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FIRSTBANK PARTNERS WITH AFRICA FASHION WEEK, NIGERIA; PROMOTES GROWTH OF SMALL BUSINESSES

First Bank of Nigeria Limited sponsored the sixth edition of the Africa Fashion Week, Nigeria which held on Friday and Saturday, 20 – 21 December 2019 at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. The Africa Fashion Week, Nigeria, is a convergence of fashion entrepreneurs and the general public to promote the creativity and innovation of Nigerian and African brands through worldwide visibility, distribution and manufacturing. The 2019 event was themed ‘Africa Unites’.

The Africa Fashion Week, Nigeria has consistently been recognised internationally due to the unique African styles displayed by entrepreneurs across the dynamic and versatile African fashion landscape. With the growing interest by the public and fashion enthusiasts using fashion as an instrument of sustainability and social change, the event, provided a platform to help raise awareness around the Sickle Cell disorder. The event featured runway shows (comprising designers and runway models with Sickle Cell disorder), Marketplace exhibition and Panel session of Fashion Talks.

Dignitaries at the event include First Ladies of Ekiti, Ogun and Kwara states, Mrs Bisi Adeleye – Fayemi, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun and Mrs Folake Abdulrazaq respectively. The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, former Director-General of Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, Mrs Omotayo Omotosho; popular television presenter and model, Idia Aisen; model and beauty influencer, Whitney Madueke were also in attendance. FirstBank was represented by Helen Ogboh, Business Manager, Corporate Banking.

Leading fashion designers that showcased their wares at the 2-day event were Daviva, Zephyr’s Atelier, Caroline 1942, Ashor by Bumz with exhibitions from Bee Fab, Moon by me, Bolams Aso oke amongst others.

In the course of the event, the Bank showcased the FirstBank Ankara in “The FirstBank Collection” segment at the event where FirstBank staff wore the Bank’s 125^th-anniversary fabric and walked the runway.

Speaking on the event, the Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Folake Ani-Mumuney, said “We are pleased to identify with Africa Fashion Week, Nigeria as it showcases creativity by African fashion designers to the teeming public, leading players and enthusiasts of African fashion whilst promoting their contribution to the growth of the fashion industry.”

“We will continue to drive advocacy for this as it can create jobs that will deepen opportunities for the revival of our textile industry resulting in SME growth along the value chains especially, with the growing demand in the fashion industry.” she concluded.

Only recently, the Bank promoted the use of local fabric with a ‘What If’ campaign to commemorate Nigerian’s Independence. The campaign was ran across the social media channels; Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, to promote the versatility and creativity of sewing local fabrics as a national symbol vis-a-vis our outfits, clothing accessories, household furniture and so forth which is line with the Bank’s celebratory 125th anniversary, themed, “Woven into the Fabric of Society”.

2020: Prophet TB Joshua goes to the Mountain to seek God’s face

One of Nigeria’s foremost and internationally recognized Man of God, Prophet TB Joshua, the founder of Synagogue Church of all nations(SCOAN) has relocated to the mountain in order to seek God’s face and direction for 2020.

This was announced during a live service at his church in Lagos by one of his ministers , Prophet Racine, who read a letter to the congregation that cut across all nations and explaining why TB Joshua was not in service .

The minister who was with Prophet TB Joshua earlier at the mountain stated that he and some other ministers had to return from the mountain for the church service but the man of God had to stay back because God has not released him and also because of the things he saw ahead of 2020.

He said even though he isn’t in their midst physically, he was there spiritually because there is need for him to seek God’s face towards the coming year.

“The man of God Prophet TB Joshua will not be in our midst physically because he is at the prayer mountain. Take note of the word ‘physically’ – in body he will not be here but he is with us in spirit.

We too were at the mountain. We only returned for the service – but he remained behind. He is concerned about all that is about to happen in the New Year ahead around the world’’

He did a flashback to January 2019 when the Man Of God went to the mountain to pray and seek God’s sake for the year, making it known that all what God showed him came to pass.

‘’ Remember what God showed him in the same mountain at the beginning of this year – what would happen. Now he is back there to know what will happen next year. Let us listen to what God showed him.

This has been played thousands of times on Emmanuel TV. When it was playing at the beginning from January 4th, you were not taking it seriously. Today, you and I will agree that this year is so fearful’’

Afterwards, a video of Prophet TB Joshua on the mountain was played. It was reinstated that the man of God has the whole world in mind and it was due to this reason that he was absent from the church service.

Merry & Mobile Season with the New Ecobank Mobile App

Christmas is typically a fun-filled season for everyone; for parents it’s a time to spend time with their children, for friends it’s a time to enjoy the company of one another and for kids it’s a time to see Santa Claus. For everyone, it’s generally a time of merriment. Regardless of which category you belong, one thing is clear – Christmas is the busiest time of the year; with holidays, travel, shopping, and festivities.

With so many activities to engage in during this season, the last thing you want to worry about is how to carry out your transactions, seamlessly and effortlessly. To help you get around this season the merry and mobile way, we have made exciting new updates to our mobile banking app, Ecobank Mobile. It offers a brand-new, better, faster experience. The Ecobank Mobile version 4.0 is already available for download at Apple and Android app stores. If you’re wondering why you need to download this new version, here are some cool reasons why:

Less clicks more bliss; you now get your registration and log in done faster coupled with more exciting, intuitive and interactive interface.

No need for account numbers. Send money to anyone via email or SMS. Simply select the recipient from your Contacts and send money to their email or phone number. They will be able to get the money even if they don’t have an Ecobank account.

Need some raise to get through this season? Request money from friends and loved ones via the app.

Create virtual cards for safe shopping. Enjoy the convenience of a virtual card without worrying about it being linked to your account. No strings attached! Create as many virtual cards as possible and gift them this season.

Split the bill fuss-free. Going out with buddies this season? We make it easy. Share the expenses as you desire, your friends will get notifications on what they need to refund you. It’s a smart way to get your money back without hounding.

Personalised experience- this app knows you, recognises your face and fingerprints. The new version comes with biometrics and Face ID to ensure super safe login.

Pay like a Boss withEcobankPay: Don’t let long queues disrupt your rhythm this holiday. Pay the fast and stress-free way with EcobankPay on Ecobank Mobile. Simply scan the QR code or dial 3266AmountTerminal ID# to pay. Cash and POS are not the only way, save yourself POS charges; make the switch to EcobankPay. When next you are at the store and need to pay, ask the merchant for Ecobank.

Union Bank Spreads Cheer This Festive Season

Union Bank has embarked on its 2019 UnionCares charity drive, spreading cheer. to the less privileged, and putting smiles on the faces of thousands across the country. This is in line with the financial institution’s commitment to support the communities within which it operates.

UnionCares is an annual initiative jointly sponsored and carried out by Union Bank and its employees, to give back to the society. This year, 7,500 care bags containing staple food items were distributed to people living in underserved communities nationwide.

The Bank also made financial donations to a total of 60 Non-Governmental Organisations(NGOs) in support of their activities. Some of the recipients include Zinnok Initiatives for Women
and Children, Abia; Ishiba Development and Empowerment Centre, Abuja; NazaAgape Foundation, Plateau and Wesley Schools for the Hearing impaired, Lagos.

The Bank’s Head of Corporate Communication and Marketing, Ogochukwu Ekezie-Ekaidem described the exercise as one of the ways in which the Bank supports charitable causes and contributes to the wellbeing of the needy, particularly during the festive season.

According to her; “Union Bank has a strong legacy of supporting the communities we serve.

We remain focused on leading the charge for social responsibility and impact, anoutlook that underpins our choice of Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.

Our UnionCares initiative gives us the opportunity to touch as many lives as possible during the festive season and it is rewarding to see the level of impactthe initiative has created.” Since its inception in 2016, UnionCares has come to be regarded as a viable platform which supports the less privileged in the society. In 2018, Union Bank received the ‘Peoples’ Choice Award for the Most Outstanding Company in CSR/Sustainability’ at the Sustainability, Enterprise and Responsibility Awards (SERAS), and emerged 2nd Runner up in the Most Responsible Company award category at SERAS 2019, underscoring Union Bank’s role as a socially conscious organisation, actively supporting its host communities.

WIN A TRIP TO DUBAI; GET CASH BACK FOR TRANSACTIONS WITH YOUR FIRSTBANK CARDS

It is raining promos with your FirstBank Cards this season. The Bank recently announced its Verve Card Reactivation Promo to reward three customers with all-expense paid trips to Dubai for reactivating and using their Verve Cards to transact on PoS and online. The ongoing promo kicked off on December 2, 2019 and would end on January 25, 2020.

In addition to the Dubai trip, 600 customers will be rewarded with N3,000 worth of airtime and 60 customers with N50,000.00 cash prize during the 2-month promo period. The airtime and cash prizes will be delivered weekly and winners have begun to emerge already. Winners of the grand prize of a trip to Dubai will be announced at the end of the FirstBank Verve Card Promo.

In the same vein, FirstBank is also rewarding its customers for all transactions done with their Visa Gold and Naira Credit cards this season. Customers can get a percentage of their total spend with FirstBank Visa Gold and Naira Credit cards this season. This promo runs until January 8, 2020.

Speaking on the promo, Chuma Ezirim, Group Executive, e-Business & Retail Products, FirstBank said “we are pleased to reward our customers for the use of their FirstBank Verve, Visa Gold and Naira Credit cards this season. It is our own way of giving our customers more reasons to smile. We encourage our customers to reactivate their FirstBank Verve cards and keep transacting with their Verve, Visa Gold, and Naira Credit cards to enjoy these yuletide benefits from FirstBank.

Mr. Ezirim also noted that the promo supports the cashless policy whilst assuring customers of the safety and security of their transactions with FirstBank cards. For more information on the promotions, visit the Bank’s website at www.firstbanknigeria.com.

Yuletide Message: “Don’t Give Up,” AMPON Tells Nigerians

One of the leading groups of journalists and media practitioners; AMPON (Association of Online Media Practitioners of Nigeria) has assured Nigerians that their optimism on the emergence of a better Nigeria is not in any way misplaced. This was contained in a Christmas message.

In the association goodwill message, made available said that every citizen of the great nation, Nigeria needs to imbibe the lessons of harmonious coexistence to engender development across the states of the nation.

In the statement, signed on behalf of its Chairman, Wole Arisekola by the Acting Secretary, Olugbenga Bada, the Association urged the Federal Government to reflect on the Christmas season and provide Nigerians with the kind of selfless leadership that Christ exemplified. “What Nigerians need from the government at all levels is selfless leadership as exemplified by Jesus Christ, who loved his friends so much that he gave his life for them”.

The statement also read in part; “our leaders should use the end of the year as a period of introspection. The same court orders that could not be obeyed for reasons known to the Major General Buhari administration were eventually obeyed after the United States waded in. Sadly, barely days before then, Major General Buhari’s handlers had given reasons for not obeying the order and had gone as far as reminding the United States Government that it has not been officially appointed ‘policeman of the world’. While it is shameful that the government refused to yield to the cries of Nigerians to obey the judiciary, which is the last hope of the common man, it is even more painful that it took only a letter from the United States to change the situation and secure the release of Col. Sambo Dasuki after four years in detention”.

The statement went further that “if we don’t give up and we collectively demand our rights, Nigeria will eventually, become a better place and not only will we have the ears of our leaders, we will eventually have a government we can truly be proud of”.

Lending its voice to the debate on the ‘Social Media Bill’, the Association described it as a ploy to gag the media. “Let it be known that AMPON will join Nigerians to resist every move to gag the media and subtly remove the freedom of the press. Nigerians have the right to express themselves and no government will be allowed to take that away from them”.

As every Nigerians look forward to a prosperous 2020, the group; AMPON urged its fellow citizen to let’s all love one another and be brothers keepers, and pray that the Almighty would touch the hearts of some persons who take joy in inflicting pains on the hapless common man.

Weeks after T B Joshua’s Visit To South Sudan: President and Opposition Leader Sues For Peace

Just few weeks after Prophet TB Joshua’s prophetic visit to South Sudan, what has never happened has occurred.

The President Salva Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar on Monday agreed talks on all the outstanding issues to go underway after Christmas and New Year holidays.

The decision by the two principles to press ahead with more talks comes amid growing international pressure as a deadline looms in February for them to form a unity government.

Tut Gatluak, Presidential Advisor on Security Affairs, told reporters after the meeting at the Presidential Palace that the two leaders agreed that face-to-face meetings will continue after Christmas and New Year holidays.

He pointed out that Kiir and Machar discussed “the implementation of the peace agreement and agreed to maintain communication on pending issues.”

“Dr. Machar is expected to travel to Khartoum on Tuesday, but he will come back to Juba after the holiday season,” Tut said.

According to the presidential adviser, the two principles reaffirmed their commitment to ensure that lasting peace is achieved in South Sudan.

“President Salva Kiir Mayardit and Dr. Riek have wished the people of South Sudan a happy holiday. We want to assure the public that next year will be a year of peace and tranquillity,” he said.

Last week, Kiir and Machar ended days of meetings without breaking a deadlock over the number of states and their boundaries.

Both sides however expressed hope that South Africa’s Deputy President David Mabuza, who mediates the talks on the number of states and their boundaries, could play a big role in bridging the divergent viewpoints of the rival parties in January.

It would be recalled that The President of Sudan had earlier invited Prophet TB Joshua for prayers for peace in the nation on November 12, which he honoured.

Temitope Balogun Joshua also known as T. B. Joshua is a Nigerian pastor, televangelist, and philanthropist. He founded The Synagogue, Church of All Nations, and owns the Christian television network Emmanuel TV.

It should also be noted that TB Joshua gained prominence in South Sudan for his alleged prophecy of a failed coup attempt against President Salva Kiir before the conflict erupted in 2013. And since his visits to South Sudan since November 2019, chains of positive reactions have been an occurrence in the country .

Fidelity Bank Comes Tops In KPMG SME Customer Experience Survey

Receives Best SME Supporting Bank from Tribune Newspapers

Fidelity Bank Plc has remained a leading financial institution among Micro Small Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) for deposit transaction, credit facilities and overall customer service experience, recording significant improvements in a recent survey. The bank which has grown its reputation for supporting small business, moved up four (4) places to reach second on the 2019 Nigeria Banking Industry Customer Experience Survey, recently published by the renowned audit and consultancy firm, KPMG.

This remarkable achievement was followed by the award of ‘Best SME-Supporting Bank of the Year’ by African Newspapers of Nigeria; Publishers of Tribune Newspapers in recognition of “its efforts to stimulate economic growth by empowering small and medium-sized businesses, which are the engine of economic growth of any nation”. The award was bestowed on the bank at the 70^th anniversary of the newspaper, which was founded by the late Nigerian sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

Speaking on both developments, Fidelity Bank CEO, Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo said the MSME sub-sector is a niche area of focus for the bank. “As critical agents for economic development, we will continue to deploy resources to support the sector, from structured financing, to advisory, capacity building and market access.

“Our unique approach to serving the market segment is multi-faceted, including robust business advisory, practical handholding and guidance of aspiring and existing entrepreneurs to build sustainable businesses. We are encouraged by the survey results as well as the recognition by Tribune, to do more for individuals and business in this area”, he stated.

Fidelity Bank is a full-fledged commercial bank operating in Nigeria with over 5 million customers that are serviced across its 250 business offices and various digital banking channels. The bank focuses on select niche corporate banking sectors as well as Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and its currently driving its retail banking businesses through its robust digital banking channels.

Uzoka, Wizkid Give Back to Thousands at the UBA Foundation Food Bank

United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, through its Corporate Social Responsibility arm, the UBA Foundation, has launched an initiative to feed the less privileged across Africa during the festive season.

UBA’s Brand Ambassador, Wizkid, handing over food items and other goodies to the helpless and under-privileged at the Food Bank organised by UBA Foundation at the Foundation’s Garden and Roundabout in Marina, Lagos on Friday

The UBA Foundation Food Bank is an annual event that aims to give back to society during the yuletide season and this year, thousands of indigent were beneficiaries of the community service freely offered by the bank simultaneously across the African continent.

From Senegal to Ghana, Côte D’Ivoire, Cameroon and many of UBAs subsidiaries, the focus of the food bank is to feed the poor and homeless. The UBA Foundation Garden at Marina, Lagos was the location of the food bank in Lagos.

UBA Brand Ambassador, Wizkid was delighted to contribute his time and effort to the UBA Foundation’s food bank as he fed the poor and destitute, many who were fans and felt really blessed to be receiving food and other gifts from the star boy. Expressing his joy at being able to give back meaningfully, he said

“I am excited to be a part of this initiative which is aimed at putting smiles on the faces of the needy. This is one of my passions and I am fully aligned with Africa’s global bank’ said Africa’s star boy.

UBA’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka and CEO, UBA Foundation, Mrs. Bola Atta handing over food items and other goodies to the helpless and under-privileged at the Food Bank organised by UBA Foundation at the Foundation’s Garden and Roundabout in Marina, Lagos on Friday

UBA’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka who also joined staff of the Foundation and volunteers to feed the needy, explained that the Food bank initiative is one of the ways that the bank, through its foundation appreciates and supports the communities in which it operates, adding that it will be a continuous event.

Uzoka who is also the chairman of UBA Foundation, said, “As you know, giving back is one of our key tenets and we have over the years, engaged in various activities aimed at appreciating our host communities all around Africa and especially in countries where we operate’.

“At UBA , we care for the people in our societies and will continue to do all we can to ensure that we touch lives meaningfully,” Uzoka stated.

The CEO, UBA Foundation, Mrs Bola Atta, said that empowerment is one of the key pillars of the Foundation, adding that the UBA foundation aims to impact positively the lives of those living around the host communities.

According to her, “Over the years, we have embarked on a number of activities that have positively impacted the people who live in our communities. To be able to feed those who have little is a small gesture that goes a long way. Those who all lined up to collect their food packs and toiletries seemed happy that someone remembered them. We wanted to let them know that all lives matter. I hope we made many smile and that we gave a glimmer of hope during a special season like this’ Atta said.

One of the beneficiaries who simply gave his name as Abdul said, “I am very happy with what you people are doing. This morning I didnt even know what I was going to eat. I am really surprised. You people have done very well, we didnt expect this at all. In fact, when my people came to call me, I didnt believe it until I got here. I am here with my three children. This was very unexpected, and we are very happy,” he said excitedly.

UBA staff members were on ground to volunteer their time and services, while a few donated food items to give back to the society in the spirit of the yuletide season.

Tribune@70: Access Bank Honored With Most Improved Bank

Access Bank PLC has once again cemented its position as the leading bank in Nigeria by winning the most improved bank award at the 70th Anniversary of Africa Newspaper of Nigeria (ANN), publishers of the Nigerian Tribune in the capital city of Oyo State, Ibadan.

At the event which has notable personalities from all sectors gathered at the University of Ibadan International Conference Centre to celebrate the 70th anniversary with the oldest newspaper in Nigeria.

Abdul Imoyo, Head, PR & Media Relations of Access Bank, receiving the award on behalf of the Bank, said the Bank’s leadership position to its vision of becoming Africa’s gateway to the World at large.

According to him, ”We are delighted to be honoured by the special award and we want to thank the board and management of Nigeria Tribune. The Merger gave us this award and you will agree with me that the merger between Acccess Bank and the old Diamond Bank was the fastest and the most efficient merger ever in the history of banking in Nigeria .

“The merger today has transformed Access Bank to be the leading Bank. I must also say that the merger was informed by our corporate strategy of being Africa’s gateway to the World and that has simplified the process and everything we have achieved even after the merger, now we have more than 31 million customers and over three thousand ATMs ”.

Imoyo further stated that the achievement so far recorded by the bank is as result of the support and the trust which the Bank is getting from its customers and from media houses like the Nigerian Tribune stressing that the Bank wil do more in the coming year and will continue to grow in order to satisfying the yearnings of Nigerians.

Meanwhile the Bank recently expanded its digital lending portfolio, which gives Nigerians quick and 24/7 access to funds for emergencies without any collateral, has hit a record N1billion daily in loan value.

Access Bank’s digital loans are accessible 24hours, 7 days a week service and can be accessed via the short code *901*11#.