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ISG Boss, Tuinstra Raps African Leaders On How To Create Employment, Reduce Poverty.

African governments have been admonished to see the urgent need to intensify efforts to build roads, railways and other cross-border infrastructure as

Investment in infrastructure is a long-term requirement for growth and a long-term factor that will make growth sustainable.

The Chief Executive of Officer of world class infrastructure building outfit, International Support Group (ISG), Mr Steven Tuinstra gave the advice in a statement issued by its Media Adviser, Moses Owopade, on how the Continent of Africa can move from poverty to surplus by creating employment building infrastructure, coordinate the associated laws, rules and regulations.

According to the ISG boss, the solution to the economic problem of Africa is to include the continent in the global economy, and not African charity, AIDS research, but African infrastructure development.

“”Africa can import and needs everything the whole world can manufacture. And they have got enough money to pay for it. It’s just that the money is in the ground.

“African countries have to improve transportation infrastructure; that creates economic development, employment and, most importantly, enhances safety and improvement of the local communities.” Tuinstra said, adding that smart businesses do not look at labor costs alone anymore, but rather do look at market access, transportation, telecommunications infrastructure and the education and skill level of the workforce, the development of capital and the regulatory market.

Further, he said Infrastructure is one of the core responsibilities of government and one that cannot be shortchanged by other controversial spending.

“We believe investment in infrastructure pays dividends for decades and is a wise investment of taxpayer.

“A successful society is characterized by a rising living standard for its population, increasing investment in factories and basic infrastructure, and the generation of additional surplus, which is invested in generating new discoveries in science and technology.” he opined.

Establishing the readiness of ISG to support the continent in building a virile economy that guarantee job opportunities for the growing African population, Tuinstra revealed that ISG is currently in advanced negotiations with various African governments to develop and execute on EPC+F basis some infrastructure project.

“Some of the governments currently in our portfolio are Ivory Coast, Namibia, Federal Government of Nigeria, Ghana, IMO State Nigeria, Gambia, Federal Government of DRC, Mai Ndombe Province DRC, Chad, Malawi, Botswana and Plateau State of Nigeria” he concluded.

FIRSTBANK SALUTES MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS TACKLING COVID-19

First Bank of Nigeria Limited has saluted medical professionals tackling the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria and the world..

The Bank in series of tweets on its Twitter page on Friday, acknowledged the role medical experts are playing to fight the virus.

Some of the messages read: “No capes, just heroes. To all the health professionals at the frontline of efforts to tackle COVID-19, we say thank you. Your timeless efforts are much appreciated. The world called and they responded.”

“No cape, just lab-coats. No superhuman capability, just dedication, strength, and compassion. As we play our parts of staying at home, we thank our medical professionals for being our ‘Avengers’.”

“The world called and they responded. We salute our frontline warriors.”

FirstBank has been in the forefront of supporting the drive to flatten the curve with promoting public enlightenment being among its many measures to check the rising spread of Coronavirus since the outbreak of the disease in Nigeria.

Recall, the lender, as part of a robust effort to combat the deadly virus, recently announced a donation of N1 billion to the federal government of Nigeria for the expansion of health facilities, purchase of relief materials, critical care facilities, protective gears to contain the spread of the virus and treating individuals diagnosed with the disease.

The donation is in addition to the Bank’s drive to move one million children to e-learning, together with an early partner – Roducate – as recommended by the Lagos State Ministry of Education.

According to the Chief Executive Officer of FirstBank, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, the e-learning initiative is a complementary effort in education to support students and minimise the disruption to their education resulting from closure of schools.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on Friday night confirmed 20 new cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the country.

Eleven cases were confirmed in Lagos, three cases confirmed in the FCT, 3 in Edo, two in Osun and one in Ondo

“Two new deaths have been recorded in Lagos and Edo States, with 25 cases discharged. This brings the total number of confirmed cases in Nigeria to 210,” the centre said.

Repackaged Abuja Begging Profession that put Beggars’ Earning above Civil Servants’

By Felix Victor

Canadian writer Marty Rubin once said, “Giving alms to the rich is a luxury no beggar can afford”. This assertion is not looking like a saying for Nigeria if the strategy employed by some skilled Abuja beggars is put into consideration, it is a fact that that the recently celebrated increased minimum wage is nothing but stipend compares to how much these set of professional beggars are making just for collecting stipends from unsuspecting Nigerians.

It is no new thing to an average Nigerian who steps out at the early hours of the morning and comes back at late evenings to get approached by tattered looking children or elders, who sings chorus trying to evoke sympathy and attract currencies. Over the years, the strategies of these beggars seem to have evolved from seating at road sides with plates, to looking tattered and singing, down to dressing properly and standing at the road side and now making moves like they are commuters and those the ones that are making the real cash out of bus passengers.

These beggars stand at bus stops where there targets are the buses on queue loading passengers in turns, looking all flashy as though they were headed to an office, they get into busses and ensure they are noticed by those in the vehicle, the sometime put pressure on the drivers to move fast, (probably because they’ve got clients in other busses they have to catch up with), immediately the bus starts moving, they smile at the person seating next to them and say “sorry please can you assist me with 100 naira?” Of cause as easy as that seems, the person gives to them, after a while they highlight with an excuse that they changed their mind as to where they are headed and move on to the next bus.

Findings shows they usually works on vehicle with a daily target of 40 and above, putting it into perspectives a free gift of N100 per or more vehicle with above 40 vehicles (always moving in the direction that is having high movement of commuters) per day, will be looking at an amount around N4,000 per day and N24,000 per week excluding Sundays because commuters are usually not much that day, monthly they will be going home with and average amount of N96,000 an amount that makes the civil servant salary with the new minimum wage looks more like beggars.

Corporate begging it was gathered is a new found occupation that is not restricted only to Abuja it has its root in Lagos and the actors are even said to have formed an association. With the employment situation in the country professional begging seems to be a new employment opportunity for jobless Nigerian since the government haven’t granted them any and the workers varies from the young to the old.

LASEPA Changes Tune; Reopens Jumia Warehouse

Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) only Thursday reopened Jumia’s warehouse situated at Surulere industrial road, off Allen, Ikeja, which was sealed on Wednesday for contravening the lockdown order by the Federal government in the state.

Putting up the update on its Twitter handle, @LasepaInfo, the agency said the warehouse was opened “having established that Jumia can be classified as an ‘Essential supplier’ as contained in the Infectious Disease Regulation signed by the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on the 27th March 2020.”

The initial sealing of the popular online retail store had elicited condemnation from social media users, who lamented why the Jumia outlet should be closed down at a time Lagos residents have been asked to stay at home to stop the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

In response to LASEPA’s tweet and action, Nigerians on twitter blamed the agency for not doing proper fact finding before sealing the warehouse, and asked LASEPA to tender an apology to Jumia.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, Jumia Nigeria has demonstrated responsible corporate citizenship. The company on Wednesday announced its partnership with Lagos State Government on MyHandsAreSafe campaign, as an information tool to curb further spread of COVID-19.

Recently, Jumia announced the implementation of Contactless Delivery as a safety measure for customers to further enhance social distancing measures. In response to the pandemic, Jumia announced a partnership deal with Reckitt Benckiser to enable customers to have access to hygiene products at affordable prices during the lockdown.

Unpalatable Tales trails the distribution of Lagos COVID-19 Emergency Food Response

Wickedness will be the right word to describe the actions of some people involved in the distribution of relief material made available by the Lagos State Government for the people when a lockdown of every activities were announced by both the State and the Federal governments. The aim of the package is to help put food on the table of poor Lagosians whose livelihood will be affected by the lockdown, but information reaching us from different areas is sad.

It was brought to our notice that the people are not actually getting what was reported to be in the pack, while Lagos government made it known through different media that a pack of Covid-19 Emergency Food Response pack will contain a sizeable amount of rice, beans, garri and what can be used to cook it like sachet tomatoes and some other items which of course includes water, we gathered that the people are only getting outrageous stuffs that falls far below what the government announced.

Findings revealed that packages getting to the people are so poor and unlike what was publicly displayed by the State government, though it varies we were informed that the Local Governments (LG) or Local Council Development Area (LCDA) were saddled with the responsibility of distributing the relief packages based on Community Development Association (CDA), it was revealed that some CDAs were only able to get three (3) packs of the Emergency Food Response while some gets like five (5) not forgetting the fact that the law of Lagos State governing CDA formation made it clear that it will take minimum of 20 persons to form a CDA.

What this means is that each house may not get up to one measuring tin of only one of the item in the package, one case was that of Igando-Ikotun LCDA where a street of more that twelve (12) house were given a few cups of beans, in the video made available to us by some of the residents the package brought for the street more than 20 families living on the street is just the beans and a sachet of tomato paste. Another street were also receive few cups of rice while some could only get garri.

This is unpalatable news to many of the residents who had high hopes of feeding their families during this trying period that has exposed most of them to untold hardship in catering for the feeding of their family due to the government imposed lockdown. What is however unknown is if the rationing is from the State government (which sources said is not likely) or the fact that the LG and LCDA officials has decided to short-change the poor like the culture in Nigeria.

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MTN Respond to Minister of Labour’s Plea, Gives free 300 SMS to Nigerians

The clarion call by the Minister of State, Labour, Mr. Festus Keyamo SAN FCIArb (UK) to telecommunication companies and Pay-TVs in Nigeria to come up with a social safety net programme for the masses to ease the Covid-19 pains has began to yield results with a swift response from one of the telecommunication giants.

Concerned with the plights of the masses amidst the federal government’s compulsory stay home order on the Covid-19 plague, the Minister had released torrents of messages from his Twitter handle urging Pay-TVs and telecommunication companies to gift free data, call credits and at least 1-month subscription for their numerous customers. This is in order to allow them stay in touch with the world and their relatives.

And in a swift reaction, the management of MTN, one of Nigeria’s telecommunication companies has responded to the Minister’s tweets by promising its subscribers free 300 sms to all networks of their choice.

“We understand how important it is to keep in touch with loved ones during this period. Now you can with 300 SMS to all networks. #staysafe#connected”, MTN’s response on its Twitter handle, @MTNNG.

As a way of appreciating their reaction to his tweets, the Minister thanked MTN management but not without begging for more, Thank you@MTNNG for responding to my plea, especially for the hard-hit workers this time. We really appreciate. But I believe you can still do more. Specifically, we politely ask for some token data and airtime. Nothing is too small. Other networks should kindly follow suit. The Minister pleaded.

COVID 19: FIRSTBANK DONATES 1BILLION NAIRA, REITERATES ITS COMMITMENT TO THE SAFETY OF ALL NIGERIANS

FirstBank has announced its donation of the sum of N1bn towards the joint effort by the Nigerian Private Sector Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID) to rapidly expand the health facilities; especially Testing, Isolation, treatment and the provision of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) facilities pivotal to controlling the spread and importantly, treating individuals diagnosed with COVID- 19. This is in addition to the Bank’s drive to move one million children to e-learning, together with an early partner – Roducate – as recommended by the Ministry of Education, Lagos State

In line with the 14-day stay home directive for Lagos, Ogun and FCT Abuja in the speech by President Muhammadu Buhari, the Bank has also reiterated its preparedness to provide essential Banking services through its alternative channels to its customers and the public at large which is in line with its robust Business Continuity Plan.

Updating on the Bank’s efforts; the Bank’s CEO, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, said “we promise to continue to look at all areas of intervention where our business infrastructure, reach, digital platforms and other natural strengths lie and can be deployed to further support all efforts for Nigerians; young and old alike.

To that end, we will continue to communicate ways in which we can do more together.

We thank our community of friends, customers and other stakeholders who have continued to send us ideas and initiatives and are gladdened at the solidarity we see as Nigerians come together to tackle this under one umbrella.

Please stay safe and let’s work together to flatten the curve”, he concluded.

Prudential Zenith Life Protecting its Customers during the Coronavirus (COVID – 19) Pandemic.

In the face of the coronavirus pandemic and the resulting lockdown, Prudential Zenith Life Insurance is rolling out a range of services to help customers cope with the lockdown.

The new services include a range of additional COVID-19 insurance cover enhancements, without additional premium charges, and a waiver for ‘pandemic’ exclusions as contained in its policy language.

In line with the recent pronouncement of the federal government, the company will be temporarily locked down and has therefore set up a dedicated claims team with remote working capabilities, to enable customers make and receive claims virtually.

According to the statement from the insurance company, the claims procedure will be simplified to allow customers make claims through the WhatsApp channel.

This development makes it possible for customers to buy insurance products without any physical interface with sales personnel or visit to a physical branch.

Commenting on the changes, Prudential Africa CEO Matt Lilley said, “we realise this is a worrying time for everyone and we want to reassure you that protecting the health and wellness of our customers, employees and partners is our primary concern.

“At Prudential, we have been delivering promises for over 170 years and this time will be no different. I am proud of the measures we are announcing today and I know that they will provide our customers additional peace of mind.”

He added that the waiting periods for new cover have been reduced, and the company is providing additional training and incentives to sales personnel to continue providing advice and access to insurance, even as they work remotely.

He encouraged Nigerians to stay safe and adhere to the directives from the Ministry of health, Nigerian centre for disease control (NCDC) and other relevant authorities.

“We are going to get through these trying times together” he assured.

LAGOS STATE INTER PARTY ADVISORY COUNCIL (IPAC) EXECUTIVE COUNCIL EMERGENCY MEETING

The Lagos State IPAC Executive Council headed by Comrade Tade Ademola held an emergency meeting on Monday, 30th march 2020, to discuss the Corona Virus pandemic as it affected Lagos citizens and steps being taken by all tiers of government to prevent its spread and eradicate it in the state.

After extensive deliberation, the council appreciated the proactive efforts of the Governor, Mr.Babajide Sanwo- Olu and his team in Lagos State on the much steps being taken thus far to avert this Pandemic, and request that the testing range be extended to the suburbs/densely populated communities.

Encouraged Lagosian to strictly follow NCDC guidelines, Government Directives of Hand washing, Social Distancing and Stay at Home directives.

Law enforcement agencies are enjoined to be professional in enforcement of the law to avert breakdown of law and order

Appealed to Lagosian to endure and comply with the FGN 14 days lock down.

IPAC also directed all Political Parties chairpersons in the state to enlighten and inform their LGA and Ward Officials to disseminate all Government directives to their members with a view to ensure maximum compliance

Ensure continuous communication to the grassroots at least every other day, with a view to monitor compliance.

Welfare Relief Solutions : –

A transparent welfare committee should be set up which should include the IPAC members as a stakeholder and not limited to the ruling party (APC) members alone.

Enjoined the state government to include IPAC members in the distribution of relief materials and food items to Lagosian

Water is critical to the virus containment, so areas without pipe borne should be provided with source of water

Relief package essential: Reaching out to the poor Masses whose livelihood is on a day to day job and Encouraged well meaning individuals to support their various communities

Finally, Water vendors should also be allowed to operates during this lockdown as water is essential to life and crucial in the containment processes.

Thank you.

Signed;

Comr. Tade Ademola

Chairman IPAC Lagos state.

Prince Idowu Sesi Michael

Deputy secretary of Lagos State Ipac

COVID-19: Heritage Bank offers Seamless Service to Stakeholders, Curbs Impact of Virus

As the world grapple with the impact of the outbreak of Coronavirus pandemic, which has continued to cause worldwide challenges for healthcare systems, economies and corporate organisations, Heritage Bank Plc has taken practicable steps to offer seamless services to customers, whilst ensuring the health and safety of their workers and others at the workplace.

The bank, however, adopted a crisis response measures in place to minimise and manage the risk arising from the disease known as COVID-19 and ensure that the payment infrastructure and logistics to maintain operations going as various State governments brace up for lockdown to contain the pandemic.

The bank’s Management in a statement explained that part of its business continuity management emanating from Heritage Bank’s corporate strategy was to guarantee seamless service delivery to the various stakeholders, adopt measures to tackle significant business risk that might have growth impact on economy, whilst taken reasonably practicable steps to minimize the risk.

According to Heritage Bank, incognizant with the protocols proffered by the World Health Organisation, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and other health agencies, Heritage Bank provided a work environment that is without risk to health and safety and adequate facilities for workers in carrying out their work, so far as is reasonably practicable.

The statement noted that the Bank has maintained a maximum of 10% of staff who constitute mainly Units heads and “must have” working from its premises during these times of uncertainties, whilst others work remotely from home to adhere to the social distancing directive.

The bank further noted that efforts have been ongoing via its intranet and other channels to keep staff and customers up-to-date with the latest COVID-19 information and provide clear direction and guidance expected of workers and customers.

“We have enforced and continued to monitor the need for workers to practice good hygiene, including: frequent hand washing, use of sanitizer, limiting contact with others, including through shaking hands covering their mouths while coughing or sneezing require workers to stay away from the workplace if they are unwell and not fit for work, and encourage them to seek medical advice as appropriate seek advice from health authorities immediately if there has been a confirmed case of COVID-19 and for staff who are arriving from affected countries to self-quarantine for 14days,” the financial institution stated.

To ensure seamless banking transactions, the bank explained that customers are constantly communicated to, to adopt its available 24/7 alternate electronic channels.

“We have encouraged our customers to adopt the self-service platforms like *745*0# for balance enquiry, Funds Transfer (Within Heritage Bank): *745*1*Amount*Account Number#, self-airtime recharge: *745*Amount#, third party airtime recharge: *745*Amount*Mobile Number# and change pin: *745*00#.

“We are available via email info@hbng.com and social media (insert social media icons) to render the following services: Debit Card Hotlist, Post No Debit Request (PND Placement), HB Padie unlock/ username request/ Password reset, Statement of Account (individual accounts) and general inquiries on products and services

“We have setup a COVID-19 Support Centre to offer COVID-19 safety tips to all our customers during this period, in support of the efforts of the Government and relevant bodies. Please send any information relating to the COVID-19 pandemic via these channels: E-mail: HeritageBankCovid19Support@hbng.com and contact number: 01-2369099,” the bank explained.