Barely 48 hours after Bauchi and Gombe State governments received 3 ambulances and 50,000 facemasks each from BUA Group to combat the rising cases of COVID-19 pandemic, another 3 fully equipped ambulances and 50,000 reusable facemasks have been donated to the Kaduna State Government. This is in addition to a N100million donation given by BUA to the state government at the height of the pandemic.
While handing over the donations to Governor Nasir El Rufai of Kaduna State, Aliyu Idi Hong, the Government Relations Director of BUA Group, who represented Abdul Samad Rabiu, Founder & Chairman of BUA, expressed worry over the recent rise in cases of Covid-19 especially in Africa.
Hong who commended the Kaduna government for its untiring effort in curbing the spread of the virus in the state added that BUA as an indigenous conglomerate will keep committing resources towards ensuring that citizens of Nigeria are protected against the COVID-19.
He said the fully equipped ambulances will assist in the conveyance of patients, specifically for COVID-19 and other medical emergencies
Receiving the donations, Governor Nasir El Rufai noted that BUA had earlier donated one hundred million naira to boost the COVID-19 fight in the state and thanked the BUA Chairman, Abdul Samad Rabiu for the kind gesture.
“I thank the management of BUA for this generous gesture. It is not the first time Abdul Samad Rabiu has assisted Kaduna State. He gave us one hundred million naira and other donations in kind. I am not only pleased to receive these donations but to hear that more help is on the way.
“This pandemic is still with us, it is still infecting people at a very rapid rate particular here in Kaduna state. So we are very concerned and every assistance we get, we appreciate”.
Since the start of the pandemic, BUA has so far committed over N8billion in cash donations, food stuff, infrastructure, medical supplies and equipment, amongst others.
US based Nigerian reggae musician and actor The Ras General has dropped a new single ‘How Long’, a song inspired by current events happening around the world.
A former member of the Rasta Officers Band, the first reggae family band to come out of africa formed with his three brothers as members.
The Ras general (Given name, Stanley Onwu) would soon relocate to Ghana where he became a member of the Twelve Tribes of Israel Organisation where he met another rasta bredren by the name Ras Korby and together they formed another band known as The Nazarite VowBand, one of the biggest and most militant reggae outfits in Ghana at the time.
The Ras General always on the move later migrated to the united States of America, where he still resides with his family.
The artiste who is also an Actor, Poet, Movie Producer, Writer and Singer has performed alongside many local and international acts including reggae legends like Mutabaruka, Yesus Afari, Culture, Don Carlos, Buju Banton and Toots Hibberts just to mention a few.
He also played a major role alongside Jamaican movie star Paul Campbell in the movie ‘The Jamaican Mafia.’
His brand new single ‘How Long’ released under his Peoples’ Army music label is currently enjoying massive airplay on reggae shows on local radio stations across the country and on other radio stations across the west african coast.
The song is also available for download on social media platforms.
All is set for the digital financial inclusion summit as Ecobank Nigeria, in partnership with Vanguard Economic Forum Series, convenes top minds in the industry on a discussion centering around Digital Financial Inclusion. The virtual summit is slated for 8th of December, 2020.
The Speakers and panelists who are subject matter experts in digital transformation and financial inclusiveness were carefully drawn from the banking, regulatory bodies, telecoms and other key sectors of the economy notably Jimoh Itopa, Director Payment System Management, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Alan Sinfield, current CEO 9mobile, Ronke Kuye, CEO, Shared Agent Network Expansion Facilities Limited (SANEF), Jacqueline Juma of EfinA a transformative specialist in Digital Financial Services (DFS), Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of Alton, and Kolawole Olanike, Head Agency Banking, Ecobank Nigeria.
According to a statement from Ecobank and Vanguard, Alan Sinfield, CEO 9mobile is a telecoms expert with vast international and operational expertise and experience in wireless telecoms, fintech, and banking sectors spanning over 30 years. He had been a CEO at Ooredoo (Starlink), a subsidiary of Qatar Telecommunications Group.
Ronke Kuye, is the Chief Executive Officer of Shared Agent Network Expansion Facilities Limited (SANEF). Ronke has over 24 years experience in banking, cards and Payment systems and e-business, Operations, Process Transformation and Project Management.
Jacqueline Juma, a transformative specialist in Digital Financial Services (DFS), currently serves as the Head, Digital Financial Services at EFInA.
Also listed as panelist is Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, the Chairman of Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) and Kolawole Olanike, Head Agency Banking in Ecobank.
Announcing the Summit in Lagos recently, Head, Consumer Banking, Olukorede Demola-Adeniyi said the Summit will provide a platform to discuss the need for a comprehensive alignment of policy and regulatory frameworks among regulators like CBN, NCC, NITDA to support a sustainable digital financial inclusion growth, examine key issues and ways of advancing digital financial inclusion for women, youths and MSMEs and discuss the role of interoperability in mobile payment innovation. Further she mentioned that the role and impact of agency banking for financial inclusion growth will be x-rayed as well as the need for public and private sector investments in internet infrastructure and mobile connectivity growth in rural areas.
Also, Jude Ndu, Director Vanguard Conferences and The Economic Forum Series, said the Summit would help Ecobank communicate and connect with Nigeria’s largely unbanked population on the urgent need to adopt and subscribe to innovative digital payment channels like the *326# and financial service offerings to close the large financial Inclusion gap and a direct response the economic challenge post COVID-19. Participants can register by visiting the url —http://bit.ly/2Fj5Mvm.
The Ecobank Digital Series is a virtual programme organised by Ecobank to educate and enlighten the public on crucial issues of public interest, especially as it relates to their financial freedom.
The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), in its commitment to ensure that residents at the grassroots have access to affordable, effective and quality healthcare, has partnered with First Bank of Nigeria Limited to utilise its over 13,000 Firstmonie Agents as payment channels for the Lagos State Health Scheme (LSHS).
The General Manager, Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, made the disclosure during the flag off of the partnership in Alausa, saying that the partnership became necessary to facilitate ease of health insurance premium transactions for residents, especially at the grassroots.
She noted that FirstBank was selected for the partnership in recognition of its effectiveness, efficiency and large clientele base.
“The Agency realised that not all residents can go to the Bank or use online platforms for the payment of their health insurance premiums, hence the Agency identified the need for other payment platforms such as the Firstmonie Agents”, Dr. Zamba explained.
Asserting that the partnership would avail residents the opportunity to pay either N40,000 annually for family plan or N8,500 annually for individual plan through any of the Firstmonie Agents, the General Manager said that once the insurance premium is paid before 25th of every month, such enrollee can receive care from the first day of the following month at any public or private hospital of their choice within the scheme’s network of providers.
While commending the good gesture of First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Dr. Zamba urged other corporate and multinational organisations to support the Agency towards ensuring that Lagos residents, irrespective of their tribal, cultural or religious differences, access quality healthcare.
The General Manager disclosed that efforts are being intensified to ensure that residents can also enrol for the Scheme at any of the Firstmonie Agents situated within their localities.
The Deputy Managing Director, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Mr. Gbenga Shobo, who commended the Lagos State Government for its determination in ensuring the good health and wellbeing of all residents, said “the initiative will have a crucial role at improving the life expectancy of Lagos residents, whilst promoting their increased contribution to the growth and development of the State”.
He implored residents not to hesitate to pay their health insurance premiums at any of the Firstmonie Agents located in all the local governments and local council development areas in the State in order to have their health secured.
Shobo advised residents in the State to register and enrol in the Scheme in order to enjoy the good gesture of the present administration led by Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.
Chief of Army Staff, Gen T. Y. Buratai teeing off at the golf resort
It is a gathering of Generals both serving and retired, dignitaries from all walks of life were also present as the Nigerian Army under the leadership of Lt. Gen Tukur Yusuf Buratai officially launch of the TYB International Golf Resort and the foundation laying of the its clubhouse.
The event which took place at the premises of Mambilla Barracks have in attendance the representative of the Corps Marshall General of the Federal Road Safety Corps, representatives of Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC) and representative of Nigerian Golf Federations (NGF) as well as for captain of Ikoyi Golf Club, Brigadier General Musbau Amolegbe and other dignitaries and golf lovers.
In his opening speech the Chairman of the golf resort Lt. Gen. Lamidi Adeosun is full of thanks to the Chief of Army Staff who he said conceive the vision of constructing the golf course from what was in the plan to what can presently boast of 18 holes, and also making sure that a befitting clubhouse was also added to replace the temporary gazebo currently serving that purpose.
The golf course which was formerly known as Eagle International Golf Resort and Country Club is formerly owned and maintained by members of the armed forces of Nigeria both serving and retired. The latest level was however the innovation pioneered by the club’s Life Patron who is the Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, whose aim is to establish a world class golf course to encourage recreation and sporting activities amongst Nigerian Army personnel and other services as well as the provision of conducive golfing experience for other golfers.
The golf resort covers an expanse of 230 acres of land and house a temporary clubhouse with the new clubhouse works set to begin. The permanent clubhouse which will include facilities for multipurpose center, driving roads, parking lots, storage facilities, equipment maintenance and shopping center.
The establishment of the golf course within the barracks community was significant in that it has enhanced civil military relationship and has provided a veritable avenue for engagements of youths within the barracks as caddies who are also aspiring to be golfers in future.
Chief of Army Staff T.Y. Buratai in his speech was happy at the turn of event for deciding to use the land for the purpose it was earmarked for in the Abuja master plan. He was full of praise for the work prudently done with scarce resources to take the resort to its current state, he also wants the army to constructively engage energetic youths both male and female to expose them to opportunities that may be impossible to access when left on their own.
Gen Buratai, was happy that the resort recent tournament stands as the first of such where female golfers were allowed to showcase their talents in a professional golf tournament in the country, and that it affirms that the country has the talents to compete at global level if given appropriate exposure and support and in an effort to ensure the sustenance of the tournament the CAoS decided that the professional and amateur of the golfing event be made an annual event of the army.
He also promised that the newly commissioned clubhouse will be completed in no time so that people will be able to make use of the facilities for the betterment of the country sporting world. He also appreciated Gen Amolegbe who had promised to write to Garmin to calibrate the Tukur Yusuf Buratai International Golf Resort on the international golf watch.
She is definitely not a rookie when it comes to the business of luxury Real Estate in Nigeria; Tayo Kimberly Adejumo, the head honcho of Kimberly’s Apartment, has registered her entry into the luxury real estate business with special interest in; shortlets apartment, interior decoration, smart home construction, furniture/ housewares procurement and building consultancy. Kimberly’s is a real estate conglomerate which houses subsidiaries like; Kimberlysapartment, Kimberlyspremiumrentals, Kimberlyshomes and KimberlysBuildersmart.
Before venturing into the shortlets/real estate business, she started with a flat at an highbrow area where she resides in Lagos. With her love and passion for interior decoration, real estate and customer service delivery, she was able to extend her tentacles into having over 50 shortlets apartment under her watch in Lagos. For the hard work she is putting into the real estate business, she earned the sobriquet ‘Doyen of Luxury Shortlet Apartment’ in Nigeria. Not only that, her company was also certified and verified by I-PRAC; a world acclaimed platform that vet property owners for customers in order to avert fraudulent practice. Take a visit round her shortlets apartment across Lagos, it’s a mecca of sorts for Nigerians and foreign travelers who love comfort laced with luxury. All her shortlets apartments are fully equipped with up-to-date state-of-the-art home facilities and the best of well-trained customer-oriented staffs.
The Osun State born business entrepreneur, has never settled for less since her foray into the highly competitive industry. Travelling from the popular Burj Khalifa in Dubai to the Silicon Valley region in California to the 7th arrondissement in Paris France to the Knightsbridge in West London, she is fully armed with an impeccable taste and eye for quality. She draws inspirations from eyepopping renaissance and medieval era designs across the world. This has enabled her stay afloat among competitors. Within a short period of 7 years into the business, she has designed and recreated many beautiful palatial jaw dropping homes across Lagos, Nigeria. Many kept wondering how she was able to achieve so much in a male dominated industry. With passion, dedication, resilient, steadfastness, love for excellence and fervent prayers, she was able to crest her name in Gold.
The well-travelled cosmopolitan affable graduate of Public Administration from Imo State University, Owerri, is not giving out to mediocrity. She strongly believes in her mission statements which give special preference to Quality, Integrity, Satisfaction and Hospitality. Upholding these virtues has helped her flourish tremendously. Undeterred about the challenges ahead, Tayo is steadily blazing the trail with her Midas touch of Gold. If you are looking to invest in Real Estate or give out your apartment to a shortlets manager, she is the go-to person. Her high-profile list of clienteles can confidently go to sleep trusting her profound managerial skills with integrity. As the year 2021 beacons, she is planning a massive take over. With lots of construction projects underway, she will give her competitors a run for their money.
Ecobank Group made N461.2 billion revenue in nine months for the period ended 30th September 2020, representing nine per cent increase against the corresponding period of last year. In its audited report submitted to the Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE) on Friday, the pan African bank also recorded superlative performance in other key financial indices despite the harsh operating environment.
Summary of the report showed that gross earnings increased by 0.4 per cent to N 613.1 billion; total assets nudged up by nine per cent to N 9.430 trillion during the period under review as against the period of last year. Also, deposits from customers increased to N 6.686 trillion representing 13 per cent and total equity went up by three per cent at N 708.6 billion.
However, despite the bank’s good showing in deposits from customers, revenue and gross earnings, profits was impacted by the provisioning of about N60.5 billion for goodwill for the acquisition of Oceanic Bank in 2011. The bank said it is optimistic that with the clean book aftermath of the full provisioning for Oceanic Bank, it will improve on its profitability for the year end. Profit before tax and goodwill impairment close at N 95.1 billion.
His Royal Majesty, Alaiyeluwa Oba Adeoriyomi Oluwasesan Abdul-Akeem Oyebo, {Ademoyebo 11} Obateru of Egbin Royal Kingdom, Ikorodu, Lagos, has joined the league of speakers in the 2020 Security Annual Dinner / Discourse Programme organized by the National Association of Online Security Reporters, NAOSRE.
The highly respected traditional ruler confirmed his attendance on Friday, December 4 at a meeting which held at his Palace in Ikorodu, Lagos when NAOSRE executives led by Mrs. Favour Benson visited him.
In her presentation, Favour Benson, who is the immediate past President of NAOSRE, extolled the sterling leadership qualities of Oba Abdul-Akeem Oyebo.
She hinted that the choice of the Obateru as a representative of the traditional institution in the security dinner event stems from his commitment to security and safety, a development that ranks his kingdom as investor’s haven.
In his response, the highly respected Oba appreciated the invite extended to him by NAOSRE and promised to be physically present to lend his voice to security issues for safer Nigeria.
The 2020 Annual Dinner / Discourse Programme which holds by 5pm prompt on Friday, December 11, 2020 at Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, is the association’s annual evening of get-together, in a convivial environment, to review security issues and re enact media strategies in playing crucial role of professionally bridging the gap of information between security agents and the public.
The Nigerian Army Theatre Command Operation Lafiya Dole, has warned individuals, communities of the implications and dangers of collaborating with Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and other criminal elements in the society
The warning was contained in a press statement issued by Colonel Ado Isa, the Deputy Director Public Relations, Theatre Command Operation Lafiya Dole on Friday and made available to National Association of Online Security Reporters, NAOSRE.
The Nigerian Army said that some ‘unscrupulous elements’ engage in help service, collaboration and support, ranging from providing information and intelligence on troops and law abiding citizens, to logistics supply and trading with the terrorists.
According to the Command “In particular, certain communities in the general areas of Benisheik, Jakana, Mainok, Magumeri, Gajiram and Gubio, all in Borno State have been identified as harbouring these unpatriotic and heartless criminal elements. This account for high level of terrorists activities and general insecurity that results in casualties in those areas.
“Consequently, the Theatre Command Operation Lafiya Dole wishes to inform all those involved in these dastardly acts to stop it forthwith. Anyone caught will face the full wrath of the law as we will not tolerate anyone sabotaging our concerted counterterrorism and counterinsurgency efforts through collaboration with the Boko Haram terrorists.
“We may also be compelled to come out hard on any community or groups that support or collaborate with terrorists in any way or form. or act as buffer or harbour zone to these criminals”.
The command further warned groups or communities who fraternize with Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists, assuring them that the military will deal with anyone found wanting.
“We also wish to warn all groups or communities hobnobbing with Boko Haram/ISWAP to sever such relations or the military takes drastic action against such defaulters,” he stated.
Distinguished Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah, representing Kebbi South and Senate Committee Chairman, Air Force is billed to deliver a key note address at the December 11 National Association Of Online Security Reporters, NAOSRE, 2020 Annual Dinner/ Discourse Programme.
The Annual Dinner / Discourse Programme is NAOSRE’s annual evening of get-together, in a convivial environment, to review security issues and re enact media strategies in playing crucial role of professionally bridging the gap of information between security agents and the public.
The annual event is billed to have in attendance practitioners from print, online and electronic media.
Other notable personalities expected at the event which holds at Oriental Hotel, Lagos include billionaire businessman, Honourable Prince Ned Nwoko and Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu.
Speaking about the event, President of the media association, Mr. Oyewale Femi emphasized that “This end of year security get-together is planned to significantly strengthen the communication fabrics between security operatives and citizens for a safer Nigeria,” he said.
Representatives of service chiefs and key players in the corporate security sector are also expected at the event.
