Author: society_admin

UBA Business Series to Support SME’s, Business Owners with Brand Positioning, Marketing Strategies

In its continuous bid to support the growth of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises(MSME) and equip them with the necessary tools to strengthen and sustain their businesses, Pan African Financial Institution, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc is set to organise another edition of its quarterly UBA Business Series.

The UBA Business Series which is held quarterly, is an MSME Workshop and a capacity building initiative where leading business leaders share insights on best practices for running successful businesses in the face of huge economic challenges. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic presented a huge challenge to many entrepreneurs and to help mitigate potential losses, UBA through its business series has been providing businesses with essential tips that would help re-evaluate their models and strategies as they wade through these uncertain times.

The topic for this edition of the UBA Business Series is ‘Brand Positioning and Marketing for Businesses Post COVID 19’, and it will hold on Wednesday, September 16, 2020 via Microsoft Teams. UBA will be hosting the Managing Director, Nitro 121, Mr Lampe Omoyele, a brand management professional, who will give business leaders and upcoming entrepreneurs tips on the best ways to ensure their businesses survive especially in the wake of the pandemic. Omoyele who is also the Founding Partner, The Lucent Consulting Company, is a widely respected business leader and mentor in the marketing and advertising industry of sub-Saharan Africa.

The event which is open to all participants will be held virtually starting at 2pm WAT on Wednesday, September 16, 2020 and interested participants can register here, or via http://bit.ly/UBABusinessSeriesReg.

UBA’s Group Head, Consumer and Retail Banking, Jude Anele, who spoke ahead of the workshop, said with his vast experience in brand management, Omoyele will point small business owners in the direction needed to galvanise their brands and position it in such a way as to attract the right customers.

Anele pointed out UBA’s unending commitment and deep passion to help small businesses, which according to him, remains the engine of any developing economy. “We are well aware that small businesses are the backbone of the economy in every country. In many climes, businesses with fewer than 100 employees account for 98.2% of all businesses. This no doubt aptly captures the importance of SMEs to a thriving economy which is why UBA is committed to seeing them flourish.”

UBA’s Group Head, Marketing and Customer Experience, Michelle Nwoga, said the bank’s passion is hinged on ensuring that customers and entrepreneurs run businesses that can stand the test of time with requisite knowledge and experience required to take their businesses to the next level.

She explained that the seminar is open to all business owners and leaders across Nigeria, adding that intending participants can register quickly to be part of the invaluable experience.

United Bank for Africa is a leading pan-African financial institution offering banking services to more than twenty million customers globally. With footprint in 20 African countries and presence globally in the United Kingdom, the USA and France, UBA is connecting people and businesses across Africa through retail, commercial and corporate banking, innovative cross border payments and remittances, trade finance and ancillary banking services.

Whistleblower blow lid on Corrupt Activities of Edo State Government

George Uboh, is the Chairman of George Uboh Whistleblowers Network (GUWN) and George Uboh TV, he recently issue a press statement on alleged financial infractions by Edo State Governor Obaseki in a document titled REPORT ON EDO STATE GOVERNMENT BANK STATEMENTS FROM 2015 TO 2019 ISSUED BY GEORGE UBOH WHISTLEBLOWERS NETWORK (GUWN) on Monday, September 14, 2020

In the letter he accused the executive governor of Edo State of financial improprieties that runs into several billions of Naira in many ghost accounts.

The whistleblower who has in the past blown lid on major financial crimes, some of which includes; the EFCC and the Office of the Vice-President.

The group did not only expose the anomaly but also issued Gov. Obaseki a 48 hours ultimatum to respond to the grave allegations brought against him.

Below is a list of the damaging findings as reported by the Whistleblower.

1) Transfers made into 8-digit account numbers running into Billions of Naira;

2) Transfers in Billions of Naira from Edo State Government to generals purpose accounts in different banks, including but not limited to Equatorial Trust Bank (which is not in operation), Access Bank, Sterling Bank etc. Posers: what does generals purpose stand for? Are these funds dissipating from these generals purpose accounts in these banks? The red flag is clear and convincing.

3) We found Billions of Naira in transfers to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) without being specific on the particular MDAs. Transfers should not be in bulk figures in Billions of Naira without specifying the MDAs and their respective account numbers.

4) We found that Billions of Naira passed through Edo State Government to companies like A&K Construction without specifying the accounts of the companies. in other words, Edo State Government released money to itself, mentioned companies like A&K Construction without mentioning the recipients’ accounts. Without those details, we can conclude that the monies have no destinations.

5) Billions of Naira were transferred in numerous tranches without account numbers and account names of the purported recipients.

6) Billions of Naira debited as Value Added Tax (VAT). This contravenes common sense. VAT should be a credit not debit. Why would you move Billions out and give the narration as VAT? VAT collections are credits, not debits.

7) Billions of Naira released as salary from EDSG without specificity. August 2019 alone, N746,622,765:33 and N693,388,159:31 were moved under the narration salary from EDSG. This is very suspicious, particularly the proximity of the transactions and others above to the election.

These are some of the grievous financial impropriety allegations leveled against the Governor and it is a thing the anti-graft agencies must be working on to make sure the Governor face the wrath of law should he be found culpable

Below is the attached letter;

 

 

Heritage Bank, FAMO provide succor for 300 private school teachers, SMEs

As part of efforts to cushion the effects of the COVID-19 on the education sector, Heritage Bank Plc in partnership with Honourable Fatima Mohammed (FAMO) foundation has provided succor to over 300 affected private school teachers and small medium enterprises (SMEs).

The challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, have continued in the shutdown of schools for months leaving the private school teachers without any means of livelihood and no source of income.

To this effect, in alleviating the challenges, Heritage Bank and its partner supported over 300 Private School Teachers and small businesses as palliatives in 15 local governments; including five major markets in Ojokoro Local Council Development Area of Ifako Ijaiye, in Lagos State, weekend.

Speaking at the event, Mother Dan-Egwu, Group Head, Education, NGO & Faith Groups, Lagos Mainland Zone of the bank, stated that as educational-friendly financial institution, Heritage Bank appreciates the socio-economic role the sector plays in the country.

According to her, Heritage Bank deemed it necessary to partner FAMO to champion the corporate social responsibility of the bank in supporting private school teachers and small businesses out of hardship and the quagmire plunged into nationwide by the pandemic.

She further explained to journalists that Heritage Bank and the Foundation seek to help teachers in phases.

Dan-Egwu said that this phase will comprise of 300 teachers who will get food items and cash worth Ten Thousand Naira (N10, 000) each.

On the mood of selection adopted, she stated that FAMO selected the teachers based on the regions, as the first phase comprised of 300 teachers and SMEs in the South West (Lagos) would be assisted and the poorest of the poor were the main target through the help of National Association of Private School Teachers (NAPST) to identify those teachers in direst need of the assistance.

She, however, disclosed Heritage Bank’s strategy to provide basic palliative care to the educational system at the resumption of academic activities in schools.

According to her, the bank has three areas of basic supports in providing mentorship program for schools, school portal and school health plan in partnership with Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs).

She further explained that support programs churned out by the bank are designed to instill value and keep students focused on making the best of their lives through corporate models, help school authorities to manage operations and steer them into moving educational system to the new digital era; where teachers can use technology in classroom management, administration, engagement with parents.

For the school health plan, Dan-Egwu hinted Heritage Bank would help to provide a very affordable health plan to ensure that every member of the school community is covered medically, as this will reduce the anxiety amongst teachers, parents and school authorities.

In her address, the Convener of FAMO, Honourable Mohammed, commended Heritage Bank for its bold steps in joining hand-in-hands to support the challenged private school teachers, SMEs sectors and the roles the bank plays in championing CSR in the country.

Mohammed stated that the primary aim was basically to cushion the effect of poverty especially as it concerns the private school teachers.

“The private school teachers because of the pandemic haven’t been paid for 6months and there are a lot of such cases around here. Ifako-Ijaye is the second largest LGA in Lagos State; therefore, it is time to reach out to the people. During the pandemic, we have reached out to them about 2 to 3 times. I reached out to Heritage Bank and they heard my voice just to partner with us with my palliative team just to cushion the effect,” she said.
Meanwhile, for the SME owners, she further stated that additional plans have been agreed upon with the Agency Banking Unit of Heritage Bank to empower them to function as agents in this space.

She also commended Heritage Bank as a youth friendly bank for their numerous supports to young Nigerians in helping to promote their businesses and dreams.

Friends and Associates Storm Oyo State as Rotimi Ajanaku Opens Dux Oil

Dux Oil, a cosmopolitan oil and gas concern last weekend dedicated its Oyo State gas station. The outlet, which boasts of modern day facilities with conscious safety measures is located on the ever busy Ibadan – Ife road, Ibadan, Oyo State,with a branch at Challenge also in Ibadan.

It was a gathering of young and vibrant political and corporate players in Oyo state and beyond as they came to felicitate with one of them, Rotimi Ajanaku, the dashing and upwardly mobile Lagos born politician and astute businessman who is the Asiwaju Odo of Oodualand, aside many other chieftancy titles.

The event anchored by Akin Olu-Philips, had in attendance, APC guber candidate in the last election for Oyo state, Hon Bayo Adelabu Penkele, Hon Shina Peller, Hon Dapo Lam Adeshina, Otunba Segun Adebayo (CEO Gas Land) the project consultant Engineer Ojo of Moahz Group, Prince Kayode Badru, Chief Mrs Khadijat Bakare,

the Iyaloja of Oyo Alaafin, The Otun Iyaloja of Oyo State, Otunba Femi Davies, Hon Fatee Mohamed Ogunkola ,Dayo Olokuta, Olayinka Kolawole (Bobby) and many political associates and members of Ajanaku foundation ORAF.

In his goodwill message, Hon Bayo Adelabu described the chief promoter of the venture, Asiwaju Rotimi Ajanaku as respectful, enterprising, industrious and a fighter who loves Oyo state with a passion hence his bringing ventures that will boost the commerce of the state. He admonished him for his philanthropic gestures especially helping to create employment opportunities for the young generation.

Dux Oil we gather boasts of 2 outlets in Ibadan to take care of the domestic needs of the people of Oyo state and plans are in top gear to open more outlets in Lekki,Lagos, Mowe ,Ogun State, Abuja, Kwara and Port Harcourt. According to Ajanaku, “we are in tune with the Federal government stand on the exploration of gas as alternative source of energy, aside domestic use at home, it will also serve as alternative to petrol and diesel. We plan to use Dux Oil to ensure that distribution of gas to every home in Nigeria is well channelled with proper safety measure in place.

Sensational Musician Sophy-Yah to Drop a New Song “Stop the Hurt”

The world is about to listen to yet another great tune that promises to make positive impact, as talented award winning United Kingdom based gospel singer, Sophy-Yah, is set to drop a new single.  The much anticipated effort titled “Stop the Hurt” is slated for release come Monday 21st, September 2020.

“Stop the Hurt” is a conscious composition targeted at condemning domestic violence.

The high flying singer, Sophy-Yah, whose style of music is Gospel Hip-Hop and RnB, during a chat said, no one is should go through any sorts of abuse, be it physical, psychological or emotional as it can be really damaging.

The song is being released in support of Women’s Aid UK, a UK based charity that looks after abused women.

Christened Sophia but goes by the stage name, Sophy-Yah, is a dynamic and anointed singer, who encourages and blesses the heart of people with her God given voice. The Nigerian-born artist now based in the United Kingdom, gave her life to Christ at age 13 and became passionate about things of God.

She started exhibiting her talent at a very young age and she featured in at Christian concerts, seminars, award ceremonies, both in Nigeria and UK.  Most noticeably, in 2012 she was a member of the choir that recorded the British Broadcasting Cooperation (BBC) theme song titled “first step” at the legendary Abbey road studio, UK for the 2012 Olympics.

She has shared platform with great gospel musicians like Chevelle Franklin, Noel Robinson, Bob Fit, Original King Arthur, Nicole C. Mullen, Damita Haddon, Sonnie Badu, Kym Mazelle, Lurine Cato, Tim Godfrey, Raymond & Co. as well as a host of other UK, African and American gospel artistes.

Sophia’s purpose is to express her creativity in music to touch lives and souls in order to bring them back to right standing with God and to also inspire people of different age groups to reach their full potential. Her desire is to help people connect to the love that is eternal, which is the reason of our existence.

She is blessed and privileged to be one of God’s chosen vessels in this end time to preach God’s word through music. Sophy-Yah is presently the Music Ambassador for London based International Women of power, (IWOP). She’s equally a youth influencer for another London based organization “The Truth about Drug”.

Sophia is also a brand Influencer for lots of brands that include, Hairfinity USA, Mumzz Backpack Singapore, Shero Science USA, Poppy Apparel USA, Femme Luxe UK, Organic Asap Hong Kong, Pro teeth whitening co UK, and a host of others. She is a Multi-Award Winner, an actress, and a TV presenter.

ISG Offers To Help African Leaders Eradicate Poverty, Grow Economy

The Chief Executive Officer of ISG & Partners, Mr Steven Tuinstra has

expressed the readiness and commitment of his organisation to compliment the effort of African leaders in ensuring economic growth and halt poverty advancement on the continent.

Tuinstra believes that with the enormous resources in Africa and the capacity of its citizens the continent only requires partnership from development oriented
organization to maximize the potential.

The ISG & Partners CEO noted that most African leaders are adequately prepared to change the fortune of their various countries but are limited in financing to actualize their objectives. He said having lived in Africa for no less than 2 decades he can confidently declare that the leaders are indeed focussed and are willing to improve on the economy of their nations.

Speaking through ISG’s Director of Media,Moses Owopade, Tuinstra promised that ISG & Partners across the world will extend their financial capacity to improve the economic growth on the continent.

According to the ISG & Partners CEO, to create economic growth we have to start with the infrastructure such as transport and energy.

”For example 600 million people in Africa still have no access to electricity. Investing in health care makes no sense at all as long as the ordinary people do not have the money to use it. The people who can afford it go abroad”

According to him, the Chinese government has lifted 800 million people out of poverty in 10 years.

”We can also make this happen in Africa. As a direct result of
infrastructure development, entrepreneurs have the opportunity to start a new business and need staff to do so. On this way you will create job in Africa so that the ordinary people can also go to the hospital when they have health complaints, and then the time is also right to invest in health care”

Tuinstra during a meeting at ISG & Partners office Togo identified quality power supply, good roads, functional rail way
services and effective air ports as areas that can expedite economic
advancement.

He said good railway services will enhance cheap and good
movement of both goods and services on the continent, even as
he noted that Africa has got quality people, good climatic condition
and education that can improve and increase wealth on the continent.

The ISG & Partners boss also stressed that the need for young Africans to immigrate to other continents will diminish when they can find a good job with prospects in their own country.

Dr. Aderemi Emmanuel Awode Celebrates 57th Birthday

Chairman and Managing Director of Chesmstar Group, makers of Finecoat Paints and other allied products,  Apostle Dr. Aderemi Emmanuel Awode added another beautiful year to his successful years on earth on Monday, 7th of September, 2020.

In his usual style, the fine man behind the finecoast conglomerate, maintaining the social distancing order, gathered a few friends, staff and family to appreciate God’s abundance joy over him.

He would have thrown a large soiree and made the bubbling with activities with live-band on stage as he does annually but the Covid-19 regulations have caused a restriction as he just had his management staff and family to rejoice with him on his special day.

Awode who left no stone unturned to fete the little gathering was full of joy as he beamed with smile all through at his palatial office at Casso Lagos/Abeokuta expressway where they were given a memorable treat.

As they say, “Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.” Mr. Awode is one of those whose business success has become a case study as he makes good use of his time and resources to raise others up businesswise.

“Access Bank Remains Committed To Creating Value For Shareholders” – Herbert Wigwe, CEO, Access Bank

Following the recent announcement of its financial results for the half-year ended June 30 2020, the Group Managing Director of Access Bank PLC, Herbert Wigwe has assured all stakeholders of the Bank’s commitment to offering greater share value.
“Leveraging investments in digital banking post-merger, we have seen a growth in our retail banking business, as evidenced by the growth in customer sign-on, transaction volume and value, and increased adoption of our digital channels. While the other half of 2020 will remain challenging, digital banking has become more essential than ever in the pursuit of sustainable earnings.
“We are confident that our purposeful strategy, diversified model, and investment in digital solutions will ensure that we remain resilient and continue to support our stakeholders to recover and thrive. I want to thank our employees for their commitment and exceptional work in these uncertain times,” Wigwe said.
The Group recorded gross earnings of ₦396.8bn (+22% y/y), on the back of a 191% y/y growth in non-interest income to ₦150bn, buttressing the efficacy of its strategy and capacity to generate sustainable revenue.
Access Bank also continued to grow its trading and transaction banking income through the optimisation of its channels and electronic banking business, notwithstanding the reduction in transaction charges. Despite the high cost of operation and an increase in its net impairment charge, Profit Before Tax stood at ₦74.3bn.
Despite the shortfalls due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Access Bank maintained a robust capital position, underpinned by resilient and well-diversified business operations. The Bank’s capital and liquidity positions were well above regulatory levels with a Capital Adequacy Ratio of 20.0% and a liquidity ratio of 44.7%.
In the first half of 2020, Access Bank took several actions to proactively identify and resolve loan performance concerns. This was done in line with its long-term approach to risk management and maintaining resilience and sustainability in its balance sheet. The resultant effect of this approach was its NPL ratio of 4.4%, backed with write-offs.
The lender has gone further to announce that investors will get 25 kobo per share as an interim dividend to be paid on Monday, September 28, 2020. According to the Bank, payments will only be made to those whose names appear on the register of members at the close of business on Thursday, September 17, 2020, and have completed the e-dividend registration per directives given to United Securities Limited.

FIRSTBANK PROMOTES CAREER DEVELOPMENT OF STAFF, GRADUATES THIRD SET OF ITS SENIOR MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (SMDP) PARTICIPANTS

First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Nigeria’s leading financial inclusion services provider,  has graduated 12 successful candidates in the third edition of its Senior Management Development Programme (SMDP). The graduation ceremony held virtually, via the Zoom video conferencing platform on Wednesday, 2 September, 2020.

The Senior Management Development Programme (SMDP) is FirstBank’s intensive modular programme for a select group of senior managers to principal managers who are proven leaders in their respective functions and have been identified as central to the Bank’s succession plan.

Prior to the 2020 programme, 40 exemplary staff had successfully participated in the SMDP. 23 staff graduated in the inaugural edition that held in 2017 and the 2018 programme had 17 graduands.

According to Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, CEO, First Bank of Nigeria Limited; “I am delighted with the performance of the third set of the Senior Management Development Program (SMDP) graduands. The set’s performance and response to the various trainings and initiatives have been very impressive and exemplary. The set has demonstrated the gold standard of value and excellence in banking services which FirstBank stands for. The SMDP has been an insightful and impactful journey for the Bank and the participants.”

“I encourage each graduand to maximise the experience and knowledge garnered from the program as they build on their individual and collective contribution to the Bank’s continued growth as well as its efforts in enabling and impacting Nigeria, and the Africa continent at large,” he concluded.

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