Daring the Odds. 2020 will go down as one year that shocked everyone. It didn’t matter what plans you had hatched prior to the year or the thoughts you have penned down in your diary; 2020 surprised everyone. It took a lot for many to come to terms and the year took flight and seemed like nothing will work.
Many would argue that the things we adopted during the peak of the pandemic weren’t new things, they only got prominence. Such is the story of business, innovation and principles.
As it has been widely acknowledged, principles are global and can be adopted/adapted, so is the fact that nothing is new in business – if you are toying with an idea in your head, and delaying execution, someone else will spring same idea even in better forms.
With the effects of the pandemic biting hard on lives of individuals and their businesses, Thinking School Nigeria stepped into the arena where the giants feared to walk. The team designed programmes and products to help Nigerians mitigate the effects of covid19 on their businesses. It wasn’t the first time Thinking School dared the odds.
In 2016, Thinking School took a risk on entrepreneurial virgins and incubated them, today they’re doing fine with quality service and unique customer care service in agriculture, confectioneries, fashion and agro allied industries. In the words of the founder, Michael Olaniyan, “Our knack for asking the right questions and ignoring sentiment is what pushes us to be better – and when we dare the odds, it is not for show off. We interrogate our situations analytically and tow the path with the highest possible return.”
When their free online classes took full force in March, it looked like it won’t go far but here we’re today. The class held every week for 7 months and counting, bringing to bare the team’s wealth of experience and technical ability to deliver time worthy and future proof steps to business and career development.
The Project manager, Abayomi Sarumi says, “We dare the odds and we question the status quo but we never lose sight of our realities. We are not bent on dishing contents and forgetting the core of our message. This is what sets us apart – our message keys into the reality of Nigerians and it’s why we can easily help individuals and businesses.”
Pan African financial institution, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has said that the recently embarked transformation of its processes is to ensure that customers’ expectations are not only met but surpassed while enjoying seamless and world-class banking services.
In ensuring this, the bank has embarked on several initiatives that include streamlining and automating its processes, upgrading technology, training, and rewarding staff excellence all towards ensuring that customers enjoy the very best of services.
UBA’s Head of Operations, Alex Alozie, who explained this during a virtual media parley on Wednesday, October 7, 2020, to mark the 2020 Customer Service Week, said the bank has intensified its focus on putting the customer first whilst still reaffirming its leadership position.
Alozie said that in line with this year’s theme, the ‘Dream Team’, which embodies UBA’s core goals, the bank has recorded considerable milestones in its journey.
He said, “In the last one year we have embarked on an intensive drive to transform our services across all service touchpoints including but not limited to banking halls, channels – internet, mobile, USSD, etc in Nigeria, Africa, and territories where we operate. We have ensured that our customers enjoy self-service, where they can carry out their transactions seamlessly on their devices, without visiting the banking hall. This has further boosted customers’ confidence as the services provide ease and convenience, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Honestly, I will say that the pandemic brought out the best of us. With newly improved products like UBA Connect – where our customers can carry out transactions from anywhere in the world – and our recently improved Mobile App, our uptime has improved significantly, and our branch operations have also recorded considerable improvement. All these are the outcome of the transformation journey which we embarked upon,” Alozie noted.
He added that there have been cases of failed transactions, and the bank has taken relevant corrective and preventive actions for service improvement.
UBA’s Group Head, Marketing and Customer Experience, Michelle Nwoga, pointed out that the bank is focused on being more intentional in the quality of service delivery to customers. She added that strategic initiatives have been implemented to deliver a differentiated experience to customers across all service touchpoints.
According to her, UBA is keen on meeting the demands of today’s diversified customer base by focusing on innovation, process re-engineering, experience optimization, and technology upgrade, etc. This is all in our effort to improve our service delivery, improve our customers’ satisfaction, and deepen our market share.
“Apart from this, we have also embarked on thoroughly equipping our people to deliver exceptional service, while also leveraging on data for insight to guide business decision making. We are no longer a one-size-fits-all organization, as we now personalize services based on individual specific demands; this is largely because we know that the customer is the only one that matters, and we tailor all our activities in line with their expectations,” Nwoga noted.
The Customer Service Week is celebrated annually all over the world and recognizes the importance of customer service and seeks to show appreciation to the staff who serve and support customers with the highest degree of care and professionalism.
United Bank for Africa Plc is a leading Pan-African financial institution, offering banking services to more than twenty-one million customers, across over 1,000 business offices and customer touchpoints, in 20 African countries.
With a presence in the United States of America, the United Kingdom, 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 banking services.
New-age financial solutions powerhouse, Zedcrest Group celebrated the 2020 Customer Service Week with series of customer reward and staff recognition activities as a show of appreciation for their unalloyed loyalty to the group.
According the company, it decided to celebrate the theme of this year’s Customer Service Week – ‘Dream Team’ in line with Nigeria’s 60th Independence Anniversary as the strength of Zedcrest Group lies in the diversity of her people who share common aspirations for a better Nigeria.
In a statement issued to journalists at the company’s head office in Lagos, Group Managing Director of Zedcrest, Mr. Adedayo Amzat said “joining the global community in commemorating Customer Service Week has become a cherished tradition for Zedcrest Group, as it provides the company with an invaluable opportunity to specially thank its esteemed customers for the privilege of being their preferred financial solutions partner”.
“As a Group, we are building inter-connected financial solutions across Africa. We are demonstrating the beauty of our diversity through a show of our culture during this year’s event”, he said.
“Our people are the key drivers of our success. Even though, all our employees come from diverse backgrounds, we share a few aspirations in common: a hunger for exploration, willingness to challenge conventional thinking and desire to provide one-of-a-kind financial solutions to our clients. This is a special week we are also using to appreciate our staff for their contributions to our vision of being a leading African investment firm with enviable track record in building wealth across the productive sectors of the economy.
“For our customers, we have series of engaging activities lined up for them across all our social media platforms (Zedcrest Capital, Zedvance Finance, Zimvest & Zedcap Partners). All our customers and even prospects stand a chance to win lots of mouth-watering prizes throughout the week.
“For our staff, we have different dress code for each day in celebration of our culture and we have also designed other activities such as customer experience training, games, treasure hunt, trivia and reward and recognition awards for them”, he explained.
This year’s Customer Service Week holds from October 5 – 9, 2020 across the world. The theme for this year – Dream Team – is colorfully illustrated in a red, blue, and gold logo and is imprinted on a wide-range of exclusive decorations, gifts, rewards, stress relievers, puzzles, handouts, and more for use during the Week. The theme reflects the importance of teamwork in providing outstanding service to all customers.
Our Brother, Uncle, Father and Friend, Hon, Otunba Taiwo Joseph popularly known and addressed as “OTJ” It gladdens my heart to join your admirers and well wishers all over the world to celebrate you on the auspicious occasion of your Diamond anniversary 60th birthday, a milestone in the annals of a man’s sojourn on earth.
“OTJ” as you are fondly called, there’s no gainsaying that our dear state, hometown is blessed to have a diligent team player like you, whose doggedness for a better Erukucity, Kwara State project is unquestionable. I say again that we are all lucky to have a natural leader of men like you pull through the rigours of several pranks of life to attain the diamond jubilee mark with avalanche of accomplishments.
As you begin to ride through the elderly steers of life, the good Lord, the ultimate giver of life shall give you life all round, such that we will have you around enduringly enough for benefit of mankind. You are a rare gift to Erukucity and I will remain proud to be associated with you.
The Board of Trustees and Governing Board of the Environmental Rights Development Foundation (ERDF)/Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria have learnt of a purported General Assembly called on October 7, 2020 by recently disengaged executive director of ERA/FoEN, Dr. Godwin Uyi Ojo in Benin City.
The Board would not have considered the illegal convening worth being given any attention but for the stakeholders of ERA/FoEN who might be scandalized if the Board remains silent.
To put the records straight, Godwin Uyi Ojo was removed from the Trusteeship of the ERA/FoEN in 2015 following allegations of gross misconduct and actions inimical to peace and progress of the organisation.
Similarly, the Board had on October 3, 2020 held an Emergency meeting where the decision to relieve Godwin Ojo of his appointment as executive director was taken. The decision followed the report of an independent evaluation of the organisation commissioned by the Board. The evaluation concluded that: “The current ED who is by nature of the position ultimately responsible for the day to day functioning of the organization and staff management appears to be out of his depth, lacking both leadership and management sufficient to the task”.
Members of the Board who signed Ojo’s Ouster are Nnimmo Bassey, Dr. Ike Okonta, Dr. Joe-Okei Odumakin, Professor Margaret Okorodudu-Fubara, Akinbode Oluwafemi and Daphne Wysham.
Instead of abiding by the decision of the Board, Ojo has been involving himself in illegalities including the purported General Assembly Meeting where he brought together faceless civil society groups.
The Board uses this medium to restate that Ojo is no longer a member of ERA/FoEN and does not in any way represent the organisation in any capacity. The public should take note.
Emerging facts have confirmed that Ondo State Deputy Governor, Mr. Agboola Ajayi is now working against his own interest and that of his new political party, the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) in Saturday’s election as part of a larger plan to sabotage the chances of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate and state governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu.
Agboola Ajayi, has allegedly received N3.6 billion from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), in order to step down for its candidate, Mr. Eyitayo Jegede and also further malign Governor Akeredolu in arrangement that he personally admitted will shortchange the people of Ondo State.
A source that is familiar with the development revealed that the deputy governor got the offer during a late-night meeting at the residence of a PDP stalwart in the state capital, Akure late on Monday.
The source who declined to be named out of concern for his personal safety further disclosed that “As a show of good faith that the PDP will keep up its side of the bargain, the party Chieftains at the meeting were immediately able to raise N1.57 billion with a promise to give His Excellency (Deputy Governor Agboola Ajayi) the remaining N2 billion before results are announced.
“The idea is that the Deputy Governor will supply damaging information on the governor while a second layer of the strategy is for Ajayi to do a last-minute midnight broadcast in which he will withdraw from the race and urge his supporters to vote for PDP and Eyitayo Jegede.
“The deputy governor was able to drive the offer up to N3.6 billion by reminding the PDP chieftains that what they were asking him to do was against the interest of the state, but they pointed out to him that he was being adequately compensated,” the source explained.
The PDP however reportedly rejected Ajayi’s demand that Jegede will discard his running mate, Gboluga Ikengboju as deputy governor within three months and replace him with ZLP candidate if he should win the election. One of those in attendance at the meeting dismissed the request on the ground that the Deputy Governor’s recent short stay in the PDP will make stakeholders wary of such arrangement
The Board of Trustees of the Environmental Rights Development Foundation (ERDF) has announced the appointment of Chima Williams Esq as Acting Executive Director of Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) following the disengagement of Godwin Uyi Ojo’s executive directorship effective from 3rd October 2020.
The Board took the decision at an emergency meeting held on October 3, 2020. Chima William’s appointment takes effect from October 5, 2020.
In a statement by the Board Chairman of ERDF, Nnimmo Bassey, “the Board appreciates the work that the former executive director did while in the organization and wishes him well in his future endeavors. We remain hopeful and excited for the next chapter of ERA/FoEN”.
Until his appointment, Chima Williams was Head of Legal Resources/Democracy Outreach of ERA/FoEN. Williams is a consummate legislative and policy change advocate who believes in globally enforceable environmental and human rights standards by all business operators to ensure respect for the environmental and human rights of local communities.
A lawyer, Williams is President, Green Alliance Nigeria and is in his second term as an Editorial Board Member of Business and Human Rights Journal published by Cambridge University Press, London. He is Country Focal Person and Regional Chairman, Publicity Committee of Public Interest Lawyering Initiative for West Africa, among other positions he holds.
Williams has utilized campaigns, advocacy, mobilization, policy and legislative interventions and litigation at both national and trans-national spheres to contribute towards the protection of citizens’ rights, especially against the destructive practices of the extractive industry.
He was the Nigerian Lawyer to the Ikebiri Kingdom in their case against the Multi-National Oil Company ENI/NAOC in Milan, Italy where the King of Ikebiri Community is suing NAOC-ENI for environmental disaster in his community. The case was settled out of Court with the Ikebiri people gaining enormous benefits from the company.
He is currently involved in monitoring the implementation of an Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Complaint Process following the successful outcome in the complaint of Egbema Voice of Freedom & 2 Others Vs. ENI/NAOC in Aggah Community of Rivers State. This process involves the removal of perennial flooding occurrences that have ravaged the community for over 40 years.
He is the Principal Partner of CHIMA WILLIAMS & ASSOCIATES – a Nigerian Law Firm. He is a Solicitor and Advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria with over 19 years of litigation experience in the areas of human/environmental rights, livelihoods protection/defence, land rights, property rights, criminal and civil litigations.
My attention has been drawn to a rash of social media posts concerning my health and the inhuman manner in which it is being orchestrated to look as if it was as a result of the outcome of the September 19, 2020 Edo State Governorship election in which I publicly supported Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.
It is evidently ungodly for people to gloat over the fact that I am not feeling well. God does not approve of such disposition and those who engage in that pastime are only mocking and playing God.
I have never claimed to be a superhuman being. I do not deny the fact that I am not well. I am outside the country for my medicals, which were delayed because of the lockdown occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic.
After a series of tests, my doctors confirmed that I have some health issues.
It is, therefore, ill-advised and inhuman for those who are not comfortable with the position I took in the Edo election to joyfully circulate in the social media that I have health issues and that I have slid into coma. Well, I leave them all to God.
I am over 60 years. I thank God who gave me the gift of life, an opportunity to live a good life, the grace to build a legacy of achievements and, most importantly, a good name, which is better than silver and gold.
I hold dearly to heart the words of the scriptures that there is a time to be born; and a time to die. But what is most important in life is what I have done with my life. And, this applies to every mortal being.
Edo election, which is the reason they are doing this, has come and gone. Those who are opposed to me for taking a position in the election, which they won, should leave me alone and get busy with their life.
I have moved on with life. I advise them to do the same instead of dwelling in the past. Nevertheless, I wish them well in all they do.
God is on His throne and to Him be all glory, honour and adoration.
Captain (Dr) Idahosa Wells Okunbo, JP
Tuesday, October 6, 2020
Odumosu Hakeen, Lagos Commissioner of Police has gone tough on prevailing indiscipline amongst officers under his command.
The Lagos Commissioner’s renewed vow to stamp out indiscipline follows public outcry over seeming unethical operational modes amongst officers. The development had prompted Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar Adamu’s directive on strict compliance to ethical standards.
The IGP’s directive was contained in a press statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Frank Mba. In the statement, IG frowns at officers’ disobedience to the rules of engagements in some units.
In compliance with the IG’s directive, Odumosu, on Sunday, through a statement by Superintendent Olumuyiwa Adejobi vows to arrest erring officers. “Lagos Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, has vowed to arrest, dismiss and prosecute any erring police officers and men who disobey the directives in Lagos State.”
According to Adejobi, the Commissioner of Police re-echoed the IGP’s directive in his Ikeja office on Sunday 4th October, 2020. In the statement, Odumosu ordered his monitoring teams to go after, arrest and prosecute any personnel of police tactical squads, including Federal Special Anti Robbery Squad(FSARS), SARS, Special Tactical Squad (STS), Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Anti Kidnapping, Anti Cultism, or Anti Robbery teams or under any nomenclature from Lagos command or any formations within Lagos State, engaging in Stop and Search and any other low-risk operations like patrol; and operating on mufti, against the directives of the Inspector-General of Police.
CP Hakeem Odumosu reinstated that any police officer who wants to embark on patrol, Stop and Search, checking of information etc must be on official police uniform with identification cards conspicuously hanged on his or her chest.
He further ordered that the Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers in Lagos State must discourage and kick against the use of commercial buses or unbranded vehicles for such operations, except on surveillance or decoy, which must be approved personally by the Commisioner of Police.
The police chief also vowed to hold any Area commander and Divisional Police Officer where police harassment, brutality or extortion occurs, vicariously accountable and shall accordingly be disciplined.
While encouraging members of the public to report any ugly and unprofessional conducts of the police to the command via the Public Complaint Bureau phone digits: 09057597931, 09010512350, 09010512348 and 09090003792, he affirmed his commitment to sanitize policing system in Lagos Command and achieve people-oriented Nigeria Police Force in Nigeria.
The Lagos Employment Trust Fund in partnership with the United State African Development Foundation have opened application portal where Lagosians desiring to acquire skills in Construction and other Vocational trades under various sectors can apply to attend the sponsored training that will arm them with sellable skills.
Deadline for application is Friday, October 9th, 2020.
Hurry now to register, and tell your loved ones who might have these desires.
Construction courses in focus:
1.Electrical Installation and wiring/ Alternative energy.
2. Plumbing and Fitting Installation
3. Painting and Decorative work.
4. Masonry and Tile Installation.
5. Carpentry and Joinery.
Also note that Honeytreat Trade Academy has been positioned as one of the training partner for construction skills under LSETF/USADF Employability Support program.
