Anchor Insurance Gets NAICOM’s Approval for 2018 Account

08/07/2019

The Management of Anchor Insurance Company Limited, a company specially known for its clean claims administration record, has announced the approval of the organisation’s audited financial statement for the year ended 31^st December, 2018 by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) as submitted.

The company’s Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Ebose Augustine, quoted NAICOM’s letter which conveyed the approval details and dated 3^rd July, 2019 as stating in part that “the Commission has no objection to the publication of your audited financial statements for the year ended 31^st December, 2018 as submitted,” noting further that approval was “granted after a confirmation that you have substantially complied with our regulatory requirements.”

He explained that the company’s financial statement was approved without any official query from the regulatory body, stating that “this outcome was a fallout of the company’s culture of getting things right the first time.”

Ebose disclosed that the company’s gross premium written during the year was N3.43 billion as against N2.22 billion written during the corresponding period of 2017, indicating a 54.38% growth over the previous performance.

He further highlighted that the total assets of the company during the period grew from N6.2 billion in 2017 to N6.6 billion while shareholders’ fund moved from N5.07 billion in 2017 to N5.2 billion with the company’s solvency margin standing at N4.8 billion.

He noted that the company paid a gross claim of N756.8 million to its various affected genuine policyholders during the period as against the N540.3 million in 2017, stating that “it demonstrates our strength to accommodate any volume of genuine claims reported and by direct implication, our ability and readiness to handle any quantum of general insurance business anytime.”

He explained that with the trend of results already being achieved by the company in 2019, the Management was hopeful of comfortably beating the 2018 results to the delight of the owners of the company at the end of the year.

Kwik Takes Last-mile Delivery in Nigeria by Storm

Business Journal

08/07/2019

Launched on the 26^th June 2019 on both Apple Appstore and Google Play by the French start-up Africa Delivery Technologies, the Kwik app aspires to quickly become the Number #1 of last-mile delivery services in Nigeria.
“Kwik aims to become the first platform for last-mile delivery in urban areas in Nigeria before extending its scope to neighbouring countries. We’re targeting 100,000 deliveries per day in three cities before 2021”, explains Romain POIROT-LELLIG, Founder & CEO of Africa Delivery Technologies (ADT), developer of the Kwik app.
Kwik connects independent delivery partners, either owners and/or drivers of a vehicle, with customers who need reliable, affordable and flexible delivery solutions. The Kwik app comes with an integrated geolocation system and offers an efficient transportation service for small packages (up to 25kg) or documents, following the same model as Go-Jek, Uber or Taxify.
Kwik’s value proposition is simple and straightforward: to ensure the fast, reliable and efficient delivery of a package or envelope in Lagos, Nigeria’s business capital. Currently, Kwik’s competitors offer a service that takes 12 hours and costs between 2,000 and 3,000 nairas (4-8 euros) per delivery from Lagos to Lagos.

Kwik promises to offer a service of higher added value within 2 hours and for a third of the price, with an integrated geolocation and proof of delivery system that offers the highest degree of security available on the market.
The service offered by the company is available through the Kwik app or via a web browser. The couriers are geo-located in real-time. The payment can either take place beforehand by credit card via the Nigerian fintech Paga’s system (12 million users) or in cash.
Kwik focuses particularly on B2B clients and allows them to create tour deliveries on the fly, set up recurring delivers, manage users, and so on. Additional insurance services are currently under development.

AMCON, ICPC to Collaborate on Debt Recovery Drive

Business Journal

08/07/2019

The Chairman of Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Prof. Bolaji Owasanoy in Abuja disclosed plans by the commission to collaborate with Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) towards the recovery of N5 trillion owed AMCON by obligors.

He made the declaration when he received the Board and Management of AMCON led by the Corporation’s Board Chairman, Dr. Muiz Banire.

Prof. Owasanoye who received the AMCON delegation at ICPC headquarters while describing the huge debt profile of AMCON as sobering situation especially as the figure represents about 50 per cent of Nigeria’s 2019 budget, further said the situation has become existential challenge for the country since the few people who are holding the country to ransom are still walking free and waxing strong in the society.

Considering the positive impact, the funds would have in the economy if recovered, Prof. Owasanoye declared that the time has come for the ICPC and other relevant sister agencies to partner AMCON and support the debt recovery drive.

He however pledged that the ICPC under his leadership is ready to work with Ahmed Lawan Kuru, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of AMCON and the Board members to recover as much of these debts as possible before sunset.

Recalling that the Vice President, Prof. Yomi Osinbajo had also raised concerns over the huge debt in a similar forum, the ICPC Chairman said, the commission would be interested in tracing the transactional history of the different loans especially the high profile ones with a view to establishing any irregularity, which could have contributed to its hard-core nature, with obligors refusing to pay

“We have to be practical in our approach. Something needs to be done and very fast too given the approaching AMCON sunset because this is public funds we are talking about here. We need AMCON and ICPC to work closer and develop a strategy that would work. We need the public to know the opportunity cost of the huge debt to the Nigerian economy, we need to share information as sister agencies locally and internationally and treat this matter as a last lap race by setting up a joint taskforce to deal with this sobering issue,” he added.

The ICPC boss, who is of the opinion that obligors of AMCON are made to face the music, which he said would serve as deterrent to others further added, “If these matters are not properly challenged and well treated, we can predict based on history that these set of people or their clones would repeat this circle of borrowing and would tell you that in the past, some people borrowed and defaulted and nothing happened. So something has to be done.”

Earlier in their submissions, both Dr. Banire who led the delegation and Kuru, AMCON managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, highlighted some of the high-profile obligors of the Corporation including some 350 individuals that account for 80 per cent of the entire debt obligation.

They also reiterated the fact AMCON would at this time in its lifespan need collaboration of the ICPC to go after these obligors especially since AMCON on its own does not have the powers to invite, arrest or prosecute obligors as the only option open to AMCON remains the court.

Kenya Airways Selects GE Aviation for Digital Flight Operations

Business Journal

08/07/2019

Maximizing Airline Efficiency with the Most Accurate Data and Analytics; Kenya Airways adds to the 15,468 aircraft with GE Aviation’s digital solutions.
Kenya Airways has selected GE Aviation for the Flight Operations suite of digital products across the airline’s fleet of Boeing 737, 787 and Embraer E190 airplanes. Kenya Airway’s fleet adds to the 15,468 unique aircraft assets that are connected to GE Aviation’s digital solutions. Implementation is currently underway with completion this year.
“Kenya Airways was looking for a way to monitor fleet performance, implement and track fuel saving initiatives across their network and empower their pilots to help drive efficiency,” said John Mansfield, chief digital officer for GE Aviation at the signing ceremony held on June 18^th at the Paris Air Show. “The Flight Operations suite provides these insights and is scalable to provide additional functionality.”
The Flight Operations suite integrates GE’s Event Measurement System (EMS), flight analytics, FlightPulse™ and fuel efficiency services. GE’s EMS and FOQA systems are being used on 8,932 aircraft including flight analytics service integrating data sources like flight information, weather, navigation, flight plans, and other operational data to provide valuable insights for airline customers around fuel use and operations. Kenya Airway’s 425 pilots add to the 57,702-airline crew relying on GE Aviation’s Network Crew Optimization.
Paul Njoroge, director of operations, Kenya Airways said, “The partnership with GE Aviation will empower Kenya Airways to optimise its fuel costs and excel in flight operations. GE brings a wealth of knowledge to help the airline fast track efficiencies enabling improvements in operations and customer experience.”
Clare Ward, chief information officer, Kenya Airways, noted that the airline chose GE Aviation because of its leadership and innovation in flight analytics and deep aviation experience. “By partnering with GE, Kenya Airways is accelerating the move to leading edge technologies in analytics and machine learning,” she said.
“Our aim is to help Kenya Airways reduce their multi-million-dollar fuel bill and increase their overall efficiency, said Mansfield. “The fidelity in our flight analytics, together with the team’s experience from analyzing more than 175 million flights, will enable Kenya Airways to better manage operations with data-driven solutions. We are bringing together analytics with physical assets to help significantly reduce cost.”

MTN Nigeria Appoints Srinivas Rao as Chief Digital Officer

Business Journal

05/07/2019

Srinivas Rao Chief Digital Officer MTN Nigeria

MTN Nigeria has announced the appointment of its first Chief Digital Officer (CDO), Srinivas Rao to lead the company’s recently created Digital Services Division.

The Digital Services division will play a pivotal role in driving MTN’s digital business growth; its creation marks the company’s commitment to its vision of leading the delivery of a bold, new digital world to its customers.

In his new role, Rao is responsible for MTN’s digital strategy and will lead the next level of design, planning and deployment of digital services & channels for customers and partners.

An industry veteran, Rao has two decades of management experience in IT and telecoms. He brings significant knowledge and expertise from working with MTN operations in the Middle East and Africa. He spent the last 8 years leading one of MTN’s largest operations in their technology development, product innovation &digital transformation program.

Commenting on the appointment, CEO, MTN Nigeria, Ferdi Moolman said, “I am thrilled that Srinivas is joining our team. He is a proven leader, with a solid track record whose knowledge and experience, will serve us well, accelerating our digital agenda.”

Meanwhile, the MTN Group has announced that GlobalConnect, the company’s wholesale infrastructure company, is now an operating company (Opco) of the group.

The Opco, headquartered in Dubai, will continue to be led by current CEO Frédéric Schepens.

MTN GlobalConnect was established in 2017 as the main driver and commercial vehicle for the consolidation of MTN’s international and national major wholesale activities.

To further enable its growth, and in line with the group’s strategic focus on wholesale, the operational structure of GlobalConnect was revised, resulting in its establishment as an Opco.

Commenting on the development, MTN Group COO, Jens Schulte-Bockum said, “I am pleased that after less than two years of operation, MTN GlobalConnect has exceeded expectations, growing its customer base and revenue ahead of targets. I have no doubt that the team, led by Frédéric will continue to build on their gains to drive value to our operations, and lead MTN’s ambition to build Africa’s leading wholesale company.”

Offering the most complete backbone network in Africa, the company provides reliable solutions for fixed connectivity and international mobile services and is the single-entry point to the largest network infrastructure on the continent.

Furthermore, the company’s robust MTN.net and IP/MPLS network includes:

47 multinational points of presence
29 countries across the MEA region (Middle East & Africa)
14 Submarine cables MTN Group Media release
More than 100 000km of national and metro fibre network • 31 multinational Network-to-Network interface enabling connectivity to global networks
A backbone capacity in excess of 3Tbps
Peering with major content providers Driven by the belief that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life, GlobalConnect strives to enable services that create significant value for other MTN Opcos, partners and third parties looking to gain from the growing opportunities in the Middle East and Africa.

MTN Concludes 21 Days of Y’ello Care, Rewards Hackathon Challenge Winner

Business Journal

03/07/2019

Capture — Richard Igiriki, winner of 2019 MTN Hackathon Challenge

MTN Nigeria has concluded the 2019 edition of its annual 21 Days of Y’ello Care.

The colourful closing ceremony recently took place at the company’s head office in Ikoyi, Lagos.

The 2019 edition of the annual event provided an opportunity for MTN employees to participate in community projects that positively influenced the youths and society in general.

With the theme, “Creating a Brighter Future for the youths,” the corporate social responsibility initiative focused on targeted efforts aimed at youth empowerment and developing Nigeria’s burgeoning tech ecosystem for greater impact in national developmental efforts.

Richard Igiriki, winner of 2019 MTN Hackathon Challenge

With Mental Health Awareness as a major part of this year’s activities, the company’s employees across major cities in Nigeria embarked on an8km walk to create awareness for mental health. The walk in Lagos was in conjunction with the Lagos University Teaching Hospital Suicide Research and Prevention Initiative.

There was a digital media training session for young Nigerians that was aimed at raising suicide prevention media advocates.

Another critical aspect of this year’s edition of the 21 days initiative was the hackathon, which challenged young software developers to create critical solutions to health problems using technology. Presenting the cheque of one hundred thousand naira (N100,000) to the winner of the hackathon challenge, the CEO, MTN Nigeria, Ferdi Moolman urged the winner, Richard Igiriki to make the most of the opportunity that has been presented him.

He encouraged him and his team to ensure that the Bloodshare App that they have developed go mainstream so that blood donors can easily be matched with the right hospitals.

During the 21 days, MTN staff across Nigeria provided technical training for students and teachers, as well as setup e-libraries in over 22 secondary schools across Nigeria. Career experts provided information technology trainings at select secondary schools and skill acquisition centres across the country.

About MTN Nigeria

MTN Nigeria is Africa’s largest provider of communications services, connecting over 60 million people in communities across the country with each other and the world. Guided by a vision to lead the delivery of a bold new digital world, MTN Nigeria’s leadership position in coverage, capacity and innovation has remained constant, since its launch in 2001. MTN Nigeria is part of the MTN Group – a leading emerging market operator, connecting more than 200 million subscribers in 21 countries in Africa and the Middle East.

Ecobank Partners CFA Institute on Training, Research

Business Journal

03/07/2019

The Chief Executive and President Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute, Paul Smith has called for a closer collaboration with Ecobank Nigeria along areas of mutual interest in the nation’s financial industry.

Smith who was speaking during a courtesy visit to Management of Ecobank Nigeria in Lagos last Friday, said its call is predicated on the pedigree and antecedents of the Bank in the financial industry.

According to him, the partnership would further explore research, training and professional development. “We also want to deepen and strengthen our collaboration with Ecobank to expand our reach across the various regional blocs in the Sub-Saharan Africa region.”

While commending Ecobank for its support to its member CFA Society, Nigeria over the years, he emphasized that the CFA Institute stands for creating a financial environment where clients’ interests come first, markets function at their best, and economies grow.

Responding, Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria, Patrick Akinwuntan, lauded the visit and assured that the Bank is ready to collaborate more with the Institute to further develop the financial sector in Nigeria and across Sub-Saharan Africa. He commended the organisation’s sterling activities in growing the ethical and professional practice of financial services in Nigeria, Africa and across the world.

He intimated the CFA team of the various strategic initiatives of the Bank which are aimed at establishing world-class learning and development platforms for its staff, one of which led to the recent accreditation of Ecobank Nigeria Academy by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN).

In his remarks, the Head of Strategy, Ecobank Nigeria, Unwana Efiong Esang noted that the desire to deepen and expand collaboration between the Institute and the Bank is a welcome development especially at a time the financial services industry is experiencing a profound paradigm shift in its business and operating models.

He further stated that such partnerships between global and Pan African financial industry stakeholders will go a long way in enhancing financial services practice and also help in sustaining the relevance and quality of service of the banking system far into the future. He restated Ecobank’s strong positive disposition towards actualising the several collaborative options and models available to both organisations

Also speaking, President of CFA Society, Nigeria, Banji Fehintola commended Ecobank for its support of its activities over the years and expressed the Society’s willingness to fully take advantage of the several partnership initiatives of the Bank in Nigeria and across Sub-Saharan Africa.

NGE Mourns its Deputy President, Saidu Wada

Business Journal

03/07/2019

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) is devastated at the news of the death of its Deputy President, Malam Umar SaiduTudun Wada. The ace broadcaster died on Sunday 30^th June, 2019 following a car crash on his way from Abuja to Kano.

Mallam Umar Saidu was the immediate past Managing Director of Kano State Radio Corporation and was at one time a Principal Editor at the then CTV, now Abubakar Rimi Television (ARTV).

He was a broadcaster with Voice of America, freelance correspondent with Hausa and English services of Deutsche-Welle and also Editor, Concern Magazine.

The deceased served twice as Special Assistant, Media and Publicity to former Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

He also served as Secretary, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Kano State Council.

The Guild wishes to condole with the family of Malam Umar SaiduTudun Wada, especially his wife, Aisha, who was a former Deputy President of the NGE and the management and staff of Radio Kano.

Malam Umar Saidu would be greatly missed by his family, professional colleagues and friends around the globe.

A committed family man and broadcast journalist per excellence, he was elected as the Deputy President of the Guild during its last biennial convention in May this year.

We pray that almighty Allah console the family of our departed colleague and grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

May the soul of Malam Umar SaiduTudun Wada find Aljannafridaus. Amen

NSE Reveals Results of Biannual Review of Market Indices

Business Journal

03/07/2019

The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has announced the results of the biannual review for the NSE and co-branded indices. The composition of these indices after the review became effective on Monday July 1, 2019.

Below are the incoming and exiting companies in the various indices.

Indices Title	Incoming	Exiting

NSE 30 index	· CUSTODIAN INVESTMENT PLC.	· DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC.

NSE Consumer Goods Index	· MCNICHOLS PLC	· DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC.

NSE Banking Index	· NONE	· NONE

NSE Insurance Index	· VERITAS KAPITAL ASSURANCE PLC.	· SUNU ASSURANCES NIGERIA PLC.

NSE Industrial Index	· NOTORE CHEMICAL IND. PLC.	· FIRST ALUMINUM PLC.

NSE Oil & Gas Index	· NONE	· NONE

NSE Pension Index	· NONE	· NONE

NSE Lotus Islamic Index	· NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC	· TOTAL NIGERIA PLC

Corporate Governance Index	· NONE	· NONE

Afrinvest Bank Value Index	· NONE	· NONE

Afrinvest Div Yield Index	· AFRICA PRUDENTIAL PLC.	· NONE

Meristem Growth Index	· AFRICA PRUDENTIAL PLC.	· STERLING BANK PLC · ZENITH BANK PLC · NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC

Meristem Value Index	· ACCESS BANK PLC · PRESCO PLC. · UNITED CAPITAL PLC	· NONE

The Nigerian bourse began publishing the NSE 30 Index in February 2009 with index values available from January 1, 2007. On July 1, 2008, the NSE developed four sectoral indices with a base value of 1,000 points, designed to provide investable benchmarks to capture the performance of specific sectors.

The Insurance and Consumer Goods Indices are composed of the top 15 most capitalised and liquid companies in their specific sector.

The Banking and Industrial Goods Indices are composed of the top ten most capitalised and liquid companies in their respective sectors, while the Oil & Gas Index is made up of the top seven most capitalized and liquid companies in the sector.

In July 2012, the Nigerian bourse launched The NSE Lotus Islamic Index (NSE LII) which consists of companies whose business practices are in conformity with Shari’ah Investment Principles, with the aim of increasing the breadth of the market and creating an important benchmark for investments as the alternative ethical and non-interest investment space widened.

The companies that appear on the Islamic Index have been thoroughly screened by Lotus Capital Halal Investment, in accordance with a methodology approved by an internationally recognized Shari’ah Advisory Board comprising of renowned Islamic scholars.

The NSE in collaboration with Afrinvest Securities Limited launched the NSE-Afrinvest Banking Value Index and NSE-Afrinvest High Dividend Yield Index in January 2019. They were designed in response to requests for applicable benchmarks for measuring value in banking stocks and high dividend stocks listed on the Exchange.

In March 2019, NSE also collaborated with Meristem Securities Limited, to launch the NSE-Meristem Growth Index and NSE-Meristem Value Index. These indices provide a benchmark for the market to gauge the performances of value stocks and growth stocks listed on the Exchange.

‘Reappointment of OPEC Scribe, Barkindo, a Factor of Stability for Global Oil Markets’

Business Journal

03/07/2019

The African Energy Chamber (EnergyChamber.org) salutes the re-appointment of H.E. Mohammed Barkindo as Secretary General of OPEC as a factor of stability for African and global oil markets.
Secretary General Barkindo has managed to keep OPEC united as an organisation under very unstable times and a deep crisis in commodity prices. His leadership and diplomacy has restored market stability and successfully sealed landmark agreements like that of the Declaration of Cooperation between OPEC and non-OPEC member countries.
More importantly for our continent, it is under Secretary General Barkindo that OPEC gained its two newest African members, Equatorial Guinea in 2017 and the Republic of Congo in 2018.

Last year, he was awarded the Africa Oil Man of the Year award by Africa Oil & Power for prioritising of co-operation in turbulent times, for stabilising oil markets and for raising the voice of Africa on the global energy stage.
“The extension of H.E. Mohammed Barkindo’s mandate as Secretary General for another term is excellent news. It is well-deserved and a result of the trust he has gained from the entire global energy community,” declared NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the Chamber and CEO of the Centurion Law Group.

“Secretary Barkindo has maintained faith in the future of the oil & gas industry, he picks the right battles and fights them with courage. As the race towards stability continues, his sense of team work will continue building the bridges our industry needs to achieve greater prosperity.”

WEF to Lead G20 Smart Cities Alliance on Tech Governance

Business Journal

02/07/2019

The World Economic Forum (WEF), the International Organisation for Public-Private Cooperation, has been selected to act as the secretariat for a new G20 Global Smart Cities Alliance.
The alliance unites municipal, regional and national governments, private-sector partners and cities’ residents around a shared set of core guiding principles for the implementation of smart city technologies.

Currently, there is no global framework or set of rules in place for how sensor data collected in public spaces, such as by traffic cameras, is used. The effort aims to foster greater openness and trust as well as create standards for how this data is collected and used. This marks the first time that smart city technologies and global technology governance have been elevated to the main agenda.
The Forum will coordinate with members from the G20, Urban 20 and Business 20 communities to develop new global governance guidelines for the responsible use of data and digital technologies in urban environments. The Internet of Things, Robotics and Smart Cities team in the Forum’s Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Network will take the lead and ensure accountability throughout the alliance’s members.
“This is a commitment from the largest economies in the world to work together and set the norms and values for smart cities,” said Børge Brende, President of the World Economic Forum. “We will coordinate efforts so that we can all work in alignment to move this important work forward. It is important we maximize the benefit and minimize the risk of smart city technology so all of society can benefit, not the few.”
“The advancement of smart cities and communities is critical to realize Japan’s vision for Society 5.0. It is also essential to address the world’s most pressing challenges, including climate change and inclusive economic growth,” said Koichi Akaishi, Director General for Science, Technology and Innovation for the Cabinet Office of the Government of Japan.

“The Government of Japan is proud to have championed this cause as part of our G20 presidency and was pleased to see the Business 20, Urban 20 and G20 Digital Ministers all pledge their support for the creation of a global smart cities coalition. To advance this work, we are pleased to welcome the World Economic Forum Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution as the global secretariat for this important initiative.”
Public-private co-operation is crucial to achieving global change. Efforts to form the Global Smart Cities Alliance have been supported by four partners of the World Economic Forum: Eisai, Hitachi, NEC and Salesforce.

African Energy Chamber’s Investment Push in China Successful

Business Journal

02/07/2019

The biggest names in the Chinese energy industry participated in the EG Ronda Licensing Round Roadshow in Beijing, hosted by the African Energy Chamber.
This is the first investment roadshow organized by the Chamber in China, as it pursues its strategy of channeling Africa’s global outreach to energy investors and stakeholders worldwide.
It has confirmed the appetite of Chinese companies for Africa, with the biggest public and private sector companies responding to the Chamber’s call to explore investment opportunities in Equatorial Guinea, including PowerChina, Sinohydro, Sinopec, Sinochem, Zhenhua Oil, CNOOC, CMEC, China Minmetals, Shenergy Group and CPP among others.
“This 2-day roadshow is a demonstration of what the Chamber can accomplish for African governments and private stakeholders. Our resources and reach have grown tremendously over the past few years and enabled us to position ourselves as a pillar of Africa’s global investment outreach. I am looking forward to seeing more deals being signed soon,” declared NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman at the Chamber and CEO of the Centurion Law Group.

“We thank the government of China, the Chinese energy sector for putting their trust and funding in the Chamber to organize this very successful roadshow, which is the first of many more we will be organizing in the future in China.”
The EG Ronda Licensing Round Roadshow 2019 in Beijing is notably showcasing the 27 oil & gas blocks on offer under the country’s 2019 oil & gas licensing round, and is promoting the high-potential that Equatorial Guinea has in minerals such as gold, diamonds, base metals, bauxite and iron ore. The winners will be announced during the upcoming GECF’s 5th Gas Forum in Malabo on November 27th, 2019.
“The pro-activeness of the Ministry of Mines and Hydrocarbons to reach out to global investors is a winning strategy that should be followed by many others amidst such competitive market conditions. The Chamber will always be ready to support African governments and companies seeking to attract investors and build successful industries at home that promote local content, job creation and prosperity,” said Mickael Vogel, Director of Strategy at the Chamber.

“The Chamber’s future roadshows will be taking us back to Beijing but also to global energy centers such as Singapore, Moscow, Dubai, London and Houston. Africa is the last true global energy frontier and the time to engage with investors is now.”

APO Group African Women in Media Award to Recognise Support of Female Journalists

Business Journal

02/07/2019

APO Group, the leading media relations consultancy and press release distribution service in Africa and the Middle East, presents the inaugural APO Group African Women in Media Award set to recognise, celebrate and empower African women journalists who support female entrepreneurship in Africa.
The Award will be bestowed to the winner at the 5^th Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum’s (AWIEF) Conference, Exhibition and Awards hosted at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), 29-30 October 2019, with the theme ‘Enhancing impact: digitalisation, investment and intra-African trade’.
AWIEF’s prestigious annual event is a platform that sees global thought leaders, industry experts, policymakers, academics, development organisations and investors gather to dialogue, connect, network, share, collaborate and transact in a combined effort to boost Africa’s entrepreneurship ecosystem for women.
Lionel Reina, CEO of APO Group said, “We are extremely excited for the opportunity to highlight the work of female journalists sharing the stories of women entrepreneurs in Africa. The APO Group African Women in Media Award is part of our commitment to supporting the development of journalism on the continent. We are delighted to present this award with AWIEF in Cape Town as we celebrate women in journalism and entrepreneurship.”
Entries for APO Group African Women in Media Award must offer valuable insights into African female entrepreneurs while appealing to a global audience.
The award is open to African woman journalists and bloggers, whether directly employed or freelancers, working in the continent of Africa who have produced a story that has been broadcast or published in English, French, Portuguese or Arabic in the form of a printed publication, a television feature, a radio story, a website or a blog whose primary audience is based in Africa.
Stories must have been broadcast or published between 1^st January and 15^th September 2019.
Stories are judged on content, writing, analysis, creativity, human interest and community impact.

The deadline for entries is 15^th September 2019. The finalists will be announced on 1^st October 2019 while the winner will be announced on Wednesday, 30 October 2019.

Insurance Industry Consultative Council Media Retreat 2019

Business Journal

30/06/2019

L: Mr. Richard Borokini, DG, Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN); Mr. Eddie Efekoha, President, CIIN (3^rd Left) and Mr. Fatai Adegbenro, Executive Secretary, NCRIB (R) at the 2019 IICC Media Retreat held at Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State over the weekend.

CIBN Accredits Ecobank Academy, Lauds State-Of-The-Art Equipment

Business Journal

30/06/2019

The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) has accredited Ecobank Nigeria Academy in recognition of its compliance with regulatory standards and best practices.

This comes after rigorous accreditation processes which included a high powered visit by the Registrar and members of the Institute’s accreditation committee that showed that Ecobank Nigeria has complied with and satisfied the provisions and requirements of the competency framework for the Nigerian banking industry as mandated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) through CIBN.

The accreditation comes at the wake of Ecobank Nigeria’s launch of the Entry Level Development Programme which is an intensive 8-week medley of learning interventions for fresh graduates. It is intended to improve the financial literacy of participants who may be coming from other disciplines, or who may have non-financial and banking related academic backgrounds.

The programme is an addition to the existing Ecobank Graduate and Management Trainee program which runs for 12 months and 21 months respectively

With this development, participants and graduates of the Academy would now be granted exemptions at the various levels of banking professional examinations.

Commenting, Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria, Patrick Akinwuntan, described it as a welcome development, stressing that the Bank took deliberate steps to equip the academy to meet with international best standards.

He pointed out that the accreditation further underscores the importance the Bank attaches to staff’s training, skills development and capacity building, adding that the management will continue to upgrade the standard of the Academy to meet with fresh and modern day industry challenges.

According to him, “This great feat is in line with our continuous penchant to improving the employee capability and continuous learning through certification and recertification. It reinforces our people centric strategy further through this achievement. We are equipping our staff with the right skills and competence in line with global practices. Let me use this opportunity to thank members of our internal faculty for their dedicated effort toward achieving this milestone and the academy looks forward to more future partnership.”

Mr. Akinwuntan was optimistic that the Investment of Ecobank and other financial Institutions in education and training programmes, will produce the desired dividends, that would result in improving the quality of the industry’s human capital and, by extension, organizational performance

It would be recalled that the CIBN evaluation team led by Abdulrahmam Yinusa had commended Ecobank for putting in place a state-of-the-art academy targeted at enhancing training of its staff, stressing that the environment was conducive for learning.

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