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UBA Gives customers reason to Cheer ….100 customers rewarded with N100,000 Each

Pan African Financial institution, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has again given its loyal customers reason to cheer as it rewarded 100 loyal customers with N100,000 each in the UBA Bumper account draw.

The draw, which took place at the UBA Head office on Tuesday, was held via the Facebook platform in strict compliance with social distancing rules as directed by the Federal and Lagos State Government where 100 more customers emerged winners through a transparent draw.

When contacted, the customers who emerged winners of the draw agreed that the total reward of N10m is timely and would be very useful in assisting them especially in the face of the Coronavirus Pandemic currently ravaging the world with attendant effect on incomes of individuals.

UBA’s Group Head, Consumer and Retail Banking, Jude Anele, spoke about the bank’s excitement to be able to put smiles on the faces of as much as 100 customers at this critical time when livelihoods and lives are being threatened by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“These are difficult times indeed with little to cheer about because people are going through trying times. However, for us in UBA, we want our customers to know that we are in these together, that is why we have taken it upon ourselves to reward those that have kept our business going with their loyalty. With this reward, we want to encourage them to stay happy and safe even as they continue to aim for their dream regardless of the present challenges,” Anele said

Anele noted that, the bumper draw is also in line with the bank’s mission of creating superior value for its stakeholders while encouraging saving cultures among Nigerians, adding that “We have in recent times deepened our focus on the most important aspect of our business – the customers we serve. Hence, our huge investment in technology to make banking easier and seamless across all our product channels and that is why we most recently introduced new offerings such as this Bumper Account, with our customer in mind as it is expected to deliver improved value to them.

Explaining the modalities for the draw, Anele said that all new and existing customers need do to qualify for the draw is to ensure that they have a minimum deposit of N5,000 in their UBA Bumper Account. “Current UBA customers are to dial *919*20*1# to migrate to the UBA Bumper Account whilst potential customers should dial *919*20# if interested in opening a UBA Bumper Account,” he added.

In the first draw which was held live during the official launch in Lagos, a total of 100 customers emerged winners as the Bumper to Bumper Crooner, Wande Coal serenaded guests with his famous hit songs to the delight of all present.

The Group Head Marketing & Customer Experience, Michelle Nwoga, explained that the Bumper account was created specifically with the customer in mind, adding that UBA truly puts its customers first and will stop at nothing to ensure they have the right solutions to support their needs. “We are committed to delivering exceptional service and will always seek to excite our customers at every interaction. We back our words with action and that is why a total of 100 customers emerged winners at the last draw which also took place here,” she said.

She added that a monthly shopping allowance of N100,000 for a year is also up for grabs. “No fewer than 5 account holders will get a whopping N2 million each across all participating regions every quarter. This account is open to both existing and new customers of the bank who save a minimum of N5,000,” Nwoga added.

Mafulul Emmanuel King, one of the winners who was called on the phone, could not hide his joy when he was announced as one of the winners. “I am still very amazed. I never knew I could get lucky and win. All my life, I have never won anything like this, and I am very happy that I won this time. What a time to get lucky than now when this Corona Pandemic has affected my business severely. You cant imagine how relieved and delighted I am. God bless you guys, thank you so much UBA,” he said.

Another winner, Bello Aishat, who could not also believe it when her name was contacted screamed for joy, saying “you don’t know what this means to me at this very difficult time! This bank keeps touching and supporting lives. The same way they supported both the federal and state governments and some African countries with a whooping N5billion. I am convinced UBA truly cares and I am proud to bank with UBA. Thank you so much, you have touched me beyond words at a trying time,” she concluded.

FIRSTBANK TO HOLD VIRTUAL SME CLINIC

First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Nigeria’s premier and leading financial inclusion services provider, will host a virtual SME Business Clinic to provide insightful information on how SMEs can better manage the financial activities of their businesses.

The clinic which is scheduled to hold via Microsoft Teams by 11 am on Thursday, 7 May 2020 is entitled: “Developing a budget to keep your business afloat” and will be discussed by leading SME experts in the country; Abayomi Adewumi, Founder/Director at Global Leadership Institute and Ojiugo Ajunwa, CoFounder at Ritetrac.

Speaking on the event, Mr. Gbenga Shobo, Deputy Managing Director, FirstBank said “the roles SMEs play in Nigeria are instrumental to the growth of our economy, especially in this very sensitive time, where many countries across the world are exploring alternative avenues to sustain the viability of their economy. The FirstBank SME clinic has been instrumental to having SMEs better informed on how to manage their businesses and we encourage SMEs to join us in the forthcoming clinic as it promises to be enriching and impactful to their business.

In line with its resolve to support SMEs with essential skills and information to stay ahead in managing their businesses, FirstBank has held three SME clinics in the course of the year. These clinics were held in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Abuja and had over 150 SMEs in attendance.

To attend the event, follow the link https://smeconnect.firstbanknigeria.com/webinar to register.

Covid-19: How GTBank Erroneous Management Decision may have Expose Nigerians to more Infection

Nigerians heaved a sigh of relief when the president recently partially lifted the lockdown placed on activities in the country over the outbreak of the pandemic Corona Virus. Little did the government know that this may likely end up exposing Nigerians more to the dreaded disease by the reckless decision of an organization that should know more like the Guaranty Trust Bank.

It is however disappointing how GTBank, an organization that is probably the first amongst the private sector to contribute towards the treatment of the Covid-19 disease with their construction and equipping of a one hundred and ten (110) bed isolation center, which was handed over to the Lagos State government with a further donation to the Federal government to expectedly fight the spread will be involved in an action that is probably going to see more Nigerians getting infected than stop the spread.

The bank’s decision to however expose their customers to the virus with their decision to restrict the numbers of branches they will be opening when the government decided to ease the lockdown is like giving silent approval for the spread of the virus they are also campaigning against at the same time.

Pictures and videos revealed that the bank did not think through about their decision to open very limited branches. Though they made sure the number of customers entering the banking hall is few but the population of their customers waiting outside the banking hall would have seen to it that the effort to reduce customers inside the banking hall to maintain social distancing has little or no impact in checkmating the spread.

Information made available by the bank on their social media shows it was a management decision to make sure it is only eleven (11) branches of the bank that is made operational in the whole of Lagos while Abuja only has four (4) branches active and this we gathered led to the mammoth crowd of customers that besieged the active branches.

Though the number of working branches has since been increased but pictures and videos shows the irresponsible decision is having the capacity to have exposed many of their customers to the virus and thereby increasing the spread of the disease Nigerians are trying so hard to reduce.

Pictures & Videos of GTBank Social Irresponsibility below;

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Access Bank Set to Open 10 ‘CLOSA’ Branches

As part of its commitment to increase customers’ access to banking services in communities across the country, Access Bank has concluded plans to commission 10 Access ‘CLOSA’ outlets in 6 cities in Nigeria.

‘CLOSA’ branches are Access Bank Branded Cabins situated in ‘Metropolitan areas’ offering banking services to its customers. This is also a timely intervention to mitigate the effect of restrictions caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Access ‘CLOSA’ branches will be located not less than 3km or more than 20km from the nearest existing Access Bank branch, and will offer banking services such as cash deposits and cash withdrawals (no 3rd party withdrawals), customer on-boarding, funds transfer subject to a limit of N150,000, BVN enrolment, card issuance, card activation, cheque deposit, bills payment, and ATM services.

Speaking about the initiative, the Group Managing Director, Access Bank Plc., Herbert Wigwe said, “Access CLOSA was introduced last year, and now, the peculiarities of the Coronavirus has made it even more important to bring banking services closer to the people. Access Bank understands that the risk of transmission is higher in congested spaces and to mitigate this risk, we will be commissioning 10 more banking outlets to serve the needs of our esteemed customers.”

“The CLOSA banking service is not being introduced to replace our existing branches, rather aid the Bank in delivering on its commitment to offer best-in-class service to our customers. We are not aloof to the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, and whilst we will do all that is required to ensure branches remain safe for our employees and customers in line with the protocol advised by the health authorities, we urge our customers to leverage on our digital channels in carrying out transactions,” he added.

Managed by Access Bank and Agency banking representatives, Access CLOSA branches are set to begin operations in Port Harcourt, Lagos, Kogi, Kaduna, Bayelsa, Delta, Anambra, and Kogi.

FIRSTBANK SUSTAINS POSITIVE IMPACT, WELCOMES BACK CUSTOMERS

FirstBank; Nigeria’s leading financial institution and Africa’s Bank of Choice has expressed its appreciation to the public – especially its customers – for their continued patronage of its services during the COVID 19 lockdown, whilst assuring the public that stringent measures have been implemented to ensure its branches and locations across the country operate in line with the health and safety guidelines issued by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control to mitigate the spread of coronavirus.

Expressing the Bank’s delight at welcoming customers to its branches and locations from Monday, 4 May 2020, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, the Bank’s CEO noted that these safety measures include ensuring personal protection, as wearing face masks is now mandatory; maintaining social distancing by reducing physical contact by at least one meter from the next person and queue guides and markings are in place to guide customers; as well as enhancing the practice of personal hygiene as hand washing stations and hand sanitisers have been provided.

Speaking on the impact made by the Bank across its sub-Saharan business Dr. Adeduntan said “We are glad that our investment in technology over the years has really borne fruit as many of our staff were able to work remotely during the lock down with effective IT support to hand. We were therefore able to actively support our customers, their families and businesses through these challenging times.

We ensured business continuity across eight countries – Nigeria, Ghana; Democratic Republic of Congo; Sierra-Leone; the Gambia, Guinea; Senegal and United Kingdom. We recognize that this has truly been a trying period and are poised to continue to provide as much support as we can to our customers and communities we operate in”.

Coming back home, the Bank’s Chief explained that during this period it proactively reviewed products and services to support customers better and expressed his appreciation to Nigerians for the whole hearted adoption and patronage of its electronic services, as these indeed demonstrated the trust which the public repose in the Bank and in return the Bank commits to always live by its resolve on being true to its mantra – You First.

He said “It is for this reason; putting our customers first, that our Bank working to regulatory, Federal and State Government directives worked assiduously to keep over 50 percent of our branches open across all nooks and crannies of the country.

At the same time the call centre was restaffed in the most efficient manner and retooled as we provided even more opportunities for our customers to reach us for their banking needs”.

He further provided a snapshot of transactions carried out across FirstBank’s e-banking channels during the five-week lockdown in various parts of the country:

We recorded approximately 12.6 million withdrawals amounting to about N156bn across our ATMs well placed across the country.
Nigerians with FirstBank cards used them 105 million times to make payments or withdrawals worth about N1.18 Trillion as they relied on us to settle their banking needs
Our customers made transfers over 106 million times with a total value of about N8.18 Trillion across our digital channels.
During this period, our 53,000 plus agents have processed over N512bn worth of transactions
We have also recorded over 275,000 new sign-ups to alternative channels covering our Firstmobile; USSD and First-Online platforms.

As one of the leading SME banks in the country, with a drive to ensure SMEs are supported, Dr. Adeduntan, also stated that FirstBank has enhanced palliatives such as introduction of special waivers on repayment fees on its credit cards, and a 90-day loan moratorium on selected products across markets, to help cushion the impact of the toll on employment and livelihoods.

Our Wholesale business was also not left out as advisory services and a range of financial needs were met to the delight of our Corporate and Commercial customers.

On community impact, the Bank partnered with other organisations in the private sector to collectively help those most impacted by this pandemic. It has contributed N1billion and several volunteer staff towards the efforts of the Nigerian Private Sector Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID) to meet the intervention objectives in the key areas of health; testing, provision of much needed health infrastructure, isolation units and raising public awareness and where needed providing food to the most vulnerable.

This is a time when we all must step up and do our bit by our people and our communities.

In addition FirstBank in keeping with its long standing tradition and focus on educational support and talent development has partnered with several organisations in a bid to help 1 million students access e learning.

“It is important in all this not to forget the children whose needs can so easily be overlooked at a time such as this”.

‘’ As the lock down is lifted nationwide, we will continue to provide seamless service to our customers ensuring the highest levels of support whilst operating as efficiently as possible, ensuring safety of all is paramount and empowering our staff to drive these goals. We will do these with three things in mind: ensuring you are staying safe; supporting your business; and safeguarding our future’’ Dr, Adeduntan said

Offerings is Necessary but not Compulsory – Prophet T.B. Joshua

Nigerian Pastor TB Joshua has revealed his position regarding asking for monetary offerings through his popular Christian television channel Emmanuel TV.

Although Joshua was not physically present during the broadcast of Sunday 3rd Mary 2020, his ministers responded to a question posed by a viewer about how the cleric raises funds as he is never heard preaching on the subject of tithes and offerings.

The cleric described giving offerings as “Scriptural” but emphasised that people should give as “God prompts their conscience”.

“They may not be many but people of conscience are giving – I mean, the right people are giving genuinely, for the salvation of their soul—and their giving is blessed of God,” he conceded.

“Wrong people have to be reminded many times before they can give because it is not from their heart,” he explained, clarifying that wrong people referred to “dubious” or “corrupt” individuals who “who got their money, their things from the wrong source.”

He elucidated that such people would give “to be seen, to be heard and to be praised here”, adding that if they later hit hard times, they would often write letters to the church reminding them of the money they had previously given.

He described that such people misguidedly felt their offerings were a form of “bargaining with God to get what they want” or a way of manipulating Him “to give approval to their selfish motives.”

“Giving is like serving. Both should be done with joy – without being reminded, because you don’t need to be reminded to do that which gives you joy,” he continued, adding that believers should ask for the Holy Spirit’s help in giving, receiving and asking.

“The force behind the money given determines the kind of money it is,” Joshua thoughtfully expanded. “When we inherit stolen wealth, we would live under a stolen future, thereby mortgaging our future. Remember, what comes from God goes to Him.”

The cleric stated he was “very careful” when it came to receiving offerings from congregants. “If I receive something from you, the source and the manner you give will determine whether it’s a blessing or a curse that I receive from you,” he posited.

Relating the question to the current situation in which churches have been shut worldwide due to the coronavirus pandemic, Joshua explained such a period “demands conscience”.

“If you give something from your heart, it will bless you that gives it and also bless the person or ministry that receives it,” the cleric concluded in the interactive program, citing Apostle Paul’s admonishment in 2 Corinthians to give as “each one proposes in his heart, not grudgingly, for God loves a cheerful giver”.

Joshua has gained a reputation for not focusing on money during his sermons, asking for offerings during his broadcasts or selling merchandise during his large overseas crusades.

With nearly 1.7 million YouTube subscribers, he is also one of the platform’s largest users who doesn’t monetise his videos with the placement of third-party advertisements.

During the global lockdown, his ministry has engaged in extensive humanitarian programs, assisting vulnerable citizens most affected by the economic impact of the crisis in nations spanning Europe, Africa, South America and USA.

SOURCE: YouTube –

https://youtu.be/4Ozy5__EzS8

Unrepentant Philanthropist: Seyi Tinubu’s Noella Foundation Feeds Fasting Muslims

There are different types of givers, some only give when there is excess and in other to avoid wastage they will give it out to those in need, some gives once in a while out of what they have with the believe that God will repay them one way or the other, while some are compulsive givers, and these set gives almost every time not minding their own economy. It will be right to say Seyi Tinubu, the Executive Chairman of Loatsad Promomedia and his regular partner are in this category since their actions has distinguished them as ceaseless givers.

Ramadan is a special period for the Muslim faithful to fast, and this year’s process would have been bleak for many owning to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria that has led to government imposed lockdown to stop the spread of the disease, a situation that has led to the emergency shut-down of the country’s economy and this has exposed the needy in Lagos State to untold hardship in provision of food for families.

In other to reduce the burden and make sure the Ramadan is observed by families in the lower cadre of economy, Seyi and Layal Tinubu founded Noella Foundation decided to be providing free daily Iftar (Iftar is the evening meal with which Muslims end daily Ramadan fast at sunset) for Muslims at designated locations within the State. This is in addition to the COVID-19 Emergency FoodBox Initiative which is ongoing to give palliatives to those who are finding it difficult during the Corona Virus forced lockdown, where more than 600,000 meals has been given to more than 20,000 persons across the State.

The young, energetic and enterprising man who through the Noella Foundation has been working in partnership Bolajoko Fadipe owned Food Clique to feed and give food to poor people in the State during this trying times, is never short of the will power to give back to the society even when he’s not getting or expecting any physical benefit than the happiness of the people back in returns.

ZENITH BANK RECORDS IMPROVED GROSS EARNINGS OF N166.8 BILLION IN Q1 2020

Zenith Bank Plc has announced its unaudited results for the first quarter ended March 31 2020, with gross earnings rising by 6% from N158.1 billion in March 2019 to N166.8 billion.

From the unaudited statement of account which was presented to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on Wednesday, April 29, 2020, this top-line growth was driven by the 43% expansion in non-interest income from N32.7 billion in the prior-year period to N46.6 billion in March 2020.

The Bank’s profit before tax also rose 3% from N57.3 billion in the prior-year period to N58.8 billion in March 2020. The increased profits benefited from the twin effects of continuing top-line growth and focused cost-of-funds optimisation. Cost of funds declined significantly from 3.0% in March 2019 to 2.6% in the quarter, translating to a 10% decrease in interest expense dropping from N36.3 billion in March 2019 to N32.8 billion in the quarter. Despite this drop, the current low yield environment necessitated the repricing of interest-bearing assets which in turn resulted in a 13% compression in net interest margin, decreasing from 8.9% in March 2019 to 7.7% in the current period.

Zenith Bank has continued to gain customer acceptance, with customer deposits increasing by 5% from N4.26 trillion in December 2019 to N4.46 trillion in Q1 2020. The Bank’s customer deposit mix rebalancing remains on-track as the Group added N150 billion in savings account balances in Q1 2020, supported by its retail drive. The Bank’s total assets increased by 12% growing from N6.35 trillion in December 2019 to close at N7.13 trillion in Q1 2020. Gross loans grew by 11% from N2.46 trillion in December 2019 to N2.74 trillion in Q1 2020.

Zenith Bank continues to surpass the expectations of its shareholders with its track record of superlative performances. In recognition of this, the Bank was voted as the Best Commercial Bank in Nigeria 2019 by the World Finance and the Best Digital Bank in Nigeria 2019 by Agusto and Co. The Bank was also recognised as Bank of the Year and Best in Retail Banking at the 2019 BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BOFI) Awards. Recently, the Bank emerged as the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria, for the third consecutive year, in the Banker Magazine “Top 500 Banking Brands 2020”, Best Bank in Nigeria 2020 in the Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards 2020, and Bank of the Decade (People’s Choice) at the ThisDay Awards 2020.

Abba Kyari’s Death: Oba Akinruntan Pen Letter of Condolence to President Buhari

Oba Dr. Frederick Obateru Akinrutan, (Okoro Ajiga 1), the paramount ruler and prescribed authority, the Olugbo of Ugbo Land has sent his condolence message to President Buhari, over the death of his Chief of Staff; Mallam Abba Kyari who was buried last week.

In the condolence letter, on behalf of the good people of Ugbo kingdom, Ilaje, Ondo State, Kabiyesi extolled the life and times of the deceased; stating he is an asset that will be greatly missed in the President Buhari’s administration. He further sent condolence to the immediate family of the deceased as he prayed for Allah’s guidance and fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.

Find copy of letter below;

UK-Based Nollywood Actress, Princess Elizabeth Onanuga talks on Covid-19

UK-Based Nollywood Actress, Princess Elizabeth Onanuga has for the first time made her opinion about Covid-19 known. She made this revelation in an interview session via social media by this publication. She talked on what she feels about the virus, her contributions so far and urged the Nigerian government to remember the citizens. Excerpts:

How would you describe this season?

It’s a very tough season for everyone, nothing is working anywhere in the world, literally, the world is on total lockdown due to the sudden pandemic that struck the world. It’s a very ugly situation because people find it hard to survive, for over a month, organizations have shut down, it’s really crazy.

How has it affected you?

Of a truth, Covid-19 has affected everyone, as an actress, I had planned to release my recent movie titled ‘Too Much’. We have the posters everywhere on the internet, on newspapers before the covid-19 issue came in but since then, I have not been able to do a lot. Apart from that, I’m a business person in the United Kingdom, I haven’t been able to go to work, because of the fear of this deadly virus.

In the United Kingdom, what efforts are the government making to support the needy?

The government here is doing fantastic, the government has given out food items, cash, other palliative packages to the citizens who can’t feed this season, they have been awesome. I wish the government of Nigeria can emulate this kind of gesture, it will really go a long way.

How would you say celebrities like you have contributed to Nigerians at this period?

Personally, I have done the little I can do, because I am not in Nigeria at the moment, there is a limit to what I can do but notwithstanding, I have distributed food items to the old ones in some parts of Nigeria. Other celebrities have done giveaways to people too, I can say celebrities have done very well in that aspect.

What Advice do you have for Nigerians?

I will advice Nigerians not to mind the conspiracy theories flying around but they should ensure they follow the necessary measures that the NCDC have set. They should maintain social distance, wash their hands regularly, make use of face-masks, take lemon and ginger, above all, pray.