Receives Best SME Supporting Bank from Tribune Newspapers
Fidelity Bank Plc has remained a leading financial institution among Micro Small Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) for deposit transaction, credit facilities and overall customer service experience, recording significant improvements in a recent survey. The bank which has grown its reputation for supporting small business, moved up four (4) places to reach second on the 2019 Nigeria Banking Industry Customer Experience Survey, recently published by the renowned audit and consultancy firm, KPMG.
This remarkable achievement was followed by the award of ‘Best SME-Supporting Bank of the Year’ by African Newspapers of Nigeria; Publishers of Tribune Newspapers in recognition of “its efforts to stimulate economic growth by empowering small and medium-sized businesses, which are the engine of economic growth of any nation”. The award was bestowed on the bank at the 70th anniversary of the newspaper, which was founded by the late Nigerian sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
Speaking on both developments, Fidelity Bank CEO, Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo said the MSME sub-sector is a niche area of focus for the bank. “As critical agents for economic development, we will continue to deploy resources to support the sector, from structured financing, to advisory, capacity building and market access.
“Our unique approach to serving the market segment is multi-faceted, including robust business advisory, practical handholding and guidance of aspiring and existing entrepreneurs to build sustainable businesses. We are encouraged by the survey results as well as the recognition by Tribune, to do more for individuals and business in this area”, he stated.
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.
United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, through its Corporate Social Responsibility arm, the UBA Foundation, has launched an initiative to feed the less privileged across Africa during the festive season.
UBA’s Brand Ambassador, Wizkid, handing over food items and other goodies to the helpless and under-privileged at the Food Bank organised by UBA Foundation at the Foundation’s Garden and Roundabout in Marina, Lagos on Friday
The UBA Foundation Food Bank is an annual event that aims to give back to society during the yuletide season and this year, thousands of indigent were beneficiaries of the community service freely offered by the bank simultaneously across the African continent.
From Senegal to Ghana, Côte D’Ivoire, Cameroon and many of UBAs subsidiaries, the focus of the food bank is to feed the poor and homeless. The UBA Foundation Garden at Marina, Lagos was the location of the food bank in Lagos.
UBA Brand Ambassador, Wizkid was delighted to contribute his time and effort to the UBA Foundation’s food bank as he fed the poor and destitute, many who were fans and felt really blessed to be receiving food and other gifts from the star boy. Expressing his joy at being able to give back meaningfully, he said
“I am excited to be a part of this initiative which is aimed at putting smiles on the faces of the needy. This is one of my passions and I am fully aligned with Africa’s global bank’ said Africa’s star boy.
UBA’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka and CEO, UBA Foundation, Mrs. Bola Atta handing over food items and other goodies to the helpless and under-privileged at the Food Bank organised by UBA Foundation at the Foundation’s Garden and Roundabout in Marina, Lagos on Friday
UBA’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka who also joined staff of the Foundation and volunteers to feed the needy, explained that the Food bank initiative is one of the ways that the bank, through its foundation appreciates and supports the communities in which it operates, adding that it will be a continuous event.
Uzoka who is also the chairman of UBA Foundation, said, “As you know, giving back is one of our key tenets and we have over the years, engaged in various activities aimed at appreciating our host communities all around Africa and especially in countries where we operate’.
“At UBA , we care for the people in our societies and will continue to do all we can to ensure that we touch lives meaningfully,” Uzoka stated.
The CEO, UBA Foundation, Mrs Bola Atta, said that empowerment is one of the key pillars of the Foundation, adding that the UBA foundation aims to impact positively the lives of those living around the host communities.
According to her, “Over the years, we have embarked on a number of activities that have positively impacted the people who live in our communities. To be able to feed those who have little is a small gesture that goes a long way. Those who all lined up to collect their food packs and toiletries seemed happy that someone remembered them. We wanted to let them know that all lives matter. I hope we made many smile and that we gave a glimmer of hope during a special season like this’ Atta said.
One of the beneficiaries who simply gave his name as Abdul said, “I am very happy with what you people are doing. This morning I didnt even know what I was going to eat. I am really surprised. You people have done very well, we didnt expect this at all. In fact, when my people came to call me, I didnt believe it until I got here. I am here with my three children. This was very unexpected, and we are very happy,” he said excitedly.
UBA staff members were on ground to volunteer their time and services, while a few donated food items to give back to the society in the spirit of the yuletide season.
Access Bank PLC has once again cemented its position as the leading bank in Nigeria by winning the most improved bank award at the 70th Anniversary of Africa Newspaper of Nigeria (ANN), publishers of the Nigerian Tribune in the capital city of Oyo State, Ibadan.
At the event which has notable personalities from all sectors gathered at the University of Ibadan International Conference Centre to celebrate the 70th anniversary with the oldest newspaper in Nigeria.
Abdul Imoyo, Head, PR & Media Relations of Access Bank, receiving the award on behalf of the Bank, said the Bank’s leadership position to its vision of becoming Africa’s gateway to the World at large.
According to him, ”We are delighted to be honoured by the special award and we want to thank the board and management of Nigeria Tribune. The Merger gave us this award and you will agree with me that the merger between Acccess Bank and the old Diamond Bank was the fastest and the most efficient merger ever in the history of banking in Nigeria .
“The merger today has transformed Access Bank to be the leading Bank. I must also say that the merger was informed by our corporate strategy of being Africa’s gateway to the World and that has simplified the process and everything we have achieved even after the merger, now we have more than 31 million customers and over three thousand ATMs ”.
Imoyo further stated that the achievement so far recorded by the bank is as result of the support and the trust which the Bank is getting from its customers and from media houses like the Nigerian Tribune stressing that the Bank wil do more in the coming year and will continue to grow in order to satisfying the yearnings of Nigerians.
Meanwhile 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#.
FirstBank has announced its sponsorship of an array of initiatives to empower the society as well as promote the growth and development of entertainment genres including music, fashion and arts in the country. The yearly partnership tagged FirstBankIssaVybe which kicked off in 2018, is designed by the Bank to create an enthralling and enabling experience for Nigerians especially the young ones in the Yuletide season to bond with family and friends, whilst connecting with their favourite superstars.
From the exciting Alternative Sound 4.0, held at Terra Culture on 5 December 2019 to the unforgettable “An Evening with FBNHoldings” held on 13 December, 2019 to the pleasure overload of Island Block Party at Oniru Lagos on 14 December, lucky customers and followers of the Bank’s social media handles were given free tickets to have loads of fun!
Also, in the bouquet of fun extravaganza was Teni – The Billionaire Experience musical concert held at Eko Hotel on Monday, 16 December 2019 which had many customers thrilled to the finest of tunes by the Billionaire crooner and other guest artistes present.
Youth and teenage fashion lovers are not left out; as with Street Souk, they were exposed to the current trends in the world of creativity in the fashion industry. The event held on Wednesday, 18 December 2019. Keen on getting exposed to the best and latest designs, wears and fabrics in fashion, then the African Fashion Week Nigeria would be your port of call. The event, billed for 20 – 21 December 2019 attracts leading players in the fashion industry and promises to deepen the fashion appetite and interest of participants.
On the 27th of December, it would be the turn of Davido’s Good Time Concert to take Centre Stage and provide opportunities for FirstBank customers to win tickets to have a good time this season. FirstBank will then round up the year in grand style with the much anticipated concert with the Future Live in Concert scheduled for 29 December 2019 at the Eko hotel.
On the Bank’s commitment to vybing the society in December, the Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications said “2019 has indeed been a significant year for the FirstBank family being our 125th –anniversary with the celebratory theme ‘Woven into the Fabric of Society’. DecemberIsAVybe is an avenue for us to appreciate our stakeholders for their support by promoting and providing opportunities to grow entertainment industry and empowering young people as jobs are created in this period. It’s an opportunity for those who cannot afford passes to attend key events through giveaways. It is our way of further showing that we are indeed well woven into the fabric of society.”
To win tickets for any of these events, join the conversation ‘#DecemberIsAVybe’ by following FirstBank on any of its respective social media handles; @firstbanknigeria on Instagram; @firstbankngr on twitter and FirstBankofNigeriaLimited on Facebook.
The management of Fifth Chukker Polo and Country Club have commended First Bank of Nigeria Limited for their support of the prestigious African Patrons Cup; a polo tournament which holds annually at the Club in Kaduna.
The commendation came at the closing ceremony of the 2019 edition of the competition which featured notable polo teams drawn from across the country.
The Bank was lauded for its contribution to the development of Polo at the club. A statement by the club’s management stated “We will like to recognise the sterling efforts of our esteemed sponsors FirstBank, the African Patrons Cup Polo Tournament will never be the same without your support.”
“We sincerely hope that this association will be maintained and that you will continue to support us in our future endeavours”, the statement concluded.
The Africa Patrons Cup Polo Tournament is an annual event put together by Fifth Chukker Polo and Country Club to create awareness about the prevalence of Breast Cancer among women in the society.
The weeklong competition which had the participation of over 10-teams saw YY Kangimi defeat Keffi Pony’s by 12-goals to 4-goals for the prestigious Patrons trophy.
Only recently, FirstBank sponsored the prestigious Georgian Cup of Kaduna Polo Tournament for the 100th year, possibly the longest-running sports sponsorship in the world and a Guinness Book of Records potential.
Idowu Thompson, Group Head, Private Banking, First Bank of Nigeria Limited (middle) with some players at the 2019 Fifth Chukker Polo championship held in Kaduna.
Two Nigerian entrepreneurs (former students of the University of Ibadan) and three research students from the Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands, have developed a mobile software application to help dairy farmers perform better.
Named the ‘mDairy App’ according to the company’s spokesperson and Executive Director, Corporate Affairs, Mrs. Ore Famurewa, the effort is being made in partnership with FrieslandCampina WAMCO.
“The three students from the Delft University of Technology and the mDairy app co-founders are collaborating to support local dairy farmers at our different Dairy Development Programme (DDP) sites” Famurewa said.
The Dutch students are Margot Ridderikhoff, Jaap Dechering and Betsie Loeffen while the mDairy’s co-founders are Oyewale Abioye and Gbadegesin Alawode.
In 2017, FrieslandCampina WAMCO partnered with the Dutch-Nigerian Students Business Challenge, an initiative of the Dutch Foreign Affairs Ministry and sponsored by corporations mainly of Dutch origin. The initiative aims to address challenges in Nigeria’s health, energy and food sectors.
Having successfully completed and presented relevant business solutions, a new team of three students attached to FrieslandCampina WAMCO came to Nigeria recently to join Oyewale and Gbadegesin in order to deploy mDairy App, which DDP farmers can use with little or no challenge.
To ensure that all farmers from various socioeconomic backgrounds are integrated, the team is also developing an interactive voice message service which would facilitate easy access.
“The mDairy app once deployed is designed to serve as one-stop-shop for DDP farmers’ information needs” Famurewa explained.
From left, Dairy Extension Manager, FrieslandCampina WAMCO, Dr. Adebayo Akinade; Students from Delft University, The Netherlands, Margot Ridderikhoff, Jaap Dechering and Betsie Loeffen; Baale, Fashola Community, Oyo State, Alhaji Tijani Abdulah; University of Ibadan students Oyewale Abioye and Gbadegesin Alawode; with DDP Administrative Manager, Henry Adaobor
The National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) has been asked to commence committal proceedings against the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Unity Bank Plc, Mrs. Oluwatomi Somefun, and commit her to prison for allegedly flouting orders made by the court.
The request formed the relief in a motion filed by 25 ex-staff of the bank in whose favour the Lagos division of the NICN had given a monetary judgment on July 3, 2019.
The ex-staff, led by John Adeola Taiwo, stated, in the motion filed on December 2, 2019, that Unity Bank was in open disobedience to the orders made by the court on November 12, 2019, and therefore deserved to be committed to prison for allegedly being in disobedience of valid and extant court orders.
The ex-staff had individually sued the bank in 2016 alleging non- payment of some of their outstanding entitlements and gratuity.
The court later consolidated the suits with the consent of parties and on the grounds that the issues were related.
In a judgment on July 3, 2019, in the suit marked: NICN/LA/84/2019, Justice R. H. Gwandu held in favour of the ex-staff and ordered the bank to pay them various sums of money.
But rather than comply with the judgment, the bank appealed and applied to the court for a stay of execution pending the determination of its appeal.
In a ruling on November 12, 2019, Justice Gwandu granted a stay as prayed by the bank but upon certain conditions.
The judge, in the ruling, said: “By the powers vested in this Court under Order 64 Rule 8(3) and in the discretion of this court, I hereby grant the stay of execution of this judgment pending the outcome of the appeal.
“This goes with the condition that the judgment debtor pays the judgment sum into the account of the Chief Registrar, National Industrial Court (an interest yielding account), such judgment sum shall be released to the party that is victorious in the outcome of the appeal.
“The payment of the judgment sum is ordered to be made within five working days, failure of which shall be treated as contempt of orders of this court.
Mrs. Oluwatomi Somefun, the Managing Director of Unity Bank
The pronouncements of the judge are what Taiwo and others are now accusing the Unity Bank of flouting and in respect of which they seek the committal of the bank’s CEO in the fresh motion filed on December 2, 2019.
They argued, in court documents, that “the order of the court has been respected by the judgment debtor in the breach rather than observance, in spite of the stern warning by the court that failure to comply shall be treated as contempt.
“It is trite law that the order of a court of competent jurisdiction remains inviolate until set aside and so, anyone who an order is made against must obey it until the order is set aside or discharged. Once an order exists, it must be obeyed.
“It is a clear fact that, in spite of the clear and explicit order of this honourable court, directing the defendant/judgment debtor to pay the judgment sum into the court’s account with the name of the Chief Registrar, the defendant/judgment debtor has continued, with impunity, to do the exact opposite of the order of the court”.
They added that the alleged failure of the bank to pay the judgment sum into an interest yielding account within five days, as directed by the court, “is an outright disregard of the order of this honourable court, making the defendant/judgment debtor liable for contempt of court”.
They added that since the defendant/judgment debtor is not a natural person, the law allows that its principal officer is penalized.
“It is trite law that where the contemnor is not a natural person, it cannot be committed to prison, but the principal officer can.
“In this case, the defendant (a financial institution) is not a natural person, who can be committed for contempt thereby making any of its high ranking officers in the person of Mrs. Oluwatomi Somefun, being the Managing Director, liable to be committed to prison for contempt of court.
“We urge this honourable court to grant them leave to proceed against Mrs. Oluwatomi Somefun, the Managing Director of the defendant and to find her liable accordingly and commit her to prison for contempt of the order made on 12th November 2019”.
REDTV, the online lifestyle network powered by the United Bank for Africa Group, held its annual Rave on Saturday, November 30 to officially kick-off the ‘Dirty December’ season.
Over 25,000 guests attended this year’s event which was held in Lagos and true to its theme, ‘The shutdown’, the rave was the talk of the entire town this past Saturday.
REDTV hosted the creative industry and other guests to an unforgettable night with top business executives, entrepreneurs, celebrities and A- Listers, entertainers, fashionistas and many young people just wanting to have a fun evening.
UBA Group chairman, Tony Elumelu and the CEO, Kennedy Uzoka, were seen mingling with guests and having a relaxed night away from the rigours of work.
The REDTV rave, which has become the annual Christmas season opener to rival, started with a hot performance by Ajebutter 22, BOJ, SDC and TEMS. Upcoming artist, Fireboy, came in and brought guests to their feet with his hot and fresh releases.
The crowd was not disappointed and remained energised when Olamide jumped on stage to shake the venue with his famous songs that had everyone screaming and jumping for joy. International act, Jidenna thrilled the rave fans, just as Burna Boy sauntered in and brought the audience to a standstill at a party that lasted till the early hours of the following day.
UBA ambassador, the star boy, Wizkid had come into the party to the absolute delight of guests who saw him walking in. He mingled with guests for hours and then gave a surprise performance on stage that took the rave to another level.
DJ Consequence, Sparrow and hypemen Shody and Tosan also took turns to entertain the excited youths throughout the night of thrills.
REDTV’s stars of The Men’s Club, Boutique Hotel, Our Best Friend’s Wedding, Red Hot Topics and Inspector K were amongst the guests that featured prominently at REDTV’s night to remember.
The Executive Producer of REDTV, Bola Atta, who spoke at the rave, talked about how the team had put together a stellar event that showcased outstanding performances by some of Africa’s greatest musicians. She said, “It was indeed ‘The Shutdown’, as we surpassed the expectations of our guests. For us, it wasn’t just about organising a party. REDTV is fully in support of the creative industry and through its shows, has been developing new talents behind the scenes as well as on the screens. We wanted to celebrate all those who are making REDTV a success. So we decided to throw a free concert to say thank you and to wish everyone well as the year comes to an end’.
REDTV provided plenty to eat and drink and participants at the event agreed that as always, REDTV has put together the biggest party in Lagos which continued to trend for days after the event was over.
REDTV is a fast paced lifestyle channel that a Aims to project Africa on the global stage. Proudly powered by the United Bank for Africa, the network is an entertainment platform with rich content featuring the very best of Africa.
The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) — Africa’s leading philanthropy dedicated to empowering African entrepreneurs — will begin accepting applications for the 2020 cohort of the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme, on January 1, 2020.
Applications are made through TEFConnect, the digital networking hub for the African entrepreneurship ecosystem, created by the Foundation.
The TEF Entrepreneurship Programme is open to entrepreneurs from across Africa, either with new startup ideas or existing businesses of less than 3 years existence, operating in any sector. Successful applicants will join the over 9,000 current beneficiaries, from 54 African countries, and receive business training, mentoring, a non-refundable $5,000 of seed capital and global networking opportunities.
Last year, the Foundation received about 216,000 applications, with 42% coming from women entrepreneurs, from every country on the continent.
The Programme is a 10-year, $100 million commitment to identify, train, mentor and fund 10,000 young African entrepreneurs. The goal is to create millions of jobs and the revenue required for the sustainable development of the continent, implementing the philosophy of Africapitalism, which positions the private sector as the growth engine for Africa and emphasises the importance of creating social and economic wealth.
According to the Foundation’s 2018 Impact Report, 70% of the total number of businesses in its alumni network were still operational two years after benefitting from the Programme. The report also identified an increase of 189% revenue generated and 197% increase in the number of additional jobs created by beneficiaries post-graduation from the Programme, as well as a 100% commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals.
Governor Elect of Bayelsa State, His Excellency, David Lyon paid a courtesy visit to Prophet T.B. Joshua today to show appreciation to Gods goodness upon his life through the ministry of SCOAN.
In an atmosphere of faith and expectation, T.B. Joshua entered the Altar and proceeded to recognize the presence of the David Lyon who was decked in a white attire with his entourage in The SCOAN Live Sunday Service which is ongoing .
While giving him a charge , T.B. Joshua admonished him to meet the expectations of his people who voted him.
“He is not a new person to us because he is a brethren. He has been a hardened believer in the blood of Jesus. I know God will use him.”he stated.
Speaking further he said , “I want you to know that the only way Bayelsa people will believe you are the one they voted for is for you to meet the expectations of the Bayelsa People”
Charging the congregation too he said they should remember him in their prayers, “He is banking on our prayers because the best is yet to come. “
Finally, he told the governor elect that he has a word of wisdom for him, “I am at your service. By that I meant I will make sure the expectations of the Bayelsa people is executed.
I have a word of wisdom for you . It is better to live purely upon the fruit of God’s goodness than to live plentifully upon the product of our sin”
It would be recalled that David Lyon was declared winner of the just concluded gubernatorial election in Bayelsa State by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday, November 17, 2019.
Lyon of the All Progressives Congress (APC) will succeed the outgoing Governor Seriake Dickson, who has ruled the state since 2012
