With the 2020 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon fast approaching, the headline sponsor and Africa’s largest Bank in terms of retail size, Access Bank Plc has reiterated that its sponsorship of the race is geared towards improving the economic and social outlook of the state.
While speaking about the marathon, the Group Managing Director of Access Bank Plc., Herbert Wigwe said, “As one of the leading banks in Nigeria and indeed Africa, it is imperative for us to support the economic and social development of the communities in which we operate.
“Hence, we have sponsored the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon for five years to make Lagos State more attractive to tourists and foreign investors alike. We have also used this platform as an avenue to create more jobs and opportunities to thousands in the state,” he added.
He went further to add that, “to ensure that the impact of the marathon, as felt in Lagos State, is duplicated and sustained, we have also begun sponsoring marathons and other sporting events across different states in Nigeria as highlighted by our sponsorship of the Abeokuta marathon.”
With over 100,000 participants recorded across the last two editions of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, Wigwe said he expects the trend to continue as the marathon which has moved up from a Bronze Label marathon to a Silver Label, less than five years after its maiden edition, continues to garner the respect of top international and local athletes alike.
This year’s edition of the marathon billed for February 8 offers a cumulative prize of 500,000 USD to be won by contestants.
Nigeria’s leading financial institution, Zenith Bank Plc, has reaffirmed its commitment to support local Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) with the introduction of the ‘Zenith Bank SME Digital Workshop’ to provide free digital training for business owners.
The initiative, which is being organized in partnership with social media giant Facebook, will provide free training on how SMEs can use digital platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp to grow their businesses.
Commenting on the initiative, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive, Mr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu, noted that the SME ecosystem is a very important component of the Nigerian economy and the digital workshop is expected to assist participants optimally use digital channels to engage potential customers, market their products and increase sales.
The workshop is scheduled to hold on Wednesday, January 29th and Thursday, January 30th, 2020 by 08:30 a.m. at the following Zenith Bank branches: 23, Oba Akran Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos; 201, Ikorodu Road, Obanikoro, Ilupeju, Lagos; and 2, Aromire Road, Ikoyi, Lagos.
The Zenith Bank SME Digital Workshop is free for everyone. To register, send an email with the subject “Zenith Bank SME Digital Workshop” to smepartnership@zenithbank.com. The email should state the name of the participant and preferred venue of attendance.
Zenith Bank Plc is recognized as one of the most innovative financial institutions in Nigeria and was voted the most customer-focused bank in Nigeria for the Retail and SME segments in the 2018 KPMG Annual Banking Industry Customer Satisfaction Survey (BICSS). Most recently, the bank won the Best Bank in Retail Banking and the Bank of the Year at the 2019 BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BOFI) Awards and was ranked as the Best Digital Bank in Nigeria 2019 by Agusto & Co.
First Bank of Nigeria Limited has been named 2019 “Best Mobile Banking App” and “Fastest Growing Retail Bank” winner by Global Business Outlook. The Global Business Outlook Award recognises and rewards excellence in business in companies across the world, both in the public and private sectors. The award rewards innovation, creativity and the drive to create value.
FirstBank earned the Fastest Growing Retail Bankrecognition because of its leading role in promoting financial inclusion in the country, a drive which has resulted in its 44,000 Agent Banking network designed to complement the provision of bespoke financial services at its over 750branches nationwide.
It also won the Best Mobile Banking App award thanks to its Firstmobile banking app’s capability at performing a wide range of financial transactions in a safe, adaptable, futuristic and efficient manner. The user friendly app is widely renowned for its ease of navigation and state of the art security features to mitigate risk against fraud.
In the course of 2019, FirstBank bagged numerous awards across various areas of its business operations. The awards comprise Women Empowerment Category – Sustainable Banking Awards by CBN Bankers Committee, Best Private Bank in Nigeria 2019 by Global Finance Magazine and World Finance Magazine respectively; Best Process Automation Initiative, Application or Programme by Asian Banker International Excellence in Retail Financial Services; Best Banking Brand Nigeria 2019 by Global Brands Magazine; Best Retail Bank in Nigeria by Global Banking and Finance Review and Asian Banker International Excellence in Retail Financial Services Awards respectively; Cashless Driver: Highest Volume in Bill Payments and Highest Transaction Volume in Real-Time Payments by CBN Electronic Payments Incentive Scheme (EPIS) – Efficiency Awards; Long Service Corporate Award by Nigerian Economic Summit Group; Best Financial Inclusion Program – Nigeria 2019 and Bank of The Year – Nigeria 2019 by International Investor, amongst many others.
Speaking on the awards, Folake Ani-Mumuney, the Bank’s Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications said, “We appreciate the recognition of these awards by the respective awarding bodies. The awards are dedicated to all our customers across the globe as their continued patronage of our services is appreciated. We remain steadfast and would not rest on our laurels at rendering bespoke financial services tailored to meet the financial needs of our valued customers, irrespective of where they may be.”
World richest man and founder of Amazon in one of his famous quotes said, “Work hard, have fun, make history”. These will best be used to described the trend at which young and hardworking Chairman of Loatsad Promomedia, Seyi Tinubu is living.
Seyi who is known for his hard working and his fun loving lifestyle has recently been making history by the number of awards that are trailing him, recently, Chartered Institute of Public Resources Managers and Politics, an organisatuion based in Ghana decided to honour the humble but hard-working man by inducting him into 2020 Fellowship Hall of Fame of the organization.
The delegation headed by Dr. Richard Kpoku-Aquarte in his speech described the Loatsad Chairman as a man of an uncommon professional of excellence in a class of his own, he also address his as a pace-setter media innovator, a multi-dimensional business executive of unparalleled distinction and a boardroom strategist.
Dr. Kpoku-Aquarte explained further that the Fellowship is to honour people from all nations especially those those who have proven themselves as embodiments of Integrity, Transparency and Accountability in their various leadership positions. He also listed Otunba Gbenga Daniel (former Governor of Ogun State), Mr. Stephen Onasanya (former M.D. of First Bank of Nig Plc), Barrister Adebayo Shittu (former Nigerian Minister of Communications), Prof. Abdil Kareem Age Sulyman (VC University of Ilorin) and many more important dignitaries as some individuals that has been inducted into the Fellowship in the past.
In the same vein another organization, Avance Media, a Public Relations & Rating company that has for some times been honouring young Africans that are making positive impact in their different countries to encourage them to do more, recognizes his contribution and has since nominated him for the annual honor.
Announcing the nomination on his Instagram page, Seyi Tinubu attributed his nomination to the hard work and dedication of the Loatsad Promomedia team and his partner Denrele Olusoga, in the message he stated “Congratulations to the @loatsad_promomedia team, this is an affirmation of their hard work which has led to my nomination for @avance_media‘s 2019 100 Most Influential Young Nigerians in Business. It’s been a collective effort and journey so credit must be given to my team and partners”.
The list which is being compiled and voted for yearly started about five years ago and has had names of influential Nigerian young men and women like; Davido, Wizkid, DJ Xclusive, Funke Akindele, Kelechi Anyikude, Amaka Osakwe, DJ Cuppy, John Obi Mikel, Linda Ikeji, IK Osakioduwa, Toke Makinwa and many more young Nigerians.
The list according to the organisers headed by Prince Akpah is to “serve as an encouragement to young Nigerians who are accomplished in their industries and continue to build distinguished brands for themselves and influence over others. The list also urged those honoured to continue striving harder so that their story can inspire other young people to also contribute their quota to the development of Nigeria and the continent of Africa.”
Pan African financial institution, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has announced the official launch of a flagship product UBA Connect, a service that enables the customers of the bank to conduct traditional banking transactions at any UBA branch in the 20 African countries where the bank operates.
The service, which is available to both customers and non-customers alike, is expected to encourage intra-Africa trade, as cash withdrawal can now be done in local currencies within the continent while deposits can also be made at any location regardless of where the account is domiciled.
The Chief Executive Officer, UBA Africa, Mr. Oliver Alawuba, who spoke about the product, said, “Africa stands to benefit substantially from intra-Africa trade, which is facilitated by the easy flow of capital within the continent. As a bank committed to creating superior value for all its stakeholders, we are focused on ensuring that we continue to contribute significantly to the development of Africa by improving accessibility and trade with UBA Connect, among other innovative services.”
He explained that the new offering allows easy transfers to UBA accounts across African countries as well as cash deposit into UBA accounts at any of the bank’s locations in Africa, adding that the cash will be dispensed to customers in local currencies at competitive exchange rates.
Group Head, Marketing, Mrs. Dupe Olusola, said, “We’re thrilled to be able to offer our customers the ease and convenience of UBA Connect. This is in addition to an array of digital platforms which have made banking seamless for more than 12 million people who have trusted us with their money.
To use the service at any UBA business location in Africa, a UBA Connect Send, Receive or Transfer form needs to be completed, with valid identification (International passport with valid visa or migration stamp, in the case of ECOWAS member countries).
In fulfilment of its commitment to constantly find new ways to serve its customers better, NOVA Merchant Bank has been appointed as a designated collecting bank for Import, Excise and other duties by the Nigeria Customs Service. This will enable the Bank handle duty payments for its clients in addition to process and issue custom bonds along with guarantees on their behalf.
According to the MD/CEO, Mr. Anya Duroha, “We are excited about this appointment because it would enhance efficiency and improve turnaround time for duty payments and other services offered by the Nigerian Customs Service for our clients”.
“This development is in line with the commitment of the Bank to be a one-stop solution shop for all trade and financial needs of its clients. The Bank is positioned to provide end to end quality banking services to our clients. I commend the management for obtaining and delivering on this mandate within a short period of time” stated the Chairman, Mr Phillips Oduoza.
NOVA Merchant Bank offers an integrated suite of financial solutions covering Wholesale Banking, Investment Banking, Asset Management, Wealth Management, Trade Services, Transaction Banking, Cash Management and Digital Banking.
REDTV, the foremost lifestyle platform powered by the United Bank for Africa, has just launched its new and very much anticipated series, Assistant Madams. Creators of the hit series, The Men’s Club, REDTV has been engaging and providing opportunities for talented youths in the creative industry in Africa, since its inception.
The crème de la crème of the entertainment industry gathered at the prestigious and newly opened, Ebony Life Place in the bustling city of Lagos, to watch the premiere of Assistantmadams. The story revolves around the life of three aspiring female Lagos socialites and their journey to ‘big girl’ status.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Producer of REDTV, Bola Atta said “REDTV was birthed by the United Bank for Africa, to support the creative industry in Nigeria and also across the African continent. For about four years now, we have been creating employment through entertainment. The potential revenue that can be generated in this industry is often under estimated and it is only in recent times that more people have had the courage to leave traditional professions and embrace the creatives. We want to encourage talented and creative professionals to pursue their dreams and to confidently feel that they are contributing to economic growth’.
‘The vision of UBA is to support entrepreneurship across Africa and through REDTV, the bank is connecting African talent to the world. REDTV will continue to harness these talents and to provide opportunities for those who wish to pursue careers in the creative industry’ Atta said.
Also speaking at the launch of Assistant madams, Co-producer and director, Tola Odunsi and Akins Akinkugbe expressed their delight at the reception which the new series is receiving. ’’We are pleased to partner with UBA and REDTV to create top quality content and jobs. Assistant madams alone employed over 120 people during the filming of the series and this is significant’.
l-r: Executive Director, Urban Vision Akins Akinkugbe; Actress, Tana Adelana; Chief Executive Officer, Ebony Life, Mo Abudu; Actress, Osas Ighodaro; Executive Producer/CEO, Urban Vision, Tola Odunsi, during the Premiere of REDTV Series, Assistant Madams in Lagos yesterday
In attendance at the event, were Chris Ubosi, Mo Abudu, veteran photographer Kelechi Amadi Obi, Sola Sobowole, Patrick Doyle, Noble Igwe, Juliet Ibrahim, Toke Makinwa, Uru Eke, Obi Asika, Koye Sowemimo, Debola Williams, Sharon Ooja, Bollylomo, Funke Babs Kufreji, Obi Asika, Bisola Aiyeola, Osas Ighodaro, Tana Adelana, Sophie Alakija, Taymesan Emmanuel, Ayo Ayoola, Efa Iwara, and many noteworthy entertainers.
Assistant Madams will premiere on Youtube @itsredtv on January 15, 2020.
REDTV is a fast paced lifestyle channel that puts Africa on the global stage. Proudly powered by the United Bank for Africa, the network is an entertainment platform with rich content that feature the very best of Africa.
Thirteen lucky customers of Fidelity Bank Plc have started the new year on a strong note having emerged millionaires in the third monthly draw of the Get Alert in Millions (GAIM) promo season 4 in Lagos on Tuesday. The bank also rewarded loyal customers with cash prizes worth N16 million in the categories of N2 million and N1 million respectively.
The electronic raffle draw, which was held at the bank’s Broad Street Branch, Lagos Island was witnessed by the relevant regulatory bodies including the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), Lagos State Lotteries Board (LSLB) and Consumer Protection Council (CPC). Lucky customers who emerged winners in the draw cut across all regions of the country.
Others are Joseph James Abah; Oghenetega Emmanuel Erus; Blessing Chidinma Okafor; Loveline Uche Okonkwo; Nafisat Ali Lawal; Comfort Ita Asuquo; Mohammed Halima Sadiya, amongst others. The bank doled out 19 consolation prizes in form of fridges, television sets and power generating sets.
Speaking during the event, Managing Director/CEO, Nnamdi Okonkwo, noted it is the bank’s 9th promo in 12 years whilst adding that a total of N16 million and 19 consolation prizes will be given out at the third draw. Okonkwo who was represented the Executive Director, Shared Services and Products, Chijioke Ugochukwu, further added that the draw will see a total of N50 million in cash and 54 consolation prizes to over 93 winners.
“We would have given out a total of N50 million in cash and 54 consolation prizes to over 93 winners. We expect more winners to emerge at subsequent draws because the promo is still on and in addition to the N50 million that we will be giving out, we still have N70 million and several consolation prizes yet to be won”, he said.
Shedding light on how people can qualify for the draw, Head, Savings group, Fidelity Bank Plc, Janet Nnabuko, stated that both existing and new customers can win by simply topping their account with N10,000 for existing customers or someone opening a new account and building it up to N20,000.
She further disclosed that to qualify for the star prize of N3 million one needs to build his account to N50,000 while aspiring for the grand prize of N10 million, one only has to grow his account to N200,000.
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.
L-R: Head, Savings, Fidelity Bank Plc, Janet Nnabuko; Divisional Head, Brand & Communications, Fidelity Bank Plc, Charles Aigbe; Executive Director, Shared Services & Products, Fidelity Bank Plc, Chijioke Ugochukwu; Regional Bank Head (RBH), Lagos Island, Fidelity Bank Plc, Obiajulu Okafor; Head, Lagos Office, Consumer Protection Council (CPC), Sussie Onwuka; during the third monthly draw of the Get Alert in Millions (GAIM) promo season 4 in Lagos on Tuesday.L-R: Divisional Head, Brand & Communications, Fidelity Bank Plc, Charles Aigbe; Executive Director, Shared Services & Products, Fidelity Bank Plc, Chijioke Ugochukwu, during the third monthly draw of the Get Alert in Millions (GAIM) promo season 4 in Lagos on Tuesday.L-R: Divisional Head, Brand & Communications, Fidelity Bank Plc, Charles Aigbe; Executive Director, Shared Services & Products, Fidelity Bank Plc, Chijioke Ugochukwu; Head, Lagos Office, Consumer Protection Council (CPC), Sussie Onwuka; Regional Bank Head (RBH), Lagos Island, Fidelity Bank Plc, Obiajulu Okafor; Head, Savings, Fidelity Bank Plc, Janet Nnabuko; Head Lagos Office, National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), Durugo Nwakuche, during the third monthly draw of the Get Alert in Millions (GAIM) promo season 4 in Lagos on Tuesday.
Nigerian banking group Access Bank just created a subsidiary in Cameroon. With an initial capital of about XAF14.5 billion, the new subsidiary’s headquarters will be in Douala, Cameroon’s economic capital.
The administrative board of this subsidiary is constituted of seven members with only one Cameroonian, the legal notice published for the creation indicates. These members are Patience Melone, Iyabode Soji-Okusanya, Fatai Oladipo, Abraham Aziegbe, Ibukunoluwa Odegbaike, and Elliz Nzo Azu.
Created for a duration of 99 years, the bank has chosen Price Water House Coopers as its external auditor and will operate in the management of current accounts, savings collection, checks payment and credit granting.
As required by the rules in force, the launch of Access Bank Cameroon’s activities in Cameroon is still subject to the issuance, by the Ministry of Finance and the banking commission COBAC, of various legal notices and authorizations to the bank’s shareholders.
If it succeeds in launching its subsidiary in Cameroon, Access Bank Plc will become the 16th commercial bank to operate in the country and will meet one of its compatriots, United Bank of Africa (UBA), on that market. Let’s note that it is entering the Cameroonian market some years after the departure of another Nigerian group, Oceanic Bank International namely.
Some years ago, Oceanic Bank International took over 54.5% of Union Bank of Cameroon’s (UBC) assets saving it from bankruptcy. However, in 2011, Ecobank had to buy Oceanic Bank International’s assets in UBC, which is a well-rooted bank in the Anglophone regions of Cameroon.
Let’s note that last January 15, 2019, Access Bank Plc’s executive director Victor Etokwu announced that apart from the Cameroonian subsidiary, the banking group would create subsidiaries in two other African countries this year. The banking group will then have 18 subsidiaries in Africa.
The foremost financial institution, Access Bank PLC has refuted the alleged arrest of its Group Managing Director, Mr. Herbert Wigwe by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The bank, in a statement signed by Sunday Ekwochi, Company Secretary said the Commission had invited for interrogation officials of Access Bank who were handling the Bank’s recovery efforts on Slok credit including its Group Managing Director
The statement reads “Our attention has been drawn to a trending report on social media regarding the alleged arrest of Mr. Herbert Wigwe, the Group Managing Director of Access Bank Plc (Access Bank) by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (“the Commission”
“We wish to state that the issue essentially relates to the credit facilities that were availed Slok Nigeria Limited (“Slok”) by the defunct Diamond bank Plc (“Diamond”) and which were secured by Slok’s assets charged to Diamond. Access Bank had inherited the Slok credit following the recent merger of Diamond with Access Bank.
“Given the differing interest of the Commission and the Bank on the assets of Slok deriving from the court’s recent judgment on Slok, the Commission had invited for interrogation officials of Access Bank who were handling the Bank’s recovery efforts on Slok credit including its Group Managing Director.
“Following fruitful engagement between the Bank and the Commission, we are of the opinion that the issues relating to Slok investigation have been resolved.
“As an institution built on best practice, we wish to assure our esteemed stakeholders that the Bank will continue to conduct its business in line with extant laws and relations.”
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#.
