One of Nigeria’s finest Disc Jockeys, DJ Slam, will be honoured at the inaugural edition of Unique Celebrity Nite on Wednesday, 30 March, 2022.
Unique Celebrity Nite is a night of complete entertainment package where Nigeria’s finest talents from all walks of life are celebrated.
The all-night event will be held at the serene Unique Gentlemen’s Club, located at 37, Ogundana Street, Allen Avenue, Ikeja Lagos.
The host, Mr Tony Ojo, said that the decision of celebrating DJ Slam was not difficult, considering his immense contributions to the hospitality and entertainment sectors in the last two decades.
“As a young man, he has been very consistent and passionate with his job. You will be amazed at the number of talents he has groomed, and a lot of youths look up to him as a role model.
“Unique Celebrity Nite is designed to monthly celebrate people who are adding value to the society with their talent and resources. And it is a way to encourage them to do more.
“Some of our media personality friends will also be celebrated on the same day. This is an exercise we have decided to be staging every last Wednesdays of the month,” Tony Ojo said.
Born Ayeni Ismail, DJ Slam D turntable wizard is an household name that has been working with Star 101.5 FM for more than a decade.
He studied Marketing from Lagos State University, LASU. DJ Slam is also an official DJ for MonsterMuziq radio show, which airs from 4pm daily on Star FM. He’s no doubt one of Nigeria’s most popular DJs.
Lagos Safe For Your Investments, Speaker Obasa Tells Qatari Government
Qatari officials with the Hon. Temitope Adewale, representative of Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, at the event.
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has described the State as one that guarantees safety of investors and their businesses since the government takes seriously the protection of lives and property.
Dr. Obasa said this at the Qatar-Nigeria Business Matchmaking Event which had officials of the govermment of the two countries on Wednesday. The event also had businessmen and prospective investors in attendance.
The meeting, it was learnt, is aimed at deepening trade between the two countries in manufacturing, construction, oil and gas, technology and other related areas.
Represented by Hon. Adewale Temitope, Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Transportation, the Speaker noted that the growth and advancement of Lagos in various areas of the economy are the result of true leadership.
He added that for investors in Lagos, it has always been a symbiotic relationship since the State has the needed human capital and the market while they have the resources.
“It is, therefore, going to be a symbiotic relationship between Qatar and Nigeria,” he said while urging prospective investors to also consider the transportation and health sectors of the State in view of government’s successful effort to create an enabling environment.
Speaking at the event, Ali Ghanem Al-Hajri, ambassador of the State of Qatar to Nigeria, said the meeting would further strengthen bilateral relations between Nigeria and his country.
“We think this meeting to deepen bilateral relations to build an economic bridge between the two markets.
“Nigeria is the biggest market in West Africa, and there are lots of potentials and opportunities to deal with the Qatari market. I can see a huge economic bridge between the two countries,” he said.
Qatar Development Bank (QDB), which organised the business matchmaking event, used the opportunity to engaged with Nigerian businesses on strengthening investment ties across diverse sectors.
Obasa Congratulates Adeboye At 80, Says RCCG Leader Divinely Chosen
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has described Pastor Enoch Adeboye as a man divinely chosen by God to lead the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).
Dr. Obasa, who said this in a message congratulating Adeboye on his 80th birthday on Tuesday, added that the Pastor’s leadership style has resulted in massive growth, progess and expansion of the church making him one of the most popular religious leaders across the globe.
The Speaker also thanked the General Overseer for his advice to leaders, encouragements and contributions to the efforts to have a peaceful Nigeria.
“We thank God for picking you to lead the Redeemed Christian Church of God. Today, like always, there is no doubting the fact that you were truly and divinely chosen to lead His flock,” he said.
Read the full Congratulatory message below:
Tribute To Pastor Adeboye At 80
Your humility, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, respected man of God and General Overseer of one of the largest churches in the world, is topnotch.
As you clock 80, I want to say it is only God that could have blessed you with such an age and agility. Many people would hardly believe that you are already 80. Your physical strength remains. I have never seen you read the Bible or any other material with difficulty, your gait confirms your strength. This proves Gods words that He would bless those He would bless. It also reminds of how God blessed Moses in Deuteronomy 34:7 to the extent that even at 120, his eyes were not dim and his vitality never waned. Dear Pastor Adeboye, you are blessed!
Thank you for being a foster father to a lot of Nigerians. Thank you for adding your voice at all times when issues that need your fatherly advice or words of wisdom arise. Your contributions to the efforts at having a peaceful Nigeria cannot be over-emphasised. We follow your teachings, we hear your appraisal and words of encouragement.
We thank God for picking you to lead the Redeemed Christian Church of God. Today, like always, there is no doubting the fact that you were truly and divinely chosen to lead His flock. The growth, progress and expansion of Gods work across the globe with you being the head of the RCCG are attestations to your effectiveness as a religious leader. There is no way religious leaders would be listed globally without your name in a prominent position. And to many clergymen in Nigeria, you remain a father figure, a teacher and inspiration.
You have been a source of encouragement to us in Lagos State. We thank you for always praying for us and for your wise counsels. We appreciate your time because you are always there whenever we need you.
Your attainment of 80 years on earth is significant in the sense that it proves God’s love for you and for us who gain from your tutelage.
On behalf of my family, colleagues and staff of the Lagos State House of Assembly, I celebrate you on this special occasion of your 80th birthday. I also pray that God bless you with more wisdom, divine health and protection so that you can continue to be of service to Him and humanity, amen.
Transcorp Hotels Plc posts impressive performance as gross profit increases by 143% and revenue grows by 114% to end a record-breaking year at N21.74bn
Shareholders to receive about N717m dividend
Dupe Olusola, MD/CEO Transcorp Hotels Plc.
Transcorp Hotels Plc has announced its Audited Financial Statements for the full year ended December 31, 2021.Theresults published on the Nigerian Group Exchange showeda 114% growth in Revenue to N21.74bn from N10.16bn as of December 2020,while Gross Profit rose by 143 %to N16.23bn from N6.67bn.
The Company’s results show an impressive growth in its performance signalling its strong recovery from the impact of the COVID- 19 pandemic in 2020. The performance also reflects the Company’s resilience and nimbleness, as it consistently leverages innovation to achieve an outstanding performance, breaking occupancy, and revenue records in 2021.
“We are very pleased with the incredibly strong operating performance of our businesses, as most segments improved in 2021. Our leisure demand remained strong throughout the year as different leisure packages introduced continue to drive occupancy,” said Mrs Dupe Olusola, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Transcorp Hotels Plc.
“We believe that Transcorp Hotels Plc is well-positioned to continue to capitalise on the recovery in the hospitality industry as we work towards achieving our vision of becoming Africa’s leading hospitality brand. We are on launching several projects that have been in the pipeline to further our play of being a full-service hospitality brand and diversify our portfolio,” Mrs. Olusola added. “We are excited about the opportunities to deliver continued growth in 2022, as we remain focused on strengthening our business and investing for the future.”
Mr. Emmanuel Nnorom Chairman Transcorp Hotels Plc. in his comments said he expects the hospitality industry to continue to recover in 2022.
“As the domestic leisure, business and the Bleisure segment — corporate travellers which also add leisure activities into their stay – continue to expand, even as international guests return, we expect the hospitality industry to continue its recovery,” Mr Nnorom said, adding that Transcorp Hotels Plc is in an advantageous position to drive the recovery of the industry in Nigeria.
“Having steered the business out of the effects of the pandemic, and back to profitability, our management team has shown the resilience and potential of our business, as well as a sign of the bright future that lies ahead. Backed by a Board committed to corporate governance and organisational excellence, our esteemed shareholders can be reassured that we will continue to deliver value and strong returns, “Mr Nnorom added.
The Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) listed hospitality giant has continued to set the pace in the industry, reinforcing its position as a leading hospitality brand. In the second half of 2021, the Company launched Aura by Transcorp Hotels, an online booking platform that allows people to book accommodation (hotels and apartments), order food and book diverse kinds of experiences, including tours. Transcorp Hotels has continued to strengthen its business and invest for the future. The Company is developing a world-class event center at the Transcorp Hilton premises in Abuja. It is also working on a Lifestyle Center/Hotel in Lagos, one expected to rival the best of its kind globally.
The hospitality brand maintains that its activities are in furtherance of its mission to redefine hospitality standards in Africa through innovation and exceptional service, creating value for its customers and other stakeholders.
Transcorp Hotels Plc has proposed a final dividend of 7 Kobo per share, subject to appropriate withholding tax and shareholders’ approval.
ZENITH BANK REMAINS RESOLUTE, BEATS MARKET EXPECTATIONS WITH DOUBLE-DIGIT GROWTH IN GROSS EARNINGS
Zenith Bank Plc has announced an impressive result for the year ended December 31, 2021, recording a double-digit growth of 10% in gross earnings which rose to N765.6 billion from N696.5 billion reported in the previous year. This is despite a challenging macroeconomic environment aggravated by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
According to the bank’s audited financial results for the 2021 financial year presented to the Nigeria Exchange Group (NGX), the Group achieved year-on-year (YoY) growth in gross earnings of 10% from NGN696.5 billion reported in the previous year to N765.6billion. This was on the back of 23% YoY growth in non-interest income from N251.7billion to N309billion and a 2% YoY growth in interest income from N420.8billion to NGN427.6billion.
Profit before tax also grew by 10% from NGN255.9 billion to NGN280.4 billion in the current year. The increase was due to growth in the top-line and very strong management of the treasury portfolio that increased efficiency, resulting in a drop in interest expense by 12% from NGN121.1 billion in 2020 to NGN106.8 billion in the current year. This further led to a 7% increase in net interest income of NGN320.8 billion in 2021 from NGN299.7 billion in 2020.
Customer deposits increased by 21%, growing from NGN5.34 trillion in the previous year to NGN6.47 trillion in the current year. The growth in customer deposits came from both corporate and retail customers. Retail deposits grew by NGN146 billion from NGN1.72 trillion in 2020 to NGN1.87 trillion in 2021. The Group’s continuous drive for retail deposits combined with the strategic rebalancing of its funding base helped to reduce the cost of funding from 2.1% to 1.5% in the current year. Although operating expenses grew by 13% YoY, growth remains below the inflation rate, and the Group improved its Earnings per Share (EPS) which grew by 6% from NGN7.34 to NGN7.78.
Total assets increased by 11%, growing from NGN8.48 trillion in 2020 to NGN9.45 trillion in 2021, mainly driven by growth in customer deposits. With the steady recovery in economic activities, the Group prudently grew its gross loans by 20%, from NGN2.9 trillion in 2020 to NGN3.5 trillion in 2021, with moderated NPL ratio from 4.29% to 4.19% YoY. The Group recorded impressive liquidity and capital adequacy ratios of 71.6% and 21.0%, which remained above regulatory thresholds of 30% and 15%, respectively.
In 2022, the Group intends to consolidate on the gains achieved in the previous year in all business segments and combine leadership in the industry, innovation and technology to drive improved performance and deliver enhanced returns to all stakeholders.
As a testament to its commitment to its shareholders, the bank has announced a proposed final dividend payout of N2.80 per share, bringing the total dividend to N3.10 per share.
Zenith Bank has continued to distinguish itself in the Nigerian financial services industry through superior service offerings, unique customer experience and sound financial indices. The bank remains a clear leader in the digital space with several firsts in deploying innovative products, solutions and an assortment of alternative channels that ensure convenience, speed and safety of transactions.
In recognition of its track record of excellent performance, Zenith Bank was voted as Best Commercial Bank in Nigeria in the World Finance Banking Awards 2021, Best Bank in Nigeria in the Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards 2020 and 2021, Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards 2020, and Best in Corporate Governance ‘Financial Services’ Africa 2020 and 2021 by the Ethical Boardroom. Also, the bank emerged as the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria in the Banker Magazine Top 500 Banking Brands 2020 and 2021, Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital in the “2021 Top 1000 World Banks” Ranking by The Banker Magazine and the Retail Bank of the year at the BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BOFI) Awards 2020 and 2021.
Similarly, Zenith Bank was honoured as Bank of the Decade (People’s Choice) at the ThisDay Awards 2020 and emerged winner in four categories at the Sustainability, Enterprise, and Responsibility (SERAS) Awards 2021, carting home the awards for “Best Company in Reporting and Transparency”, “Best Company in Infrastructure Development”, “Best Company in Gender Equality and Women Empowerment”, and the coveted “Most Responsible Organisation in Africa.
Wema Bank, ADEMOLA ADEBISE ADMONISHES ACCOUNTANTS ON DATA PROTECTION
Mr Ademola Adebise, Managing Director Wema Bank Plc
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Wema Bank Plc, Mr Ademola Adebise, has advised accountants to store data safely and protect them against cybersecurity threats and other criminal breaches.
Adebise said this on Tuesday at the 16th Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) Western Accountants Conference themed ‘Digital Economy: Whither the Professional Accountant’ held in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
The MD/CEO who stressed the importance of data storage and security said that accountants in the digital age must be flexible and knowledgeable to save data on storage devices on-premises or in the cloud.
He also noted that in case of loss or data corruption, the 21st-century accountant needs to be conversant with the Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP) to mitigate loss.
Mr Adebise explained that “a large amount of data is sitting on storage. As accountants, we need to safeguard our storage and be versed in data recovery and business continuity planning should there be a loss or corruption of data.
“The accountant must know contemporary issues on cybersecurity – ensuring that digital information is safe and secure, at all times. Going digital exposes you to risk from hackers. So, as an accountant, you need to have an in-depth knowledge of cybersecurity and must know the various data and information security standards to audit the environment.”
Apart from being security conscious and storing data securely, the MD/CEO further noted that modern accountants should understand the changes taking place in the profession, including the evolution from traditional data collection methods.
He said, “these include using Enterprise Resource Planning systems that are interconnected to process data from production, distribution, marketing, and sales. The accountant, therefore, needs to be skilled to understand the complexities, transaction flows of the new ways of doing things and understand what data is saying.”
In Nigeria, the most popular forms of cybercrimes that accountants and other professionals in the financial services sector are susceptible to include fraudulent electronic mails, identity theft, hacking, cyber harassment, spamming and Automated Teller Machine spoofing.
The biggest, however, is still fraud emails. The Nigeria Electronic Fraud Forum (NeFF) revealed that bank customers lost N3.6 billion to cyber-fraud in two years (2017 and 2018).
Data released by the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) also showed attempted fraud in 2018 alone was about N9 billion.
Photos: Moment Tinubu, Obasa Arrive Agege, Visit Home Of Late Prof Samuel
The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and presidential hopeful of the party, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Sunday evening paid a condolence visit to the home of late Professor Tunde Samuel, a member of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), who passed on recently.
Asiwaju, who arrived Lagos from a visit to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi, moved straight to the home of the deceased ally, accompanied by the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa.
The duo had earlier expressed sadness at the demise of the academic, who was 73.
In the Speaker’s condolence message, he had described the death of Prof Samuel as “a blow, a pain that would take long for us to bear both as people of Agege, the APC as a family, the GAC and the entire Lagos State.
“His importance to Lagos State can never be under-emphasised. He was a passionate Lagosian whose thoughts, actions and activities were all geared towards strengthening democracy in Nigeria and the creation of an egalitarian state where individuals would live their lives in peace.”
Obasa, who visited the family of the deceased on Wednesday, added: “We will continue to miss his wisdom, knowledge and understanding of how Lagos and Nigeria should be run for the utmost good of the people. We will miss his advice and productive efforts to keep a united APC in Lagos.
“I, on behalf of my colleagues at the Lagos State House of Assembly, pray that God grant him peace and give his immediate family, friends and associates the fortitude to bear this huge loss, amen.”
NDLEA Arrest man with fake $4.7million Cash, Apprehend Nursing Mum For Drug Offence
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have foiled attempt by a syndicate to steal at least N2.7 billion from the Nigerian economy by pushing into circulation fake $4.7 million cash.
According to Femi Babafemi, Director, Media & Advocacy, the operatives had in the early hours of Friday 18th February 2022 intercepted a consignment sent from Lagos to Abuja at Abaji area of the Federal Capital Territory.
Babafemi, in a statement made available to the National Association of Online Security Reporters, NAOSRE, a controlled delivery of the parcelled counterfeit US dollars totalling $4, 760, 000.00 led to the arrest of a principal suspect, 52-year-old Abdulmumini Maikasuwa.
The seizure followed intelligence received by the FCT Command of the Agency detailing the movement of the cash and the vehicle conveying it. Meanwhile, Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) has directed that both the cash and the suspect in custody be transferred to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for further investigation.
In Kwara state, barely three weeks after a nursing mother, Mrs. Rashidat Adebayo, 38, was granted administrative bail following her arrest for dealing in illicit drugs, operatives have again arrested her in Offa with assorted drugs such as Tramadol, Swinol, Diazepam and Pentazocine injection ampules.
Before her latest arrest on Thursday 17th February, the nursing mother had been arrested and granted bail on 24th January 2022 for dealing in similar drugs.
In the same vein, NDLEA officers have arrested two drug dealers: Sani Isa (aka Bilaz) and Bala Yerima in Hong, Adamawa state with 239 blocks of cannabis sativa weighing 209kg, just as operatives of the Bauchi state Command have intercepted a truck marked FFF 422 XB coming from Lagos to Maiduguri, at Azare, Bauchi. A total of 164.8kg of cannabis sativa concealed in peak milk cartons was recovered from the truck.
The NDLEA Chief Executive has commended the officers and men of the FCT Command for their vigilance and preventing counterfeit $4.7 million from going into the streets. He charged them and their counterparts in Adamawa, Kwara, Bauchi and others across the country not to rest on their oars.
IGP Usman Alkali Baba Congratulates WBF Boxing Champion Constable Yetunde Abbey Aina on Victory Over UK Laura Pain
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, on behalf of the entire Police Force, has congratulated the famous Police Constable, Mary Yetunde Aina (aka Iron Abbey), on her victory at the international championship bout against United Kingdom’s Laura Pain, on her soil, to clinch the World Boxing Foundation (WBF) International Super Bantamweight title belt at City Coast Centre in Portslade, East Sussex, London on Friday February 18, 2022.
A statement, signed by Police spokesman, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi and made available to National Association of Online Security Reporters, NAOSRE, disclosed that, Abbey, who serves in the Lagos State Police Command, has distinguished herself greatly in the boxing sphere by winning several awards and recommendations as a Boxing Referee at the amateur level.
The statement added that Abbey is equally a renowned boxing judge and professional boxer with a clean sheet and several amateur wins to her name.
The IGP, who intends to receive the champion in Nigeria on arrival soon, commended the cop for her courage and giant strides in making the nation and the Nigeria Police Force proud. In the same vein, the IGP called on sports enthusiasts within the Force to be unrelenting in developing their skills and dauntless in charting new frontiers in the world of sports.
Similarly, IGP while applauding the unprecedented feats recorded in the Nigeria Police Sports circle, charged officers of the Nigeria Police Force to develop and diversify their talents towards the advancement of modern policing strategies that are capable of strengthening the internal security of the country as required.
I AM NOT INTERESTED IN PRESIDENCY- Gen TUKUR BURATAI
In the past few weeks, speculation has been rife that former Chief of Army Staff, now Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, Rtd, may be lacing his boots, once again, for 2023 political battle and contest the Presidency.
But a statement signed by Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman, Rtd and made available to the National Association of Online Security Reporters, NAOSRE, denies such ambition and called on Nigerians to disregard the information.
The statement reads in full:
“The attention of His Excellency, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai (rtd), Nigeria’s Ambassador to Republic of Benin and former Chief of Army Staff, has been drawn to calls and dissemination of campaign posters calling on him to join partisan politics and contest for Presidential candidature of one of the political parties by some persons.
However, it is essential to state that Ambassador Buratai never indicated interest, discussed with, or directed anyone on such matters. Therefore, such calls and posters should be discountenance as they did not emanate from him, nor is he interested in them. It is entirely the handiwork of some people for reasons best known to them.
His Excellency wishes to reiterate his contentment and commitment to national service in his present capacity as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Benin Republic. He remains loyal and eternally grateful to President Muhammadu Buhari for the opportunity to serve. He, however, wishes to thank all well-meaning persons, friends and well-wishers who showed concern over this development.”
