-Blasts Lagos-born Fellow Artist For Supporting Ongoing Campaign Of Calumny Against Embattled Governor Ambode

Nigerian British Fuji Music Exponent, Alhaji Abass Akande Obesere (PK1st) has lampooned fellow Fuji Music exponent Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde over his stance on the current crises that has engulfed ruling APC in Lagos State, describing him as an ingrate who does not always care to bite the fingers that fed him.

The relationship between the two musicians over the years has not been as cordial as music fans all over the world will expect it to be, while so many questions have been asked to ascertain the cause of their frequent frictions.

Speaking on the latest development, Alhaji Obesere was quick to place it on record that while he is having nothing personal against his colleague, he is always averse to his uncharitable conduct and dishonest attitude, adding the latest preposterous position and outburst against Ambode in his trying period is a clear testimony that Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde is nothing but a serial betrayal and slanderer.

He bares it all by going the memory lane:

"I want to state clearly that I have nothing personal against Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde but looking back to some of his conducts and attitude over the years, I think I have been proven right to stay away from dealing with him. I don't like to deal with an ingrate who doesn't care to bite the fingers that once fed him, "he began defiantly.

"As musicians, we are people's property and I am free to support anybody that I like but I won't come out in the open to smear the character of anybody - not to talk of someone I have benefited from in one way or the other. What is happening in Lagos State is pure political issue and should be left to the politicians to resolve. For, Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde to suddenly change gears because of the travails facing Governor Ambode is not only ungodly, slanderous and disrespectful, but it shows that he is a real traitor. "

"You will recall that the same man betrayed our legend in the Fuji Music Industry, late Alhaji Ayinde Barrister, years back. He came out in the open to deny the man who was his benefactor and called him all sorts of names.

He once rubbished another amongst our highly respected seniors in the business, Alhaji Ayinla Kollington, and I can go on and on to relay some of his past ignoble actions that portrayed him as someone who cannot be trusted.

And that exactly has been the crux of our disagreements overtimes. The latest one against Governor Ambode is quite unfortunate and as a stakeholder and someone who doesn't love to hide his feelings, I think we should all let him know that, what comes around, goes around and what is not good is not good. As a public person and role models, we should not be seen as people of questionable character who is always running to where our pockets will be served," a highly disenchanted singer popularly known as PK1st posited.

Controversy ridden Unity Bank Plc has been named as one of the financial institutions likely to be sanctioned by the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

The financial institution is among a list of 28 companies which failed to meet post-listing requirements such as timely release of operational reports and financial statements.
http://meganews.com.ng/2018/09/15/unity-bank-plc-in-big-trouble-again/
A list of defaulting companies prepared by the NSE obtained recently showed three commercial banks, a microfinance bank, three mortgage bankers, five insurance companies, one investment management firm and 15 other firms in various non-financial sectors.

“The companies failed to submit their interim report and accounts for the period ended June 30, 2018,” the document was quoted to have said.

According to the NSE regulations, the default is marked out as a corporate governance failure, which attracts monetary fines, “naming and shaming” tag, suspension of shares from trading and delisting in incurable cases of default.

A source at the weekend confirmed that the Exchange “would apply relevant rules” in dealing with the defaulters.

Why Unity Bank Plc missed the regulatory deadline of July 30 might not be far from a long running internal power tussle that has bedeviled the bank for a while.

In recent times, the bank has been taking three steps backward and one forward with the controversy of how it withdrew from a million Dollar investment still legendry.

Under the NSE’s rules, a late submission attracts a fine of N100,000 daily for the first 90 calendar days of non-compliance, another N200,000 per day for the next 90 calendar days and a fine of N400,000 per day thereafter until the date of submission.

With these, late submission under the first instance of 90 days could attract N9 million, the additional 90 days will attract N18 million while such delay beyond the first 180 days to the next 180 days could attract as much as N72 million, bringing fines payable by a defaulting company within a year to N99 million.

The list of sanctions shows fines ranging from a low of N0.1 million to as high as N51.4 million. Companies had been fined more than N400 million and N500 million in 2016 and 2017 respectively for failure to submit accounts within scheduled periods.

If Unity Bank Plc falls into this pit, there is no gain saying that the Tomi Somefun-led financial institution which has been slumbering might just be history.

Efforts to reach the corporate department of the bank as regards what could have made it fail to meet the NSE deadline was fruitless as at time of going to press.

Source: theoctopusnews

Customers, shareholders express anxiety

As financial experts call for sack of GMD

These are not the best of times for the Tokunbo Abiru-led Skye Bank Plc as it has become a case of one trouble to many for the financial institution as it continue to swim in the sea of controversies. And as it stands, the bank is fast proving to be L’Enfant terrible in the Nigeria banking sector, as its name constantly props up in every underhand dealing as the lender is said to have be currently embroiled in a fresh crisis.

Unless something drastic happens to salvage the situation, Skye Bank may run into serious financial crises that may render it unable to meet its obligations as a deposit money bank.
http://meganews.com.ng/2018/09/14/skye-bank-depositors-in-panicas-financial-institution-fail-to-declare-report/
Findings revealed that the struggling financial institution has again failed the statutory requirements to file its results and accounts for the period ended June 30, 2018 with the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

A top management staff of the bank who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity lamented, “Of a truth, all is not well with the bank. It is really struggling to stay afloat and the new management is doing nothing about it. Though they met the problem on ground, one expects that by now things should have changed. People are resigning every day because of uncertainties showing up in every of its departments.”

Recall that on July 4, 2016, the Central Bank of Nigeria intervened in the management of the bank by reconstituting the board of directors, shoring up the bank with N100bn capital injection, and accordingly, the apex bank gave the board a clear mandate to turn the institution around positively.

Ironically, two years after the CBN intervention into the affairs of the bank, the fortunes of the financial institution have continued to dwindle.

We gathered, is not unconnected with the poor results of the bank due to lack of trust customers now have with the lender triggered by the lack of administrative experience and expertise of the new management led by Mr. Tokunbo Abiru. More so, weak asset quality, rising funding costs and increased customers’ wariness about the safety of their deposits have conspired to squeeze out the bank’s balance sheet and tear profit figures of the lender.

The development became worrisome to shareholders and customers of the bank as the lender last filed its accounts to the NSE in 2014. In a statement to the NSE in March 2017, Skye Bank had attributed the failure to file its 2016 accounts to the CBN’s intervention. Consequently, the Exchange tagged the lender MFR (Missed Regulatory Fillings). This is in contravention of Rule 1.1.4 of The Exchange on Filing of Accounts and Treatment of Default Filing, Rulebook of The Exchange, which requires listed companies to file their AFS.

A visit to the lender’s headquarters located at 3, Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, will tell how its branches operate – in a low-key setting. The once-bubbling branches of the bank have now become a shadow of themselves as many depositors of the bank have started closing their accounts.

It would be recalled that prior to the sack of the Ayeni-led board, Skye Bank used to visit the discount window frequently.

With the current situation, the few depositors left are beginning to wonder if it is not back to square one for them, as they insist that the bank would have filed its account if there were indeed no problems.

A document obtained from the NSE unveiled Skye Bank as one of the financial institutions likely to be penalized by the NSE along with other organisations.

According to the document from the NSE, such default is marked out by the Exchange as a corporate governance failure, which attracts monetary fines, “naming and shaming” tag, suspension of shares from trading and delisting in incurable cases of default.

A source further confirmed that the Exchange “would apply relevant rules” in dealing with the defaulters.
The NSE regulatory deadline was on July 30. Under the rules, a late submission attracts a fine of N100,000 daily for the first 90 calendar days of non-compliance, another N200,000 per day for the next 90 calendar days and a fine of N400,000 per day thereafter until the date of submission.

Though, the CBN recently extended the tenure of Skye Bank directors for an additional two-year term, customers of the bank, financial experts have called for the sack of the bank chief to be replaced by a more competent and experienced hand to manage the financial institution.

A customer of the bank, one Mr. Richard, while speaking with our correspondent said: “I don’t know what exactly is happening to Skye Bank. I have been banking with them for the past 10 years and it has never been this bad. Most of their ATM machines are always out of service; even their USSD banking code *889# is nothing to write home about, the same service which I enjoy seamlessly on my accounts with other banks. Most times, when I try to transact with it, it always fails. It’s either it brings error or no response at all. I have been to their bank several times to complain but still, no way. Their services are now so poor,” he lamented.

A financial expert, Mr. Adebayo Faleti who spoke to our correspondent argued that if no drastic steps are taken by the CBN concerning the bank, the worse may still come.

All efforts to reach the Corporate Affairs Manager of the bank, Mr. Rasheed Bolarinwa for the lender’s angle proved futile as calls and text messages placed to his mobile number were not responded to as at press time.

Source: THE WITNESS

* No rift with Ambode over LTV, says Tinubu's aide

* Ex-GM, disgruntled staff fingered in the campaign of calumny



By Mary Ajayi

The Lagos State Television has debunked the lies and wild allegations being circulated on social media about the purchase of an Outside Broadcasting Van and some camera equipment being the source of purported spat between Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and his political godfather, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. An obscure blog, lagosbusinnessnews, had first carried the fake news on Monday with false allegations that the OBVan was approved for supply by Ambode in spite of a counter order by Tinubu; and that while other camera equipment were delivered, the OBVan was never supplied and that a certain Lebanese supplier/contractor was told to disappear so as to cover the non-existent fraud.

But on Wednesday, LTV uploaded the photos of the OBVan on its social media pages with an announcement that the brand new van with state of the art live transmission equipment had arrived from the UK and that there will be "better times ahead for coverage and revenue generation."

Investigations by our reporter revealed that unbeknown to the peddlers of the falsehood, the OBvan was already being assessed for payment and clearing at the Lagos port for delivery to the station this weekend at the time the fake news was being concucted.

Original and authentic documents sighted by our reporter showed that contrary to the lies being circulated that the Van costs an outrageous N1.5billion of which 50% deposit had been paid, it was discovered that 80% of the actual cost of barely 200m was what was paid according to government's standard practice. Investigation also revealed that no Lebanese contractor was involved or asked to disappear as alarmingly alleged in the false publication. The supply was done by a fully indigenous Nigerian firm. Senior Ltv and government officials who do not wish to be named also confirmed that no agreement exists between the station and any overseas company.

"How can that be possible when our suppliers are also the technical partners who will supply the equipment, provide warranty and maintenance. What's our business with a certain Excellence Transmission that only exists in the imagination of the fake news carriers? You can see the name on the Parking List and Bill of Laden. What type of OBVan costs N1.5bn when it is not an amored tank or a jet? a reliable insider told our reporter.

LTV's clarifications came on a day that a one-time GM of the station, a male, provided useful information on his Facebook page as to why the story in circulation is what it is - pure lie. He also gave details of the massive upgrades of the station and top quality equipment that have been supplied which have been in use since Ambode's tenure began in 2015.

http://meganews.com.ng/2018/09/13/ltv-takes-delivery-of-brand-new-obva-dispels-rumours-of-fraud-exaggerated-cost/

Shockingly, however, multiple sources have fingered as the source of the deliberate falsehood being circulated an aggrieved former GM of the station, a female, who was relieved of her position allegedly for deviating from the governor's vision for LTV; gross abuse of office and the scandal of an illicit office affair with a married younger male subordinate who has teamed up with a few other renegades who are defiantly opposed to the reforms being carried out in the station and are obviously inconsolable by the unceremonius exit of their former GM to perpetrate the unfounded rumour.

It was discovered that the same set of devilish cohorts had earlier this year attempted a similar campaign to smear the image of both Governor Ambode and Steve Ayorinde who was the Commissioner supervising the ministry at the time the equipment for the upgrade of the station was approved for purchase but had already been redeployed before the said GM was removed and sent to the parent ministry.

"The rehashed falsehood about the OBvan was evidently thrown out again this time after falsely dragging Tinubu's name into it without any basis just to cash in on the rumoured rift between Ambode and his political mentor," a top source at the government house revealed.

Another reliable source who is an aide to Asiwaju Tinubu but who spoke in confidence to our reporter says the "story is hoggwash, obviously hatched to create evil sensation and tarnish the image of their targets. How can the purchase of OBVan be of interest to Asiwaju? How can Ltv equipment be bought to serve TV Continental that has its own OBVan already? Is it not obvious that it is an unserious article to say Asiwaju approves every contract before Ambode can execute them? Nothing like that exists and you can see through the amateurish fairytale that it is nothing but a smear campaign on the Governor and the Commissioner."

Further investigations revealed that although the upgrade of LTV was approved in phases largely from 2015 all through 2017 because Ambode was determined to raise the quality of the station, the choice of a brand new OBVan was preferred by the state government over spending a huge amount to fix an obsolete OBVan of which the sacked GM had sought approval to repair but was refused because it would amount to a waste. Our reporter sighted documents that showed how the ex-GM had raised an outrageous memo in apparent collusion with a desperate contractor-repairer in their bid to repair the obsolete OBVan at an amount that is almost the cost of a brand new OBvan. A reliable source said that contrary to the lies being circulated, the Commissioner and his team actually stopped the attempted fraud by the sacked GM and what would have amounted to a collosal waste in using almost N150million to repair an obsolete equipment that the station has abandoned for many years."

Our investigation shows that since 2015, a consistent upgrade of the station has been going on with Ambode commiting huge resources to making the station very competitive. But a few of the staff loyal to the sacked GM are just opposed to the reforms being introduced by the Governor for fear of losing out.

One source said "I can tell you for free that the said article is a pack of white lies. Go round and make your investigations. Cost of broadcast equipment is easily verifiable and you know all the memos have to originate from this station, not at the ministry. The Permanent Secretary and Commissioner only verify and recommend to the Governor for approval. All the records are intact." Yet another source at the station volunteered ingormation. "This is actually the best time to work at LTV because the Governor has made this station a baby to be nurtured.

We were told the OBvan was delayed due to variation in the exchange rate. But while we were expecting it, the Governor approved the supply of top-range cameras, microphones and other gadgets that were lacking. He upgraded our studios and provided equipment that can transmit events live from six different locations simultaneously. No other TV station has such in Nigeria you can quote me. We have even used those equipment to transmit some events twice from London and from Ghana. The OBVan that is coming is just to complement them because the six back-pack live transmitters work with data and the signals can't be as strong as a proper OBVan."

Another senior staff also confided in our reporter that most staffers know the disgruntled elements in the station, always writing petitions and threatening people with the union. It was learnt that their grouse stemmed from their feeble resistance to Ambode's order in 2016 to advertise crucial positions for news and technical departments so that new staff can be employed and for popular veterans to be invited on part-time basis.

"That is why you can now see top-notch professionals like Ruth Benamesia and Soni Irabor reading prime-time news on Ltv. That was how Siju Alabi came to join the station as Director of News and that is why you now see fresh and popular faces that are good professionals employed on the Governor's order after the said advert in national papers and intense selection process. Other good ones were even poached from Tvc; Channels tv and Silverbird tv. Just last month, the governor approved overseas training for staff of the station in two batches as part of the overall repositioning of the station and this is a governor that gives huge bonuses to staff and approves wardrobe allowances and bought operational vehicles for the five bureaus across the state.

“The governor's vision for LTV is clear and laudable but some of the entrenched staffers who are not sure of themselves panicked that they might lose out in the new order and became hostile to their new colleagues and especially the new GM. Worse still, they keep exhibiting resistance to the Governor's great vision for the station. Sadly, the sacked GM too showed bias against the new staff and showed open resentment to clear instructions on the vision of the Governor. The lies about the OBvan are just their ill-thought out way of hitting back over her sack; thinking in collusion with a desperate contractor that dragging Tinubu's name into it will give their lies mileage."

However, the last may not have been heard on this matter as our reporter reliably learnt that a libel case is being prepared against the blog that was used in circulating the fake news before other social media platforms picked it and other elements using it for political gains.

Ever since Kogi State was created, our pending problems have always been our inability to provide or elect for ourselves a good and responsible government that will always react adequately to the problems of the state and also proffer lasting solutions to these problems as they develop.

This political lack, failure and inability have not only permitted the several under-developments we are faced with presently as a state, but have gone a long way to putting the state in perpetual poverty.
http://meganews.com.ng/2018/09/11/the-future-of-kogi-east-and-victor-adojis-aspiration-by-omachi-achor/

As pitiful as this situation becomes every day, Kogi East that has been one of the most privileged constituency in the state has suffered the most, basically because this constituency has often been represented by timid, shortsighted, selfish and "un-purposeful" politicians.

And it is so shameful to admit here that today, Kogi East is one of the most underdeveloped constituencies in the North Central, in spite of all its rich resources, political strength and even manpower.

Having looked at this it has become very necessary that we team up as a people and sought for a better representation this time around, through which we can redirect our constituency towards a more visible development and secure a better future for ourselves and our children.

But in order to achieve this, we must be willing to look beyond personal interests, relationships and even affiliations.

We must be willing to ignore veteran politics, politics of hate and fully resist the ideas of automatic ticket and godfatherism and embrace a more democratic individual who can harness all our resources and channel them towards a more productive end. We must try to instate an individual who sincerely understands what is really at stake and will pull all the necessary parliamentary strings to ensure that the Kogi East situation is salvaged.

We must at a time like this be willing to only rally round a more focused individual who is strong and passionate in will, in ideas, in foresight, in vision, in persistence, in concern and in all forms of political sensitivity.

The legislature is a reasoning and talking arm of government, therefore we must present someone who is vocally strong, critical and analytically precise; someone who understands the language of the hallowed chamber and is equally knowledgeable on the rich essence of the Nigerian federal character and the Nigerian legislative visions.

Our focus and support must be for someone who can influence the nation and also endear the constituency to the federal government in order to attract national investment, human development and all forms of basic amenities.

Without mincing words, VICTOR ALEWO ADOJI has been able to assemble all these political virtues, thoughts and vision, he has been able to shape his political aspirations towards these defined ideas.

A vote for Adoji is a vote for a more accountable representation; it is a vote for a more people-oriented legislature; it is a vote for a more productive government and a more secure future for our constituency.

It is not just the passionate efforts to rescue Kogi East that distinguishes this aspirant, but the legislative guts that categorises his thoughts, his industrious views, the persistent nature of his positive desires for Kogi East and his well-groomed commitment that will dictate every beat of his political aspiration are indeed very worthy of note.

It is not about party, it is not about incumbency or veteran politics, it is about will, resourcefulness, accountability, foresight, intent, sacrifice, wealth of knowledge, humanitarian ideas, societal concerns and sensitiveness to the basic needs of the present Kogi East.

VICTOR ALEWO ADOJI is obviously willing to serve and redeem our constituency. It is now left for us to embrace this new future and save Kogi East.



Our future is now in our hands, and we must secure it this time.



Omachi Isaac Achor writes from Idah, Kogi State, Nigeria.

The honourable member representing Kosofe in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Bayo Oshinowo, is a man with an eye on the big laurel. This ardent student of the school of power has never hidden his desire to rule Lagos State to emulate his mentor Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Pepper or Pepperito as he is fondly called is regarded as the ultimate Mr. Fix it in lagos politics and boasts openly that he almost removed Babatunde Fashola for daring to humiliate the Jagaban of Borgu. He says he made the present Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, who is his boy over the former Deputy Speaker Hakeem Taiwo whom he conspired to prevent from coming back to the house of assembly for the forth term. He also thwarted Wasiu Eshilokun’s ambition to become Speaker despite the fact that the central senatorial zone was supposed to produce the Speaker in 2015.

http://meganews.com.ng/2018/09/06/how-oshinowo-pepperito-plans-to-sting-his-way-into-the-senate/
Stupendously rich, he is said to possess a tear-rubber Rolls Royce and is building a 5-star hotel in his Ijebu home.
Although a supposedly devout Muslim, Pepperito is also known to be a kingpin in the alternative medicine world and those who are in the know say this is attributable to his long standing ability to sway Asiwaju in any direction he desires.

With loads of cash, thuggery political influence (as a former body guard to MKO Abiola) plus stronghold on the Leader and local 'jazz' Oshinowo is the ultimate 'pepper dem gang' of the Lagos house of assembly; the intemperate Atawewe of the Lagos East politics. Oshinowo is presently said to be compiling lists of preferred members of House of Assembly and House of Reps all over the state to ensure that himself and the Leader retain their stranglehold on the politics of the state. He is said to have told his supporters that direct or indirect format, the primaries will be controlled to return favoured candidates.

Time will tell if this Ijebu Pepper can succeed with his ambition to muscle out Senator Gbenga Ashafa this year and then position himself as the gubernatorial candidate to rule the centre of excellence in 2023. One thing is however clear: Bayo Pepperito Oshinowo is firmly on his way to establishing himself as the Alpha and Omega of Lagos politics as soon as Asiwaju gradually relinquishes his hold on power on account of age and perhaps health.

His continuous admonition to friends and foes alike that the Jagaban Borgu is weak and will not last forever and that Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola cannot return to Lagos to wield any considerable influence given his tumultuous reign in Osun State may yet ring true.

His supporters say when Pepper sneezes, people like Babatunde Sofola, an LCDA chairman he forcibly whipped back in line recently after expressing contrary opinion to Pepper's rogguish style, catch cold. They say after 16 years as Lord of the Manor in the Lagos parliament, he's now ready to bully and sting his way past Ashafa, Hon. Joko Pelumi, and Anifowose Denge who are in contention for the Lagos East Senatorial ticket and perhaps to show Pa. Bush Alebioshu who is in charge of Lagos East politics.

-Hakeem Bashorun is a political stakeholder from Ikorodu

Finally, september is here and all the political permutations are in top gear, nearly reaching fever pitch. Like elsewhere, the situation is not different in Lagos where the dust is finally settling on the candidates to be fielded for the crucial posts. Save for the Lagos West (where Musiliu Obanikoro and Senator Olamilekan Yayi are slugging it out) and Lagos East (where Hon. Oshinowo Pepper is trying to snatch the ticket from Senator Gbenga Ashafa), the governorship ticket is apparently settled for incumbent Akinwunmi Ambode's unopposed return, after the usual intense politicking and horse trading.

However, the grey and contentious area now remains Ambode's running mate.

Although she is seen to have performed creditably well as the current deputy governor and supervising Commissioner for Education, the chances of Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule returning with Ambode appears shaky as certain power blocs are hell bent on replacing her with another current member of the Lagos State cabinet and a flighty politician from the West Senatorial zone, Alhaja Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf.

But the self-acclaimed Pharmacist Akinbile-Yusuf is a curious choice that might dent the image of the  government and bring the exalted office of the Deputy Governor to an all-time low if the proposal to replace Adebule with her flies.

Hush tone mumurings are growing into loud whispers in the Lagos political circle with the desperation with which a certain cabal in the Alimosho caucus of Lagos West Senatorial district is scheming to push Akinbile-Yusuf.

The plan reached an advance stage during the sallah celebrations when powerful forces from Alimosho led the Ijebu-Ile Ife born Uzamat to the home of National Leader, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu, ostensibly to get his blessing for the plan.

But the Aworis in Lagos and the strong caucus from Ojo, Oriade and Badagry axis of Lagos West where Dr. Adebule comes from are up in arms against dropping their daughter for "one Usamotu who still carries about her Osun title of Moremi". Like many watchers of the Lagos politics, the Awori bloc says Commissioner Uzamat is a mere decorative member of cabinet whose performance first in the ministry of Youths and Social Development and currently in the ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment has been abysmally low.

To keen watchers, her qualifications are a suspect; she could hardly string a clean sentence in English together; and if she is a pharmacist at all, they say it must be a carry-over of her ability to dispense local herbs to ill and infected locals in Osun State where she was raised and schooled but merely later sought to validate her "eleweomo" prowess with a procured certificate in Pharmacy.

Compared to Adebisi Sosan and Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire who deputised for Babatunde Raji Fashola at different times and the current Ranti Adebule who holds a doctorate degree and had served as the Secretary to the State Government before her correct position, Uzamat does not measure up at all in political experience; educational qualifications; spoken English and social etiquette and more importantly in moral uprightness. Analysts wonder how tidy it would be to install as Deputy Governor of the Centre of Excellence a woman that hybernates with a boyfriend who practically feeds off her after leaving her Akinbile husband in curious circumstances a few years ago. Strangely, Uzamat has now added Shehu Yusuf's name to her former (now late) husband's name without formal wedlock even as the current man-about-town  boyfriend has two other wives at home.

"This is the type of munafik woman that Alimosho has gone to present to the Leader as Deputy Governor in 2019 just because she's an in-law to a notorious political goon,  Abdulahi Enilolobo and shares birthday with her godfather and "close" ally Governor Rauf Aregbesola," a reliable source disclosed.

Lagos State has always adopted the style of choosing a qualified and presentable female deputy to a sitting male governor since the period of Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu in 1991 and even Mrs. Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele who was Asiwaju's first deputy in 1999.

But political watchers say even if the powers that be would not allow Adebule break the jinx of allowing a deputy governor to serve two terms, only time will tell if the ideal replacement should be a low substance candidate who will be a hard sell to Islamic clerics; who will shy away from debates and media interviews and one who has even always struggled through prepared speeches thereby shelving most of her responsibilities to her Permanent Secretary.

Or, as an honourable member in the House of Assembly who is in the know observes,  maybe her choice is to checkmate Ambode with "roforofo" tactics and more importantly to appease the power brokers in 'Tinubu's Country of Alimosho' who are desperately striving to hold on to every strand of power. "Forget about the dribbles and funny projections. They know what the score is on who will be APC's flagbearer in Lagos State. But they seem to have resigned to the reality that if the Governor must return for a second term as it appears so, the choice of his running mate will be one of the key negotiations that the Alimosho blocs will insist on."

http://meganews.com.ng/2018/09/01/uzamat-hussles-to-be-ambodes-running-mate/

In line with its tradition of deepening the savings culture by rewarding and encouraging its loyal customers, UBA has launched a new savings promo, UBA Wise Savers Promo. The promo which is scheduled to run till September 30, 2019, will give 80 people a whooping N1.5 million each across all participating regions.

http://meganews.com.ng/2018/08/28/80-customers-to-become-millionaires-in-uba-wise-savers-promo/

The objective is intended to assist in growing the Bank’s savings deposit. Participation is open to both existing and new customers.

To qualify for the Wise Savers Promo, new and existing customers of the bank are advised to make a N10,000 monthly deposit into their UBA savings account for 3 consecutive months before each draw date, or make a one-time deposit of at least N30,000 saved for 90 days before each draw date. Subsequently, 20 lucky customers will each win N1.5 million in the promo every quarter. Draws will take place every quarter until 80 customers win the N120 million up for grabs.

Speaking during the official launch of the Wise Savers Promo, Head Retail Liabilities, Tomiwa Sotiloye,explained that the Promo is consistent with the bank’s novel initiatives in proritising customers, adding that “we believe it is time we reward our customers who have been very loyal over the years. Without them, we could not have made the giant strides attained all these years and in recent times.

Tomiwa also noted that: “Because our customers are invaluable to all that we do, we listen and give them nothing short of the best that they deserve, that is why we pioneered various products that have evidently shown that we always match our words with action – Leo Chat Banker is one out of the numerous examples that have won us several accolades and most recently a prestigious award from Euromoney which conferred us with the best digital bank in Africa”.

According to him, “We remain committed to consistently improving customer service and rewarding our loyal customers. As such, the Wise Savers Promo seeks to compliment current initiatives aimed at growing savings.”

Nigeria’s Leading Independent PR Measurement and Evaluation Agency P+ Measurement Services has partnered with SSPI to sensitize and raise awareness about the need to reduce the number of Suicide victims in Nigeria using the #SayNoToSuicide Campaign theme.



The campaign which will be activated through the Smart Suicide Prevention Initiative (SSPI) with the Measurement and Evaluation agency releasing personalized creatives to drive engagement on social media. 



“Partnering with the SSPI, a longtime leader in the field of mental health care, is critically important and will allow us to reach an audience that is especially vulnerable to suicide,” Philip Odiakose, Lead Consultant, P+ measurement Services said. 



“The #SayNoToSuicide campaign creatives and engagement will aid in educating people about suicide risk and how to identify and care for the suicidal individuals. We know we can’t do this alone. Only by working with experts like SSPI will we be able to save more lives.” He added. 



“This partnership creates a real opportunity to bring forth major interventions with the potential for immediately saving lives,” said Smart MA Chongo, Founder, SSPI.

http://meganews.com.ng/2018/08/28/csr-p-measurement-services-partners-sspi-for-world-suicide-prevention-day/

SSPI founder, further said that the forthcoming World Suicide Prevention Day Rally will be taking place at the Unity Fountain, Abuja on the 8th of September 2018 by 10.00AM Nigeria Time.

The collaboration between the two organizations underscores the importance of working together to tackle a rarely discussed health topic in Nigeria, he added.



SSPI Hotlines:  +234 8062106493

                         +234 8092106493



About P+ Measurement Services

P+ Measurement Services is Nigeria leading and fastest growing indigenous Independent Communications/PR Measurement and Evaluation agency that focus on delivering detailed Media Monitoring, Measurement, Evaluation and Analysis across the full spread of media channels.

P+ is the leading news content monitoring and measurement agency in Nigeria.

The agency is internationally recognized as a PR measurement agency in Nigeria with activities being governed/regulated by AMEC (International Association for the Measurement and Evaluation of Communication).

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Kogi East Senate aspirant, Dr Victor Alewo Adoji has been endorsed by coalition of all political parties in Kogi State.

Speaking at Adoji’s declaration ceremony in Olamaboro on Saturday, chairman of Coalition of Political Parties in Nigeria, Kogi State chapter, Hon. Itodo said Kogi East has found a worthy ambassador in Adoji.


http://meganews.com.ng/2018/08/28/kogi-east-2019-coalition-of-political-parties-endorses-victor-adoji-for-senate/

Itodo urged Kogi East electorate to support Adoji’s quest to represent the area in the red chamber.

“Over the years, we have sent our third eleven to represent us at the Senate and they have made a mess of the opportunities, that was why I had to throw my hat into the ring in the 2015 senatorial election. But with Adoji in the race now, all we should do is provide support for him to emerge because we know he has the capacity to deliver on his mandate.

“Dr Victor Alewo Adoji is intelligent, proactive, humane and one of the front-runners in the struggle to move Kogi East from the pitiable situation we are in today to a more conducive atmosphere we can all be proud of.

“We cannot miss this chance of sending one of our best, Victor is one of our best and will do well as a Senator,” he said.

Hon Itodo was the senatorial candidate of Labour Party in the 2015 general elections and the subsequent rerun election.

In collaboration with Nigerian National Volunteer Service Diaspora Affairs, Itodo presented a certificate of endorsement and passed a vote of confidence on Adoji.

Keystone Bank Limited, Africa’s best customer service provider recently signed up popular Nollywood actress, writer and producer, Funke Akindele Bello popularly known as ‘Jenifa’ as its official brand ambassador.
http://meganews.com.ng/2018/08/27/keystone-bank-signs-actress-funke-akindele-as-brand-ambassador/
By virtue of this partnership, the multiple award-winning screen diva, Funke Akindele, will prominently represent the Keystone Bank brand and feature heavily in the lender’s marketing campaigns and consumer-focused strategies, while leveraging her large followership and popularity that cuts across socio-economic classes and age groups to further deepen the brand’s growing impression in the market.

Speaking during the contract signing ceremony at the bank’s head office in Lagos, on Friday August 17, 2018, the Group Managing Director/CEO of Keystone Bank Limited, Dr. Obeahon Ohiwerei said “the bank will explore every good platform to deepen it’s strength in the retail and youth segment. He reiterated that “The Nigerian entertainment industry is driven largely by SMEs and is growing exponentially, positioning the nation globally and positively impacting our GDP.

We are extremely pleased to partner with a hardworking entrepreneur like Jenifa who is also a role model to a wide spectrum of youths and people from all walks of life. This partnership aligns with our corporate objective of supporting SMEs and empowering enterprising women, through our PINK account and network.”

Commenting on the development, Akindele revealed her excitement at being the Bank’s choice which according to her, is a great institution that Is fast making it’s marks in the sector. “I am delighted to be signed on as a brand ambassador for Keystone Bank. It is a privilege to be associated with one of the fastest growing financial institutions in the country today, We will certainly put the Bank on the World Map together” Akindele said.

Funke Akindele plays the lead character in the ongoing hit TV show ‘Jenifa's Diary’, a spin-off from the movie titled ‘Jenifa’. Akindele has over 100 movies to her credit.

Since its recent acquisition by Sigma Golf – Riverbank consortium, Keystone Bank Limited, a technology and service-driven commercial bank, offering tailor-made convenient and reliable solutions to customer’s needs has been on upward swing.

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Kogi State is gradually driving itself into fresh crisis following sinister moves by a former governor of the state, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris to impose his family members and aides as candidates on the electorates.

News filtering out indicates that Alhaji Idris, who is also the leader of the party in Kogi State has perfected plans to install his sons, aide as the sole candidates to fly the flag of the party during the 2019 general elections. This is coming barely a few weeks to the PDP primaries, making any plans to hold the primaries a mere formality.

As it stands, mass defection is imminent in the state as the party leader has vowed to impose his son, Abubakar Idris as the governorship candidate and Mohammed Audu as Kogi East Senatorial District candidate of the party. Mohammed Audu is son of the late Abubakar Audu, another former governor of the state and the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate in the November 2015 gubernatorial election in the state.

Another of Alhaji Idris’ son, Mohammed, is said to be vying for the House of Representatives again. Interestingly, Mohammed was a House of Reps member while the father was governor of the state. He (Mohammed) lost the primary election in his second attempt despite the fact his father was a sitting governor showing Alhaji Idris’ growing unpopularity.

Some respected stakeholders of the PDP in the state are already crying blue murder, describing Alhaji Idris’ moves as a wicked plot to run the party aground in that the rival All Progressives Congress is waiting in the wings to poach all the key leaders who are piqued by this new development. The sinister arrangement, according to them, is without regard or respect for other party stakeholders.

One of the party leaders who does not want his name mentioned said, “We are all aware of Alhaji Idris’ underground moves, but I can assure you it won’t stand. PDP is not a family business as such he cannot run the party as his own.”


“We will block any attempts to make the party a one-man business in Kogi State. If it succeeds, we will all move to another party where they consider us useful.”

“Alhaji Idris is one of those who destroyed the party this much. I think enough is enough.”

However, our reporter was informed that Alhaji Idris has sworn that he would withdraw all financial supports from the party if he does not have his way, and that is, seeing his candidates bear the party flags in the respective positions.

Recall that Mohammed Audu, who is being positioned to fly the Kogi East Senatorial District flag of the PDP was accused recently by the police of breeding political thugs alongside the senator representing Kogi West, Senator Dino Melaye ahead of the 2019 general elections. Two political thugs paraded in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital by the Nigeria police had named Dino Melaye and Mohammed Audu as their major sponsors.

An aggrieved party source said: "Can you imagine that, Mohammed Audu who is coming in to the party with a lot of baggage, that guy is not worth anything in Igalaland again. His father even kept him a bay when he was alive."

"Mohammed has so many cases against him including that of gun running; Is that the kind of character the PDP should be romancing? I thought the leadership of the party have learnt their lessons from the last defeat and would need a breathe of fresh air to propel the fortunes of the party." The source squealed.

http://meganews.com.ng/2018/08/22/kogi-pdp-primaries-crisis-rocks-party-as-ibrahim-idris-imposes-sons-aides-as-candidates/

Going through the numerous outputs of some bloggers in this part of the world these days could be as discouraging as they come as some of them appear to have lost focus.

The challenge they pose is a tragedy of our time, when we thought we should be having the best of time with information dissemination.

Indeed, one could conclude that this era of social media a la blogging and all kinds of news sites comes with its disadvantages and painful consequences.

While it is apt to agree that news is broken immediately it happen through the help of some of these next door social media; but how do you explain the use of obvious exaggeration and rhetorics in some of the outputs of bloggers and their media?

In a bid to grandstand and be commended for coming up with newsworthy materials, it is not uncommon to see these sites resorting to cheap blackmail and repackaging old reports to embarrass the organisation or person concerned.

If what we read in some of these reports should be taken retrospectively, then there is a need to apply decorum, at least for the sake of the reading public and of course the concerned organization (s).

Many readers are worried with the way few of these bloggers dwell on the past and insult the sensibility of the readers in their reports.

One of such reports that threw discerning minds off balance was a story relating to a popular bank, which was repackaged by an online medium as if the incident just happened.

It was reported by the online publication that nine staff of the new generation bank conspired to steal customers’ money running into N600 Million.

The story was not only repackaged, if the figures given in the breakdown are added they are not up to the N600 Million said to have been stolen by the staff of the bank.

This only confirms that some online media are just passionate about creating tension where there is none and misleading members of the public all in a bid to be relevant.

If we are going to get there as a nation, we have to get things right and do things the way they should be done.

Let the bloggers know that to build takes years, but a big edifice can be brought down in a day and when that is done it will take years to build again.

So, why destroying in the first instance, we should be building edifices and institutions.

It is certain that the bank must have handled the matter, when it occurred and do all within its powers to prevent a re-occurence.

Journalism is about timeliness and not writing for the sake of writing. Why repackaging an event that happened long ago, and presenting such as if it just happened?

Imagine a scenario, where it is being reported that the first Nigerian civil war is ongoing, this was an incident that happened about 50 years ago. This could mislead members of the public and cause more damage than good.

Blogging has been taken to a new dimension with what is being reported by some, may be, misinformed or unfocused bloggers, whose pastime is bringing up stale news and making it appear as if it is just breaking.

When issues like these are repeated without caution, then the essence of online media is eroded and slaughtered on the altar of charlatans and uncoordinated writers.

We must do all within our means to avoid publishing reports that have been stale as if they just happened.

Such reports belong to the past and they must be allowed to go into the dustbin of history.

There are so many things to write about today. There are issues that could engage the minds of the readers other than matters that belong to the past.

What comes to mind, when a story is read, especially in an online medium is, “oh it has just happened, ha, there they go again, let us see how it ends.’ But alas it has ended, someone is just trying to be mischievous and score a cheap goal like Argentina’s Diego Maradona in that famed World Cup finals of several years ago.

Social media and blogging sites dwell on immediate occurrences, presenting lucid accounts of fresh happenings and events, rather than bothering the readers with what belongs to the past.

People want to know what is happening now and not then. They want to know if President Muhammadu Buhari has returned from his trip abroad, or if the National Assembly is sitting on Monday to consider the virement proposal of the president, or if anybody has defected from any of the leading political parties in Nigeria and what is the latest about the detained boss of the Department of Stated Security Service (DSS), Lawal Daura and the likes.

We may have started from somewhere, but we can do better than what is being done presently.

When the chips are down only the deep can call to the deep and the future belongs to those, who can do it better and give the people what they need now rather than insulting their sensbilities with old stories that belong to the past.

When things are done ríght, then we will get it right and avoid being left behind by the countries that started with Nigeria and have gone past us in all ramifications.

*Ade Oni, a social media commentator writes from Lagos, Nigeria.

http://meganews.com.ng/2018/08/19/nigerian-bloggers-and-rhetorics-which-way-forward-ade-oni/

Leading financial services provider, First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has once again demonstrated its commitment towards the empowerment of youths in entrepreneurship by sponsoring a capacity building programme for almost 1,000 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Abuja on July 30th, 2018.

Tagged ‘’Youth Entrepreneurship and Empowerment Programme’’, it was in partnership with Activate Success Foundation. The highly engaging, interactive and exciting session provided a platform for the youth corpers to look inward, develop and deploy their business skills through practical trainings facilitated by experts and successful business owners.

According to the Bank, the development will go a long way to empower them with the requisite resources to start and grow successful businesses during and after their service year in order to become financially independent and contribute significantly to national development.

Commenting on the initiative, the Executive Director, Retail Banking of FCMB, Mr. Olu Akanmu, said it is in line with the commitment of the Bank to provide multiple opportunities that would inspire and enable youths to be actively engaged and eventually become successful business owners.

According to him, ‘’FCMB Flexx account empowers Nigerian youths with the entrepreneurial and employability skills they need. Many youths set up their own businesses from their campuses. FCMB will be there with them to provide the necessary entrepreneurial and business skills they need to make great successes out of their businesses. FCMB will also provide great support for the youth businesses and work with them to nurture and grow the youth entrepreneurial ventures’’.

Also speaking, the Founder of Activate Success Founder, Love Idoko, said, ‘’I have a penchant for motivating people. There are business-minded youths out there that are just looking for mentorship or business ideas as well as funds to start their businesses. The purpose is not just to give grants, it is to also empower and motivate as many youths as possible”.

Among the facilitators at the programme were a Member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Desmond Elliot; Chief Executive Officer, Vodi Tailors, Mr. Seyi Adekunle and Executive Director, YIAGA Africa, Mr. Samson Itodo, of the #NotTooYoungToRun fame. At the end of the programme the sum of N2.7million was given as grant to some of the youth corpers with excellent business ideas to enable them start-up.

FCMB has over the years developed various engagement programmes focused on empowering young Nigerians such as #FlexxYourCreativity, #FCMBFlexxtern and the Flexx Youth Entrepreneurship Masterclass. Through these initiatives, FCMB has given young entrepreneurs and students access to training, funding, mentorship, networking opportunities and jobs. The Bank’s Flexxzone (http://flexxzone.fcmb.com/) also provides useful resources to help young Nigerians build their business and career, while keeping up with latest trends in fashion, lifestyle and entertainment.

The Bank’s youth product, Flexx, is one of its innovations to simplify and make banking services exciting. The Flexx proposition has continued to meet the overall financial and other socio-economic needs of young people from the age range of 16 to 30years. This is summarised in the description of Flexx as, “An app, a card, an account”. These features give account holders the freedom to bank on the go, using the Flexx Mobile App and also the Bank’s USSD code, *329#.

With a clear understanding of its market and environment, FCMB is well positioned to continue to create value by delivering exceptional services, while enhancing the growth and achievement of the personal and business aspirations of its customers.

http://meganews.com.ng/2018/08/18/fcmb-promotes-entrepreneurship-among-the-youth-urge-innovation/

Financial institution with a dying philosophy

Unity Bank Pls is one of the tier 2 commercial banks in the country, but has lagged behind its counterparts for several reasons. The Tomi Somefun-led financial institution has been tagged a financial institution without a banking philosophy.

Years ago, a Managing Director of Unity Bank Plc, Henry Semeniteri, was quoted saying that the financial institution was repositioning to have a South/Western outlook, as to be able to rub shoulders with its competitors in the nearest future.

The plan was a good one, as the bank which wanted to come mainstream had being labeled a northern financial institution. For this reason, it was being undermined in some business spheres. There was definitely no arguing it, Unity Bank Plc was a northern bank to a lot of people.

Less than two years into the implementation of the plan that was to see Unity Bank Plc metamorphose for good, Semeniteri alongside his dreams were axed overnight. He was accused of not complying with in house policies of the bank, and so he had to go. Without a thoroughbred leader, the bank remained what it was, a struggling one with little business strength.

Not only did the proposed reposition of the bank fail, since then, the bank has been operating on the peripheral lacking the ability to even pass for a third tier bank not to talk about rubbing shoulders with the top financial institutions in Nigeria. To aspire to be among the Systemically Important Banks was a wild goose chase.

Its inability to innovate and kickoff new business ideas soon became evident in the bank’s net income, as Unity Bank Plc slid by almost 54 percent to N2.18bn ($6.1m) in the 12 months through December 2016, with assets of N493bn, according to the company’s latest annual report.

Somefun, hinged the bad business result of the bank on “economic headwinds stifled business growth during the period accompanied by increased inflation and foreign exchange liquidity“. Unfortunately, she failed to reveal to her depositors that there were other in house problems bedeviling the bank.

Interest of the management put above those of its investors and depositors became too obvious, as tales were abound of how investors were being turned away due to conflicting interests, despite the dare need to recapitalise.

A case in point was the withdrawal of Milost Global Inc., a New York-based private equity firm which announced its termination of its proposed $1billion investment in Unity Bank Plc, after receiving threats.

Milost terminates Unity Bank deal, sues against Business Day

Kim Freeman, Managing Partner & CEO of Milost

In a statement released via GlobeNewswire , the equity firm said that termination of the deal came as a result of threat messages the company received from a ‘well connected’ politician since an initial announcement of the deal broke out.
“The said individual was very well informed about our dealings with Unity Bank such that he knew the audit group Milost had hired to carry out the final due diligence. He told Milost to tell the board of Unity Bank that the audit firm had instructed Milost that Unity Bank was a bad investment, failing which he would unleash the media on Milost using among other things accusations that would cause the government to send Milost packing. These threatening emails were shared with the CEO of Unity Bank and the then CFO Ebenezer Kawole.

A $1billion investment into Unity Bank Plc would have done the financial institution a lot of good, as it affairs would have been expanded tremendously.

However, with that deal having hit the rock once again, it is back to the basis, as the financial institution continues to operate in an abysmal condition seeking ideal leadership and business skills to move it to its next level which seems oblivious even to those at the top echelon of its affairs.

History

Unity bank was founded in 2006 from the merger of 9 commercial banks namely; Intercity Bank Plc, First Interstate Bank Plc, Tropical Commercial Bank Plc, Pacific Bank Limited, Centre Point Bank Plc, Societe Bancaire Limited, NNB International Bank Plc, Bank of the North Ltd and New Africa Bank Plc. This is following the consolidation exercise mandated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in 2004




http://meganews.com.ng/2018/08/16/beware-unity-bank-plc-on-the-brink-of-liquidation/

By: Felix Onajite



Since the financial crisis that enveloped the global market a decade ago, the profitability and reputation of banks has been under tremendous pressure worldwide, Nigeria inclusive. Whilst the banking industry is now regaining its health, the entrant of fintechs and neo-banks in the industry is posing a new threat. This digital disruption is changing the traditional way through which customers obtain financial services, hence putting more pressure on banks’ profitability.

However, a bank in Nigeria, Keystone Bank Ltd, is challenging the status quo by making transformation and profitability appear like a mere walk over as revealed in its achievements within a short time span. From the perspective of the results on ground, it appears to be a great time for Keystone Bank. In just one year of AMCON’s divestment, the bank has changed its narrative from “one of those banks” to a financial institution to be reckoned with and as a result is experiencing an influx of business minded customers.

Keystone Bank’s ambitious and holistic transformations have taken industry watchers by surprise, and the industry itself by storm. Besides the revamping of its branches across the nation and bolstering its workforce, it has invested substantially in technology and developed fully integrated service models that enable its customers enjoy banking services through a wide range of channels.

The bank’s journey to reckoning had been long and winding, which necessitated a takeover by the Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON) in 2011.


However, its acquisition by Sigma Golf – Riverbank consortium seemed to trigger a turnaround as it precipitated a change in the management team to the one that holds the magic wand for the positive outlook it has been experiencing to date

On taking over, the new management team led by its Group Managing Director/CEO Mr. Obeahon Ohiwerei drew up a holistic and integrated approach to business modernization which elevated the bank to deliver a superior customer-centric experience. The impact of this change reflected positive results in its Q1 report card, which, from all indications, is a restoration of customers’ trust in its system.

The bank for the half-year ended June 30th, 2018 recorded a profit before tax of N5.83bn, compared to a loss of N6.78bn over the same period in 2017. Deposit grew by 51%, from N206bn to N312bn between June 2017 and June 2018

From evolving technologies to changing customer expectations to new regulatory demands – it has never been more important for banks to come up with the right strategies for digital transformation and innovation; the Ohiwerei team nonetheless made this a reality at Keystone Bank. This entailed initiating partnership processes with foremost technology-enabled concerns to drive its digital revolution.

Its partnership with CeLD Innovations Limited to launch a ground-breaking loyalty reward initiative which involves the gifting of ‘CashToken’, is one of such moves. This innovative gift commodity, Cash Token, which was formally launched in Lagos on Thursday April 19, 2018 at a conference tagged “500 Top CEOs Conference – Unleashing - The Age of Hyper Consumer Centricity, is an electronic reward and celebratory gift commodity which costs only N30.

The initiative, according to CeLD, creates a chance for every customer in Nigeria to win life-changing cash rewards every Friday night on the National CashToken draws which is monitored by Alexander Forbes and audited by Deloitte. This initiative is designed to optimize customer loyalty investment for business, celebratory gift value optimization and public emotional equity for government.

The bank has also launched its revamped mobile banking application upgraded with new and exciting user-friendly features for a more convenient banking experience. Customers can now enjoy many benefits & access self-service options, such as, easy account opening, convenient self- booking and liquidation of fixed deposits, an expanded list of bill-payment options and easy activation of standing instructions & recurrent future payments.

Other notable features of the mobile App are, a “Switch Card ON/OFF option” which allows users to disable their cards temporarily if missing & re-enable at the click of a button, the “Hide Balance Feature” safeguards against third-party viewing and the “Meet Your Relationship Manager Option” allows users to call or email their account officers right within the app.

In addition, the Bank was the first in the sector to introduce the Chat-bot feature called OXYGEN which enables banking on Telegram and Facebook. It guides users through a whole range of desired transactions step-by-step.

Another first from the Bank is the Zero Data Banking feature that enable customers transact on their phones without data. Keystone Bank has remained the only Bank with this feature on its Banking App.

And for the first time in its operations, Keystone Bank also introduced a new SMART number for customer support, this eliminates the need for customers to remember multiple numbers while removing the uncertainty as to which of the lines are actively engaged.

These and many other moves leveraging technology and building a culture of innovation is fast repositioning the bank as a new whiz kid on the banking block, which, according to its group managing director, Mr. Obeahon Ohiwerei is a proof of the hard work and resilience of the board, management and staff of the bank.

Today, Keystone Bank’s branches are fast becoming a hub for transactional activities witnessing a huge footfall of customers trooping in to carry out transactions, open bank accounts and experience the innovative trends that the bank has introduced to its business. This overall experience has also been boosted by the enhancement of staff morale which inherently drives the commitment to serve their customers better.

From the look of unfolding events at Keystone Bank, it’s clear to see that, it’s just a matter of time before the bank starts operating in the first tier again.



- Felix Onajite, a financial analyst writes from Lagos, Nigeria.

http://meganews.com.ng/2018/08/14/keystone-bank-emerging-whiz-kid-on-the-banking-block/

By Jamiu Shofolahan

The political climate in Lagos is slowly heating up ahead of the primaries of the major political parties in the State - APC & PDP which should commence later this month.

Akinwunmi Ambode the incumbent Governor of the State has not declared his intention to run for a second term but there are clear indications that his supporters and a vast array of Lagosians want him to run in order to complete the adjudged sterling performance of his first term. Curiously, there are still no other aspirants that have shown clear interest in the coveted office.

There are however rumours that the Political Godfather in Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, may be reluctant to endorse his political godson for the second term just like he did in Babatunde Fashola’s second term bid in 2010. He is reported to being pressurized by a few of his long-term associates. According to Fouad Oki, who purports to lead a faction of APC in Lagos, the head of this group is Rauf Aregbesola the Governor of the State of Osun; the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly Mudashiru Obasa who is reported to be eyeing the Lagos Governorship seat in 2023 and Bayo Oshinowo the billionaire Chairman of the Lagos House of Assembly committee on lands who is currently eyeing the Lagos East Senatorial seat in 2019.

A new entrant into the group is Prince Dipo Eludoyin, another billionaire Ife Prince and businessman with Real Estate interest all over Lagos and who is reported to have strong links to the Abuja group opposed to Asiwaju’s continuous overall control of Lagos politics. There seems to be other disgruntled fringe groups and players who are concerned with the Governor’s growing popularity, the whispers of greater political future and possible inheritance of Asiwaju’s political empire. There is of course Fouad Oki's splinter group and other shadowy characters both within and outside the party. There are even some rabid loyalist who are reported to be pushing Asiwaju to draft his wife or son into the race over Ambode. All these forces appear to be converging at rapid speed to thwart the Governor’s quest for a second term.

A lot of Lagosians are however beginning to question whether unarguably one of the greatest Nigerian political tacticians and leadership head-hunters has lost his touch and intuition. They wonder how in this time of strife and uncertainty, the Jagaban of Borgu would even considering tinkering with a winning hand at the behest of Aregbesola, Eludoyin and their cohorts. Politics is a weird game and some have attributed Asiwaju’s vacillation on his perpetual quest to retain power, old age, fear or even envy of a political son who appears to be outperforming his predecessors. Some say it might be based on Asiwaju’s desire to run for the presidency in 2023 and Ambode’s possible threat to that desire.
Nobody can say for certain what goes on in a politician’s mind but it appears a battle royale is brewing and Jagaban’s core associates appear bent on pushing him over that proverbial precipe. Asiwaju has already allowed his estranged political sons turned rivals to set up beacheads in Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti and Osun with their support for Adeoti of the ADP. The ultimate aim it appears is to wrest his “prize possession” – Lagos - from his grasp with the attendant complete political and economic demystification of the Jagaban of Borgu.

Those who advocate for Asiwaju’s retirement say 20 years at the helm of power is enough and it is time for him to give way to younger turks who can carry his legacy. They say if he does not retire voluntarily they will force him into compulsory retirement. They also boast that his core loyalists have already been infiltrated and have clandestinely begun preparations for their assault on Lagos.

On the other hand, there have been speculations that the politicians who feel Ambode’s popularity must be checked are wooing Femi Otedola the Oil magnate who is reported to have recently sold his Forte Oil business to finance his ambition. They say Femi Otedola is a Christian from Epe (the same local government as the Governor) but a complete political novice, will be controllable by them and they can continue to perpetrate their political control in Lagos.
Time will tell whether Femi Otedola who is reported to be heavily scandal-prone and is said to have similar credentials problems like Senator Adeleke in Osun State will be a worthy candidate to present to Lagosians as Governor of the centre of excellence. There are also the serial candidates like Obafemi Hamzat, Supo Sasore and a new name recently thrown up, Jide Sanwoolu, who are said to be waiting in the wings to reap should Asiwaju be swayed in the run up to 2019 election or is 2023 their actual target? There is also the twist of Senator Musliu Obanikoro who is reported to be eyeing the Lagos West senatorial seat to serve as a platform for his governorship push in 2023 which now appears to be shaping up as a battleground year.
The political season in Lagos promises to be very interesting and many are waiting to see what moves Governor Ambode will make if it becomes apparent that he will be denied a return ticket by his Party. Considering that there are 68 political parties lined up ahead of 2019 that won't mind adopting a popular governor that is adjudged to have performed creditably well, a platform to run should not be an issue should push comes to shove. By this time in 2010 Babatunde Fashola was already fraternizing with the Labour Party and perfecting plans to run on that party’s ticket until Asiwaju beat a last-minute retreat and endorsed him for another term under the then ACN.

Apparently, that bruising experience took its toll on the Mentor-Mentee relationship and despite the photo-ops it has never been the same since then.
Is the same experience going to play out again? Does lightning strike twice? Perhaps not, Ambode has proven a bit more docile and compliant than Babatunde Fashola and may have placed his second term fate squarely on the benevolence of the Jagaban of Borgu, the support of the Vice-President Professor Yemi Osinbajo and Oba Rilwan Akiolu the Oba of Lagos amongst others.

*Jamiu Sofolahan, a Political Analyst, writes from Surulere, Lagos.


http://meganews.com.ng/2018/08/12/ambodes-second-term-and-the-unfolding-political-climate-in-lagos/

Fidelity Bank Plc. has continued to project itself as one Nigerian bank with a deluge of awful abuses when it comes to customer experience. Now, if the latest story about the bank is anything to go by, it is safe to say the bank does not intend to shed its toga of consistency in these abuses. What manner of customer service could have made a branch manager of Fidelity Bank to supervise the beating of customers just because they complained about their woeful services?



According to an eye witness account, Fidelity Bank made no pretense about what it means by customer service on Thursday at its Kola, Alagbado branch in Lagos. It all started when two of the many customers left frustrated when one of the Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) failed to dispense cash to them yet debitting them of the respective sums. Helpless and stranded, the customers went inside the bank to register their complaints as any right-thinking person would but it soon snowballed into a shouting match between the customers and one of the bank’s personnel.

This attracted the attention of the branch manager, who rather than bring the situation under control, aggravated it further by displaying a dearth of conflict resolution skills never before seen from an officer of that level.

In anger, the manager ordered the brutish beatings of the customers and asked that they be bundled out of the banking hall. This got many of the customers transacting inside the hall to rise in solidarity with the maltreated customers and almost led to chaos. It took the intervention of some people to bring sanity back.



This account is the latest in the litany of inefficiencies at Fidelity Bank. The bank is noted for its aggressive human resources policy. Only weeks ago, some aggrieved, unfairly disengaged workers laid siege to the bank when an order, allegedly from the Managing Director of the Bank, saw to the termination of their appointments with immediate effect without having their entitlements and gratuities sorted out.



The bank is said to have been implementing some draconian policies in recent times in its bid to prune its work force. It is said that it has become a norm in the bank for Nnamdi Okonkwo, the bank MD, to lay off staff unlawfully and indiscriminately without any regard to their service years and loyalty.

Customers’ deposits have also had to be tampered with on numerous occasions as some members of staff of the bank have faced prosecution for stealing from customers’ account. One Ihionu Chibuike, who had to be dismissed from the bank, is currently serving a jail term of six years after pleading guilty to four-count charge of stealing, obtaining money by false pretense, forgery and impersonation.



The Allen-Avenue branch of the bank is always inundated with people coming with a barrage of complaints about frauds perpetrated by personnel of the bank on their accounts. N250 million belonging to a customer was allegedly stolen by a senior staff member of the Allen Avenue branch. The thieving dude, who disappeared into the thin air when the lid was blown of his underhand dealings, capitalised on the leaky internal security system of the bank and made away with N250 million!

http://meganews.com.ng/2018/08/11/bank-of-fisticuff-who-will-rescue-fidelity-banks-customers-from-brutal-beatings-by-manager/

Guaranty Trust Bank plc has released its audited financial results for the period ended June 30, 2018 to the Nigerian and London Stock Exchanges.

A review of the results shows positive performance across all financial indices, reaffirming the Bank’s position as one of the most profitable and well managed financial institutions in Nigeria. Gross earnings for the period grew by 5.9% to ₦226.6billion from ₦214.1billion reported in June 2017.

Profit before tax stood at ₦109.6billion, representing a growth of 8.4% over ₦101.1billion recorded in the corresponding period of June 2017.The Bank’s Loan Book dipped by 10.8% from ₦1.449trillion recorded as at December 2017 to ₦1.293trillion in June 2018, while customers’ deposit grew by 10.0% to ₦2.269trillion from ₦2.062trillion in December 2017.

http://meganews.com.ng/2018/08/08/gtbank-releases-h1-2018-audited-results-reports-profit-before-tax-of-%E2%82%A6109-6-billion/

The Bank’s balance sheet remained strong with a 5.9% growth in Total assets as the Bank closed the period ended June 2018 with Total Assets of ₦3.549trillion and Shareholders’ Funds of ₦497.1Billion. In terms of Assets quality, NPL ratio improved to 5.8% in June 2018 from 7.7% in December 2017.

Overall, Asset quality improved with Cost of Risk of 0.1% and adequate coverage of 167.5% for Lifetime Credit Impaired Loans i.e. NPLs. Capital remains strong with CAR of 22.04% in spite of the implementation of IFRS 9. On the backdrop of this result, Post- Tax Return on Equity (ROAE) and Return on Assets (ROAA) closed at 34.1% and 5.5% respectively.


Commenting on the financial results, the Managing Director/CEO of Guaranty Trust Bank plc, Mr. Segun Agbaje, said; “In spite of declining yields and the challenges in the operating environment, we have delivered a decent half year result. The quality of this result is built on the strength of our businesses as well as the success of our digital-first customer-centric strategy in delivering financial services that are simpler, cheaper and more valuable to our customers’ everyday lives.”

He further stated that “We will continue to focus on consolidating our leading position in all the economies in which we operate by staying committed to building a business that is both nimble and efficient whilst strengthening relationships with our customers and creating business platforms that provide them with additional benefits beyond banking.”

GTBank continues to be best in class in terms of all financial ratios posted by Financial Institutions in the Industry as indicated by its Post-Tax Return on equity (ROE) of 34.1%, Post-Tax Return on Assets (ROAA) of 5.5%, Cost to Income ratio of 38.8%, NIM of 9.6% and PBT margin of 48.4%.

These ratios are testament to competent and experienced Management and work-force, efficient Balance sheet structure complemented with the Operational efficiency of the Bank.

In recognition of the Bank’s bias for world-class corporate governance standards, excellent service delivery and innovation, GTBank has been a recipient of numerous awards over the years. These include Africa’s Best Bank for SMEs and Best Bank in Nigeria from Euromoney Magazine, African Bank of the Year from African Banker Magazine, Best Banking Group and Best Retail Bank from World Finance Magazine, Best Bank in Africa for Corporate Governance from Ethical Boardroom Magazine.

Stanbic IBTC Group has announced its sponsorship of the Higher Institutions Football League (HIFL), which kicked off on Wednesday (1 August 2018). Stanbic IBTC said the sponsorship is in tandem with the company’s determination to help grow and develop a vibrant and productive youth population.



According to Stanbic IBTC, their involvement is equally informed by the need to foster unity among the youth, the future leaders, and development of sports as well as the economy using the HIFL platform.

http://meganews.com.ng/2018/08/06/stanbic-ibtc-unveiled-as-major-sponsor-as-varsity-league-kicks-off/

“We are enthusiastic about our sponsorship of the university league. The sponsorship is in line with our objective to engage the youth in talent-moulding and character-building initiatives and our determination to contribute to the development of sports and by extension the economy,” Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, Mr. Yinka Sanni, said.



Organised by Green White Green (GWG) Sports, the maiden edition of the league will feature the top 16 universities from across the country. The teams will play a total of 30 games over a 14-week period to determine the winner. The draws for the league groupings were held recently. Explaining the rationale for HIFL at the draws ceremony in Lagos, CEO of the Green White Green, Alhaji Shuaibu Gara-Gombe, said the HIFL is conceived as a platform for students “to exhibit their talents to the world.” The participating universities are Obafemi Awolowo University, Delta State University, University of Benin, University of Lagos, University of Port-Harcourt, University of Agriculture Makurdi, University of Ibadan, University of Nigeria, Bayero University, University of Ilorin, University of Jos, University of Uyo, University of Maiduguri, Usman Dan Fodio University, Ahmadu Bello University, and Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University.


The organisers of the league commended Stanbic IBTC for its boldness in sponsoring the HIFL. According to them, the sponsorship will be invaluable to the success of the varsity league, even as they promised to stage the best football spectacle that will “convince our sponsors and indeed Nigerians that collegiate sport is ripe in Nigeria.”



This sponsorship is the latest in a long list of youth-centric development and empowerment initiatives by Stanbic IBTC. Earlier in the year, the company organised a Youth Leadership Series, targeted at igniting and encouraging an entrepreneurial spirit among the youth. It also recently launched an Innovation Hub to serve as incubator for young thinkers to actualise their ideas. Stanbic IBTC assured that it will continue to seek opportunities to support initiatives targeted at developing the youth.



Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC is a full service financial services group with a clear focus on three main business pillars - Corporate and Investment Banking, Personal and Business Banking and Wealth Management. Stanbic IBTC belongs to the Standard Bank Group, the largest African financial institution by assets and market capitalization. It is rooted in Africa with strategic representation in 20 countries on the African continent. Standard Bank has been in operation for 155 years and is focused on building first-class, on-the-ground financial services institutions in chosen countries in Africa; and connecting selected emerging markets to Africa by applying sector expertise, particularly in natural resources, power and infrastructure.

Keystone Bank wins again, clinches “Africa’s Best Customer Service Provider 2018” and “Best Innovation in Retail Banking Nigeria 2018” at the International Banker Awards in London



Keystone Bank Limited, Africa’s most innovative banking service provider shone brightly at the International Banker Awards, 2018 as the lender emerged winner in two categories beating other nominees and carting away the prize for “Africa’s Best Customer Service Provider” and “Nigeria’s Most Innovative Retail Bank of the year, 2018”.

The International Banker Awards is an annual event organized by the renowned International Banker financial magazine, one of the world’s leading sources of authoritative analysis on finance, international banking, and world affairs.

The awards were established to recognize top-ranking individuals and organizations setting new benchmarks for performance and pushing the boundaries within the financial industry. Winners are voted for by the magazine's readership and a jury comprising financial journalists. They take account of not only growth, liquidity position and profitability of a company, but also innovation, technology, corporate governance, sustainability and transparency.

According to Mr. Simon Hughes of the International Banker Magazine, “we depend on nominations from our readers to locate the worthiest financial institutions around the world, the banks that are not just doing their jobs well but exceptionally well, that are in effect operating on the cutting edge of the industry and setting new levels of performance to which others in the field will aspire”.

“The size of the bank is not as important as the size of its impact; therefore, banks in countries from North and South America, Western and Eastern Europe, Asia and Australia, the Middle East and Africa are recognized for offering what top-of-the-line banks provide: much-needed capital for economic growth, cutting-edge innovation to improve security and efficiency, intelligent investing to maximize profits and shareholder value.”

“And I am happy to announce to you that Keystone Bank has demonstrated these qualities, hence, the recognition”. Hughes said.

Receiving the awards on behalf of the Bank at the London Stock Exchange studio, recently, the Group Managing Director/CEO, Keystone Bank Limited, Mr. Obeahon Ohiwerei, dedicated the feat to the customers, whose loyalty, support and patronage he said has remained the fountain of the bank’s growth and competitive edge in the African continent.

“This recognition speaks volumes. It validates the strong management, staff commitment to service excellence, sound business model and prudent risk management of Keystone Bank” Ohiwerei said.

Ohiwerei further stressed that the awards were a lucid indication that the initiatives being implemented by the Bank particularly as it relates to enhancing service delivery are yielding the desired result.

Since its recent acquisition by Sigma Golf – Riverbank consortium, Keystone Bank, a technology and service-driven commercial bank, offering tailor-made convenient and reliable solutions to customer’s needs has been on upward swing.

http://meganews.com.ng/2018/08/06/keystone-bank-wins-again-clinches-africas-best-customer-service-provider-2018-and-best-innovation-in-retail-banking-nigeria-2018-at-the-international-bank/

Stanbic IBTC Capital Limited, a member of Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC (“Stanbic IBTC”), reaffirmed its position as the leading investment banking institution in Nigeria by winning the Best Investment Bank in Nigeria award at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2018 held in London recently. Standard Bank, to which the Stanbic IBTC belongs, was also voted Africa's Best Bank for Wealth Management. The award ceremony had almost 700 leading bankers from around the world, including from Stanbic IBTC and Standard Bank, in attendance.



Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, Mr Yinka Sanni, expressed delight with the recognition. According to Sanni, the award is a demonstration of the growing hunger and capacity of Stanbic IBTC, drawing on Standard Bank’s expertise, to provide game-changing financial and advisory solutions to clients across market segments. "We are delighted to be recognised as the foremost investment bank in Nigeria. The award speaks to our implacable commitment to deliver innovative investment banking solutions to clients across various sectors," Mr Sanni said.



Mr Sanni added that even though Stanbic IBTC has its roots in wealth management and investment banking hence its market pedigree and leadership in the space, the group has since grown competency across the entire financial solutions value chain as a leading end-to-end financial services provider and intends to sustain the legacy in the foreseeable future.



Euromoney Awards for Excellence announced that the 2018 awards recognised banks in almost 100 countries, in all regions and in 20 global categories. Euromoney noted that “Stanbic IBTC, Nigeria’s best investment bank, closed 38 investment banking deals in 2017, despite macroeconomic conditions that while improving, remain challenging.”



Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Capital Limited, Funso Akere, who represented Stanbic IBTC at the award ceremony, thanked Stanbic IBTC clients for the opportunity to advise them on complex M&A transactions, capital raisings and debt financings. He assured them that Stanbic IBTC will continue to deliver innovative and best-in-class solutions.





Stanbic IBTC Capital last month advised Dangote Cement Plc on a N50 billion Series 1 and 2 commercial paper (“CP”) issuance, the largest ever CP issuance by a Nigerian company, which was oversubscribed. Stanbic IBTC Capital also advised on deals in the first half of 2018 for clients including Nigerian Breweries Plc, Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc, UAC of Nigeria Plc, Presco Plc, Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company Plc, Dufil Prima Foods PLC, Sterling Bank Plc, Novare and Actis.



Stanbic IBTC Capital is a wholly owned subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, a member of Standard Bank Group, a full service financial services group with a clear focus on three main business pillars - Corporate and Investment Banking, Personal and Business Banking and Wealth Management. Standard Bank Group is the largest African financial institution by assets and market capitalization. It is rooted in Africa with strategic representation in 20 countries on the African continent. Standard Bank has been in operation for 155 years and is focused on building first-class, on-the-ground financial services institutions in chosen countries in Africa; and connecting selected emerging markets to Africa by applying sector expertise, particularly in natural resources, power and infrastructure.


http://meganews.com.ng/2018/08/01/stanbic-ibtc-wins-best-investment-bank-in-nigeria-at-euromoney-awards/

The people of Kogi East Senatorial District are in for a brighter future in 2019 and beyond as Dr. Victor Alewo Adoji, renowned technocrat throws the hat in the ring for the 2019 senatorial elections. Dr. Adoji is gearing to represent the senatorial district at the National Assembly. Already, there have been wild excitements everywhere you go as the electorates believe Adoji’s representation will be a sign of good things coming to the senatorial district.

Those spoken to said they were already heaving sighs of relief even though he has not yet won the seat, as they believe in the capabilities of Dr. Adoji to turn things around at Kogi East.

Dr. VAA, as he his fondly called, is regarded as a generous man, who has affected many lives both in the state and in other parts of the country. His aspiration to contest for Kogi East Senatorial District of the state is borne out of his zeal to enhance development in the state.

It was gathered that unlike some rich men who spend their money only where business relationships and connections can be fostered, Dr. Victor is noted for his generosity especially to those exposed to the scotching heat of poverty and wretchedness.

A Kogite, who gave his name as Johnson, stated that Dr. Victor gives to those who can hardly afford three-square meals.

"Now what does this mean to a rational Kogite? Of course, it portrays Dr VAA as a true definition of cordial relationship between the rich and the poor, the low and the mighty.

"Victor, as a genuine Christian, understands that whatever God gives him is for the benefit of mankind.

"Apart from these, identifying with the poor and the vulnerable shows his staunch belief and strict adherence to equality.

"He believes that all of us are equal irrespective of religion and social differences," the Kogite said.

Investigations revealed that Dr VAA’s humane formula is a proof that he is a talent hunter, and that he seeks and invests hugely in uncommon, but dying talents among Kogites, particularly those of Igala extraction.

Commenting on the philanthropist, one Oluwasegun from the state revealed that he received calls from employees, whose fortune had been changed dynamically by Adoji, adding that such people are currently meeting their daily needs conveniently from their various employment.

He said: "Without apology, Dr. VAA’s benevolence cannot be over-emphasized, even those sponsoring criticism against him know.

"Yet, some paid hooligans mischievously insinuated that Dr VAA hates anyone who is succeeding.

"They even went further to cite the example of an Igala guy, who suddenly became Victor’s arch-enemy because he is studying in the UK. Well, let me apologise for being unable to find a word that could best describe the sponsors of these lies from the pit of hell."

A source in the state said that for posterity sake, Dr. Victor Adoji’s senatorial aspiration symbolises a revolution from hardship to abundance, darkness to light; political bondage to freedom amongst other numerous benefits that would accrue to the people once he gets into office.

He added that contrary to some 'psychopathic insinuations' that Dr. VAA was seeking riches and worldly connections with his ambition, his victory at the polls will lead to an era of transparency and accountability.

According to him, it will be the beginning of giving true dividends of democracy to the people, and that it will be a time when a leader will be accessible to the electorates.

"Kogi East Senatorial District happens to have produced the largest local government in West Africa (Dekina), yet it hasn’t witnessed any tangible development due to poor representation in the legislature.

"Hence, there is an urgent need for the right technocrat to be in charge of legislation in the district to present bills and motions in an appropriate manner for the benefit of the constituents.

"Dr. Adoji has demonstrated his capacity in these areas. He has participated fully in the duty of uniting Igalas.

"He has put strategies and suggestions forward to the betterment of our people both at home and abroad.

"Ufedo, Udama Unyogba Ane Igala, an Abuja based NGO, testified to this when it made Dr. VAA chairman at one of its annual conferences. Members of Igala Association, USA were also living witnesses when Dr. Victor served as one of the dignitaries that graced their gathering few years back.

"Dr VAA’s message has been no to nepotism, marginalisation, self-centeredness, social and ethnic differences. As a matter of fact, Victor is the ladder which the people of Kogi East should climb for socio economic and political revolution," he said.

We were informed that the battle for a better Kogi East Federal Constituency will not be won with politicos and politicking, but with purposeful, visionary candidature with well-defined attributes both intellectually and politically.

A concerned resident of the senatorial district, who simply gave his name as Jacob, said that "just as an African democratic hero puts it; I am sick and tired of the crumbs of compassion thrown from the table of those, who consider themselves my lords and masters, I want a full menu of rights.

"It is far beyond the loyalty syndrome or the crumbs of compassion mentality. The election will not be won by politics of cluelessness. But it will be won by a man with a core Godly mindset with genuine and qualitative leadership attributes.

"This is where Dr. Victor Alewo Adoji belongs as the most credible candidate for the highly demanding assignment. He has laudable achievements of immeasurable value to his credit. Above all, his life personifies an act of Godliness, which gives a leader an opportunity to serve well," Jacob added.

We were told that Dr. Victor Alewo Adoji’s mission and vision towards Kogi East Senatorial Districts could be described as that of Moses, who was sent by God to lead the Isrealites to their Promised Land (Cannan).

It was learned that his huge investment in Igala sons’ and daughters’ academic career shows a greater light on the horizon for the confluence city.

"So, let’s see it beyond sentiment and stipends with which our destiny is always exchanged and vote Dr. VAA as the people’s senator in 2019. His campaign, which will commence shortly, is a moving train that will hold sway on every nooks and crannies of Kogi East.

"Hence, people of like minds must join this train to vote out poverty, hunger, bad road and other issues that have threatened our very existence as a people," said a Kogite, Mr. Oluwanisola.

"As a bonafide indigene of Dekina LGA, I know the general language when it comes to infrastructural development.

"Our people are used to the dilapidated state of roads, electricity, water and other social amenities. In fact, as economically viable as the land is, no tangible developmental project has been done in the area over the years.

"Therefore, if there is anything called struggle for a better Kogi Eastern Senatorial district, that alone I am willing to shed my blood for because my root and the people of the area have fallen victims severally to economic and political misrepresentation," Victor Adoji was quoted to have said at a gathering recently.

A Kogite, who was reacting to an article written by Mr. John Paul with the title, “Dr Victor Alewo Adoji is a star in the Darkened skies” testified to Dr. VAA’s generosity this way ; “Bros thank you for that wonderful piece. I owe everything I am presently to God and Dr Adoji.

"I lost my dad when I was in SSS two and after writing my SSCE, I lost hope of going to the university.

"So, I started living the normal guy life. But on that memorable morning, I was in the church (United Evangelical Church) playing the musical instrument as usual, when I met Dr. Adoji.

"After the people had given offering, Dr. Victor asked me publicly about what I was doing for a living. I told him I had been writing JAMB for four years now, but that I was unable to secure admission due to financial constraint.

"Behold! The man of God said to me that God told him to see me through the university. Right now, I am in 300 level in the university. We are about 10 students in my school that are being sponsored by Dr. VAA.”

Another Kogite, a Muslim-turned-Christian lady from Ogun State, said that she was subjected to constant torture by her very dedicated Muslim, but poor family, for accepting Jesus Christ.

The lady stated that she was actually able to complete her secondary school education with the help of the presiding minister in her local church before the pastor was transferred from Ogun State to Lagos State.

She however, said that her story changed completely the day she visited the pastor and his family in Lagos, where she met Dr. VAA, who she said later gave her scholarship for her university education.

Our investigations revealed further that Dr. Victor Alewo Adoji has all the qualities to represent his people at the red chamber and that he would do his best to attract more developments to the senatorial district in four years.

Dr. Victor Adoji was born on 29th May 1917. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Jos, and master’s degrees in economics, Business Administration with bias in Corporate Strategy from Bayero University, Kano, and another master’s degree in Entrepreneurship from the ITTL-DRC, University of Phoenix, USA. Adoji also obtained a PhD in credit Management.

He is a fellow of Institute of Credit Administration (FICA) and an International Certified Credit Fellow (ICCF). He is a member of several professional and academic bodies in Nigeria and beyond. He has won numerous awards over the years in recognition of his meritorious and excellent.

He was deputy editor, the business section of the Northern-based Concern magazine and joined the services of Zenith Bank Plc in 2000.

http://meganews.com.ng/2018/07/24/senate-2019-kogi-east-roots-for-victor-adoji/

Fastest growing financial institution in Nigeria, Keystone Bank Limited, has once again added to its growing list of laurels as the lender recently emerged ‘Africa’s Most Innovative Bank of the Year, 2018’ at the prestigious European Global Banking & Finance Awards held on Friday, July 20, 2018 in London.

The bank chief, Mr. Obeahon Ohiwerei, also clinched the Best Banking CEO in Africa Award.

Organized by the European Global, UK, the European Global Banking & Finance Awards reflect the innovation, achievement, strategy, progressive and inspirational changes taking place within the Global Financial community. The awards were created to recognize companies of all sizes which are prominent in particular areas of expertise and excellence within the financial sector in areas such as Europe, Latin America, Africa, MENA, Asia and Central Eastern Europe.

In selecting its recipients, the European Global Banking & Finance Awards combines quantitative and qualitative data to honour institutions, individuals that have brought the highest levels of service, innovation and expertise to their customers.

Keystone Bank and its CEO beat other competitors in Africa to emerge leaders of the continent at the award ceremony.

According to the organizers, “the aim of the award “is to highlight industry wide excellence within the global banking community.”

“Recipients of the European Magazine's Banking and Finance Awards are scrupulously selected based on thorough interviews specially designed according to subscribers' feedback.”

“Companies are nominated according to their performance, product offerings, innovative business solutions, work environment / values, and marketing strategies”.

“In this year’s edition, Keystone Bank and its CEO stood tall in the African continent. Therefore, we are recognizing the institution and the bank CEO for the innovative Mobile Banking App and other services introduced by the bank in recent times, targeted towards meeting customer needs.”

On Ohiwerei’s emergence as the ‘Best Banking CEO in Africa’, the organizers said that the Keystone Bank boss was chosen in recognition of his exceptional achievements over the last year, which is seen as an inspiration for business and government leaders working to raise Africa’s investment profile.

The judging panel of the award considered excellent leadership skills, enhanced organizational image and innovation. Since becoming Managing Director of the lender, Ohiwerei has spearheaded a number of growth initiatives which has placed the bank on upward trajectory.

Receiving the awards, the Group Managing Director/CEO of Keystone Bank Limited, Mr. Obeahon Ohiwerei said: “We are honoured to win the ‘Africa’s Most Innovative Bank’ award and to be recognized as the ‘Best Banking CEO’ in Africa.”

“These awards mark another milestone for Keystone Bank and is a testament of the diligent execution of the bank’s strategic initiatives on customer service.”

“Keystone Bank bank will continue to leverage its local knowledge, global exposure as well as presence to drive positive change in Africa, working actively with the government, local businesses, regulators and other stakeholders in deepening financial services.”

“We remain committed to maximizing shareholders’ value and delivering superior and sustainable return, guided by our founding values of Professionalism, Passion, Integrity, Team Spirit, Innovation, Service Excellence, Effective Corporate Governance and Entrepreneurship”. Ohiwerei added.

Keystone Bank is a technology and service-driven commercial bank offering tailor-made convenient and reliable solutions to every customer’s needs.

http://meganews.com.ng/2018/07/24/%E2%80%8Bkeystone-bank-wins-big-at-the-european-global-banking-finance-awards-in-london/

Facts have emerged how Diamond Bank Managing Director, Uzoma Dozie, tricked 393 workers sacked by the bank to withdraw the case the filed against the financial institution without paying them.

Rather than pay the sacked workers, Diamond Bank has resorted to playing “hide and seek” with the National Assembly and the affected staff.

Dozie had been summoned to appear before the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions in January with the aim to resolve the matter which have been pending before it, but Dozie flaunted the order and rather sent the Head Human Capital Management of the bank, Mr. Gabriel Nwokeafor, to stand in for him.

Findings revealed that Nwokeafor, speaking under oath, deceived and lied to the House committee that his bank was ready to settle the matter in a bid to buy more time. it was further learnt that after a meeting in Abuja on January 19 between Diamond Bank and seven representatives of the sacked workers, the bank agreed to pay the severance/redundancy benefits as computed, but only on the condition that the loans collected by the ex-workers will be deducted and the balance paid to them.

Till date Diamond Bank has not paid a single dime to the affected workers. And to further show that the agreement by the bank is nothing but a camouflage, Nwokeafor on March, 28 refused to appear before the House committee. He rather sent two lawyers who refuted the agreements he made with the ex-workers on the ground that the case was still in court.

The ex-workers, dancing to the tunes of Dozie subsequently withdrew the case from court without knowing the implication of their action. This move however became their undoing as Nwokeafor on the April 24 came forth to say that although he cannot deny knowledge of the agreement he signed with the ex-workers and their Counsel and the withdrawal of the case in court “there is no way the decision he reached with the complainants could be wholly binding as the CEO/MD of the bank was not present at the time.”

But, he did not know that the entire decisions at the meeting were recorded otherwise he would not have written the contrary to the committee as investigation show that Diamond Bank which claims to be a bank for the people has been speaking from the two sides of its mouth as the House committee was taken aback with the statements of the Head, Director of Human Capital calling on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to resolve the matter or advice the House on how best to handle the matter since the ex-worker has been deceived into withdrawing the matter from the court.

Furthermore, before the case was withdrawn from the National Industrial Court, Diamond bank succeeded in stalling the hearing nine times at the National Assembly, with the hearing slated for July 16 making it the 17th time the lawmakers will seat to listen to Dozie reel out lies as he has always done through Nwokeafor.

All efforts made to reach Diamond Bank Media Department proved abortive as calls placed to their phone line and text messages sent were not replied as at the time of writing this report.

http://meganews.com.ng/2018/07/23/how-diamond-bank-tricked-sacked-workers/

An employee of Herbert Wigwe-led financial institution, Access Bank, Arthur Ezindu has narrated how a former Account General Manager (RGM), Olayinka Sanni stole the sum of N1.2billion from several account belonging to customers of the bank.

Sanni was arraigned alongside one Oyebode Oteyebi by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on an 8 count charge bothering on stealing, forgery and uttering of forged document.

Ezindu, who gave his office address as Block 99C Damole, off Adeola Odeku, testified as prosecution witness before an Ikeja High Court, Lagos.

While being led in evidence by the EFCC Lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo, Ezindu said that Sanni withdrew the said sum of money from different customers’ accounts without their consent and thereafter issued them a forged document of confirmation which he claimed emanated from the bank.

Meganews learnt, the employee told the Special Offences Court that Olayinka, who was his boss at the time of the incident, was a regional Executive, Lagos Mainland North at Intercontinental bank, now Access Bank.

According to him, “The bank received several complaints from several customers whose accounts were debited without their consent.

“Some of these customers’ accounts include: the Falana Falana Chambers; Babington Junior Seminary; Viju Industries; Mechano Nigeria, PWU Nigeria; Elizade Nigeria; Murhi international Group.

“However, during the preliminary investigation, we noticed that all the complains were centered on our staff, Olayinka Sanni.

“We invited him to the head office for questioning but he claimed that everything was under control. He told us not to bother investigating the matter on the grounds that there was more behind what was happening.

“So since he was our senior officer, being the AGM at that time, we decided to petition his case to the EFCC for proper investigation.

When asked how much was involved as at the time the bank petitioned for EFCC, Ezindu replied, “The total sum was about N1.2billion.”

The prosecution thereafter tendered the petition dated September 2011 in evidence.

Meanwhile, the two defendants were also arraigned alongside a company, Sidaw Ventures Limited, which was allegedly used to transfer and cash out the stolen funds.

The employee further said: “During the preliminary investigation, the bank discovered that the company, Sidaw had Adamu as its signatory while Sanni indirectly manages the account.

“Some of the handwriting on the cheques belong to Sanni. He was the one indirectly signing and filling the cheques for Adamu.

http://meganews.com.ng/2018/07/16/access-bank-staffers-steals-n1-2billion-from-customers-account/

Stanbic IBTC’s status as a leading employer brand has again been reaffirmed as the financial institution won an unprecedented five of nine awards at the HR People Magazine Awards 2018 held recently in Lagos.



The five awards won by Stanbic IBTC are: Best Training, Learning & Development Strategy 2017; Outstanding Employee Engagement Strategy 2017; Employer of Choice 2017 (large corporates category); HR Manager of the Year 2017; and HR Champion of the Year 2017 (awarded to the Group Chief Executive for outstanding commitment to growing people at the organization).



HR People Magazine, organisers of the awards, is the foremost magazine dedicated to the human resources and people development profession in Nigeria and Africa at large. According to the organisers, the awards are evidence-based, and the criteria used to select winners include: a demonstrable and effective strategy to drive the HR touchpoints in all the award categories, ability to show consistent best practice implementation within the organization, evidence-based programs and the impact of these programs on the organization. Specific emphasis on; employee retention, client testimonials and organization’s reputation throughout the business and wider community, employee engagement and productivity levels; among other criteria. Performance was judged over the period covering January 2017 through to December 2017.



Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, Mr Yinka Sanni, stated that winning five awards is a testament to Stanbic IBTC’s strategy of growing a responsible, disciplined, and highly productive workforce. It also reinforces the company’s strong management, systems and its leadership in the financial services industry.



According to Sanni, the awards are a testament to Stanbic IBTC’s continuous investments in its human capital and the establishment of people-friendly procedures and practices, as well as a professional but friendly work environment and a support structure that helps to motivate the employees to give their best while exhibiting their talents.



“We are delighted to be recognised in five different categories out of nine for our strong human capital strategies and deliberate and consistent investments in our people. For us, a highly motivated workforce, one that can deliver better services, is a function of the level of investment in the human capital for professional and personal development that helps to create a productive workforce whilst fulfilling individual career aspirations,” Sanni said. “These awards will energise us to continue to fine-tune our strategies and provide our people with the right environment, the right tools and adequate incentives to win their commitment as well as grow our people,” Sanni added.



Speaking on the rationale for the awards, Editor-in-Chief of HR People Magazine, Dapo Saheed, said the awards were instituted to celebrate individuals and organisations that have invested in their workforces and are committed to strategies that help to engender best practices in HR and efficient business outcomes. “These accolades were instituted to reward companies and HR managers who have strategies in place to engender a work-life harmony. They prioritise Human Capital as essential to delivering superior value to stakeholders and this is reflective in people-related investments, processes, policies and practices put in place.”



Stanbic IBTC had similarly been recognised by the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM), the principal HR body in Nigeria, for its exceptional people strategy. In 2016 and 2017, Stanbic IBTC won CIPM’s Overall Best HR Practices in Corporate Nigeria. Other awards won by Stanbic IBTC’s Human Capital team are: CIPM 2017 HR Optimization Award as the Best Employee Engagement & Internal Communication Initiative; CIPM 2017 HR Best Practice Awards (Banking & Finance Category); HealthMeetings.Org’s 2017 Special Award for Outstanding Investment in Employee Health; and HR People Magazine Award for Outstanding Talent Strategy 2016.



Head, Human Capital, Stanbic IBTC, Mrs Funke Amobi, thanked HR People Magazine for the recognition, even as she assured that the organisation will not rest on its oars in ensuring a productive and motivated workforce.



Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC is a full service financial services group with a clear focus on three main business pillars - Corporate and Investment Banking, Personal and Business Banking and Wealth Management. Stanbic IBTC belongs to the Standard Bank Group, the largest African financial institution by assets and market capitalization. It is rooted in Africa with strategic representation in 20 countries on the African continent. Standard Bank has been in operation for 155 years and is focused on building first-class, on-the-ground financial services institutions in chosen countries in Africa; and connecting selected emerging markets to Africa by applying sector expertise, particularly in natural resources, power and infrastructure.



http://meganews.com.ng/2018/07/18/stanbic-ibtc-wins-5-hc-awards-reaffirmed-as-leading-employer-brand/

…angry staff obstructs operations for non-payment of entitlements

Following some internal management/staff crisis, scores of staff of Nnamdi Okonkwo-led financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, recently temporarily shut down and paralyzed other activities at the regional head office of the bank on Kudirat Abiola Way, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos.

Their grouse was over the arbitrary policy change by the Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director of the bank, Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo.

The staffs were also protesting the non-payment of their entitlements by the bank’s administration after their un-ceremonial dismissal from the bank.

The angry staff-cum-protesters, with ‘No To Impunity at Fidelity Bank Plc’, ‘Pay Us Our Entitlements, Fidelity Bank’, ‘Enough To This Wicked Treatment by Fidelity Bank’, ‘Fidelity Bank, We Worked For This Money’, Pay Us Our Ex-Gratia, Fidelity Bank,’ placards, said the bank doesn’t care about their welfare and after service survival.

Speaking exclusively with an on-line medium, on behalf of the protesters, a Fidelity Bank staff, who identified himself as Eluwa Innocent, with staff number, F/1647, expressed that all they needed was their entitlements: “The protests came about over undue maltreatment in the system, the new Bank MD, in person of Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo, brought in a new and draconian policy into the bank’s system and denied us our gratuity and entitlements, and not only did he deny us, he started laying off people unlawfully and indiscriminately without any regard or recourse to the number of years some of us had put in.”

He added: “We demanded that this is not how it’s being done, and even at all he has a new policy in place, all we want is our entitlements and nothing more..’’

Meanwhile, on inquiry, we gathered that the protesters complained bitterly on the new policy, and stressed that the standard policy on entitlements for the banking sector is N150, 000, but after nationwide protests by Fidelity Bank workers, the management then called for a reconciliation meeting.

After the reconciliation meeting, the management decided to pay N100, 000 per year depending on the number of years they have put in, which was a far cry from the initial and original standard policy on entitlements.

But it came to them as a surprise that after the nationwide protests, the bank surreptitiously called on selected affected staff and paid them their entitlements.


http://meganews.com.ng/2018/07/15/fidelity-bank-rocks-by-management-crisis/

Diamond Bank Plc may have to shell out the princely sum of N2.6 billion if it loses the suit brought against it by a limited liability company Gitto Costruzioni Generali Nigeria Limited. The company which specializes in construction is suing the bank for allegedly mismanaging its accounts domiciled in the bank.
The statement of claim filed by B. A. M Ajibade (SAN) averred that the deponent had sometime in 2004 opened a main account with Diamond Bank to execute construction projects. Moreover, in the course of the normal relationship between bank and customer it was able to secure overdrafts, loans and bank guarantees.
According to a copy of the statement of claim obtained by this newspaper, trouble began when the bank allegedly began to overcharge the company’s main account with sundry levies including Commission on Turnover (COT), lending fees, bank guarantee fees, transfer fees and interest on loans in a manner contrary to the written agreements the company had earlier signed with the bank.
The statement claimed further that an audit of the company’s accounts revealed that it had been overcharged to the tune of N1.5 billion by Diamond Bank. It further claimed that Diamond Bank voluntarily admitted to having charged excessively to the tune of about N246 million.
The company further claimed that the uncertainty surrounding its accounts with Diamond Bank and the bank’s withdrawal of funds from its accounts through illicit charges caused cash flow problems and delays for the company and contributed to the company’s inability to execute some major projects, including the Akwa Ibom Airport, in a timely and efficient manner.
It is therefore claiming N564 million in damages for loss of profit, N1 billion in special damages for consequential loss, another 1 billion in general damages for breach of the banker/customer relationship, and an additional N100 million in legal costs.
The suit has been adjourned till 15th of October, 2018 for hearing.


http://meganews.com.ng/2018/07/05/customer-battles-diamond-bank-over-n1-5bn-fraud/

Mr. Obeahon Ohiwerei is the Group Managing Director/CEO of one of the fastest growing financial institutions in Nigeria, Keystone Bank Limited.
In this interview with INTERNATIONAL BANKER MAGAZINE, UK, the banking guru speaks on the achievements of the bank in the last few months since assuming office.
In less than one year of AMCON’s divestment from Keystone Bank, the lender has experienced tremendous transformation in all ramifications. Aside revamping all its branches across the country and bolstering its workforce, it has invested substantially in technology and developed fully integrated service models that enable customers access banking services through a wide range of channels. The bank for the quarter ended March 2018 recorded a profit before tax of N3.72bn, compared with a loss of N2.79bn over the same period in 2017. Excerpts.



Keystone’s stated vision is to “set the pace in financial services delivery, creating utmost value for our stakeholders”. What exactly do you mean by “setting the pace”?

The statement referred to above is actually our former vision statement and as part of our re-engineering process it has since been replaced. Our current vision is “to be the preferred platform for delivering convenient and reliable financial solutions”.
In doing so we shall consistently leverage people and technology to deliver superior customer experience and enhanced stakeholder value.
In my view, the word “preferred” takes us above the fray; it elevates the discussion beyond traditional metrics of balance sheet size, asset base and the like, which are still important to us.
However, it commits us to delivering such excellent service in all we do that customers repeatedly trust us, desire to do business with us and are always willing to give us the benefit of the doubt.



The bank’s Pink Account is a special account for women that gives access to an online digital-marketing network, among other features. What made you believe that such a service was needed?

In its Financial Inclusion Overview updated April 20, 2018, the World Bank noted that “around 2 billion people don’t use formal financial services and more than 50% of adults in the poorest households are unbanked”. http://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/financialinclusion/overview

In Nigeria, multiple surveys by EFInA Access to Financial Services confirm that about 36.9 million adults are financially excluded, of which 57.9% are female while 42.1% are male. Against this backdrop, the Central Bank of Nigeria has in recent years actively pursued a holistic financial inclusion strategy across the country http://www.efina.org.ng/assets/DidYouKnow

On our part, the Pink Account is designed to meet the needs of our female working class and SME customers and provides such benefits as access to attractive loans, customized electronic debit cards and access to discounts from partner stores while the pink network is an online forum that empowers our female entrepreneurs with free mentorship and capacity building sessions

Women from different walks of life can network, share ideas, inspire each other and develop mentor/mentee relationships on www.PinkNetwork.ng while the Pink Marketplace www.marketplace.pinknetwork.ng provides an e-marketplace where they can buy, sell and advertise for free



We noticed that your corporate-banking division has a sector focus on oil and gas trading. How significantly has Keystone’s earnings been impacted by the slump in oil and gas prices over the last three years or so?

In reality the negative headwinds on the sector were two-fold;
Globally, increased output both from shale oil in the US and OPEC countries impacted negatively on price while domestically the federal government prioritised its re-engineering program in the sector to plug income leakages and improve overall accountability
This additional level of scrutiny though laudable, brought with it a major downside risk to the banking sector in general, with the recurrent spectre of delayed payments to oil marketers and their resultant inability to effectively service their loans
Prior to this, Keystone Bank had significant loan exposures in the petroleum downstream sector and a strategic decision was taken to consciously wind down these exposures and diversify actively into other trade sectors.
Overall, while the slump in oil prices had some impact on our earnings, our cautious and largely bearish approach to risk asset creation in the sector moderated this as well


Keystone Bank has recently partnered with CeLD Innovations Limited, a Cash Reward as-a-Service Company, to launch the product CashToken. What are the main benefits of this product?

At Keystone Bank, we already know that today’s businesses are not only susceptible to technology disruptions but are under a bigger threat when they fail to place a premium on their share of the consumers’ “emotional equity”

Across all sectors, consumers are forcing the narrative that achieving customer-centricity is no longer a differentiator, but a key determinant of business survival or leadership.
This informed our partnership with CELD to launch the Cash-Reward-as-a-Service product named the “CashToken” which can be won by: New & Existing Customers that activate accounts on our Mobile App or USSD and actually execute at least 5 Fee-Earning Transactions (Instant Transfers & Bill Payments).
Active customers who maintain a minimum balance of N10,000 at least 30 days to their birthdays.
Both customers of Keystone Bank and non-customers that do at least three (3) transactions on our ATMs.
Active customers can win between N5,000 and N100,000,000 at our periodic draws as well as access General & Health Insurance Benefits subject to specified terms and conditions.
Furthermore, agencies of government can also leverage the Cash Token to incentivize conscientious tax and related statutory payments

Please continue reading by clicking on the link below

http://meganews.com.ng/2018/07/02/how-we-transformed-keystone-bank-in-less-than-1yr-ohiwerei/