The NCDMB, GOCOP breakfast meeting today at Abuja Continental Hotel (former Abuja Sheraton) with the theme: Sustaining Nigerian Content Amidst Divestments to Indigenous Oil Companies: The Role of Media.
Ngozi Okonjo Iweala Congratulates Business Journal on 15th Anniversary
Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, Director-General, World Trade Organisation (WTO) has congratulated the Board, Management & Staff of Business Journal Media Group (Online-Newspaper-Magazine) on the 15th anniversary of the Group.
In an official message to Prince Cookey, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Business Journal Media Group, the WTO DG stated:
“Let me congratulate you for the 15th Anniversary of the Business Journal in the Nigerian media industry. I also welcome your initiative to discuss the major socio-economic opportunities in Nigeria after the 2023 elections.”
The former Finance Minister and Co-ordinating Minister of the Economy, however, expressed regret for her inability to attend the anniversary lecture.
“Unfortunately, l will not be able to attend due to conflicting engagements. I wish you a very successful event and look forward to engaging in the future. Please accept the assurances of my highest consideration.”
Commenting, Prince Cookey said:
“We heartily commend Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala for finding time to respond to our anniversary lecture invitation. We count it as a mark of honour as well as a challenge to keep the flag of Business Journal flying higher in the Nigerian media space. Our 15 years in the media industry in Nigeria as a value-adding going concern is a testimony to the Grace of God, vision, professionalism, enterprise, doggedness and perseverance in the face of daunting challenges in the operating environment. We equally extend our profound gratitude to numerous individuals and corporate bodies (public and private) that have been our business backbone since 2008. As we look forward to the anniversary lecture, we remain committed to our vision to rank as the leading media group in Nigeria and Africa despite our lean resources today.”
The anniversary lecture, which has ‘Nigeria: The Economic Outlook Today & Tomorrow’ as theme, would be chaired by Professor Umar Danbatta, Executive Vice-Chairman/CEO, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) while renowned economist and financial expert, Dr. Biodun Adedipe is the keynote speaker.
The Special Guests of Honour include: Mr. O.S. Thomas, Commissioner for Insurance/CEO, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) and Mrs. Aisha Dahir-Umar, Director-General, National Pension Commission (PenCom).
Mr. Tope Smart, Group Managing Director/CEO, NEM Insurance Plc and Past President of AIO is the Guest of Honour while the Guest Speakers include: Professor Anthony Kila, Director, CIAPS Lagos; Dr. Bode Oguntoke, Group Head of Audit, FBN Holdings Plc; Mr. Jide Orimolade, Managing Director/CEO, Stanbic IBTC Insurance Limited and Mrs. Thaibat Adeniran, Managing Director/CEO, Hilal Takaful Nigeria Limited.
Cookey added that other distinguished personalities for the lecture would be unveiled in due course.
The Business Journal 15th Anniversary Lecture is scheduled for Friday, October 27, 2023 at Radisson Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos at 10.00am.
Ecobank Alerts Customers on Sim Card Fraud Increase
Ecobank has once again, raised alarm on the dangers of SIM swap fraud, stressing that that fraudsters could use it to impersonate them. In a message to customers via email, the bank explained that SIM swap fraud occurs when scammers use your phone number to access your accounts.
According to the bank, “scammers impersonate you and trick your mobile phone’s carrier into activating a SIM card, which gives them control over your phone number. It means scammers could potentially enter your username and password when logging onto your online banking platform and then receive the SMS verification code to access your account.
“Protect yourself against SIM swaps, don’t share personal information that fraudsters could use to impersonate you (such as your mother’s maiden name or birthplace) on social media. Never reveal your logins and passwords for your mobile phone, online bank, or credit card accounts to anyone. Please always report any suspicious activity.”
Further, the Pan-African bank reminded the customers that the bank will not ask them to provide their personal or financial information, stressing that when they receive an email that includes a link to a website, they should ensure that the website is legitimate before visiting the site.
Ecobank further, urged customers not to respond to emails, SMS and unsolicited calls from people they don’t know asking for your personal or banking information.
With $1bn Worth of Investments, Proparco Marks 15 Years in Nigeria
Proparco, a French development finance institution, is proud to mark 15 years of operations in Nigeria with a total of USD 1B invested over the period. Since its inception in Nigeria in 2008, Proparco has focused its efforts on partnering with local and Pan-African financial institutions, investment funds, growth stage companies as well as startups within the renewable energy, agribusiness and tech space. The goal of these investments is to improve the lives of Nigerians by providing access to essential needs such as electricity and financial services.
Proparco provides loans, equity, guarantees and technical assistance aimed at strengthening its customers’ financial capacity or bearing part of their risk. The bulk of its commitments are intermediated via Nigerian banks and investment funds, which finance SMEs and start-ups in key development sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, energy, and financial services.
The African private sector is at the core of Proparco’s work; of the 2.3 billion euros committed globally by Proparco in 2022, 45% was for businesses based on the African continent. In order to sustain this commitment, Proparco has over the years designed or enhanced various tools: (i) Digital Africa, a subsidiary that focuses on providing support to high impact digital tech startups; (ii) a venture capital activity focused on Africa, and (iii) Choose Africa, an initiative by the AFD Group which has committed 3.5 billion euros between 2018 and 2022 and supported more than 40,000 businesses and hundreds of thousands of micro-entrepreneurs. This focus is equally reflected in the 2023-2027 strategy, which aims at supporting various players in the fight against long-term challenges affecting food security, inequality and climate.
“Africa holds the answers to many of the major challenges of the 21st century and unlocking its entrepreneurial dynamism is at the core of our strategy for the next five years,” said Proparco’s CEO, Françoise Lombard during her visit to Nigeria. “This is why we aim to concentrate a large share of our resources in the continent. As we mark an important milestone in Nigeria, we are committing to support the African private sector more effectively by enabling entrepreneurs to unleash their potential”
Over the last 15 years in Nigeria, Proparco has grown to become one of the prominent partners catalyzing growth in the finance, tech, energy, and climate sectors. Together with its mother company Agence Française de Développement (AFD), the group has successfully supported projects to develop and improve Nigeria’s energy infrastructure, including renewable energy and transmission and distribution networks.
For Jean Guyonnet-Dupérat, Regional Director of Proparco in Nigeria: “Nigerian business people are extremely bold entrepreneurs with an unshakable dynamism. Our commitment as financial partners is to build trust and support them with the expertise and financial tools they need to grow beyond their target. Together, we serve one common objective: building a prosperous and sustainable future.”
Key Highlights of Proparco’s Impact in Nigeria Include:
- In 2022, Proparco and the European Union (EU) supported Nigerian bank, First City Monument Bank Ltd (FCMB), through the financing of a €325,000 technical assistance (TA) program. This program will enable the bank to develop its non-financial services offer, aimed at improving the financial inclusion of local Very Small and Medium Enterprises (VSEs) and women entrepreneurs, and to support them in their entrepreneurial process.
- In 2022, Proparco announced a $20M Trade Finance Guarantee Facility for Coronation Merchant Bank (CMB). This will enable Coronation Merchant Bank to establish and deepen partnerships with correspondent banks, thereby increasing access to trade finance in Nigeria.
- In 2022, Proparco made a USD 5m equity investment into Ventures Platform, a seed fund for Africa, designed to fill structural gaps by connecting underrepresented communities while improving livelihoods in Africa. Fifty innovative startups will be supported, specifically in the development of IT services (in the logistics, financial, e-commerce, education, transport and health sectors). One such startup already supported is Traction Apps, which develops IT tools for SMEs to manage their payments, sales, invoicing, and inventories, etc.
- In 2021, Proparco supported the Nigerian bank FCMB to strengthen its commitment to high-impact SMEs and climate projects. The operation consisted of a USD 35 million loan and a EURIZ portfolio guarantee of NGN 5 billion (EUR 10 million equivalent) to support First City Monument Bank Ltd (FCMB) strategy to serve high-impact SMEs and for climate finance. As a result, FCMB Bank’s client A4&T Power installed 1.5MWp of renewable capacity across mini-grids and customized systems for schools, health facilities, businesses, banks and communities impacting more than 100,000 people and creating 75 direct and indirect jobs.
- In 2021, Proparco, through the Digital Africa Bridge Fund, funded Metro Africa Xpress Inc. (“MAX”) – the largest vehicle subscription platform for low-to-zero emission vehicles in Africa. This was part of the $31 million of new capital injected in the first close of a Series B funding round.
- In 2021, Proparco allocated a portfolio guarantee to United Bank for Africa (UBA) to facilitate access to loans for Nigerian SMEs. Proparco’s operation will specifically contribute to financing SMEs in the education sector and SMEs set up by women.
Highlights of Proparco’s New ‘Acting Together for Greater Impact’ Strategy
Proparco structures its action globally around a shared vision of three key challenges, broken down in the new strategy as follows:
Acting for a more sustainable and resilient economy
Enabling private sector actors to access economic opportunities and strengthening the resilience of local economic systems in the most vulnerable African economies and regions.
Acting for our planet
Targeting our financing to have a greater impact on climate change mitigation and adaptation and on protecting biodiversity by helping our clients with their own climate transition.
Acting for greater equality
Helping to reduce inequalities to support a more just transition and reduce socio-territorial, gender and socio-economic inequalities.
9mobile, Gamr Africa Excite Gamers with Esports Tournament
L-R: Brand Specialist, 9mobile, Obinna Onochie; Winner Player 9 Tournament, Okoye Valentine; and Manager, Data and Devices, 9mobile, Reymond Oikerhe during the Player 9 Tournament event, a gaming tournament organised by GAMR in partnership with 9mobile which held at Silverbird Galleria, Victoria Island, Lagos.
It was an exciting day for gamers as 9mobile once again burnished its industry positioning as Nigeria’s innovative and youth-centric telecommunication network when it partnered with Gamr Africa, a gaming company for gaming enthusiasts, to host the 2023 edition of Player 9 E-sports Tournament.
The event which was held at the foyer of the prestigious Silverbird Galleria, Victoria Island, Lagos, brought together gaming enthusiasts, professionals, and beginners alike to take part in the festival-like gaming experience.
To participate in the games, Gamers registered online and onsite using the 9mobile-GAMR platform. Following this, the event kicked off with a knockout round of 32 gamers, with 16 of them emerging to advance to the next round. Eight of the gamers will later emerge to the quarter finals, and four making it to the semifinals, while the last two proceeded to the final. Each of the gamers had a playing time of six minutes to surmount the challenge and move to the next round.
The pulsating tournament saw Valentine Okoye emerge as the winner, carting home a brand new PS5 game console, a new Samsung Galaxy Phone and free 15 Gigabyte data bundle. The first and second runner up went home with Samsung Phones and free 11 Gigabyte data bundles each. Other participating gamers, supporters, and attendees who came out tops in Q&A sessions were gifted with phones and free data.
The winner could not hide his joy saying, “to be honest, I am excited! I desperately wanted a PS5; I know I’m a top player and I stood a chance. I was a player that only played with my brother, a parlour champion kind of. So, I just came here with the mindset of ‘no pressure, just have fun, and luckily, I am the champion. Gaming has given me a lot in terms of experience and networking and, most importantly, money. I am truly grateful to 9mobile for this opportunity”, he enthused.
Speaking at the event Manager, Events and Sponsorship, 9mobile, Ufuoma Dogun, hailed the partnership and reiterated 9mobile’s commitment to the youth market. “Our collaboration with Gamr Africa is in furtherance of our commitment to the youth segment of our customers and complements our other youth-centric initiatives such as ‘The Hack’. In integrating the power of the 9mobile network with that of Gamr, we aim to create lasting memories and connections for the gaming community and hope to take the gaming event to various campuses across the nation”, he said.
Some of the participants expressed gratitude to 9mobile and Gamr for the opportunity to take their e-gaming skill to a whole new level and promised to try harder and win next time.
9mobile partnership with Gamr Africa to host the Player9 Tournament is aimed at creating a unique and exotic online gaming experience for gamers on the 9mobile network and is one of 9mobile’s flagship initiatives to promote the gaming culture and deepen enterprise among the youth segment of the market.
Lagos Set to Host a Unique Shopping Festival in December
L-R: Oluwadamilola Olujide, Associate Consultant, Chain Reactions Africa; Israel Opayemi, MD/Chief Strategist, Chain Reactions Africa; Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Lagos State, and Femi Abegunde, Marketing Manager, Lagos Shopping Festival (LSF) during a courtesy visit by the LSF team to the commissioner in Alausa-Ikeja recently.
Lagos State is set to experience a flurry of activities towards the end of the year that will stamp its authority as the choice tourist destination in December.
The Honourable Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka disclosed during the visit of a delegation from the organisers of the planned event to the Ministry on Tuesday, adding that she is excited and anticipatory of the good development
She posited that it is an idea whose time has come and that the State Government, through the Ministry, is excited about it and will collaborate with the organisers to bring it to fruition
Earlier, the Managing Director of Chain Reactions Africa and leader of the delegation, Mr. Israel Jaiye Opayemi said the team is on a working visit to the Ministry to discuss the plan for the first of its kind Shopping Festival in Nigeria to be held between the 8th and 15th December in Lagos State.
According to him, the idea is to keep Lagos open for business, entertainment and tourism for 24 hours and seven days. Lagos City will be awakened for entertainment and commerce which is expected to boost employment and spike economic growth in the State as over 1000 merchants will participate in the event. The targeted audience includes international and local tourists, luxury brands, designer brands and MSMES
“The Festival is billed to be held in different venues such as Eko Atlantic, TBS, Ikeja City Mall, Palms Shopping Mall and Festival Mall amongst others simultaneously for seven days non-stop. Lagos will be awake 24/7, there will also be music by big musical brands like Wizkid, Asa and Lagbaja among others to add colour and glamour to the event”.
Opayemi also informed that other attractions during the week-long programme include musical concerts, parties, fashion shows, fireworks, food court and film shows.
Stanbic IBTC Insurance Unveils Comprehensive Funeral Expenses Cover – Sunset Benefit Plan
Stanbic IBTC Insurance Limited, a subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, has unveiled its latest insurance product, the Sunset Benefit Plan, to help customers celebrate a life well spent and provide comprehensive funeral expenses coverage and financial security during bereavement or loss of their loved ones. This innovative insurance solution will transform the industry and bring peace of mind to policyholders and their families.
Akinjide Orimolade, Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Insurance Limited expressed his excitement about the Sunset Benefit Plan, emphasising its importance in financial planning.
He stated: “Having a comprehensive funeral expenses cover is a crucial part of financial planning as it ensures that you are not caught unprepared when the unexpected happens. With The Sunset Benefit Plan, we are thrilled to introduce an insurance product that eases the burden of funeral expenses with the passing of a loved one. With this plan’s flexibility and customisation options, individuals can tailor their coverage to match their unique financial situations.”
The Sunset Benefit Plan offers a wide range of benefits, making it a comprehensive solution for funeral costs. It covers policyholders and their loved ones, including spouses and parents or parents-in-law, with a next birthday age of up to 75 years at entry into the policy. The loved ones can be added through extra premium payments, allowing for a personalised experience.
Premium for the Sunset Benefit can be paid within a five-year period or paid till the age of 70 for policy holders who take up the policy after age 65.
Titi Ogungbesan, Executive Director, Business Development at Stanbic IBTC Insurance Limited, highlighted the various additional benefits for policyholders. These additional benefits include cover for interment, grocery, catering, childcare, and a cashback benefit applicable to payment plans up to age 70. This cashback feature allows policyholders to receive a refund equivalent to 12-month premiums every five years, provided premiums are up-to-date and no claims have been made on the policy.
The plan allows for payment of the benefit on the death of loved ones who are covered under the plan. The policy holder will choose the benefit payable upon the occurrence of death. The plan also allows for waiver of premium where the policy holder passes on before the other beneficiaries. This applies if the premium has been paid consistently for 12 months before death. The benefit in this situation will also be paid on the lives of the loved ones. This comprehensive funeral cover perfectly aligns with Stanbic IBTC Insurance Limited’s mission of empowering individuals to secure their future with creative risk management solutions that enable clients to create, protect, and preserve wealth.
Stanbic IBTC Insurance Limited is a leading insurance provider in Nigeria, offering innovative and comprehensive insurance products to secure individuals’ financial futures.
As a subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, the company is committed to providing top-notch insurance solutions and empowering clients to achieve their life goals.
The Sunset Benefit Plan is now available for interested individuals seeking financial security and peace of mind during life’s most challenging moments.
With Stanbic IBTC Insurance Limited’s trusted track record in financial services and prompt claims management, policyholders can be confident that they are fully covered.
14-Year-Old Prodigy, Kentimfon Ndanyongmong, Wins 2023 Heirs Life Essay Championship
Kentimfon Ndanyongmong, a JSS 3 student from Beulah International School, Akwa Ibom, has emerged as the overall winner of the 2023 Heirs Life Essay Championship.
The 14-year-old will go home with the grand prize of 2 million Naira in scholarship grant, with his school, Beulah International School, Akwa Ibom, receiving N500,000 worth of books and educational materials.
Also on the honorees’ list, Samuel John, of Knightdale Middle College, Lagos, and Ameenah Jimeta, Prime College, Kano, emerged as the first and second runners-up, receiving N150,000 and N100,000 respectively.
Organised by Heirs Life Assurance (HLA), the competition attracted national interest and participation with over 5,000 entries submitted in its 2nd year.
Participants of the 2023 Heirs Life Essay Championship were tasked to draft a 500-word essay on the topic, “My Dream Career”. Heirs Life commissioned a committee of specialists led by a Professor of English Language to assess and grade all entries. The organisation also conducted interviews in collaboration with the grading committee with shortlisted participants to ensure originality of the submissions.
Speaking on the impact and importance of the essay championship, Niyi Onifade, MD/CEO, Heirs Life Assurance Limited, said: “At Heirs Life and across Heirs Insurance Group, we believe in securing more than just finances. This Essay Championship is a testament to our commitment to nurturing the intellectual and creative capacities of our nation’s youth. This competition is not just about words on paper, but about inspiring the next generation to shape a brighter future.”
Heirs Life Essay Championship is an initiative of Heirs Life Assurance, a member of Heirs Insurance Group.
Heirs Insurance Group is the insurance subsidiary of Heirs Holdings, the leading pan-African investment company, with investments across 24 countries and four continents, founded and led by Tony Elumelu.
With a rapidly expanding retail footprint and an omnichannel digital presence, Heirs Insurance Group serves both corporate and individual customers across Nigeria.
Heirs Insurance Group is championing financial inclusion and leading the digital insurance play in Nigeria, demonstrating its mission to democratise access to insurance.
As part of its unique proposition, the Group rolled out digital and mobile channels to simplify access to insurance and make insurance accessible to everyone.
Stanbic IBTC Bank Celebrates Outstanding Achievements at Global Transaction Banking Innovation Awards
Stanbic IBTC Bank, a leading financial services provider, is proud to announce its recent recognition at the prestigious Global Transaction Banking Innovation Awards. The award, presented during a gala event held on Thursday, 21 September 2023, acknowledges Stanbic IBTC’s exceptional contributions and innovation in the field of Transaction Banking.
Stanbic IBTC won in four categories including: Best Bank for Trade Finance in Nigeria, Best Custodian Bank in Nigeria, Outstanding Digital Transformation by a Transaction or Wholesale Bank in COVID-19 and Best ERP Integration Initiative.
This coveted award underscores our unwavering commitment to facilitating global trade, fostering economic growth, and providing invaluable support to businesses. With a track record of excellence and a dedication to innovation, Stanbic IBTC has proven itself as a leader in the industry.
Our commitment to excellence is reflected in cutting-edge solutions, which have empowered businesses of all sizes to navigate the complex world of international trade with ease. From tailored financing solutions to advanced risk management strategies, Stanbic IBTC has been a trusted partner to countless companies seeking to expand their global reach.
Receiving this award is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and expertise of the Transactional Products and Services team members. Their relentless pursuit of excellence has enabled Stanbic IBTC to stand out in a highly competitive field and deliver superior value to clients and partners alike.
“We are deeply honored to receive this prestigious award,” said Jesuseun Fatoyinbo, Head, Transactional Products and Services. “This award is not just a recognition of our past achievements, but also a call to action for the future. It serves as a reminder that we must continue to innovate and adapt to the ever-changing economic landscape. We are grateful for the trust our clients and partners have placed in us, and we look forward to continuing to innovate and make a positive impact on the global trade landscape.”
The Digital Banker’s Global Transaction Banking Innovation Awards is a prestigious one, and Stanbic IBTC is proud to join the ranks of past winners who have demonstrated excellence, innovation, and exceptional service in trade finance.
As we continue to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of the global marketplace, this award serves as a motivation to redouble its efforts to provide world-class trade finance and cash management solutions that drive growth and success for businesses around the world.
Union Bank Unveils Annual CSI Report: Driving Inclusive Growth; Impacting Lives, Enabling Success
Union Bank of Nigeria, a leading financial service provider, has released its 2022 Citizenship, Sustainability, and Innovation (CSI) report, outlining the bank’s efforts across three pivotal areas – Citizenship, Sustainability, and Innovation.
The 7th edition of the report, titled ‘Driving Inclusive Growth; Impacting Lives, Enabling Success,’ provides an extensive overview of Union Bank’s ongoing commitment to fostering a sustainable future.
It chronicles the bank’s dedication to embedding responsible business practices and making a positive difference in the lives of individuals and communities, and it offers an in-depth examination of the bank’s activities for the year in review, shedding light on its strategies, performance, and processes in the implementation of various projects and initiatives.
Aligned with its overarching theme for the year, Union Bank focused its efforts on five of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These include Quality Education (SDG 4), Gender Equality (SDG 5), Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7), Climate Action (SDG 13), and Partnership to Achieve Goals (SDG 17).
These goals served as a guide, steering the bank’s dedication towards positively impacting the lives of its stakeholders and society.
Speaking on the 2022 CSI report, Union Bank’s Chief Executive Officer, Mudassir Amray, emphasised the bank’s commitment to driving inclusive growth.
He highlighted key partnerships that helped achieve this. He said: “We firmly believe that small businesses are the engine house of economic growth. This is why we entered a $30 million partnership agreement with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets.
This partnership aims to enhance access to finance for smaller businesses in Nigeria, supporting increased trade and enabling us to expand lending to businesses in critical sectors, including food, healthcare, manufacturing, and services.”
Amray also highlighted the bank’s efforts in driving financial inclusion. He said: “We are also particularly proud of our financial inclusion initiatives, such as our partnership with Wacot Rice Limited, which enabled us to reach around 7,000 farmers across five Local Government Areas in Kebbi State.
Furthermore, our unwavering commitment to gender equality in lending was evident as we disbursed over 17 billion naira in loans to nearly 16,000 women in 2022.
Our vision remains resolute in building a more robust and expansive bank, underpinned by a digital-centric strategy and elevated governance standards geared toward fostering sustainable growth and contributing to Nigerian society.”
Also speaking about the report, Union Bank’s Chief Brand and Marketing Officer Olufunmilola Aluko highlighted the bank’s collaborative approach to sustainability and corporate responsibility.
She said: “Throughout the year, Union Bank has actively collaborated with partners to enhance our performance, particularly on our material issues. We aim to sustain this momentum by building on partnerships with peers and across industries to support our customers, communities, and society.
Our initiatives aimed at empowering underprivileged populations, promoting education, and advancing gender equality have yielded significant results, positively impacting thousands of lives and nurturing the potential of future generations.”
Consistent with previous editions, the 2022 report adheres to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standard and aligns with the Nigerian Sustainable Banking Principles (NSBPs) and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This commitment underscores Union Bank’s dedication to transparency and accountability in reporting on its projects.
‘Coding for Sustainably’ Ends amidst Applause from Parents, Other Stakeholders
L-R Tobi Akinloye Instructor, Osas Osaigbovo Community Manager, Olufunke Akinloye Founder, Toosin Adesanya Project Manager, Funto Olanipekun Instructor at the Closing Ceremony of Code Zone 2023 in Lagos.
Code Zone 2023 has successfully come to an end amidst commendations and accolades from parent, participants and other stakeholders. This fifth edition of the annual summer coding program which commenced in 2019 and holds every August was themed Coding for Sustainability, the objective was to drive the consciousness of sustainability in the everyday lives of the participants, this can be said to have been met.
Code Zone 2023 ran through the month of August 2023, with both virtual and in-person classes holding every weekday for the one month. The program had thirty-one participants of it target audience being Teenagers and Pre-Teens enroll in in the available programs i.e. HTML/CSS, JavaScript and UIUX.
As a standard practice, participants after the intensive period of learning these new skills exhibited their knowledge by presenting their projects in their areas of interest, this varied from Sports, Fashion, Entertainment, to love for Dogs, Games, Music, Gadgets and so on. It’s been an amazing journey indeed.
The Founder Mrs Olufunke Akinloye at the closing presentation talked about why Code Zone was started and the reason for having this year Themed Coding for Sustainability. ‘We are glad to be consistently achieving the objective of starting Code Zone which is to upskill Teenagers and Pre Teens with tech knowledge so that they can be active participants in the world they are growing into.’
Olufunke further said ‘The participants did not only learn tech stills this one month, we are glad to say they got enlightened on the general idea of Sustainability i.e. making the world last longer and livable for generations after them. They got more understanding on the three Rs Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and the need to consider it before items are condemned as waste. Each participant had to create a mandatory Sustainability page as part of their project.
Mr. Eniola Ilesanmi, a parent of 2 participants in the Program said ‘I am awed at the amount of learning my children have been exposed to during this program. The enthusiasm the children display every morning waking up early to endure they don’t miss class despite being holiday period gives me great joy and is testament to the Value the program delivered to its participants. My children became Zoom experts overnight alongside the coding skills they acquired. I am very glad to have been a part of it and I am already looking forward to the next edition.
Mrs. Maria Akinfe, another parent and guardian of 8 participants said ‘I am glad my children and their friends were able to enroll for Code Zone this year. I am a returning parent as my children have participated in a previous edition so I have assurance that their time will be well spent. The additional value of exposing them to the concept of sustainability is what amazed me. So the children did not only leave the program with coding skills but a decision to Reduce, Reuse or Recycle Items which as a parent I intend to give them my utmost support’.
Code Zone 2023 as an initiative of an African Woman, got some support from the JAMII Femmes, an initiative of Coca Cola Foundation and Women in Africa to support African Women Entrepreneurs for sustainable impact. The entire team of Code Zone express gratitude for the support.
NASENI EVC Reiterates Commitment to Deliver on Presidential Priorities
The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr. Khalil Halilu, has charged the management staff of the Agency to put forward ideas on how NASENI can effectively support the priorities of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu such as large-scale switching of petrol and diesel-powered vehicles to alternative fuels to reduce the cost of living for Nigerians.
He stated this as he began receiving briefings from the Managing Directors of the Agency’s ten (10) Development Institutes, situated in Enugu, Minna, Awka, Okene, Nnewi, Kano, Jalingo, Akure, Ilesha and Nasarawa.
According to Halilu, “our Institutes are the engines of NASENI’s innovation and these briefings by each Institute are critical as we work together to craft the future of NASENI, as it relates to delivering on the President’s socio-economic agenda.”
In addition to the Managing Directors, Team Leads of various NASENI projects, as well as the Agency’s Research Directors, also made presentations to the EVC on their various projects and efforts.
The briefings, which commenced on Monday September 18, 2023, are taking place ahead of the EVC’s planned tour of NASENI facilities across the institutes scheduled to commence in October.
Also on Tuesday, September 19, the EVC/CEO inaugurated a Committee to look into staff welfare, as part of steps to fulfil his pledge, upon assuming office, to ensure that NASENI becomes “a public sector employer of choice in Nigeria.”
The EVC tasked the Committee—made up exclusively of middle-level and junior staff of NASENI—with producing a Human Resources (HR) revamp plan for NASENI. According to the EVC, “Our junior staff are indeed the ones on the frontlines of our work, bearing the biggest burdens, and therefore deserving of special attention, support and welfare.”
To round off the week, the EVC/CEO paid a courtesy visit to the Honourable Minister of Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, on Friday September 22, at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Abuja.
Commenting on the meeting, which discussed opportunities for collaboration in advancing research in methanol production, lithium mining, and natural medicine, the EVC/CEO said, both institutions were “keen to jointly commercialize existing research outputs,” adding that “I have no doubt that NASENI has a strong and committed partner, in the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology.”
Halilu also met with a young Nigerian innovator based in Maiduguri, Borno State, Mustapha Gajibo, who specialises in converting petrol-fired vehicles to use gas and solar energy.
“There’s no limit to what young Nigerians can achieve in science and technology, and at NASENI we want to be a part of these inspiring stories from every corner of the country,” said the EVC/CEO.
Ochefu, Bala-Usman, Chukwu Line Up for GOCOP 2023 Conference
A line up of seasoned professionals are now ready to speak as panelists at the 2023 annual conference of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) holding on Thursday, October 5, 2023 at Abuja Continental Hotel (Old Sheraton Hotel) Abuja.
This line-up according to the Chairman of the GOCOP 7th Conference Planning Committee and Deputy President, Mr. Danlami Nmodu, mni, include the Secretary-General, Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU), Prof. Yakubu A. Ochefu; Special Adviser to the President (Policy Co-ordination), Hajia Hadiza Bala-Usman, and Chief Executive Officer, Cowry Assets Management Limited, Mr. Johnson Chukwu.
The GOCOP Publicity Secretary, Mr. Remmy Nweke, in a press statement, also noted that the conference would be presided over by the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Join Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, while the first Nigerian Professor of Capital Market, Prof. Uchenna Joseph Uwaleke, has been confirmed as the keynote speaker.
Danlami was also quoted that the conference would focus on the theme: “Nigeria: Roadmap for Socio-Economic Recovery and Sustainability” pointing out that the choice of the topic is informed by the current socio-political and economic realities facing Nigeria, post-2023 general elections.
Further, Nweke recalled that Professor Yakubu Aboki Ochefu, Professor Yakubu Aboki Ochefu is an academic, university administrator and entrepreneur. He holds a B.A and PhD degrees in History and Economic History from the University of Calabar, and an M.A in Political Economy from the University of Birmingham.
Ochefu began his academic career in 1985 at the University of Calabar and later transferred to the Benue State University Makurdi in 1993. In 2003, he was promoted to the rank of Professor of Economic History and Development Studies. At the Benue State University, he held various positions such as Head, Department of History, Dean Students Affairs, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, and Director of Consultancy Services. From 2012 to 2017, he was Vice-Chancellor of Kwararafa University, Wukari in Taraba State. He was in 2019 appointed Secretary-General of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, and Committee of Pro-Chancellors of Nigerian Federal Universities.
Hadiza Bala Usman is a Nigerian politician who served as Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority from 2016 to 2021. Previously, she served as the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2016 and was appointed special adviser on policy coordination to President Bola Tinubu in June 2023.
Since 2014, she is one of the co-founders of the Bring Back Our Girls campaign and in year 2000, she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria and later received a master’s degree in development studies from the University of Leeds in 2009.
Whereas, Mr. Johnson Chukwu, the Chairman and Founder, Cowry Assets Management Limited, and prior to the establishment of Cowry Asset Management Limited, has been actively involved in the Nigerian capital market and was instrumental to the establishment of one of the most vibrant capital market operators as the pioneer General Manager/Chief Executive Officer of Guardian Express Trust Limited (now Spring Capital) – a subsidiary of Guardian Express Bank Plc (now Spring Bank Plc).
Before joining Cowry Asset Management Limited on a full-time basis in October 2007, Mr. Chukwu was between February 2006 and September 2007 a Deputy General Manager and Group Executive, Operations of Spring Bank Plc.
Mr. Chukwu is a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) second class upper degree holder in Accounting and a University of Lagos Scholar. He also holds an MBA from Lagos Business School (Pan African University).
Preceding speakers at GOCOP annual conference, he said, include the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Yakubu Mahmood, who in 2022, spoke on ‘2023 Elections: Managing the Process for Credible Outcome’; Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, who delivered the 2019 lecture on: “Economy, Security and National Development: The Way Forward.”
While in 2021, he said, Mr. Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, keynoted the conference in his capacity as Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, on “Post COVID-19 Pandemic: Recovery and Reconstruction in Nigeria.”
About GOCOP:
GOCOP was established to ensure that online publishers uphold the tenets of journalism in doing their jobs and our membership is a constellation of Editors and senior journalists, whom, having distinguished themselves in their various stations in the print and electronic media, ventured into online publishing, which is both the present and future of journalism globally. Currently, the Guild has over 90 corporate publishers as members.
MOHBAD’S DEATH: RETHINKING INSURANCE FOR ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY
By Tope Adaramola
It’s not news anymore that the death and controversy surrounding the premature exit of music star, Ileri Oluwa Oladimeji Aloba, popularly called Mohbad, has continued to rage.
The musician whose life eclipsed in mysterious circumstances still being unraveled by the police and other state authorities seem to have had a larger-than-life posture in death even more than when he lived.
Aside from the gale of media reportage and groundswell commiseration rallies held in several states in the country and even abroad, underscoring the deep grief of his fans and other sympathetic admirers, the death of Mohbad has triggered necessity for entertainment stars and insurance operators to appraise the need for insurance in the nation’s entertainment space.
Needless to say that the entertainment industry in Nigeria is huge and has continued to balloon exponentially to the extent that we cannot afford to be dismissive of its value to the country’s sustainable national economic growth.
In 2021 alone, the music sector of the entertainment industry made up of artists, musicians, producers, promoters, managers, distributors and marketers employed about a million people and generated over $8 billion for the economy. Recent report in the Vanguard Newspapers averred that “to put the financial impact of Nollywood on the socio-economic landscape, in proper perspective, we must consider the known fact that the movie industry in Nigeria is currently ranked second largest film industry globally, with financial value of the film industry alone put at over $6.4 billion as of 2021.”
Against the backdrop of this huge potential is the painful gaping hole of insurance, which is meant to create peace of mind for the operators as it also serves as a safety valve against any unforeseen circumstances that may happen to the lives and property of the operators. The narrative surrounding the painful case of Mohbad as a rising star would have been different, for instance, if he had health insurance that would have guaranteed him a better health treatment in a top line hospital befitting his status, where his medical history and proper diagnosis would have been taken. Even if the inevitable –death- happens, there would have been more scientific explanation to such occurrence.
With a life policy incepted, it would have been easier for the assurance company to trigger the legal aspect of the policy to address issues relating to threat to life of the singer, taken over by the underwriters’ life office. The idea of having a Trust in place by the deceased would just have been spot on. The beneficiaries of the trust, which in this case is the only child of Mohbad, would have had assurance of having rightful access to his properties and all royalties that may accrue from his works on a continuous basis, without any tinge of controversy or rip off. It is within the prism of insurance too for the deceased to have put in place educational endowment for his only son, to take care of his educational aspiration to any level he desires.
Although it is typical of humans to emotionalise as we have seen under this type of circumstances, emotions hardly come with sustainable results to the departed or dependents on the long run. Pardon me to say that all the candle lights procession would soon die off and reality of life after the deceased would soon set in fully. Insurance must be an attractive option for any player in the entertainment world, as they ply their profession with attendant risks on a daily basis to their lives and property.
In concluding, the insurance industry operators should on its part accelerate and redirect their product development and marketing attention towards the entertainment world. They need to come to terms with the humongous opportunities burgeoning in the entertainment sector by creating more sexy products that would attract the peculiar clients. It stands to reason why insurance operators give prime attention to what they perceive as strategic sectors such as oil and gas, energy, marine, aviation etc; and seem to be looking away from the entertainment industry which is the new gold field for the industry if deliberately explored. This huge gap must be closed.
There is no gainsaying that the case of Mohbad’s death, though sad, could just be an eye opener for the insurance industry on the one hand and the operators of the entertainment industry on the other hand for the mutual benefits of both parties.
Tope Adaramola is the Executive Secretary/CEO of
The Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB)
Dotun Adesua Symposium Paves Way for Nigeria’s Creative Industry Advancement
L – R: President and Chairman, Governing Council of the National Institute of Marketing Nigeria, NIMN, Dr. Idorenyen Enang; President, Association of Professional Party Planners and Event Managers of Nigeria, Funbi Akinyosoye; Convener, The Dotun Adesua Symposium, Dotun Adesua; Veteran Comedian and Compere, Gbenga Adeyinka the 1st and Partner/Senior Sales Manager CSI Events Media, Toyosi Ayeleso at the Dotun Adesua Symposium held in Lagos.
The Dotun Adesua Symposium, an earnest endeavor to cultivate meaningful dialogue within Nigeria’s dynamic creative industry, has laid a firm groundwork upon which this vibrant sector can flourish and become a catalyst for national development.
The symposium, held in Lagos, brought together luminaries, industry professionals, and creative minds under the theme, “Nurturing Creative Talent For Nation-Building. “It served as a pivotal platform for driving conversations that are essential to the growth and prosperity of the nation.
At the heart of the symposium was the visionary mission to bridge the gap between established professionals, mentors, and the emerging generation seeking guidance. The symposium aimed to equip these budding talents with invaluable knowledge and insights while fostering stronger connections between industry leaders and the creative pioneers of tomorrow.
In his keynote address, President and Chairman, Governing Council of the National Institute of Marketing Nigeria (NIMN), Mr. Idorenyen Enang set the tone for the symposium illuminating the diversity within the creative industry, with each facet underpinned by creativity at its core.
Using a metaphorical dining table, Enang vividly illustrated how consumers often engage with creative products without fully comprehending the intricate workings of the industry. He emphasized the need for professionals to expand their horizons and deepen their knowledge.
Enang went further to underscore that the journey of nurturing creative talent commences at home, drawing parallels with the farming process. He likened the act of planting seeds to the inception of creativity, asserting that the cultivation of creative talent begins with education.
“Mentorship plays an indispensable role in guiding individuals along their creative journeys, nurturing the sparks of genius within them.” Enang firmly stated.
The symposium also featured a panel session where the President of the Association of Professional Party Planners and Event Managers of Nigeria, Funbi Akinyosoye shared her insights on the pivotal role of education in unlocking creative potential.
Akinyosoye recounted her personal journey, highlighting that formal education alone does not define one’s ability to infuse perfectionism into their work. She encouraged young individuals to embark on creative explorations, even in seemingly minor endeavors, reinforcing the notion that education provides the platform for them to express themselves more effectively.
Veteran Comedian and Compere, Gbenga Adeyinka the 1st, brought his wealth of experience to the panel. He shared his experiences in propelling the comedy sector in Nigeria’s southwest region, despite initial skepticism regarding his choice of location for shows.
Adeyinka emphasized his steadfast dedication to nurturing talents, which has played a pivotal role in the remarkable growth of comedy in the region. He dispelled the misconception that creativity is synonymous with chaos and underscored the importance of structure in delivering successful creative projects.
Summing up the symposium’s significance, the Convener Dotun Adesua, declared that the symposium sent a resounding message: Nurturing creative talents is not merely an individual odyssey but a crucial contribution to Nigeria’s cultural and economic development.
Adesua announced that the symposium marked the initiation of an annual tradition, poised to continue inspiring and connecting professionals with emerging talents within the creative industry, adding that subsequent events would propel Nigeria forward through the transformative power of creativity and mentorship, envisioning a brighter future for the nation’s creative landscape.