Business Archives - Page 37 of 84

BURNA BOY ELECTRIFIES FIRSTBANK DECEMBERISSAVYBE CAMPAIGN WITH STERLING PERFORMANCE Written by Gbenga Bada and Sampson Unamka

BURNA BOY ELECTRIFIES FIRSTBANK DECEMBERISSAVYBE CAMPAIGN WITH STERLING PERFORMANCE

Written by Gbenga Bada and Sampson Unamka

Grammy award winner Burna Boy electrified fans at the FirstBank Decemberissavybe campaign with a sterling performance at the ‘Burna Boy The Live Experience’. The 30-year-old singer expressed how delighted he was to have relocated back to Nigeria at the concert.

The self-claimed ‘African Giant‘ performed a catalog of his songs from 2012 to 2021 at the Eko Convention Center Lagos which was filled to the brim with fans.

FirstBank – through its yearly DecemberIssaVybe campaign – unveiled the 2021 calendar of events earlier in December as it reiterates its impact on the arts and entertainment industry. The campaign which started in 2018 has been making waves across the cities in the country and Nigerians.

Speaking on Burna Boy’s concert as one of the events lined up for campaign, the Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, FirstBank, Ms Folake Ani-Mumuney said: “We are delighted to be back with DecemberIssaVybe”.

“Burna Boy’s concert further shows that the 2021 edition is enriched with loads of impactful and celebratory activities as we witness the year-end.

“As a bank woven into the fabric of society, we have ensured that the events are spread across the country and there is an event for everyone, irrespective of age. “We remain committed through resourceful partnerships to nation building; empowering all including the youth to achieve their dreams as these events promote the continued growth of the entertainment industry, unarguably an economic game-changer in the global business landscape, especially a country like ours that is blessed with talents and amazing creative minds,” she concluded.

Here are some of the highlights from his performance:

Returning to Nigeria was my best decision

Amid his performance, the Burna Boy proudly told fans that the best decision he has ever made was returning to Nigeria. “Coming back home is the best decision I’ve made.” He took the opportunity to thank his fans for the love shown towards him since his career berthed.

Practise what you preach

The African Giant was reborn when Burna Boy decided to practise what he preaches. For his first outfit of the night, Burna was dressed like a full African royalty. He was decked in a tuxedo adorned with a Gorilla fur design on both arms. And he swayed from left to right as he elegantly showed off the richness of African tradition.

The African Giant

The Nation observed the high point of Burna Boy’s 3-hour long concert was when he showed that truly his aim is to unite Africans in Africa through entertainment. During the show, Burna Boy invited his African collaborators ‘Black Sherif’ and the ‘Yaba Buluku’ singers on stage to perform alongside him. The moment was one of the memorable moments of the night.

And fans got a thank you message

Burna Boy performed so many songs from his classics which saw the fans singing along. After the show, he appreciated his fans for coming through and the love they’ve shown him thus far. Burna Boy returned to Nigeria after leaving the United Kingdom to continue his quest for fame and stardom. His decision paid off after the hit single, ‘Like to party’ kicked off his career in full swing in 2012.

Culled from The Nation

Ecobank Supports Reliable Credit Practice In Nigeria – Akinwuntan

The Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria, Patrick Akinwuntan has stated the readiness of the bank to partner with the Institute of Credit Administration (ICA) to create a reliable and enhance credit practice in the country. Speaking during an official visit of ICA Management team to the Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC) in Lagos, Akinwuntan observed that Ecobank as a Pan African financial institution is at the vanguard of deepening credit culture on the continent. He stated that that the bank has a robust risk infrastructure that supports the understanding of customers credit behaviour.

In his comment, Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, ICA, Prof. Chris Onalo, who described Ecobank as a credible financial organization, said the visit was to solicit for collaboration and partnership in the area of capacity building and staff membership, with a view to enhancing credit management and policy advocacy relating to sound credit market system, stressing that the global economy works on credit.

Further, Mr Onalo reiterated that ICA is Nigeria’s only nationally recognized professional credit management body, solely dedicated to the provision of Micro And Macro Credit Management Education, award of specialist qualifications, development of skills and capacity building of people involved in everyday management of trade, financial, consumer and business credits.

he added that a rich credit culture will help to reduce poverty and develop the nation’s economy as more people will be engaged in productive ventures.

Clean Nigeria Initiative; Ecobank Applauds International Football Star, David Alaba

Ecobank Nigeria has commended David Alaba for his support towards the success of the Clean Nigeria Initiative being part of the Federal Government’s efforts to end open defecation in Nigeria by 2025, under the distinguished Chairmanship of Vice-President Osinbajo.

Ms. Adebukola Ademiluyi, Head Diaspora Banking, Ecobank Nigeria, said Ecobank will facilitate the disbursement of funds donated by David Alaba to build public toilets in Ogere Remo in Ogun State, but is also prepared to partner other Nigerians abroad who have interest in funding specific projects back home. Alaba, who is a private sector Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (OPS-WASH) Clean Nigeria Campaign Ambassador as well as a Real Madrid player recently donated N13.3 million towards the initiative to curb open defecation in the country, with Ecobank, the number one Diaspora Bank facilitating the disbursement of the project funds.

Further, Ms. Ademiluyi disclosed that Ecobank was working closely with Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), ably led by the Chairman/CEO, Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa towards the engagement of Nigerians in the diaspora on policies, projects and other initiatives geared at developing the nation, noting that the bank understands the peculiar needs of the Nigerians living abroad and has created tailor-made solutions to serve them effectively.

Stating what the bank is currently doing to support Nigerians abroad on easy repatriation of funds, she advised them to avail themselves of the bank’s Rapidtransfer solution to send money home to their loved ones particularly during this yuletide season, stating that “you can download the Rapidtransfer app to send money home and your beneficiary can pick up USD cash at any Ecobank branch nationwide or have it directly credited into their Ecobank domiciliary account. You can also send money through our remittance partners such as Ria and Small World for cash pick up and direct credit. Other partners such as Western Union and MoneyGram are available for cash pick up only. You can wire funds directly to your foreign currency account through our correspondent bank in dollars, British Pounds and Euro.” She noted that the bank is currently running an end of year reward scheme for remittances.

Ms. Ademiluyi added that Ecobank also helps Nigerians in the diaspora with resources for wealth management through investment in the money market, capital market, real estate and treasury products at attractive and competitive interest rates on both foreign and local currencies, stating that the bank offers financial planning advisory, including information on stocks, bonds, real estates and insurance products, in addition to helping customers retrieve outstanding dividends and missing shares. She advised them to open a multi-currency online account in Naira, GBP, USD and EURO via its website, adding that they can also download the bank’s award-winning mobile banking app, Ecobank Mobile, which is available on app stores to enjoy real-time access to their accounts from the comfort of their home. She further said the bank is offering mortgage loans to Nigerians living abroad to finance property ownership in the country, stressing that the terms and conditions are flexible and easily accessible.

FIRSTBANK UNVEILS 2021 DECEMBERISSAVYBE CALENDAR, REINFORCES ITS COMMITMENT TO ENABLING DREAMS

In the spirit of providing enabling opportunities for families of its customers and other stakeholders to come together to celebrate, live better and achieve their dreams, FirstBank – through its yearly DecemberIssaVybe campaign – has unveiled the 2021 calendar of events as it reiterates its impact on the arts and entertainment industry.

The campaign which started in 2018 has been making waves across the cities in the country and Nigerians across ages have started Vybing, enamored in excitement.

The 30-day activity loaded event include musical shows and concerts, comedies, fashion, arts and food fairs and are specifically supported to evoke joyful moods as everyone gears up for the celebrations of the end of the year, especially the yuletide. Showcasing an array of the hottest and coolest entertainment platforms, and superstars, FirstBank DecemberIssaVybe campaign offers free massive gifts and ticket giveaways to premium events aimed at creating fascinating and memorable experience for stakeholders in the Yuletide season as they bond with family and friends, whilst connecting with their favourite superstars, music, plays.

FirstBank DecemberIssaVybe is also designed to inspire kindness in all stakeholders. December is a season for giving and given FirstBank’s culture of showing kindness through initiatives such as SPARK (Start Performing Acts of Random Kindness), DecemberIssaVybe campaign integrates kindness and spreads its message of transforming lives.

Excited about the 2021 DecemberIssaVybe, the Group Head of Marketing & Corporate Communications, FirstBank, Ms Folake Ani-Mumuney said “we are delighted to be back with DecemberIssaVybe. The 2021 edition is enriched with loads of impactful and celebratory activities to build the excitement of witnessing the year-end as we celebrate into 2022. As a Bank woven into the fabric of society, we have ensured that the events are spread across the country and there is an event for everyone, irrespective of age.

We remain committed through resourceful partnerships to nation building; empowering all including the youth to achieve their dreams as these events promote the continued growth of the entertainment industry, unarguably an economic game-changer in the global business landscape, especially a country like ours that is blessed with talents and amazing creative minds.

We encourage everyone including organisers of events to please stay safe and adhere to the COVID-19 protocols. It’s important we all get vaccinated; get our booster jabs where necessary, use face masks, observe social distancing and play our roles to drive full observance and adherence to COVID-19 protocols so we enjoy the season responsibly” she concluded.

The FirstBank #DecemberIssaVybe and #FirstBankIssaVybe giveaway fest is open to everyone. To enjoy premium concerts, plays, fashion and food; lucky customers and followers of the Bank’s social media pages – Facebook: First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Instagram: @firstbanknigeria should look out for the posts on how to participate in the giveaways as there are exclusive tickets to partake in these celebrations promoted through FirstBank’s DecemberIssaVybe end of the year and yuletide celebrations.

Next Titan contestants explore product advantage of Heritage Bank’s Octiplus

Nsikak Ifet, Head, Content and Digital, Heritage Bank Plc; Kyari Bukar and Chris Parkes, judges of The Next Titan, during the board room judging session of the Heritage Bank’s 2nd task to housemates, themed, “Show Your Innovation,” held in Lagos.

Heritage Bank’s advanced all-in-one digital banking experience; Octiplus’ product benefits were explored by the Next Titan contestants for its ground breaking innovative solution, crafted to meet the demands of the ever-growing active banking populace.

Presenting their tasks, themed, “Show Your Innovation,” during a boardroom session, eight (8) of the contestants were expected to create compelling video advert for octiplus and its prime product awareness.

However, at the end of the Heritage Bank’s second task, the participated housemates successfully identified the non-vanilla features of the digital app which were that personal investment savings could be done with the app as well as group savings usually known as “esusu.” Aside the regular features that were known by all including Payment features, buying of airtime, pay bills, flight bookings, movie tickets and one of the most interesting features that was mentioned, was that with Octiplus, you can add all your debit cards from other financial institutions to this App and enjoy easy banking, easy life.

MD/CEO of the Bank, Ifie Sekibo disclosed that Heritage operates with a philosophy to offer world-class banking services with guaranteed convenience on the platform of simplified service innovation, leading technology solutions and experience-driven relationship management.

Reviewing the presentations of contestant’s individual tasks, Sekibo who was represented by the Head, Content and Digital, Nsikak Ifiet commended some of them on the marketing strategies adopted, captivating messages which highlighted product advantage, abilities to identify the target audience and the clear call to action with relevant information.

He advised the contestants not to de-market competitions’ products when promoting their own brand. According to him, it is important to focus on your product, what it has to offer and the value it will give to the consumers.

Chris Parkes, boardroom judge of The Next Titan; Victoria Sotunde, Group Head, Head Office Audit, Internal Audit, Heritage Bank and Kyari Bukar, boardroom judge of The Next Titan, during the board room judging session of the Heritage Bank’s 1st task to housemates, themed, “Show Your Innovation,” held in Lagos.

To ensure a balanced form of assessment during the boardroom session presided over by the experienced panel of Judges and in the spirit of meritocracy, each contestant was given a time limit to strictly adhere to during their presentation. After which, each Judge meticulously took out time to allot their assessment on each contestant with constructive criticism.

Five of the eight contestants who presented before the panel were saved and will remain in the house until the grand finale of the show. The successful contestants include; Victor Emaye, Joy Badaki, Esin Mariah, Dolapo Quadri and Adausu Taiwo, while the evicted contestants who were meant to give their final words before leaving the house were Omobolaji Shittu, Fiberesima Ibi and Orji Hyacinth.

Also, the Judges of the boardroom session comprised Chris Parkes, Kyari A. Ebuka and Nsikak Ifet.

Ecobank Group Announces N143.7bn Profit Before Tax in 9 Months

Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) has announced N143.7 billion profit before tax in its audited nine months ended September 30, 2021, an increase of about 316 per cent from N34.5billion reported in nine months ended September 30, 2020. By the results filed with the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), the bank triple-digit growth has resulted in earnings per share of over N3.01 kobo during the period under review.

Profit after tax also grew by 916 per cent to N104.51billiion from N10.28billion reported in prior nine months of 2020. Growth in gross earnings, net investment income, Other operating income and decline in operating expenses were major financial parameters that contributed to the Group’s significant increase in profits amid macro economy challenges where it has branches.

Gross Earnings for the period grew by 12 per cent to N686.8billion from N614.5billlion reported in 2020. As net investment income rose by 523 per cent to N5.56billion from loss of N1.3billion in 2020; Other operating income closed at N11.59billion from N3.3billion reported in 2020. The group’s total assets grew by five per cent to N10.9trillion as at September 30, 2021 from N10.38trillion in full year ended December 31, 2020.

In his comment, Group CEO, Ecobank, Ade Ayeyemi said: “We reported strong results, reflecting the continued diligence of Ecobankers in putting our customers first and ensuring that we meet their respective needs.

“For the nine months period up to September 2021, we earned $352 million in pre-tax profit, a 41per cent increase compared to the prior year and revenues of $1.3 billion, a four per cent growth. Hence return on tangible equity increased to 17.9per cent, and we grew the per-share value of our shareholders’ equity by 11per cent to 5.52 US dollar cents.

“These results also demonstrate the hard work invested in driving efficiency in all our businesses in line with our deliberate focus on driving down our cost-to serve, sustain improvement in the quality of our credit portfolio, and strengthen liquidity and capital buffers.”

“As a result, our cost-to-income ratio has been declining consistently quarter on quarter, currently 58.3 per cent. In addition, the stock of nonperforming loans as a percentage of loans outstanding is now at 6.9 per cent compared to 9.9per cent a year ago. We have boosted the firm’s liquidity profile, thanks to growing customer deposits fueled by an acceleration in digital channel adoption, partnerships with Fintechs, Telcos, and businesses in the Payments Ecosystem,” Ayeyemi added.

“Finally, we continue to invest in new digital and mobile capabilities to enhance customer experience, alongside the investments we are making in our people, processes, and controls, to ensure the continued resilience of our business and service delivery to our clients. I am deeply grateful to all our customers and the Ecobank team for the remarkable job,” Ayeyemi added.

FirstBank DecemberIssaVybe: Showing Kindness as You Vybe

The roof is already getting raised with #FirstBankIssaVybe, #DecemberIssaVybe campaigns. With FirstBank, it is always a total experience of being woven into the fabric of society from banking at its finest, to music, fashion, arts, and sports. Across the spectrum of human endeavour, FirstBank stands tall behind its over 32 million customers and counting.

As FirstBank makes every day a vybe every December, it is also passionate about ensuring that everyone vybes with kindness. This is in sync with the words of Maurice Elias, Professor of Psychology, “without kindness, our communities, families, schools, and classrooms become places of incivility.” As we get the blast of the season, the 127 years strong banking brand in furtherance of its kindness campaign has created a simple calendar to ease your ability to create a SPARK in the lives of people around you.

At FirstBank, SPARK stands for Start Performing Acts of Random Kindness. The SPARK initiative was launched 4 years ago to make a difference in the nation by seeking to inspire and institutionalize kindness. By encouraging kindness, empathy and consideration for others, SPARK is placing FirstBank at the forefront of the social impact space. The unique way FirstBank is amplifying kindness is through its different directorates and departments. This way the Bank is reaching more communities, touching more lives, and spreading kindness.

The FirstBank kindness drive stands on three (3) pillars of compassion, civility, and charity. Compassion and charity readily come tops when we think about kindness, and FirstBank is championing the cause to also promote civility through the SPARK initiative. Civility covers the aspects of kindness that does not cost you anything to use in igniting the world around you. Imagine as you get to the venue of the next FirstBank’s DecemberIssaVybe show, and you give up a parking lot closer to the event hall to the car behind you?

The global head of marketing and corporate communication of FirstBank, Folake Ani-Mumuney says “At FirstBank, we spend every waking moment working to create meaning in the lives of our customers and publics. We are inspiring kindness because it brings meaning to lives and creates a happier society. So, as you vybe this Yuletide, vybe with kindness.”

Kindness does not have to cost you a kobo, so click here download and share your kindness calendar for those simple tips to start performing acts of random kindness every day this December.

The need to promote kindness in our homes, schools, fun places, and the society at large cannot be over-emphasized especially with the increased incidence of bullying prevalent around us. In promoting the need for kindness in education and ‘cyber kindness’, FirstBank sponsored two impactful webinars during its corporate responsibility & sustainability week in July 2021. You can click here to access the Zoom recordings of the webinars.

Kindness should be a way of life, and FirstBank is at the forefront. Join the kindness train, vybe with kindness this Yuletide and always!

Eziaku Esther, Emerges Winner of UBA Foundation’s NEC 2021

Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, United Bank for Africa, (UBA) Plc, Kennedy Uzoka; 1ST Prize Winner, 2021 UBA National Essay Competition, Eziaku Esther Enwereuzo, (Middle) and Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, UBA Foundation, Bola Atta at the grand finale of the UBA Foundation, National Essay Competition for Secondary Schools, held at UBA House, Marina, Lagos on Tuesday

UBA Foundation, the CSR arm of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, on Tuesday, held the Grand finale of its eleventh annual National Essay Competition (NEC) at the Tony Elumelu Amphitheatre at the UBA House, Marina Lagos, in a ceremony that was well-attended by students, staff and parents.

A visibly excited 15-year-old Eziaku Esther, a student of His Grace High School, Enugu State, emerged the overall winner with the best essay. For the fifth consecutive year the girls have clinched the best prize as, Esther beat 11 other finalists selected from over 7,000 entries received digitally by the UBA Foundation from students of senior secondary schools across Nigeria.

Esther won an educational grant of N3 million to study at any African university of her choice. She also received a brand-new state-of the-art laptop and many other educational tools from the UBA Foundation. She will be supported throughout her educational career and beyond with constant mentoring by the UBA Foundation.

The 15 year old winner who was escorted to the event by her mother, Mrs Joy Chika Eziaku, said she was excited to have come top in the competition, adding that the experience has bolstered her confidence; “I am so grateful to UBA Foundation for this grand opportunity. it was not very easy as I had to study hard and conduct a lot of research, but I am happy that it paid off for me. This opportunity has changed my life, made me want to learn more, read more and to aspire to be a better person and I really appreciate the UBA and the UBA Foundation for this,” she said.

The UBA Foundation’s Education initiative has been changing lives for over a decade as the tertiary education scholarship programme continues to impact the lives of many students and their communities at large.

The second prize was bagged by Nduka Chukwuemeka, male, aged 17, of Oxfords international School, Abia State, who won a N2,500,000 educational grant and a laptop; while the third prize of N2,000,000 and a brand new lap top went to 15-year old Hajarat Abdulwahab of Addy Basic School, Kano. The other 9 finalists also received brand new laptops as well as consolation prizes, including books and other learning materials.

In his remarks the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of UBA Plc Mr. Kennedy Uzoka, said UBA as a bank is happy that it has been touching lives and making a solid impact through the UBA Foundation, adding that the annual competition which is in its 11^th year, has produced hundreds of winners, some of who have long graduated from higher schools and have been impacting their communities.

He said, “Like we did last year, we again increased the prizes to match the rising cost of living. Over the years, we have been assured that we are doing something very unique and truly African, and this is why the initiative is for those who wish to study in Africa, because we are proud of our continent.”

The MD/CEO, UBA Foundation, Bola Atta, whilst congratulating the winners, commended them for their exceptional brilliance. “Every student who sent in an entry is a winner. To be confident about your writing skills and ambitious enough to enter a competition to further enhance your educational path is laudable. For those that did not win, I would say do not be discouraged. Take it as a challenge to perfect your writing skills and enter for the competition again next year” she said.

According to Atta, UBA Foundation, being the CSR arm of UBA Plc, makes it a point of duty to give back to communities where UBA operates. Education remains one of the Foundation’s focus areas as it is the bedrock of any nation

UBA Foundation’s National Essay Competition has been rolled out to other African countries including Ghana, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Guinea, with plans for more footprints in 2022.

UBA Foundation, the CSR arm of the UBA Group, is committed to the socio-economic betterment of the communities in which the bank operates, focusing on development in the areas of Education, Environment, Economic Empowerment and Special Projects.

Judge, National Essay Competition, (NEC) Professor Sam Oniugbo; Member Board of Trustee, UBA Foundation, Mary Udu- Ejembi; 3rd Prize Winner, UBA National Essay Competition, (NEC) Hajarat Abdulwahab; Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, United Bank for Africa, (UBA) Plc, Kennedy Uzoka; Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, UBA Foundation, Bola Atta; Judge, NEC Professor Ini Uko; 2nd Prize Winner, Nduka Chukwubikem and Judge, Professor Emmanuel Omobowale at the grand finale of the UBA Foundation, National Essay Competition for Secondary Schools, held at UBA House, Marina, Lagos on Tuesday

3rd Prize Winner, 2021 UBA National Essay Competition, Hajarat Abdulwahab; Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, United Bank for Africa, (UBA) Plc, Kennedy Uzoka; 1ST Prize Winner, Eziaku Esther Enwereuzo; Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, UBA Foundation, Bola Atta and the 2nd Prize Winner, Nduka Chukwubikem, at the grand finale of the UBA Foundation, National Essay Competition for Secondary Schools, held at UBA House, Marina, Lagos on Tuesday

Zenith Bank GMD, Onyeagwu Emerges “CEO of the Year” as Zenith Bank Wins ‘Most Responsible Organisation in Africa’ at SERAS CSR Africa Awards 2021

Zenith Bank’s Group Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu, has emerged CEO of the Year for a second consecutive year at the Sustainability, Enterprise and Responsibility (SERAS) CSR Africa Awards held at the weekend in Lagos. According to the judges, he was selected for a number of reasons, including engendering a culture that promotes the continued investment in social initiatives in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Under his leadership, the Zenith Bank’s social investments totalled NGN3.285 billion in 2020, representing nearly 2% of the Bank’s profit after tax.

The judges found him worthy for his commitment to promoting sustainability and responsible business practices in Nigeria, by his frontal leadership of sustainability in Zenith Bank, thereby enabling best industry practices in the banking sector, and for his passion for reducing carbon emissions in the Bank’s operations.

Zenith Bank Plc also emerged winner in four other categories at the SERAS CSR Africa Awards, carting home the awards for “Best Company in Reporting and Transparency”, “Best Company in Infrastructure Development”, “Best Company in Gender Equality and Women Empowerment”, and the coveted “Most Responsible Organisation in Africa”.

Zenith Bank was adjudged the Most Responsible Organisation in Africa, winning the overall best sustainability award, for its continued commitment to the tenets of Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility, within its immediate community and in the society at large.

The Bank also emerged as the winner in the category for Reporting and Transparency for its consistency in disclosing and communicating its sustainability journey and progress annually vis-a-vis environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals, in line with the guidelines and protocols set by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), Nigeria Sustainable Banking Principles (NSBP), NigerianExchange (NGX), United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), and United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI). The Bank also ensures the assurance of its sustainability report by reputable independent third parties. In 2021, the Bank’s 2020 sustainability report was assured by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and disseminated through the Bank’s website for the public and sent to all relevant stakeholders, including the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC).

In the infrastructure development category, the Bank was voted winner for its nation-building initiatives and investments, including supporting efforts towards establishing basic services and functional security, governance, and economic and infrastructure systems, especially in Nigeria. As a testament to this and in demonstration of its commitment to the development (often referred to as reform, restructuring and rebuilding) of the Nigeria Police Force for the preservation of law and order, protection of life and property, and law enforcement in Nigeria, the Bank supported the Lagos State Security Trust Fund with N500,000,000.00 for the provision of security-enhancing facilities and infrastructure. This is in addition to contributions to other state security trust funds.

Zenith Bank was adjudged winner in the category for the Best Company in Promotion of Gender Equality and Women Empowerment for its Z-Woman initiative, which offers credit facilities to women-owned businesses at a single-digit interest rate and for a gender-balanced workforce (Women make up about 50% of employees). During the reporting period, the number of women and women enterprises supported by the Bank, through the Z-Woman initiative, grew by 88.7%, from 391 in 2019 to 738 in 2020.

The Sustainability, Enterprise and Responsibility Awards (SERAS) is an initiative of TruCSR which celebrates and promotes investments by corporate organisations in the society through CSR and sustainability initiatives. It made its debut in 2007, and participation was opened to other countries of Africa in 2016.

The 2021 awards featured 387 projects by 97 organisations across Africa. The SERAS Jury Board consists of global thought and best-practices leaders from around the world such as Maria Sillanpaa (Finland); Nyasha Gwatidzo (Zimbabwe); Adesuwa Onyenokwe (Nigeria); Amjed Achour (Morocco); Charles Ojei (Nigeria); Ellen Gunning (Ireland); Gina Din-Kariuki (Kenya); Indira Kartallozi (England); Lampe Omoyele (Nigeria); Paul Kapelus (South Africa); and Scott Walker (England).

Ecobank Nigeria Wins “Consumer Finance Product Of The Year”

Ecobank Nigeria has emerged the winner of “Consumer Finance product of the year” award at the Middle East & Africa (MEA) Retail Banking Innovation Awards organized by Digital Bankers. The MEA Awards according to the Managing Director, Nirav Patel exists to recognise and celebrate the world’s outstanding Financial Services Organisations that are pioneering unrivalled standards and capabilities in their respective fields across the Middle East and Africa.

He added that the awards recognizes ‘those that are transforming the industry by setting new milestones in service delivery, digital innovation, product development, payments, technology, customer experience and more.’ The award committee observed the disruption of the global financial system with the advent of Covid 19 pandemic and how the bank deployed its digital offerings to serve its customers.

The Managing Director, Regional Executive, Ecobank Nigeria, Mr Patrick Akinwuntan, while commenting on the award, stated that it is a worthy recognition of the bank’s digital transformation landmark initiatives, stating that the bank’s digital payment and collections platforms have brought convenience to the daily running of customers’ businesses. He noted that with its digital offerings, the bank was able to serve its customers without interruption during Covid 19 nationwide shutdown. He listed some of the digital platforms as Ecobank Mobile App and USSD *326#, Ecobank Online, Ecobank OmniPlus, Ecobank Omnilite, EcobankPay, Ecobank RapidTransfer, ATMs, POSs, as well as an extensive distribution network of over 250 branches and about 40,000 agency banking locations.

“As a fast-paced bank, we are constantly innovating our processes to ensure customers’ ever-changing needs are met as well as achieve our corporate objectives. Some of the key mandates we will be fulfilling in the nearest future include having a fully digitized loan platform to ease accessibility and use of our products. We will also be enlarging our agency banking network to reach the unbanked and underbanked in Nigeria. We are delighted to receive this prestigious award. It is a testimonial to the hard work we have done in line with our digital transformation and innovative products and service.” Akinwuntan stated.

Ecobank Nigeria Limited is a subsidiary of the Ecobank Group, the leading pan-African banking group with operations in 33 African countries and an international presence in four locations (London, Paris, Beijing, and Dubai). The lender is a full-service bank providing wholesale, retail, investment and transaction banking services and products to governments, financial institutions, multinationals, international organizations, medium, small, and micro businesses, and individuals.