Category: Society & Lifestyle

Uzoka, Wizkid Give Back to Thousands at the UBA Foundation Food Bank

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.

Tribune@70: Access Bank Honored With Most Improved Bank

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#.

UBA Staff Across Africa Give Back at UBA Foundation’s Each One, Teach One Initiative

UBA Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, on Friday held the 2019 edition of its annual Each One, Teach One initiative, hosting a huge impact day in Nigeria and across all its subsidiaries in Africa.

The Each One, Teach One initiative is part of UBA Foundation’s activities where the bank’s staff members give their time and skills to the communities around them. All across the continent, staff of the pan- African bank were seen within their communities, teaching and assisting the less privileged, especially students and people living with disabilities.

The Executive Director, Lagos and West Bank, Marketing, Mr. Ayoku Liadi, who represented UBA’s Group Managing Director, and the Chairman of UBA Foundation, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka, at the event in Lagos, expressed his excitement over the initiative, adding that as a corporate entity, UBA, through its Foundation has decided to give back as a family, starting by impacting knowledge and skills to students and participants.

Liadi said, “Our goal with this initiative which is in its second year, is to help the under privileged and young children learn vocational skills that will assist them along the path to financial freedom as they start businesses of their own. We have therefore, created a platform to encourage people who have various skills and talents to pass this on to the younger generation.

Liadi also seized the opportunity to give the participants a short lecture about financial literacy, noting that it is important for students to embrace the culture of being financially cautious from a tender age.

He said, “At UBA, we want students to inculcate the habit of savings, especially for the rainy day. It is important that you are cautious about the future, because nothing is guaranteed. Therefore ensure that you bear this in mind when you receive your pocket money and allowance no matter how little; because when you save today, it will go a long way to help you tomorrow, “Liadi told the students who filled the Onikan Youth Centre.

Students from Modupe Cole Memorial Childcare and Treatment Home; Standard Hallmark College, Mushin; Child Life-Line,Lagos and Moyin Rainbow Foundation, Lagos; were some of the students who participated at the event.

The Chief Executive Officer, UBA Foundation, Mrs. Bola Atta, who threw more light on the initiative stated that it is aimed at helping to impact lives positively and in a very meaningful way. She added that the initiative, which was going on simultaneously in 20 countries across Africa, was being driven by UBA staff members who were very happy to give back to the society.

“At UBA Foundation, we are constantly being asked by other staff members how they can help. A lot of people are genuinely interested in doing good. With the Each One Teach One initiative, you don’t need a huge sum of money, you just need to give of your time and talent to at least one other person. It is simple. It is effective and the impact is ginormous imagine how many people across 20 countries in Africa benefitted today from someone just taking a little time to help them acquire new skills or hone old ones. There is something really gratifying about giving back. It helps the communities and helps you grow as an individual.’ Said Atta

Thousands of UBA staff members across Africa voluntarily committed their time today to teaching youths various activities such as foreign languages, photography, tae kwon do, fashion design, martial arts, first aid, coking, hair dressing, mathematics, reading, music and much more.

UBA, Africa’s global bank, is committed to being a socially responsible company and role model for all businesses in Africa. UBA recognises the need for a social contract between the bank, the community and its people.

As the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of the UBA Group, UBA Foundation is committed to the socio-economic improvement of the communities in which the bank operates, focusing on development in the areas of Environment, Education, Economic Empowerment and Special Projects.

Executive Director, United Bank for Africa(UBA) Plc, Mr. Ayoku Liadi; CEO, UBA Foundation, Mrs. Bola Atta; Head, Brand Management, UBA Plc, Mr. Lashe Osoba, flanked by students of various schools during the 2nd edition of UBA Foundation’s ‘Each One, Teach One’ initiative where UBA Staff teach and assist the less privileged, especially students and people living with disabilities across Africa, held in Lagos on Friday.

Tony Elumelu Foundation to Open Applications for the 2020 TEF Entrepreneurship Programme on January 1, 2020

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, David Lyon Visits T.B. Joshua

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

Lagos Designer, Kiki Okewale Shines In Bangkok

History was made at the just-concluded ‘Thai Silk Festival’ which held in Bangkok, Thailand as Kiki Okewale, one of Nigeria’s Queen of Blings; dazzled the world with her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother.Kiki, the recipient of several styles and achievement awards was at the Grand Finale Thai Silk Festival at the Eden Zone Central on November 18 to Friday, November 22’ 2019.
The International ‘Thai Silk Fashion Week’ is organized at the behest of Queen SIrikit by the Thai Tourists Assistance Foundation, in collaboration with members of the foreign diplomatic corps in Bangkok, as part of the annual ‘Celebration of Silk’ project to showcase modern and traditional Thai silk and designs.
This year’s fashion exhibition involved 43 International fashion designers from over 60 countries, showcasing their collections, made from Thai Silk. Hope by Kiki Okewale is the only couturier from Nigeria participating in the special event.
At Thailand, Kiki was the special guest of royalty; she was invited by the blue-blooded Princess Sheikha Hend Al Qassemi of the Emirate, who is a descendant of the royal family of Sharjah, and both the organizer of the Dubai Fashion Week, as well as the proprietress of ‘Velvet’, the popular fashion and lifestyle magazine.
Her understanding of luxury and unique representation of royalty with elegant quality are some of the reasons distinguished women keep coming to her for their style needs.
With her Hope by Kiki Okewale brand, she has authored another chapter in her fascinating catalogue of firsts by blazing the trail as the first Nigerian to be so honoured and recognized in the far Eastern Country.
The popular style icon and CEO of Hope by Kiki Okewale is distinctive stock and creations, has seen her shoot to the top of the fashion and clothing business in Nigeria within a short period of time as she boasts of several women of class and elegance as clients, from A-list celebrities and Nollywood icons, to top women politicians and business leaders.
Just last April this year, Hope by Kiki Okewale became the first and only Nigerian, nay African designer to showcase at Dubai Fashion Week.

IBADAN STANDS STILL AS OBESERE, EEDRIS ABDULKAREEM, ARTQUAKE STORM THE NAIJA PEPPERSOUP FESTIVAL

Nothing but euphoria will witness the maiden edition of The Naija Pepper soup Festival as top Nigerian entertainers are set to make December 14th a day that will  forever linger and remains memorable.

First of its kind, The Naija Pepper soup Festival was conceptualized to bring about the lost memory of that special cuisine discovered and first prepared in West Africa even when some people believe it’s of foreign origin. The Naija Pepper soup Festival however is a celebration of culture using food {Pepper Soup} as a common denominator. The festival features varieties of Nigerian Pepper Soup and the major accompaniments of a Pepper Soup experience drinks and music.

Tagged ‘Ibadan Invasion’, the maiden edition which has been endorsed by Oyo State Government will hold on 14th December 2019 at Agodi Gardens and put together by Portyer.

In his speech during a courtesy visit to his office, the Honourable Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Hon Wasiu Olatunbosun applauded the entire team for bringing out such unique concept.

“All I have been seeing here is Amala festival, Pounded Yam galore and so on, celebrating pepper soup seems and looks very unique to me and I believe so it will to other people, it’s a welcome idea and we can’t but give it the needed support”.

However, the brain behind the festival, Mr. Rotiwa Arowa, CEO Portyer Event said “It’s an experience no one can afford to miss, a special experience and the first where over 50 cooks will be on ground to prepare different kinds of pepper soups for people to consume, this is one area that has not been explored and another huge potential for tourism attraction. it will also go alongside music and entertainment as top and popular Nigerian singers like Obesere, Eedris Abdulkareem, Adex of Artquake, Klever Jay etc will be on stand to thrill guests”.

When asked why the choice of Ibadan as the venue for the maiden edition, “ Ibadan is the political capital of Yorubaland and as it is, it is the indigenous capital where event of this magnitude can hold, though plans are on to extend the subsequent editions to other parts of the Naija but we have to start from the cradle.”

Heritage Banks, Adron Homes, Noble FM, Oyo State Government and top media organizations are throwing their weights behind the Naija pepper festival, “Ibadan Invasion”.

Succor at Last: Injured Nigerian Football Sani Emmanuel get Help for Treatment Abroad

This is definitely good news as help has finally come for the complete operations of former Nigerian youth international Sani Shehu also known as Sani Emmanuel, you will recall we reported earlier that the 2009 FIFA U17 tournament Golden Ball winner has been down with leg injury (Achilles Tendonitis), and Evangelist Bisola Hephzi-bah Johnson’s Bisola Johnson’s Foundation has been at the forefront of those trying to raise money for his treatment.

It was also well covered when former teammate and friend Ogenyi Onazi, decided to foot part of the bill to the tune of N1.4million which he had already paid into a Lagos based hospital that is supposed to carry-out the operation sometimes last week. However, help has come from a new direction has one of those who were reached by the social media campaign seeking help for him, later reached-out to the anchor of Brekete Family on Human Right Radio 101.1 FM Abuja, who in turn brought the young boy to the live programme where he was promised an all-expense paid proper treatment in Germany.

This information was made known to us be the convener of Bisola Johnson’s Foundation, who while appreciating the Brekete Family also frown at role of religious leaders who turned blind eye to his plight, the statement on her Facebook account states “Brekete Family is taking up Sani Emmanuel’s case. Shame to religious people. I bless God for this.”

 

Minister of State for Labour and Employment pays a Condolence Visit to the Family of Olorogun Dr. Ramsey Mowoe

The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo SAN has visited the family of the late Urhobo leader, Olorogun Dr. Ramsey Mowoe, CON who died yesterday, Monday, November 24th, 2019 to pay his last respect.

The late Olorogun Mowoe was an influential civil servant who rose through the ranks to an enviable position of Permanent Secretary with the Presidency. Before his retirement, he was with the Ministries Works and Housing, Industry and Finance.

The late octagenarian who was the former President of Urhobo Progressive Union was survived by 2 wives and 5 children.

During the condolence visit to the family residence at Sun City, Abuja today, the honourable Minister extolled the virtues of the 78 years old nationalist whom he described as one of the intellectual pillars of the Urhobo kingdom, “although I did not have the opportunity of meeting him in person, the Mowoe dynasty typifies dignity, I could remember one of them, I think the eldest who was a popular lawyer used to be an inspiration to us growing up, we can say we towed their path during our school days, Olorogun Ramsey Mowoe’s death is not just for the Urhobo nation but the whole country as a whole, we must rally around the family to give him a befitting burial”, the minsiter said.

The Minister was at the Mowoe’s residence earlier today to pay his last respect where he signed the condolence register.

Heritage Bank Empowers 2000 Female Entrepreneurs via Financial Inclusivity Initiatives

Taking into consideration the importance of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to the economy, Heritage Bank Plc has continued to structure financial inclusivity initiatives in empowering over 2000 female entrepreneurs towards economic enablement and self-realization.

This move is in line with the people-oriented policies of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Heritage Bank Plc is partnering with a Non-Governmental Organization, Prime Women Builders Foundation of Nigeria (PWOBFON) in providing skills training to the female entrepreneurs.

At the graduation ceremony/ certificate award ceremony held at  Ikeja Local Government headquarters over the weekend, the MD/CEO of Heritage Bank, Ifie Sekibo said the bank is keen in cultivating real partnerships with Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Sekibo, who was represented by the Head, Brand Management & Sustainability Ozena Utulu explained that the lender is interested in initiatives that encourage people to start their own businesses and gradually grow them into conglomerates.

According to him, the partnership with PWOBFON is vital in many ways particularly in the area of  job creation, economic empowerment and financial inclusion.

His words:  “apart from skills training, the women have been told the importance of record keeping in business, savings culture and the benefits of having bank accounts as a gateway to accessing other financial services.”

He said Heritage Bank has been a leading Nigerian bank with an excellent service culture hinged on working with each customer to create a name, wealth and heritage.

Also speaking, President/Convener Prime women Builders Foundation of Nigeria, Kemi Olofinkua applauded the bank for its support, and urged other corporate organizations to take a cue from the lender in supporting grassroots women empowerment.

She explained that through the support from the Heritage Bank and the Ikeja Local government, the women, based on their choices, have been equipped with 15 vocational skills covering event decoration, small chops making, baking, pastries, bead making, computer training , soap making, makeup, tailoring, digital marketing, Photography, hairdressing among others.

To underscore the  importance of women empowerment, the CBN had earlier set aside 60 per cent of its  N220 billion MSMED Fund for providing financial services to women.

L-R: Secretary to the Local Government, Surulere, Comrade Hakeem Dauda; Supervisor for Women Affairs & Poverty Alleviation, Adenike Yusuf; President/Convener Prime women Builders Foundation of Nigeria (PWOBFON), Adekemi Olofunkua; Vice Chairman, Ikeja Local Government Development Council, Yomi Mayungba and Head, Brand Management & Sustainability, Heritage Bank Plc, Ozena Utulu, during the graduation ceremony/ certificate award ceremony held at Ikeja Local Government headquarters

According to Olofinkua, this training is important because when women are positively occupied, the level of poverty will reduce and great achievements will be recorded not only on the home front, but on several sectors of “our national life.”

“Heritage Bank has been very supportive and our desire is to see participants of PWOBFON Empowerment Day, doing great in their various vocations. Each and every one of us must deliberately find something to occupy us and bring good profit. There are lots of vocations that each and every one of us can excel in; so that we will not be frustrated along the part of life,” Olofinkua stated.

The executive chairman, Ikeja Local Government Development Council, Dr. Mojeed Alabi Balogun, represented by his vice, Yomi Mayungba said the local government is interested in the initiative because it is in line with its grassroots skills training program . According to him, this is a way of keeping not only women, but men also out of the streets.

He disclosed that the first batch of trainees started from Ikeja and this is the 10th year anniversary. “The local government is delighted to partner with the NGO, Heritage Bank and other interested parties,” Balogun said.

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