explains the position of his father regarding how a family should be, “I had a discussion with my father 30 years ago on how I was living in Nigeria alone when my ex-wife and family were living abroad. He suggested it was not healthy and that I should either join them abroad, make them return, or marry another wife, it was his practical suggestion, what his Egba people would have done and I didn’t follow the counsel.”

The former candidate for governor in Ogun disapproved of the headline, indicating that he is not polygamous: “To put the records straight: I am not a polygamist. I don’t practice it. I have nothing against those that do. I am a monogamist, ” he said.

Mr. Odegbami who is a former Super Eagles player and the winner of 1980 African Cup of Nation appealed to friends and family who are deeply shocked by the publication, “I have hurt sensibilities and sincerely apologize to my immediate family and to my Egba kinsmen for this unfortunate and erroneous misrepresentation

‘Africans, Nigerians must drive towards excellence’ – Sierra Leone Boardroom Chief, Sally Khatumal

Barrister Sally Hamilton Vinod-Khatumal is the Chairman, NP Sierra Leone, the West African country’s largest oil trade and marketing company. She is also the country’s acting Chairman, Ecobank – the transnational bank that straps the continent like a colossus.

Khatumal is on two weeks personal visit to Nigeria, a part of which she spent as the lead speaker on excellence and the need for Nigerians, and indeed all Africans to eschew mediocre mind sets in politics, parenting, academics, religion, corporate governance and personal living.

Speaking at the annual Celestial Showers 10XBetter Convention in Yaba, Lagos at the behest of the Celestial Church of Christ, PraiseVille on Saturday January 29, Khatumal said, “My intention is to encourage the spirit of excellence in us as Africans, so as to inspire everyone, regardless of your faith or what part of the African continent you may come from. We must all strive to be the best at whatever we do right.

“Excellence is actually work in progress and when you become the best, you cannot be complacent for that breeds mediocrity, which is the enemy of excellence. Young Africans must strive to be the best in academics, their careers, in business, sports, entertainment and different professions. But we should also know that the road to being the best can be hard, painful and sacrificial” said Khatumal.

Mrs. Vinod-Khatumal is also the Founder and Managing Partner, IVY Law Chambers, Sierra Leone and Law Tutor, Council of Legal Education Sierra Leone Law School.

Also speaking at the 2022 Convention, which is its fourth edition, were Ms. Toyosi Ogunseye and Prof. Temitope Jaiyeola. Ogunseye is the new Head of News and Commissioning of the BBC World Service, London. She’s a Mandela Washington Fellow, two-time CNN African Journalist of the Year and Nigeria’s most decorated journalist with over 35 professional awards.

From left Dr. Kunle Hamilton, Mrs. Sally Hamilton Vinod-Khatumal, Ms. Toyosi Ogunseye and Prof. Temitope Jaiyeola at the Celestial Showers 10XBetter Convention 4.0 hosted by CCC PraiseVille, Lagos, recently

Jaiyeola is a Professor of Mathematics at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife and Head, Nigerian Branch of the Neutrosophic Science International Association, University of New Mexico, USA. He won the 2022 Chebyshev Grant for the International Congress of Mathematicians, Russia. He is the Staff Adviser to the Celestial Church of Christ Students’ Parish, OAU.

Song ministers at the Convention 4.0 were Qhemmy Onasanya, CCC PraiseVille Echoes with Aaretivity Toba and the Seyifunmi Olakiigbe-led CCC Ikorodu Central Choir.

The all-day Celestial Showers 10XBetter Convention 4.0 was hosted by the Shepherd-in-Charge, CCC PraiseVille, Dr. Kunle Hamilton over the weekend. In his opening remarks, the veteran media practitioner and life coach said, “All Christians around the world would be wise to see what is special about Year 2022. It is a year of supernatural return into the divine favours of the biblical Garden of Eden.

“The secret lies in the configuration of this year, where the sum of 2+0+2+2 is 6 and the bible records 6 as the number of mankind for man was created on Day 6 when God described His own feat as ‘very good.’ Therefore, for all believers, 2022 is our ‘Year of Goodness’ or if you prefer, our ‘Return to the Goodness of Eden.’

“It is upon this premise of goodness that our wonderful guests from England, Ms. Toyosi Ogunseye and Ms. Yetunde Odebiyi, Prof. Temitope Jaiyeola from Ile-Ife, and our lead speaker from Sierra Leone, Mrs. Sally Hamilton Vinod-Khatumal crafted their thematic spectrum of the superlatives ‘From Good to Better to Best’ and their delivery was impeccably brilliant as our YouTube videos and viral clips show” Hamilton said.

Collective Responsibility can end HIV Transmission – Wigwe

From left: Chairman, Shell Group of Companies in Nigeria, Mr Osagie Okunbor; Chairman, Dangote Group of Companies, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; CEO Access Bank Plc, Dr Herbert Wigwe, during the launch of the HIV Trust Fund of Nigeria at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday

Dr Herbert Wigwe, Group Managing Director, Access Bank Plc says ending HIV in Nigeria is possible when Nigerians take responsibility collectively.

Wigwe said this at the launch of 100 million dollars HIV Trust Fund of Nigeria in Abuja.

He urged the private sector to rise up to the occasion by working in collaboration with government in area of ownership in sustaining the HIV response.

“However, the original emergency Plan to fight AIDS must transform into a Sustained Response that prevents new infections and ensures those on treatment stay on treatment.

“The era of sustainability demands that Africans take responsibility and ownership for the end of AIDS in Africa,” he said.

Wigwe who said that Nigeria currently had the third largest HIV epidemic statistics worldwide, said over 80 per cent of the funding had been mainly from international donors.

According to him, the Nigerian private sector currently contributes about 2% of total funds allocated to HIV.

He urged the private sector to collectively join hands in the ownership of the funding to eradicate HIV in Nigeria, asserting the readiness of Access bank to supporting improved health system.

“Access Bank is not known for complacency. We are known for our drive for financial and economic growth, for leadership in national health issues.

“Particularly the national response to COVID, and we are known for our commitment to sustainability, especially relating to strengthening our national health system.

“With less than half of people living with HIV have access to treatment or adequate care, Access Bank partnered with other private sector organizations here from the Nigerian Business Coalition Against AIDS (NiBUCAA)

“To educate our staff, raise public awareness and support individuals living with HIV/AIDS.”

Wigwe explained that the bank had also conceived of this national HIV Trustfund, as a N50 billion private sector-led mechanism to pool our resources to provide significant sustainable inputs required to scale up the impact of the AIDS response in Nigeria.

He expressed the commitment of Access bank and other private sectors to ensuring that mothers were tested and drugs provided to end mother to child transmission.

Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Group said that it was a collective responsibility of all to bring the number of persons living with the virus to zero.

Dangote said that the money to be realised in the launch would be channeled to getting all pregnant tested and treated.

He called on the private sector to work with the public sector at equal frequency in to end HIV in Nigeria.

Mr Osagie Okunbor, Managing Director, Shell pledged commitment of Shell to the funding to ending the virus in Nigeria. (NAN)

From left: Managing Director, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Dr Lars Richter; Director General National Agency for the Control AIDS, Dr Gambo Aliyu; US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Leonard; Chairman, Shell Group of Companies in Nigeria, Mr Osagie Okunbor; Chairman, Dangote Group of Companies, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; CEO Access Bank Plc, Dr Herbert Wigwe and CEO Total Energies, Mr Mike Sangster during the launch of the HIV Trust Fund of Nigeria at the Presidential Villa in Abuja

We Are Improving Neighbourhoood Banking With 50,000 Agents Point Across Nigeria – Ecobank

Ecobank Nigeria says its vision to use its agency banking scheme to drive financial inclusion is fast yielding fruits as it now has over 50,000 agents locations across the country. According to the bank apart from helping to drive its financial inclusion strategy in Nigeria, the agents are empowered to create wealth and enjoy financial freedom. Head of Agency Banking, Ecobank Nigeria, Olanike Kolawole, who stated this in Lagos said the customer experience is very good as customers can do simple deposit, withdrawal and transfers in their own neighbourhood rather than travel to a bank branch.

“Apart from driving financial inclusion of the unbanked and under-banked, we are improving neighbourhoood banking with our 50,000 agent points across Nigeria. The vision of the Ecobank is to use the agency banking scheme to drive entrepreneurship, provide employment opportunities and support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to contribute meaningfully to the development of nation’s economy. For us as a bank, agency banking is part of our efforts to help more Nigerians embrace entrepreneurship as best strategy to tackle poverty and address growing unemployment. We are out to empower people to create wealth and enjoy financial freedom”. She stated.

Further, she said the bank is happy with its agency banking services providers also known as our Xpress point agents, knowing they are playing a critical role in helping us reach out to the unbanked and underbanked in the society. “They are bringing more people to the banking space through their services. They carry out financial transactions on our behalf and earn commission on every transaction processed. Our services are available for sole proprietors, partnerships, co-operative societies, companies with large distribution network – like petrol stations, FMCGs, telecommunication companies, super agents, aggregators and unregistered businesses such as petty traders, hair saloon and others”.

Meanwhile, the Shared Agent Network Expansion Facilities (SANEF) in it recent report says, Ecobank Nigeria which ranked fourth out of 23 listed banks in the country in terms of agents acquired in 2021, made impressive showing in accounts opening at agency locations. SANEF is an initiative of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), supported by Deposit Money Banks (DMBs), Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement Systems (NIBSS) and Licensed Mobile Money Operators/Shared Agents. Its major role is to deepen Financial Inclusion in Nigeria; drive financial literacy and campaign awareness on financial products and services.

According to the report Nigerian banks in 2021 acquired over 441,470 agents across the regions of the country, which represents 101% of Year to date achievement against the target set for 2021. Four (4) regions achieved over 70% of Target; Northeast had 67% growth in agent acquisition despite security challenges in the region; Similarly, Southeast recorded131% growth in agent acquisition. Abuja (42%), Rivers (28%), and Lagos (57%) of the total agents deployed in Northcentral, South-south, and Southwest respectively. The Report revealed that 1.62 billion transactions valued at N30.5 trillion were carried out at agent locations, while 3.1million accounts/ wallets were opened at during the year.

Smuggling is the Mother of all Crime that Customs is Dealing with Technologically – Attah

The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Colonel Hameed Ali, Rtd, is using advanced technologies to outsmart smugglers’ techniques in concealing contraband products across the borders into Nigeria.

This was the disclosure of Comptroller Joseph Attah, Customs spokesman, who played host to a team of the National Association of Online Security Reporters, NAOSRE, led by its President, Comrade Femi Oyewale in Abuja on Thursday, January 3.
Speaking with NAOSRE team, Attah emphasized that smuggling is a national menace which the Customs Service, under the leadership of Alli, is determined to erase from the country’s list of crimes.

Attah described smuggling as the mother of all crimes, explaining that “Smugglers are the agents responsible for the proliferation of illegal arms in the country which fuels banditry, kidnapping and other forms of insecurity.

“Also, smugglers are responsible for the preponderance of fake consumables including fake drugs in the country which partly renders health care services ineffective.

“Therefore, you can understand the reason we classify smuggling as the mother of all crimes. In carrying out their nefarious activities, they have gone sophisticated in concealing contraband goods in great measures and in several ways.“To outsmart these anti peoples’ agents and nip their operations in the bud, the Comptroller General, last year, acquired three scanners which have been deployed for use in strategic ports across Nigeria.
“We are going to have more scanners. There is synergy with other sister security agencies for effective border patrol. Customs processes are now automated because automation is the way to go in meeting revenue target and degrading smugglers,” he stated.

In addition, Attah said the Comptroller General is also concerned about the safety of its personnel in the course of duty and has procured several rugged, all-terrain operational vehicles fitted with gun turrets as well as machine guns to protect officers against smugglers onslaught.

He therefore, called on citizens to lend necessary supports by volunteering timely information to the Customs Service for effective arrest of criminals who import fake products and illegal arms.

Attah noted that Customs initiatives, over the years, would not have been successful but for media supports. He particularly applauded NAOSRE, saying “I have been following your activities and your passion for a secured Nigeria. You are a good example of how to support security agencies to achieve safer Nigeria. We are happy with NAOSRE because you share our vision for a secured Nigeria. We hope you will continue to sensitize Nigerians about the danger of smuggling,” he advised.

Earlier, in his remarks, NAOSRE President, Comrade Oyewale explained the rationale behind the visit, saying it was to thank the Comptroller General and his officers for the supports extended to the association in the past years. He promised that NAOSRE, under his leadership, will continue to render impactful media coverage to security agencies and externalize their great efforts to achieve a safer Nigeria.

Ensure Professionalism at all Times Chief of Army Staff Urges NAOSRE

Nigerian 22nd Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, has commended the National Association of Online Security Reporters, NAOSRE, for its role in externalizing the counter insurgency efforts of the Nigerian Army under his Command in its reportage.

The Army Chief, who was represented by the Chief of Civil Military Affairs, Major General Markus Kangye, made the remark when the association’s President, Comrade Oyewale Femi led his team on a courtesy visit to Army headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.
Speaking, the Army Chief harped on the important role of the media in nation building and urged NAOSRE to redouble its commitment.

He noted that the cardinal focus of NAOSRE, in harmonizing sustainable understanding between military and civilians, aligns with the Nigerian Army Department of Civil Military Affairs, DCMA, which was established to serve as an interface between the Nigerian Army and the civil populace.

He therefore, tasked NAOSRE on professionalism and called for stronger ties in the interest of a better and safer Nigeria.
He explained Army success story in building on-going civil-military relations which has led to better understanding between civilians and military, resulting in the continuous degrading of terrorists across Nigeria

“In Adamawa State, a woman approached me after one of our military-civil events and exclaimed that she never knew that Army could be this friendly.

“She thought she would be made to do frog jump when she came to the event. But she and others were surprised. They were all happy and we related like brothers and sisters.

“That is the kind of Army that is being led by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya. The Army, under Yahaya, is uncompromising in the respect for fundamental human rights and friendly engagements with civilians,” he stated.

Earlier, Comrade Oyewale Femi regaled the Army Chief of NAOSRE’s patriotic mission and promised to lend all necessary supports to the military so that Nigeria would be safe and remain a first choice to investors on the Continent.

Future Face Africa sponsored by Ecobank presents the Winners; Ana Campos – Angolan and Nziza Ken – Rwandan

Ana Campos, a Rwandan and Nziza Ken, an Angolan both winners of Future Face Africa model talent search competition held at Eko Hotels and Towers, Lagos, Nigeria at the weekend

It was all glitz and glamour as winners emerged at the grand finale of the keenly contested Future Face Africa (FFA) model talent search competition which took place at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos last Sunday. Ana Campos, An Angolan and Nziza Ken, a Rwandan emerged winners in both female and male category respectively at Africa’s largest model search competition.

The final event had 18 contestants who qualified after a rigorous selection process involving physical castings in eight African countries, as well as thousands of digital applications from all over the world. Some of the 18 finalists were flown into Lagos for a photo session and runway competition – turning their modelling aspirations into a reality.

The two winners won the title of “Africa’s next future face” and received a two-year international modelling contract with a top international modelling agency; as well as $5,000 cash prize. In addition to providing a career start in modelling, the competition also prepares the winners for global modelling roles. The event is majorly sponsored by Ecobank Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, Head Marketing and Corporate Communications, Ecobank Nigeria, Babajide Sipe, said the bank’s decision to sponsor the event is in line with its Pan African vision of developing potentials and talents on the continent, adding that it aligns with Ecobank’s commitment to providing a veritable platform for actualizing the dreams of many young talents who will become global super stars in the fashion and beauty industry.

“We are proud to be sponsors of this event. You know that Ecobank is committed to Africa and focused on giving the young ones every opportunity to realize their potential. Africa has the talent, the resources and the best people across the globe to succeed in any industry. Future Face Africa is a platform to discover some of these talents and to again put Africa in the global Fashion scene.

Future Face Africa, no doubt Africa’s largest model search competition is headed by Elizabeth Isiorho, a pioneer in the African modelling industry and the founder of Beth Model Management Africa, Africa’s largest modelling agency.

FIRSTBANK’S SMECONNECT PORTAL COULD BE THE DIFFERENTIATOR FOR SMES IN NIGERIA

Over a hundred years since banks came into Nigeria, services rendered to small and medium scale businesses were limited to core banking services and transactions. However, those that cared to look further were able to stand the test of time, reinventing themselves with cutting edge financial services that remain key to sustaining its relevance to not just its host communities but the global community.

Based on findings from extensive engagements with customers, internal and external surveys and reports by SMEDAN, Efina and NBS, FirstBank of Nigeria Limited has been deliberate in ensuring that SMEs thrive and grow their businesses as SMEs can access and enjoy the convenience of its industry-leading financial services. FirstBank thus launched the SMEConnect portal to congregate value-adding propositions & services for SMEs on a single platform for easy access.

The value propositions and services on the SMEConnect portal educate and equip SMEs to combat challenges like poor business structure, lack of infrastructure, low market penetration, limited access to information and professional services, inconsistent government policies and others that might stifle their growth.

For example, lack of capacity is one of the most indicted reasons for business failure or stunted growth in business. The SMEconnect portal connects business owners to resources and information to educate them on structuring and better managing their businesses. The platform houses webinars on various important topics to help educate SMEs and build the required capacity.

The blog section of the portal has interesting and informative content like:
Tips for Building and maintaining good customer relationships; Remaining in business after Covid-19; How to scale up; How to successfully separate a financial business account from a personal business account; as well as Creating a Micropension scheme for MSMEs etc.

FirstBank also runs varying degrees of entrepreneurship programs and activities through pieces of training, workshops, seminars, business clinics and webinars, and the events are displayed on the portal for business owners to access.

It is known that over 60% of businesses fail in their first year, not only because of capacity constraints, access to finance is another reason they fail. The SMEConnect portal connects businesses to resources and finances by providing information on the various finance options available to registered users. There is a section of the portal that breaks down the steps to accessing finance for businesses, to simple actions such as opening either savings or domiciliary accounts After all, what would be the essence of all the education and capacity building if the business owner is still unable to access finances and other resources. SMEs that have an account with FirstBank can access direct and indirect funding throughout the business life cycle via grants, debt/loans, and equity.

In addition to other benefits, the platform connects SMEs to Market, Resources, Infrastructure, Talent for business development, Policy and Advocacy, giving them all they need to move to the next stage of their business growth. The portal also integrates SMEs into large distribution networks by connecting them to customers, distributor channels, suppliers, and large corporates.

There are also productivity tools such as the Business Diagnostic tool that helps check the health of a business as well a pool of professionals like accountants, lawyers, digital marketers, consultants and business coaches, which SMEs can tap into. Some of these value-adding solutions are free, and for the few that are not, they come at substantially discounted rates. As the premier Bank in West Africa, First Bank has exceeded the expectation of what its services to individuals and businesses ought to be. The SMEConnect portal is one of First Bank’s initiatives to promote the sustainability of SMEs by exposing them to the knowledge and resources they need to grow their business.

One of the most exciting features businesses get on the SMEConnect portal is the Business Diagnostic Tool earlier mentioned, it is a 15-minute survey where SMEs are asked questions about their business and at the end, get a customised report for their business. This is ordinarily, a service that business owners pay consultants to get, but First Bank has made it available for free even to businesses that do not have an account with them.

There are special offers for SMEs that are registered and have an account with First Bank, and an opportunity to be listed on the portal. You can find businesses listed across different industries like education/training, manufacturing, trade, agriculture, hospitality, transportation/logistics, telecommunications, ICT, healthcare and fitness, sports, FMCG, financial services, media/entertainment, food, real estate, engineering/construction, oil & gas, fashion/beauty, and services.

These registered businesses get to showcase their products/services for free, interact with customers and other SMEs, have an opportunity to attend free monthly capacity building workshops, seminars and webinars; and get exclusive discounts on business development resources such as booking a business coach.

As more businesses sign up and use the SMEConnect portal, it is possible to see a future where Nigerian businesses break even, thrive, and grow amidst challenges.

Culled from Nairametrics