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Heritage Bank joins in World Water Day with installation of borehole

Heritage Bank Plc has joined the rest of the globe to celebrate the World Water Day 2021 with plans to assist a community in dire need of clean water by installing a bore hole.

The theme for this year’s WWD 2021 is “Valuing Water,” which focuses on the importance of freshwater and presses for sustainable management of water resources. According to the United Nations, the day is aimed at raising awareness about 2.2 billion people living without access to safe water resources globally.

“The value of water is about much more than its price.” This day is celebrated keeping in line with Sustainable Development Goal number 6 which is aimed at achieving water and sanitation by all for 2030,” UN stated.

It further explained that global water demand is likely to rise by over 50 per cent by 2040.

To this effect, as part of efforts to implement the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) sustainable banking principle, Heritage Bank Plc has instituted a Corporate Social Responsibility’s (CSR) campaign project to assist a community in dire need of clean water by installing a bore hole.

This campaign project, according to the bank will be executed in two phases; the first involves nominations call for community that is in dire need of water will be put on its social platforms from 22nd March 2021, which will run for 30days.

The bank in a statement signed by the Divisional Head, Corporate Communications, Fela Ibidapo, disclosed that thorough research will be conducted on communities that put up for nominations and the most in need will be chosen.

In furtherance, the community leaders would be engaged, which will herald commencement of the project and handing over the borehole to the community.

Speaking on WWD 2021, the MD/CEO of the Bank, Ifie Sekibo said the adoption of the campaign project shows how Heritage Bank values water and making clean water accessible to the under-privilege, living in urban slums and rural areas.

According to him, to access safe water resources globally, higher value must be given to protecting the ecosystem in ensuring good quality water supply.

Sekibo, who further canvassed for the implementation of Sustainable Banking Principle, tasked stakeholders to continually promote the need for more productive value of water, which would bring about developmental impact to society, while protecting the communities and environment in which financial institutions and their clients operate.

Nigerian Made COVID-19 Vaccine Undergoing Clinical Trial – PT

The  Federal Government on Monday said Nigerian scientists have produced two local COVID – 19 vaccines and were awaiting clinical trials and certification.

The government also raised the alarm over reported racketeering of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines in some vaccination centres.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman Presidential Task Force on COVID – 19, Boss Mustapha and Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, said these during the press briefing Presidential Task Force on COVID – 19 in Abuja.

The SGF said, “The disclosure that Nigerian Scientists have produced at least two local COVID – 19 vaccines which are awaiting clinical trials and certification is significant. I call on all relevant agencies to provide the required support and an enabling environment for smooth conduct of the remaining protocols for the certification of these vaccines with a view to encouraging and motivating other researchers.”

The PTF chairman recalled that one year ago on March 21 2020, a total lockdown was declared by the government in some parts of the country due to coronavirus pandemic that hit the nation.

He said, “In the past one year, the socio-economic impact on us cannot be underestimated. Many people lost their livelihood and many people lost loved ones.”

The SGF also said that on Sunday, Nigeria recorded the lowest number of cases so far this year.

He said, “We have also seen a decline in cases in the high burden countries around the African region. This does not call for us to lower our guards as the virus is still potent and virulent. This is the right time to adhere to the full compliance of the NPIs and be vaccinated.”

The SGF said on Sunday, March 21 2021, the PTF received 300,000 doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines from MTN Nigeria.

He commended the organisation and urged other partners to contribute towards the fight against COVID-19.

The PTF boss added that in the past few weeks there were discussions on the KLM and Emirates Airlines services in Nigeria.

He said, “Today, I will like to inform you that KLM has commenced full operations in and out of Nigeria since 15 March, 2021 while operations of the Emirates in and out of the country has been suspended with exemption of Cargo and Humanitarian flights.”

FIRSTBANK CEO LISTS TECHNOLOGY, CAPACITY AS KEY FOR POST COVID-19 GROWTH By Bolaji Israel

…Thumbs up mobile banking (FirstMobile) and USSD (*894#) platforms

Dr Adesola Adeduntan, Chief Executive Officer, First Bank of Nigeria Limited said technology, innovation and enhanced capabilities have become necessary to achieve significant business growth in the post-COVID-19.

Adeduntan made this remark on Thursday during a Digital Disruption Series webinar organised by the Surrey Business School of the University of Surrey, England.

The webinar was themed: “Digital Disruption: How Can Companies Thrive in Africa Post-COVID-19.”

According to the FirstBank boss, it is about studying the environment and leveraging the digital space to proffer solutions tailored to suit emerging challenges

Adeduntan cited FirstMobile, the Bank’s mobile banking and *894# USSD platforms as some of the digital disruptions that had impacted positively on the financial institution, the banking industry and the financial ecosystem as a whole.

“We have the largest bank agents – close to 90,000 – of them spread across the country, helping to bring in people that were financially excluded into the financial system,” he said.

On barriers to growth in creating innovative and indigenous knowledge, the CEO cited capital constraint, social infrastructure and cultural approach as some of the limiting factors encountered by businesses in Africa.

“In Nigeria, to solve the capital constraint, the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Banker’s Committee contribute certain percentage of our profit to a pool of fund to serve as equity for entrepreneurs,” he said.

According to the FirstBank CEO, absence of social infrastructure in African countries has denied citizens the ability to lead better and quality life, thus leading to the migration of many young and brilliant minds from the continent.

He said the bank evolved a deliberate approach in its employment, remuneration, exciting work roles and talent development to inspire and retain its young workforce.

Dr. Adeduntan added that there were significant opportunities in Africa, with over one billion population, while noting that opportunities were available for young and innovative people willing to work smart and hard.

The FirstBank boss noted that the bank had been in existence for 127 years, and had been strategically positioned for exponential growth through its ability to leverage innovation to reinvent itself.

Also speaking at the event, Prof. Kenneth Amaeshi, Thought Leader, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, said COVID-19 had unravelled the need to realign Africa’s institutions, and convert challenges to opportunities.

Amaeshi said African governments should evolve more favourable policies and incentives that would encourage renewed innovation, increase investment in education, research and development and intellectual property protection.

“As much as we want to celebrate technology development in Africa, we need Africans to participate and contribute to the knowledge going on in the digital space,” he said.

FRSC’S SWIFT RESPONSE TO DISTRESS CALL, RESCUES PASSENGERS FROM A DRUNK DRIVER

 

frscThe Ogun State Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps has in a quick response to a distress call, rescued passengers by arresting a drunk driver who was spotted driving so recklessly in such a manner that could lead to road traffic crashes.

According to Bisi Kazeem, the Corps Public Education Officer, the drunk driver was arrested in Kyakyama, Ogere, Ogun State at about 1335HRS when the Sector Commander received a distress call from a passenger who noticed the dangerous way the driver of the vehicle she boarded was driving.

The passenger, one Mrs Matina reported that few minutes into their journey, they noticed that the driver was driving under the influence of alcohol which prompted the passengers to caution him against his recklessness. She revealed that it was when the driver refused to hid to the warning from all the passengers that the passengers got the FRSC call line from the internet and hurriedly put the call through to the FRSC for rescue.

Kazeem stated that upon receiving the call, the Sector Commander ordered a patrol team from RS2.24 Ogere Unit Command immediately to effect the arrest of the driver and ensure the impoundment of the vehicle, whuch was reported to be a white colour Toyota Hiace bus with the following registration details FKJ 991 YA.

Upon arrest and impoundment of the vehicle, the driver was subjected to BAC test and the result was 0.18%, which is extremely higher than the 0.05% permissible by road traffic regulations.

The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi while thanking the passengers, expressed joy over the bravery. He noted that the conduct did not only prove that they were observant enough to discover the recklessness of the driver, but also proves that that Nigerians are also courageous to report dangerous road use behaviour.

He therefore called on the motoring public to emulate the actions of the passengers, emphasising that road safety is a collective responsibility and every body’s business. As such all road users must play their role to ensure their own safety and that of other road users.

He also said that the FRSC toll free numbers 122 is always available 24/7 for emergency and prompt rescue services.

Adamawa Police Command Arrests Kidnappers, Robbers

The Commissioner of Police, Adamawa Police Command, Aliyu Adamu Alhaji, has gone on the offensive against kidnappers and robbers in the State, vowing to ensure that criminal activities are completely rooted out of the State.

This is contained a statement signed by DSP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje,
Police Public Relations Officer of the Command and made available to NAOSRE.
In the statement, the Command stated that on March 20, it apprehended three suspects responsible for the kidnapped of Engineer Elan Jobbo, a principal of VTC Jabbi Lamba, Alhaji Jauro Mamburso and Alkani Zumbe, all of Girei and Song Local government Areas, sometimes May, 2020.
According to the Command, the suspects are 40y ears old Usman Sale, a resident of Muleng, Song Local Government Area; 37 years old Lawali Sale, a resident of Bah Usman Village, Fufore Local Government Area and 36 years old Yerima Alhaji Dadi, a resident of Bah Usman Village, Fufore Local Government Area.
The Command stated further that they were apprehended at their various hideouts in Muleng and Chigari Villages of Song and Fufore Local government areas , following credible information and intense search by the Police and Vigilantes of Song Division.
DSP Nguroje added that investigations so far revealed that the suspects do participate in armed robbery and kidnappings activities across the border between Nigeria and Cameroon Republic.

The Commissioner Police CP Aliyu Adamu Alhaji, while commending the DPO of Song and his men for making it difficult for those criminals to escape arrest , he equally directed further investigations into the case to bring up more human and material evidences for proper prosecution.

Meanwhile, as part of efforts at tackling criminal activities and other related offences, the CP , working in concert to deepen intelligence and strengthen security in the State, has deployed Rapid Respond Team (RRS) and Anti Kidnapping unit of the Command to go after the kidnappers in their hideouts everywhere within the State .

GTBank Releases 2020 Full Year Audited Results……..Reports PBT of ₦238.1 Billion

Guaranty Trust Bank plc has released its Audited Financial Results for the year ended December 31, 2020 to the Nigerian and London Stock Exchanges.

A review of the result shows improved performance across all key financial metrics in the face of the unprecedented challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting the quality of past decisions and reaffirming its position as one of the best managed financial institutions in Africa.
The Group reported Profit before tax of ₦238.1billion, representing a growth of 2.8% over ₦231.7billion recorded in the corresponding year ended December 2019. The Group’s Loan book (Net) grew by 10.7% from ₦1.502trillion recorded as at December 2019 to ₦1.663trillion in December 2020, while Customers’ deposits increased by 38.6% from ₦2.533trillion in December 2019 to ₦3.509trillion in December 2020.
Guaranty Trust Bank’s Balance sheet remained well structured, diversified and resilient with Total assets and Shareholders’ Funds closing at ₦4.945trillion and ₦814.4billion respectively. Full Impact Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) remained very strong, closing at 21.9%, while Asset quality was sustained as NPL ratio and Cost of Risk (COR) closed at 6.4% (Bank: 5.9%) and 1.2% (Bank: 1.0%) in December 2020 from 6.5% (Bank: 6.2%) and 0.3% (Bank: 0.2%) in December 2019 respectively.
Commenting on the financial results, the Managing Director/CEO of Guaranty Trust Bank plc, Mr. Segun Agbaje, said; “2020 was arguably the most challenging year that the world has faced in decades. In such unprecedented times, we sought to live out the full extent of our values; safeguarding lives and livelihoods for our people, our customers and across the communities where we operate.
We were on solid footing going into 2020; the strength, scale and liquidity of our balance sheet, coupled with the quality of our past decisions and the efficacy of our digital-first customer-centric strategy gave us the resilience and flexibility to navigate the economic shocks and market volatility that dominated the year.”
He further stated that; “Amidst the many challenges that persist, we remain ardent believers in Africa’s growth potential. Our world is increasingly digital, and we see it opening new and exciting opportunities for empowering people and uplifting our communities. With our commitment to deepening customer relationships and intense focus on delivering innovative financial solutions, we enter 2021 well-positioned to lead this new world.”
Guaranty Trust Bank plc continues to post the best metrics in the Nigerian Banking industry in terms of all Financial Ratios i.e. Post-Tax Return on Equity (ROAE) of 26.8%, Post-Tax Return on Assets (ROAA) of 4.6%, Full Impact Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) of 21.9% and Cost to Income ratio of 38.2%.
Renowned for its forward-thinking approach to financial services and customer engagement, GTBank was recently ranked Africa’s Most Admired Finance Brand in the 10th-anniversary rankings of Brand Africa 100: Africa’s Best Brands, the pre-eminent survey and ranking of the Top 100 admired brands in Africa. The Bank was also awarded the Best Bank in Nigeria by Euromoney Magazine for a record-extending tenth time and the Euromoney Excellence in Leadership Africa Award for its swift reaction in responding to the Covid-19 crisis and for addressing the impact of the pandemic on its customers and communities.

Primate Ayodele Issues Strong Warnings To African Presidents

The leader of INRI Evangelical spiritual church, Primate Elijah Ayodele has issued strong warnings to some African presidents in a newly released prophecy.

He gave this prophecy during a live service in his church, while making it known that some selected presidents need to seriously seek the face of the lord concerning their health and administration.

He made it known that foresee them having trouble with their health, and if precautions are not taken, the unexpected may happen before the end of their terms.

‘These presidents should be watchful of their health; President Paul Biya Of Cameroon, Denis Sassou Nguesso Of Congo Brazzaville, President Yoweri Museveni Of Uganda President Alassane Dramane Ouattara Of Ivory Coast, President Patrice Talon Of Benin Republic.

I want them to be very watchful of their health, anything may happen, they must pray for good health and long life, they should pray against uprising. These presidents need to handle their health and take necessary precautions so there won’t be trouble as regards their health to avoid the unexpected from happening before the end of their term’’

He also revealed that another dangerous terrorist group will rise up in Africa which will call the attention of the African union to come and check the security state of the African borders.

‘The AU will come to check security in various borders because I foresee a new terrorist like Boko Haram in Africa. It will come from Burkina Faso, Niger, Benin Republic, Nigeria and Chad, these are the places they want to attack’

On Nigeria’s insecurity state, Primate Ayodele again slammed President Buhari, and asked him to be incharge of his government because He is already incapacitated.

He made it known that the President is tired, and that the service chiefs need to seek the face of the Lord to solve the crisis.

‘’President  Buhari must sit right so that this security thing will not cause APC problem in 2023, Nigerians will vote out APC if they don’t do what is right, this will also affect the election and bring out a third force.

Buhari must not give incompetent people government to run, He is not the one ruling, he knows nothing about what is going on in his government. He needs prayers because he is tired, and fed up. He doesn’t understand anymore, He doesn’t know those working with him. They are taking advantage of Buhari’s incapacity.

The service chiefs, DSS, NPF should seek the face of God, the insecurity will become worse, and it will affect the rich. They should come up with local security to also battled this insecurity.

We need to pray so we won’t see the death of any supreme court justice again. With the way insecurity is going, religious and ethnic crisis will come up’’

Furthermore, He released prophecies about other countries, Presidents, and political parties.

 

–          In Congo, there will be a lot of security trouble. Congo will have a political turmoil, there will be a gangup against the President coming back as the president, and it will be hijacked by opposition.

–          South African president will lose a prominent person in his cabinet, there will be crisis in his party, he must handle Covid-19 well

–          Ghanaian President will finish his term without any fear of death as long as he gets closer to God.

–          Africa still needs pray so they wont lose another president in the next one year.

–          PDP will be confused in order to get the right person for presidency 2023

–          People decamping to APC are those who will ruin them, they need to restrategize.

–          Malawi president must be careful of political tension, he will try his best, but there are people who will gang up against him.

–          I see unrest in Benin republic, the president will begin to fight opposition, he must pray for good health, and pray against Terminal illness. The president will not have rest, he will be troubled with misconduct, political tension, unnecessary killing and burning of houses.

 

Donny van de Beek targets Manchester United exit this summer

Donny van de Beek is looking to leave Manchester United at the end of the season, according to reports.

The Netherlands international was signed in a £40 million deal from Ajax last September but has struggled to make an impact since his arriving at Old Trafford.

Van de Beek has started just two games in the Premier League and only 11 matches across all competitions. According to the Daily Star, Van de Beek is concerned over his long-term future and is now looking to move on this summer.

The report also claims that his lack of playing time has harmed his chances of winning a place in the Netherlands squad for their European Championship campaign.

It’s claimed that Van de Beek will speak with United’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward before the season finishes to determine his next move and why he has been overlooked by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The United manager had urged Van de Beek to be patient after he was given little playing time at the start of the season.

But the midfielder was used only sparingly across the winter period when United’s fixture schedule was heavily congested. ‘I wouldn’t say that Donny is happy,’ Solskjaer admitted in January.

‘Of course, he wants to play more, but he gets about his job in the right manner.

‘We are doing well and have got players who are playing really well in his position.’

Van de Beek has not featured for United since February 14 and is currently sidelined with a muscle injury.

 

Basketball Star Lebron James Invest £540m in Sport Group that Own Liverpool FC

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is joining Fenway Sports Group as a partner, giving him an ownership stake in its subsidiaries that include the Boston Red Sox, Liverpool Football Club, Roush Fenway Racing and the regional sports network NESN, sources told ESPN.

James, 36, already owned 2% of Liverpool, the current English Premier League champion. In joining FSG and expanding his investment, James and his business partner Maverick Carter will become the company’s first Black partners.

FSG is among the largest sports ownership entities in the world, and James’ involvement will only increase its reach. In addition to James coming onboard, FSG received a $750 million investment from RedBird Capital Partners, according to The Boston Globe, which first reported James’ ownership stake.

With league rules preventing current players from owning portions of the NBA or WNBA, James, who has earned more than $1 billion in his career, according to Forbes, branched out with a conglomerate that started by owning the Red Sox. FSG’s broad footprint could expand even more with the infusion of cash from RedBird Capital.

FSG bought Liverpool in 2010 for $493 million — and James joined in the investment for a reported $6.5 million. FSG turned down a $2.6 billion bid for the team in August 2018, leaving James with tens of millions in profit from his initial investment.

The investment will also hand FSG a timely boost in the transfer market. With Jurgen Klopp’s side struggling to make the top-four this season, new signings look to be needed.

While Klopp has ruled out wholesale changes of his squad, speculation will now begin about who they might sign. Indeed, it was reported at the weekend that Klopp will prioritise three major signings this summer. Top of Klopp’s agenda are a new attacker to revitalise his ageing strikeforce. And while targets have not been named, several big names, including Kylian Mbappe, have been touted of late.

It will also come as no surprise to see Liverpool targeting defensive reinforcements given their issues this season. The Athletic claims Ozan Kabak is auditioning for a long-term role at Anfield. He signed on loan in January and the Reds do have an option to make the move permanent. However, RB Leipzig’s Ibrahima Konate, Marseille’s Duje Caleta-Car and David Carmo of Braga all remain alternatives.

Klopp will also likely need to sign a replacement for the departing Georginho Wijnaldum in midfield. The Dutchman has continued to be as reliable as ever in the Reds’ engine room, amid swirling uncertainty over whether he will be at the club next season. Wijnaldum’s contract expires at the end of the campaign and no concrete news over an extension has so far surfaced.

James, who has never hidden from his support for Liverpool, nor his wish to take on a greater role has also not been shy about his desire to own an NBA team. At the NBA All-Star Game in 2019, he told reporters that upon his retirement, “I believe if I wanted to, I could own a team or be part of a basketball team. I know I got so much knowledge of the game that I don’t want to, once I stop playing — I just [do not] want to get away from the game.”

In January, when the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream were put up for sale, James tweeted: “Think I’m gone put together an ownership group for The Dream.” He proceeded to help Renee Montgomery, the former WNBA player and activist, meet with commissioner Cathy Engelbert before she joined with two partners to complete the purchase.

With the Red Sox, James gets limited partnership in one of Major League Baseball’s jewel franchises. The team’s estimated value is more than $3 billion, and while it’s expected to lag behind in the competitive American League East division this season, Boston has significantly improved its farm system and should increase its payroll going into the 2022 season after paring back spending the past two years.

James’ connection to FSG goes deeper than his investment in Liverpool. Among the executive producers of the comedy “Survivor’s Remorse,” which aired for four seasons on Starz: James, Carter and Tom Werner, the longtime television producer and chairman of the Red Sox and Liverpool. Werner owns the second-largest stake in FSG behind principal owner John Henry.

James has long said he’s a fan of Boston’s historic rival, the New York Yankees, and publicly rooted for the Los Angeles Dodgers in last year’s World Series.

UBA to Support Businesses on Budgeting and Forecasting, Holds Workshop Today

As part of its continuous effort to catalyse the growth and sustainability of Small and Medium-Scale businesses in Nigeria and Africa, Pan Africa Financial Institution, United Bank for Africa, (UBA) Plc will be hosting its next Business Series on Wednesday, March 17th, 2021.

The UBA Business Series, which is held quarterly, is a capacity building initiative where professional business leaders share insights on best business practices and how entrepreneurs can build a sustainable business empire especially in a challenging business environment in Africa, aggravated by the COVID 19 pandemic.

In this edition, which will be held via Microsoft Teams, UBA will host the founder, Accounting Hub, Chioma Ifeanyi-Eze, a seasoned accountant with years of experience across multinationals including PWC.

Ifeanyi-Eze will be speaking on Budgeting and forecasting for Business Growth and will give tips to business owners and intending start-ups on practical ways to ensure their businesses survive and thrive and essential strategies on how to recover and mitigate losses especially in these difficult operating environments in Africa and beyond

The open event will be held virtually by 2pm WAT on Wednesday, March 17, 2021 and interested participants can register via this link: http://bit.ly/UBASMEWorkshopMarch2021

UBA’s Group Head, Consumer and Retail Banking, Sampson Aneke, who spoke ahead of the event, said that far beyond banking services, UBA is interested in ensuring that customers and entrepreneurs run businesses that can stand the test of time, adding that the Business Series, will assist to arm business leaders with all the knowledge and experience required to take their businesses to the next level.

He said, “Even in this period of the pandemic, it is interesting to note that some businesses are still making it big. How? you will ask, these are some of the questions we will address in our seminar on Wednesday.

“Chioma Ifeanyi Eze, who is experienced in every sense of the word is willing to share insight with others on ways to grow their business and put it on firm footing as we try to move beyond this pandemic. I will advise everyone to tune in, even if you do not have a business, it is an opportunity to learn something new,” Aneke said.

This novel initiative is a quarterly enterprise championed by UBA, and has been instrumental in helping to support and elevate businesses to new highs for many years now.

United Bank for Africa is a leading pan-African financial institution offering banking services to more than twenty million customers globally. With footprint in 20 African countries and presence globally in the United Kingdom, the USA and France, UBA is connecting people and businesses across Africa through retail, commercial and corporate banking, innovative cross border payments and remittances, trade finance and ancillary

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