Nigeria’s leading financial institution, Zenith Bank Plc, has reaffirmed its commitment to support local Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) with the introduction of the ‘Zenith Bank SME Digital Workshop’ to provide free digital training for business owners.
The initiative, which is being organized in partnership with social media giant Facebook, will provide free training on how SMEs can use digital platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp to grow their businesses.
Commenting on the initiative, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive, Mr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu, noted that the SME ecosystem is a very important component of the Nigerian economy and the digital workshop is expected to assist participants optimally use digital channels to engage potential customers, market their products and increase sales.
The workshop is scheduled to hold on Wednesday, January 29th and Thursday, January 30th, 2020 by 08:30 a.m. at the following Zenith Bank branches: 23, Oba Akran Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos; 201, Ikorodu Road, Obanikoro, Ilupeju, Lagos; and 2, Aromire Road, Ikoyi, Lagos.
The Zenith Bank SME Digital Workshop is free for everyone. To register, send an email with the subject “Zenith Bank SME Digital Workshop” to smepartnership@zenithbank.com. The email should state the name of the participant and preferred venue of attendance.
Zenith Bank Plc is recognized as one of the most innovative financial institutions in Nigeria and was voted the most customer-focused bank in Nigeria for the Retail and SME segments in the 2018 KPMG Annual Banking Industry Customer Satisfaction Survey (BICSS). Most recently, the bank won the Best Bank in Retail Banking and the Bank of the Year at the 2019 BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BOFI) Awards and was ranked as the Best Digital Bank in Nigeria 2019 by Agusto & Co.
The former Vice Chancellor of Osun State University and Provost of the ICPC Anti-Corruption Academy, Professor Sola Akinrinade, has joined the Board of Trustees of the Akin Fadeyi Foundation.
In a statement by the Foundation’s Board Chairman and Publisher of the Cable Online News, Mr. Simon Kolawole, “AFF is indeed excited to have Professor Sola Akinrinade onboard. Professor Akinrinade comes with a rich and diverse track record of academic excellence, towering development sector expertise and an impeccable grasp of international diplomacy. His addition to the Board brings the strategic perspectives required to consolidate on AFF’s milestones in the anti-corruption space, while also charting new paths in the driving of initiatives that fits into our overall agenda for a better world”.
Professor Sola Akinrinade is the pioneer Provost of the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria, the research and training arm of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC. He holds the Bachelor of Art and Master Art degrees in History from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Ile-Ife, and PhD in International Relations
from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), University of London. He is a Professor of African Diplomatic History and International Relations at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, where he has produced several graduates and Dons in over three decades.
He was Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Obafemi Awolowo University (2003 – 2007), and Chairman of the Committee of Deans, (2006 – 2007). He served as the foundation Vice-Chancellor of the Osun State University, from 2007 to 2012. Experienced academic, historian, biographer, documentarist, public servant and administrator and Consultant to various national and international organizations with interest and capacity in public policy, human capacity development, higher education capacity building, good governance, anti-corruption, ethics and integrity.
Professor Akinrinade joined the ICPC on 1 October 2014, as Provost of the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria. As Provost, he serves as the Head of the Academy and provides academic and administrative leadership. He is responsible for the growth and development of the Academy’s academic and human resources. The Academy currently works with several organisations and governmental agencies with on good governance, accountability, transparency, integrity, ethics and other issues relating to anti-corruption and corrupt practices.
A Certified Management Consultant, Professor Akinrinade is a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Letters, FNAL, the apex body for humanities scholarship in Nigeria, and of several other professional bodies including the Historical Society of Nigeria, FHSN, the Society for Peace Studies and Practice (fspsp), and the Institute of Management Consultants, FIMC.
The Akin Fadeyi Foundation Board of Trustees led by the Board Chair, Simon Kolawole is comprised of experts in Legal, Media Communication, Public policy and Development Sector credentials.
Established in 2016., the Akin Fadeyi Foundation (AFF) is a registered Not-For-Profit that works to ensure that Nigerians live fulfilling lives where they can use their human and social capital to the full extent. Since inception, AFF has focused on the following key areas: Anti-corruption, Socio-economic development, Poverty relief, Environmental protection and preservation. The Foundation’s flagship project is ‘Corruption Not in my country’, a radio and TV drama skit currently broadcast. The foundation is also behind the Flag’It App initiative, a mobile and webbased App developed, developed with support from MacAuthur Foundation, and which empowers citizens to report corruption, demand for accountability and excellent service delivery from government institutions.
(L-R) M&E Officer, Akin Fadeyi Foundation, Osemudiame Enaholo, Accounts Officer, Akin Fadeyi Fadeyi Foundation, Ernest Momoh, Corp Marshal, FRSC. Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, Head of Programs, Akin Fadeyi Foundation, Ekenem Ugede, Corp Public Education Officer, FRSC. Bisi Kazeem, Programs Officer, Akin Fadeyi Foundation, Simon Adole at a review report meeting on FlagIt App, FRSC headquarters, Abuja
Atlanta, GA. USA. Monday January 20, 2020: The US-Nigeria Trade Council, a body that specializes in facilitating trade and investments between the United States and Nigeria, on behalf of Nigerians in the diaspora (United States) hereby endorses the Flag’It App, a mobile technology Application Portal recently launched by the Akin Fadeyi Foundation for reporting corruption. We enjoin Nigerians in the diaspora to download the App as they would find it valuable in reporting encounters of corruption whenever they travel to Nigeria.
We express delight and declare this initiative as indication that Nigeria is fast moving in the direction of accountability and transparency. We congratulate President Muhammadu Buhari for lending his weight behind the Flag’It App, especially as the Presidency and other major government agencies were well represented at the launching which took place at the Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja recently. Evidently, no serious-minded government would sit pretty and allow corruption to fester. We commend the Akin Fadeyi Foundation for developing such innovative app, and thereby, empowering Nigerians to confront the endemic corruption in our social milieu. The “the Flag’It” App which empowers Nigerians to report corruption is a commendable national reset agenda capable of bringing about a radical change that will enable the ease of doing business in Nigeria once citizens can report public officials who abuse their positions and also constitute a stumbling block within the process chain.
We congratulate the Akin Fadeyi Foundation on the scores of milestones recorded from its ‘Corruption Not in My Country’ drama skits, an initiative which has gained traction with huge impact of the project on citizens within and outside Nigeria. These dramatizations and the messaging style are appropriate for the fight against petty and retail corruption because it challenges our normative culture of impudence and endemic corruption.
The Trade Council commend the FRSC Corp Marshal, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, for buying into the vision of the Flag’It App and for being the first government agency to come onboard the App. This action is a bold gesture and a clear commitment of his leadership at the FRSC to transparency, accountability and excellent service delivery”. We hereby urge the President to direct other federal government institutions to begin onboarding the FlagIt App as this would signal to the global community that Nigeria was indeed serious and irrevocably committed to its fight against institutional corruption in the country. For us at the Trade Council, the FlagIt App is a robust complement to the existing national anti-corruption efforts of the Buhari administration and we call on this government to tap into the opportunities, the Flag’It App offers especially in its continued drive for more foreign investment.
There is no further demonstration to bolster the confidence of Investors than opening your public institutions processes to accountability, transparency and excellent service delivery.
The US-Nigeria Trade council also commended the MacArthur Foundation for supporting this initiative and for lending its weight behind creative social change programs globally to ensure the enthronement of transparency and the stamping out of corruption.
The Flag’IT App is a mobile and web-based App developed by the Akin Fadeyi Foundation which empowers citizens to report corruption, demand for accountability and excellent service delivery from government institutions. It was launched on the 10th of October, 2019 at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja at an event that was attended by dignitaries from the civil society, government agencies and the Media. Nigerians have since begun to download the App, with 14 reported cases and 7 already treated.
World richest man and founder of Amazon in one of his famous quotes said, “Work hard, have fun, make history”. These will best be used to described the trend at which young and hardworking Chairman of Loatsad Promomedia, Seyi Tinubu is living.
Seyi who is known for his hard working and his fun loving lifestyle has recently been making history by the number of awards that are trailing him, recently, Chartered Institute of Public Resources Managers and Politics, an organisatuion based in Ghana decided to honour the humble but hard-working man by inducting him into 2020 Fellowship Hall of Fame of the organization.
The delegation headed by Dr. Richard Kpoku-Aquarte in his speech described the Loatsad Chairman as a man of an uncommon professional of excellence in a class of his own, he also address his as a pace-setter media innovator, a multi-dimensional business executive of unparalleled distinction and a boardroom strategist.
Dr. Kpoku-Aquarte explained further that the Fellowship is to honour people from all nations especially those those who have proven themselves as embodiments of Integrity, Transparency and Accountability in their various leadership positions. He also listed Otunba Gbenga Daniel (former Governor of Ogun State), Mr. Stephen Onasanya (former M.D. of First Bank of Nig Plc), Barrister Adebayo Shittu (former Nigerian Minister of Communications), Prof. Abdil Kareem Age Sulyman (VC University of Ilorin) and many more important dignitaries as some individuals that has been inducted into the Fellowship in the past.
In the same vein another organization, Avance Media, a Public Relations & Rating company that has for some times been honouring young Africans that are making positive impact in their different countries to encourage them to do more, recognizes his contribution and has since nominated him for the annual honor.
Announcing the nomination on his Instagram page, Seyi Tinubu attributed his nomination to the hard work and dedication of the Loatsad Promomedia team and his partner Denrele Olusoga, in the message he stated “Congratulations to the @loatsad_promomedia team, this is an affirmation of their hard work which has led to my nomination for @avance_media‘s 2019 100 Most Influential Young Nigerians in Business. It’s been a collective effort and journey so credit must be given to my team and partners”.
The list which is being compiled and voted for yearly started about five years ago and has had names of influential Nigerian young men and women like; Davido, Wizkid, DJ Xclusive, Funke Akindele, Kelechi Anyikude, Amaka Osakwe, DJ Cuppy, John Obi Mikel, Linda Ikeji, IK Osakioduwa, Toke Makinwa and many more young Nigerians.
The list according to the organisers headed by Prince Akpah is to “serve as an encouragement to young Nigerians who are accomplished in their industries and continue to build distinguished brands for themselves and influence over others. The list also urged those honoured to continue striving harder so that their story can inspire other young people to also contribute their quota to the development of Nigeria and the continent of Africa.”
Barrister Femi Mokikan, President, Okun Development Association
The national executive of Okun Development Association (ODA) has distanced itself from a group named Okun Development Association, South West Branch.
The National Executive of ODA, the umbrella body representing the Yoruba people of Kogi State, rose from its quarterly meeting of 18th January 2020 held in Isanlu, Yagba East LG, with some far reaching decisions.
In a communiqué released in Kogi State after the meeting, and signed by the National President, Barrister Femi Mokikan, the National Secretary, Pst Ayo Abereoran and the National Legal Adviser, Barrister Abimbola, the association stated that:
1) Legal, civil and criminal actions will be taken against anybody or group of persons parading themselves as representing the Association at National or Branch levels in any manner outside the provisions of the constitution of the Association.
2) No organisation or individuals shall henceforth undertake any event or function, for commercial or non commercial purposes, using the Okun name without the written approval of the National Executive Committee of ODA.
3) That the security situation in Okunland is still of serious concern. We commend the efforts of the State Government, other security agencies in the State, our Hunters and individuals who have collaborated with us in addressing the challenges we are often confronted with.
4) To further enhance the effectiveness of our efforts, we believe the time has come for us to set up our own Okun Security Trust Fund (OSTF). Towards this end, a committee is working on the details and other modalities and the outcome will be announced as soon as their report is approved.
5) We received with excitement the creation of the AMOTEKUN Security outfit at inter governmental level to address the security challenges of the SW States. This provides us in ODA an opportunity to explore the possibility of raising our security collaboration with the SW Yorubas to another level. We shall not relent.
6) As part of possible measures to reduce unemployment, we appeal to Okun Sons and Daughters with means and the entrepreneurial profile to come home and establish businesses with potentials to absorb people into paid employment.
7) The presence of a Community Radio is a powerful means of social and cultural reengineering in any community. The ODA will explore every opportunity/possibility, through appropriate individuals, to ensure that Okun Radio becomes a reality.
8) To further give teeth to the ODA, the Okun Council of Elders is to be reconstituted within the shortest possible time. We, on behalf of all Okun people thank our fathers and mothers who have served meritoriously on the Council
9) We appeal to our politicians to stop meddling with the affairs of the National Association of Okun Students so as to permanently put an end to the divisive tendencies that continue to plague the body. What we need is unity at all levels.
10) That the Miss Okun Pageant is a proprietary asset of the Okun people.
Also Read:Election: Knight of Saint Mulumba cautions against vote buying, selling
Therefore the process of selecting the successful candidate to wear the Miss Okun Crown will henceforth be under the umbrella of ODA. This is without prejudice to any groups or individuals that may wish to initiate, organize and own their own beauty pageants, provided the word Okun is not reflected in the appellation of such pageant.
11) Meanwhile, ODA has announced that election will be held into various offices of the Lagos branch of the association before the end of Februa 2020. The Executive offices to be filled shalll be contested by individuals from Ijumu Local Government, Yagba West Local Government, Mopa Amuro Local Government, Yagba East Local Government, Oworo/Lokoja Local Government and Kabba/Bunu Local Government.
12) Ijumu Local Government will produce the Chairman of the Branch, while the Vice-Chairman will be produced by Oworo in Lokoja Local Government, the office of the Secretary has been zoned to Yagba West, while the Financial Secretary will be produced by Mopa Amuro. The post of Public Relation Officer (PRO) and Treasurer will come from Yagba East and Kabba/Bunu Local Government respectively.
Speaking further on the Communique, the National President, Barrister Femi Mokikan, appealed to the Federal Government to urgently rebuild all the federal roads in Okunland that are in a deplorable condition. The association President said most Okun communities are now “landlocked”.
Nigeria-based foreigners who’re contributing to the nation’s economy in terms of visible investments and employment generation will be honoured and celebrated during the Ethnic Business Awards (www.theethnicbusinessawards.com) on Valentine’s day, February 14th, 2020 at the prestigious Oriental hotel Lagos.
These diaspora foreigners who have chosen Nigeria as home despite the stormy waters, according to the organizers of the epoch making event deserve more than celebration and will be honoured in different categories such as Ethnic Man of The Year, Woman of The Year, Entrepreneur of The Year, CSR Brand, Beauty Brand, Financial Institution to mention but a few.
On the Ethnic Man of The Year category are revered international business tycoon such Alli Mousalli of Cool FM, Allon Nelken, (Mega Plaza), Benoy Berry (Contec Group), Robert Tung (Wempco), Mann Lababidi of Crown Flour Mills to mention but a few while the nominees for Ethnic Woman of The Year are Diana Chan (GAC Motors), Kavita Chellaram (ArtHouse Contemporary) and Caterina Bortolussi of Kinabuti Fashions.
Other interesting categories are the Ethnic Financial Institutions where the likes of Stanbic IBTC, Standard Chartered and Citi Bank are being nominated.
Foreign entertainers who’re making waves in the Nigerian showbiz industry will also be honoured in the catrgories itemized as Cross-Over Actors, Actress and Musician of The Year. Prominent African stars such as Juliet Ibrahim (Ghana), Princess Shyngle (Gambia), Cynthia Emade (Cameroun), Ela Mensah (Ghana), Okawa Shaznay among others.
The Ethnic Business Awards is aimed at recognizing and appreciating the outstanding contributions of foreign businesses, organisations, individuals and communities to corporate Nigeria, “this is like thinking outside the box, the awards is designed to reward and encourage innovations and excellence among Nigeria-based foreigners in enterprise”.
Inspired by the growing population of foreign investors, organisations, individuals and migrants communities who have impressed with remarkable inputs into the growth of the Nigerian economy, the Ethnic Business Awards [EBA] seeks to reward the best practices in commerce, international diplomacy and excellence across other industries.
Nigeria became Africa’s largest economy for the second year in a row according to a multinational professional services network, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), in 2019. Beyond doubts, this feat would have been impossible without the faith reposed in her by men and women of other nationalities who have defied doom prediction to swarm Nigeria to grow her commerce.
The EBA (www.theethnicbusinessawards.com) pays very special attention to promising and established foreign companies, missions, communities, organisations and individuals of sterling qualities all of whom have been identified and grouped into different categories following a public opinion poll and wide consultations with some of the industry’s finest experts.
The event holds on St. Valentine’s Day, February 14th, 2020 at the prestigious Oriental hotel Lagos.
Alli Mousalli of Cool FMDiana Chan of GAC MotorsKavita Chellaram of ArtHouse Contemporary
+ How Dr. Toyin Aborisade Coughed out $5000 for their release by Oluwaseun
A mother of two, Mrs Taiwo who was stranded in Lebanon, has been rescued after the homemade video went viral in the social media. In the video, she had disclosed her identity and revealed her hometown to be ‘Erukucity’ in Kwara State.
The video, which circulated for days, caught the attention of the CEO of Phemmick Life Support, Network Dr. Toyin Aborisade, coincidentally an indigene of Erukucity, who sprang into action and set the tone for the eventual rescue of Mrs Taiwo.
It was learnt that Dr. Toyin Aborisade, after watching the viral video and found out the woman is an indigene of his hometown ‘Erukucity’, quickly sent messages to some Erukuans who live in Kwara to inquire if anyone could identify her and as luck would have it, she was identified by Mr. Olasunkanmi Ayeni, the PRO of NSCDC Kwara State who he even traced Taiwo’s compound to Erukucity.
Her twin sister, Kehinde was contacted and it was she who gave an insight into the whole scenario. According to her, a Lebanese who lives in Ilorin had cajoled Taiwo with a promise of a teaching job in Lebanon not knowing that the man had other plans of luring her into the hands of another Lebanese agent in Lebanon for slavery.
When a call was put across to Phemnick Life Support boss, Dr. Toyin Aborisade, he said it took God’s intervention and the efforts of Ayeni Olasunkanmi NSCDC Kwara State PRO; Mr. Harry Ilori, EPU Financial Secretary; Mr. Sola Daniel EPU President, Phemnick Life Support staffers and NSCDC Kwara State who wholeheartedly made every effort to get the Nigerian-based Lebanese agent arrested and instructed him to put a call to his partner in Lebanon on how to secure Mrs Taiwo’s release.
The Lebanese agent demanded for $2000 to be paid into her account before Taiwo could be released. Without hesitations, Phemnick boss Dr. Toyin Aborisade transfered $2500 to Mr. Harry Ilori who paid the money to the Lebanese.
As at the time of filing this report Taiwo had arrived Nigeria and was received by Phemnick Life Support staffers and Nigeria Civil Defense, Kwara State Squad.
Meanwhile, another victim, a single mother identified as Omolola, a native of Osun State has cried out to Phemnick Life Support,Network and a leading travel agent in Nigeria to also come to her rescue.
A reliable source has confirmed that Phemnick Life support boss has also paid $2500 for her immediate release from Lebanon.
The Nigerian-based Lebanese agent is cooling off in the custody of NSCDC while investigations are on.
A man who has been missing for over 12 years has miraculously been found after a ministration of Prophet TB Joshua’s morning water.
It was also discovered that in the 12 years of him missing, he has been mentally derailed and lives in the bush.
It was however a shocking experience after he was restored back to normalcy just days after the morning water ministries.
Read full testimony:
LONG LOST BROTHER MIRACULOUSLY FOUND LIVING IN THE BUSH
The following incredible testimony was sent to us by Geogina Charity Gumindega from South Africa. Be blessed as you read, in Jesus’ name:
“Emmanuel! This is a testimony of how my friend’s long-lost brother was found after having left Zimbabwe 12 years ago after I visited The SCOAN in October 2019 and received the Morning Water.
“Mr Leon Ayamu left Zimbabwe for South Africa in search of greener pastures around 2007. As a rebellious child, he left home without the blessing of his parents and also ran away from a woman who had just given birth to his daughter. Upon arrival in South Africa, he became mentally ill after which he became homeless and started to live in the bush. His family in Zimbabwe received news that things were not well with him and began the long search for him.
“By the grace of God, he was found in December 2019 – after ministering the Morning Water on his sister as a point of contact. In fact, we ministered the Morning Water on his sister at 11pm on December 7th and at 9am December 8th – she saw her brother by the roadside on her way to the supermarket! God had put him in the right place to be seen by his sister who was not even looking for him that morning.
“Mr Ayamu had been living under deplorable conditions in the Durban bushes for nearly 10 years surviving solely on fruits and vegetables and having monkeys for companionship. Due to his rude and violent nature at the time, it was difficult to determine how we were going to help him but we prayed that God who started the work would bring it to completion.
“Whilst meditating in our hearts, we managed to convince him to follow us home after which we sprayed the Morning Water in the water he used to bath. After this first bath, he went on to sleep for 6 hours that afternoon. According to him, he started to remember his family and actually miss them after waking up from this sleep! He says that instead of desiring the companionship of animals, he began to crave human companionship! What happened next is that we started to minister the Morning Water in his food and bath water without telling him. Amazingly, he slowly began to regain consciousness and ask for family members he left back in Zimbabwe. For the first time he humbly asked for assistance to go back to Zimbabwe and see his mother and father.
“Today, he has regained consciousness, has accepted Jesus as his Saviour and watches Emmanuel TV 24/7! He is shocked to see his own pictures in the state we found him. In his own words: “I think I was a mad man”. According to Mr Ayamu, it feels as though he lived in the jungle for only a month yet, in reality it has been over a decade! He has since contacted all his family members, he remembers each and every one of them and has apologized to his parents for his rebellion. When we found him, he was addicted to codeine and marijuana but, since the day we brought him home, he has not smoked or taken any form of codeine.
“Today, Mr Ayamu is a normal family man and we continue to learn daily from his ordeal. Mr Ayamu has a story to share about homeless people living on the streets. He confessed to having suffered physical and sexual abuse from other men who took advantage of the vulnerability of homeless and mentally ill people. He says that sometimes he would wake up with male semen all over his body, only to realise that he had sex with another man in the night (resultantly he is suffering from piles). Whether under the influence of drugs or demonic powers, only God knows. He confessed to having physical interactions with demons due to his loneliness. God-willing if he gets a chance to share his testimony with the whole world, it will challenge our perspective of the kind of help we give to vulnerable people in his former state. For example, we give them daily meals whilst they continue to live on the streets which fails to protect them from other risks such as sexual abuse from ritualists. Thank You, Jesus for this incredible testimony of restoration!”
Nigeria’s foremost industrialist, Aare Rasak Akanni Okoya, the founder of Eleganza Group will clock 80 years on Sunday, the 12th of January, 2020.
The indefatigable businessman who started trading at a very tender age before venturing into manufacturing will be serenaded by top business moguls, politicians, high powered celebrities and dignitaries that cut across all sectors of the Nigerian and international economy.
There is no doubts that Aare Rasaq Akanni Okoya has paid his dues in helping many out of poverty through the establishment of his group of companies that is into diverse economical sectors, most popular of which is the Eleganza Industries now rebranded as the Eleganza Industrial City, where thousands of Nigerians and expatriates earn their daily living.
Information gathered about the activities towards the event is that Aare Rasaq Okoya will be celebrating the 80th birthday at his massive and expansive Oluwanisola Estate in Lagos State.
It was gathered that the beautiful and hardworking wife of the business guru, Dr. Mrs. Shade Okoya is leaving no stone un-turned to make the grand event worthwhile, while thanking Almighty God for granting her lovely and caring husband the opportunity to join the league of octogenarians.
Dr. Mrs. Shade Okoya who is regarded as the soul of the Eleganza Group of Companies will also be supported by top society ladies and internationally renowned business women who are all close friends of the Okoyas.
When God speaks, the wise listens. Barely three days after his global prophetic warning to the world, the 11th prophecy released by internationally acclaimed TB Joshua of Synagogue Church of All Nations has come to pass.
The clergy in his prophecy warned against rift, disunity and breakaway in the Royal family :
Pray for unity and understanding among the Royal Family – because of what I am seeing
And in fulfillment of the prophetic warning Harry and Meghan has announced their decision to step back as members of the British family house.
Reportedly in CNN today, Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, are stepping back from their roles as senior members of the British royal family and plan to work towards becoming “financially independent,” the couple announced on Instagram on Wednesday.
“After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year” they wrote, explaining that they hope to “carve out a progressive new role within this institution.”
“We intend to step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen,” they said.
The couple revealed they plan to split their time between the UK and North America.
“This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity,” they wrote.
“We look forward to sharing the full details of this exciting next step in due course, as we continue to collaborate with Her Majesty The Queen, The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cambridge and all relevant parties. Until then, please accept our deepest thanks for your continued support.”
