HP Imagine 2023: HP Unveils Latest Breakthrough Innovations Designed for Hybrid Work, Life

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06/10/2023

HP Inc. has hosted its first-ever HP Imagine event, a celebration of the company’s latest breakthrough innovations designed for the hybrid world. At HP Imagine 2023, the company unveiled more than 20 new devices and services designed to revolutionise how we live, work and dream.

“HP technology in playing an increasingly important role in the lives of our customers, and we continue to harness the power of our innovation to create amazing new experiences,” said Enrique Lores, President and Chief Executive Officer, HP Inc. “The products and services we are launching today reflect new ways to reimagine the way work gets done while contributing to a more sustainable future.” Alex Cho, President of Personal Systems and Solutions, said, “Today was a bold step in the acceleration of innovation across the Personal Systems portfolio. We announced game-changing consumer PCs like the HP Envy All-in-One Move, to curated meeting room solutions powered by HP and Poly technology, to centralised data science workstation and software solutions to enable the expedited development of AI breakthroughs. We are just getting started on what HP will build for the hybrid lifestyle.”

HP AI Innovations: HP announced a groundbreaking new software platform, HP AI Studio, designed to help data scientists and AI practitioners accelerate and scale AI model development, available next year. Second, HP introduced a new AI workstation solution that simplifies building and customising private AI models and applications. HP is also collaborating with NVIDIA to be the first to offer dedicated workstation solutions with the NVIDIA AI Enterprise software platform to the market in the coming months.
HP Spectre Foldable PC: Known as the world’s thinnest and smallest 17-inch foldable PC, the HP Spectre Fold is a game-changing 3-in-1 device designed for the hybrid lifestyle. Initially announced in September for the U.S. and U.K. markets, the device will soon be available in an additional 11 countries (Australia, France, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam).
HP Envy Move 23.8-inch All-in-One PC: Never miss a moment of work and play anywhere in and around your home with the world’s only moveable all-in-one PC. Launched today, the new HP Envy Move 23.8-inch All-in-One PC transforms any room into a multifunctional workspace, entertainment hub, or fitness area.
HyperX Streaming Peripherals: HP is extending its solutions for gamers who also stream and create content. Gamers can take their streaming and content creation game to the next level with the HyperX Vision S Webcam, HyperX Audio Mixer Audio Interface, and HyperX Caster Microphone Arm, announced today.
HP + Poly Audio and Video Conferencing Solutions: HP is the leader in conferencing and collaboration systems with the broadest portfolio for hybrid work across HP and Poly. Today, it announced curated meeting room solutions for rooms of all sizes, enabling everyone to be seen and heard at their best from wherever they are.

Dave Shull, President of Workforce Solutions said, “The AI-enabled services we are unveiling at HP Imagine allow people to better collaborate, manage and protect their devices. Our vision is to build the world’s most comprehensive collection of employee productivity solutions to create lifelong relationships with our customers, and as we approach the first-year mark, we are well on our way.”

HP Managed Collaboration Services: HP unveiled a new conference room as-a-service subscription model that extracts insights to help customers optimise usage and create outstanding in-office video conferencing experiences.
New Device Refurbishment Offering: HP today announced its first-ever PC refurbishment program to help drive the circular economy and extend the life of devices. HP Workforce Central: HP announced upcoming availability of free and premium versions of HP Workforce Central, which allows you to gain essential insights on HP gear in one single dashboard. Customers can anticipate disruptions and automatically remediate issues with our new AI-enhanced Proactive Insights tool.
HP Wolf Protect and Trace with HP Wolf Connect: Available globally this November, IT managers can rest assured that if their employees’ devices go missing, HP can help mitigate security risks of data loss.
HP’s Work Relationship Index shows that 70 percent of knowledge workers want access to technology that allows everyone to be seen and heard, wherever they are working.

Tuan Tran, President of Imaging and Printing Solutions said, “HP Imagine marks the culmination of an incredible year for innovation in our printing business – from our new consumer line up of Smart Tank printers and modern inkjet printers, to Instant Ink for SMBs, and a new office portfolio powered by our sustainable ink and toner technology. In graphics and commercial 3D printing, we are disrupting industries and taking design to a whole new level.”

HP OfficeJet Pro Portfolio: HP announced the new reimagined HP OfficeJet Pro portfolio, available in January 2024. The portfolio lets small businesses print like a pro, featuring HP EvoMore, the company’s most sustainable ink cartridge range to date.
HP DeskJet All-in-One Printer Series: Enjoy simple, stress-free printing at home with the HP DeskJet All-in-One Printer series made with up to 60 percent recycled plastic and available with Instant Ink, the world’s first smart ink delivery service. The DeskJet printer series is already available in select markets.
HP DesignJet Portfolio: Maximise workflow efficiencies and transform our world through design with the new HP DesignJet portfolio created for architects, engineers, construction pros, and copy shops.
HP SitePrint: Boost construction productivity up to 10 times those of manual techniques with pinpoint accuracy using HP SitePrint, a robotic solution for printing complex construction site layouts. Already available in North America and the UK, HP announced additional availability in Germany, Austria and Switzerland starting November 1.
Exhilarate-BlueLine Running Shoe: Disrupt performance running footwear with the HP and Brooks collaboration, the new Exhilarate-BL shoe is designed, engineered, and manufactured in partnership with Brooks, using HP’s 3D printing Solution. Brooks will release a limited number of Exhilarate-BL pairs to select Brooks Wear Testers and Brooks Run Club loyalty members.
HP Latex 630 Series: Empower even the smallest print shops to harness the best white ink experience[i] for creating high-impact signage and décor applications in vivid colors with the HP Latex 630 series.

About HP

HP Inc. is a global technology leader and creator of solutions that enable people to bring their ideas to life and connect to the things that matter most.

Operating in more than 170 countries, HP delivers a wide range of innovative and sustainable devices, services and subscriptions for personal computing, printing, 3D printing, hybrid work, gaming, and more.

Stanbic IBTC Bank PMI: Output Returns to Growth, But Cost Pressures Limit Demand

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Business Journal

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06/10/2023

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Strong cost pressures meant that firms operating in the Nigerian private sector remained under pressure in September.

Although new order growth quickened, helping to support a renewed increase in business activity, rates of expansion in each were only modest. Input prices increased at one of the sharpest rates on record, largely due to exchange rate weakness and higher fuel costs.

The headline figure derived from the survey is the Stanbic IBTC Purchasing Managers’ Index. Readings above 50.0 signal an improvement in business conditions on the previous month, while readings below 50.0 show a deterioration.

The headline PMI posted 51.1 in September, up from 50.2 in August but still only just above the 50.0 no-change mark. As such, the index signalled a slight monthly improvement in business conditions.

New orders increased for the sixth month running in September as some firms signalled an improvement in demand. While the rate of expansion quickened from that in August, it remained only modest as market conditions remained weak and customers were deterred by price hikes.

Output returned to growth, meanwhile, following a slight reduction in August. In a similar vein to new orders, however, the pace of increase was only modest amid widespread demand weakness. Three of the four monitored sectors saw output expand, the exception being manufacturing.

Sharp rises in prices were a key factor limiting demand in the private sector at the end of the third quarter. Overall input costs rose at a pace that was only marginally weaker than August’s survey record.

Purchase costs were up substantially, mainly due to exchange rate weakness and higher fuel costs. Meanwhile, efforts by companies to help their staff deal with higher transportation costs meant that wages were raised markedly. The rate of staff cost inflation was only marginally softer than the series record posted in August.

Sharp increases in purchase costs fed through to a further steep rate of selling price inflation, despite the latest rise being the weakest since May.

Employment increased for the fifth successive month in September, albeit only slightly. Firms also expanded their purchasing activity, but the rate of growth eased to the weakest in six months. This was also the case with regards to stocks of purchases.

Suppliers’ delivery times shortened amid competition among vendors, prompt payments and quiet traffic conditions.

Confidence in the year-ahead outlook for output was unchanged in September, thereby remaining among the weakest on record. Those companies that predicted a rise in activity linked this to plans to take on extra staff to help with business expansions.

Four Ways to Win N1m in Ongoing Polaris Save & Win Promo

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Business Journal

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06/10/2023

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Polaris Bank is giving away millions of Naira in cash prizes and other rewards in its ongoing Save & Win promo. Several Nigerians have won in earlier held monthly draws with many more expected to win varying cash prizes ranging from N10,000 to N1million in forthcoming draws of the promotion.

Below are four easy ways to qualify for a chance to win in the ongoing promo:

FIRST, grow your deposit by N10,000 and hold for 30 days to qualify for a chance to win N10,000 cash prize in the monthly draws. You stand a chance to win N1m in the quarterly draws when you save increments of N10,000 for 3 consecutive months or N30,000 for 3 months.

SECOND, in the event that a customer’s account is dormant, the customer could reactivate such account without visiting the Bank. Simply log in on the portal: https://accounts.polarisbanklimited.com/reactivate/, accept the terms and conditions, and update the required details the Bank may need.

THIRD, for non-customers of Polaris Bank, download VULTe on iOS App store or Google Playstore or dial USSD *833*0# on your phone to open a Polaris Savings Account. You can also open an account by clicking https://accounts.polarisbanklimited.com/opening/

FOURTH, follow the Bank’s handles @polarisbankltd across all social media platforms or visit the website at www.polarisbanklimited.com to stay updated.

The Save & Win promo is open to both new and existing customers.

Start saving and keep winning.

Terms and conditions apply.

Polaris Bank, adjudged Digital Bank of the Year in 2021 and 2022 by Business Day’s Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards, is a customer-centric Bank positioned to deliver industry-defining products, services, and platforms across all the key market segments.

Polaris Bank Celebrate Customers, Staff on Customer Service Week

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Business Journal

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06/10/2023

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Polaris Bank, in commemoration of the 2023 Customer Service Week, is celebrating its customers and staff for their patronage and commitment to service excellence over the years.

The official 2023 Customer Service Week theme is: ‘Team Service’. The global week-long event will be held from October 2 – 6, 2023.

The celebration is an annual event highlighting the importance of customer service, the staff members who deliver exceptional support daily, and the esteemed customers whose continued loyalty and patronage are the basis for business success.

The ‘Team Service’ theme is particularly unique, being an important reminder that no matter where frontline reps are working, their job titles, or how they serve customers, everyone is on the same team.

Polaris Bank’s entrenched culture of customer appreciation earned it ‘the most improved Bank under the retail segment in the 2022 KPMG Customer Experience Survey Result, moving up five places to sixth position and 3rd level under the SME segment, respectively.

Speaking on the significance of Customer Service Week, Polaris Bank’s Group Head, Customer Experience & Value Management, Bukola Oluyadi, said customers and staff are integral parts of the Bank’s system, and both are well valued and celebrated.

Oluyadi expressed appreciation to customers for their patronage, stating, “As customer preferences evolve in this digital era, we will continue to explore innovative ways to serve and delight them to the best of our abilities.”

She also commended the staff of the Bank across the country for their dedication to duty, noting that: “Our resolve as staff is to continue to deliver solutions that excite customers who patronize us. Our robust customer service delivery underscores the magic of our services, delivered by a team of dedicated staff,” she added.

Polaris Bank, adjudged Digital Bank of the Year in 2021 and 2022 by Business Day’s Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards, is a customer-centric Bank positioned to deliver industry-defining products, services, and platforms across all the key market segments.

NCDMB Urges Indigenous Oil Operators to Comply with Nigerian Content Act

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Business Journal

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05/10/2023

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The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote, senior personnel of NCDMB’s Zonal Coordination & Corporate Communications Division with the Executive of the Guild of Online Corporate Publishers (GOCOP) at the breakfast meeting organised by the Board for members of the Guild on Tuesday in Abuja. 

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has urged the indigenous oil operators to comply with the Nigerian Content Act so as to make the industry robust for all stakeholders.

The Executive Secretary (ES), Engr. Simbi Wabote, gave this charge at breakfast meeting with members of Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) in Abuja, Tuesday.

He lamented the increasing number of the indigenous operators who seem to be working across purpose with the board’s Act by non-compliance.

According to Wabote, the NCDMB Act enables the board to protect indigenous producers especially in the oil and gas sector.

He decried the current state of indigenous producers’ lack of compliance, describing it as act of sabotage.

“We fought for you but you now sabotage the oil economy” he decried and urged those harbouring a sense of entitlement to desist.

He also noted that the indigenous operators try to save costs and care for profit more than national interest.

“They want to be exempted from the Law Content Act. We have made it clear that the law is for all” he said.

Wabote equally said it is wrong for a local contractor to win a job and employ 90 per cent expatriate experts, thereby causing job loss to Nigerians.”

He also accused them of project execution without getting approval and non-registration of their foreign workers in the expatriate ledger.

“They find it difficult to pay the one per cent levy stipulated by the Act. That is why the EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission) is now after some of them,” he said.

The ES further said Nigeria has moved from three per cent local content value in the oil industry to 54 per cent.

He warned that if indigenous operators do not arrest the growth path by capturing the regulatory system, Nigeria will hit the 70 per cent target.

Wabote, therefore encouraged indigenous oil producers to comply with the board Act in their own interest and that of the nation.

Sanlam Nigeria Unveils Family Love Plan, Code of Confidence

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Business Journal

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05/10/2023

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L-R: Tawiah Ben-Ahmed MD CEO Sanlam Ghana, (2nd) Bode Opadokun, MD CEO Sanlam General, (3rd) Tunde Mimiko, MD CEO Sanlam Life (Right) Ajibola Bankole, Deputy Director, NAICOM.

Sanlam Nigeria, a member of the Sanlam Pan African group, officially introduced two new products to the Nigerian market in commemoration of the nation’s 63^rd Independence Anniversary. The new products, Family Love Plan and the Code of Confidence, were launched at a glitzy event in Lagos attended by customers, leading brokers and other stakeholders. The event showcased the features and benefits of the new products, as well as the opportunities and solutions that Sanlam Nigeria provides to its customers.

The Family Love Plan is a funeral plan that helps policyholders honour and celebrate their loved ones who are no more without worrying about the financial burden of funeral expenses. According to Tunde Mimiko, MD/CEO of Sanlam Life Insurance, “Family Love helps you give a memorable farewell to your departed loved ones with love and dignity. At Sanlam Nigeria, we understand the love and care you have for family. This is why we created the Family Love plan. With Family Love, you don’t have to break the bank or compromise on your class, to give your beloved parents, that your favourite uncle or even in-laws, a deserving farewell when the eventuality happens.” He went on to state that the plan was the company’s gift to Nigeria at Independence.

The Code of Confidence is a unique product in Nigeria that enables Sanlam customers to report and settle third party motor insurance claims using a simple USSD code, *1056#. The first-of-its-kind in Nigeria, the product has since gained traction and popularity in the market. Bode Opadokun, MD/CEO of Sanlam General Insurance, expressed his excitement about the official launch of the Code of Confidence. He emphasised the brand’s relentless commitment to stakeholder-friendly ideas and innovations. He said: “We are particularly proud to highlight our USSD Code of Confidence, *1056#, which revolutionises the way our customers report and settle 3^rd party motor insurance claims. With this innovation, our customers can rest assured that they are just a dial away from getting their motor insurance settled on the spot.”

Industry watchers agree that the launch of both products reflect Sanlam’s continuous innovative strategy and commitment to customer satisfaction. To buy the Family Love Plan, visit the Sanlam Nigeria website www.sanlam.com.ng and select your preferred package, and follow the prompts. To use *1056#, Sanlam customers simply need to dial the code on their mobile phones and follow the instructions on the screen. The code works on MTN and Airtel networks on any mobile device. Once the claim is initiated, a Sanlam representative will contact the customer within 24 hours to verify the details and process the payment.

About Sanlam Nigeria

Sanlam Nigeria, formerly FBN Insurance, comprising Sanlam Life Insurance Nigeria Limited and Sanlam General Limited, is Nigeria’s fastest-growing insurance company with multiple awards and recognitions including 4-time World Finance Life Insurance Company of the Year among others. With a presence in over 66 locations, the brand is easily one of the most retail-driven insurer in Nigeria boasting a sales force of over 3000 sales champions and strong user-friendly technological support to ensure on-the-spot policy uptake.

Sanlam Nigeria is a member of the Sanlam Pan Africa (SPA), a truly pan-African brand with a rich history and heritage founded in 1918 as a life insurance company. Headquartered in South Africa, the brand has grown to become Africa’s largest non-banking financial services group, with a strong presence in 33 countries on the African continent including Nigeria, and a niche presence in India, Malaysia, the United Kingdom and Australia. Indeed, Sanlam operates in 8 out of the 10 largest economies in Africa, with over 154,000 employees globally, delivering superior value to customers, shareholders and the broader society.

Lagos, Kwara, NNPC, Customs, Others for GOCOP 7th Annual Conference in Abuja

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Business Journal

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03/10/2023

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The Lagos and Kwara State governments as well as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) are drumming support for the 7th annual conference of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), scheduled for Thursday, October 5 at the Abuja Continental Hotel (Old Sheraton) by 10am.

Chairman of the 2023 Conference Planning Committee, Danlami Nmodu, mni revealed this in a press statement by the Publicity Secretary of GOCOP, Mr. Remmy Nweke, saying that a good number of bluechip companies and high net-worth companies as well as Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) have been on queue to support this year’s conference.

He also said that aside Lagos and Kwara State governments, NNPC, NCS, GOCOP annual conference has attracted support from the likes of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS), SEPLAT, Nigerians Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), Dangote Group, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

Nmodu further revealed that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Sahara Energy, Sterling Bank, First City Merchant Bank (FCMB), Department State Security (DSS), Ecobank, First Bank, Access Bank, Zenith Bank, Emadeb, Kogi State, T-Pumpy Concepts and Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) are not left out.

Nmodu beckoned on those corporate entities still on the sideline to leverage GOCOP for partnership, pledging they will not regret such collaboration.

Meanwhile, he said that activities, have been linedup for a successful hosting of this year’s GOCOP annual conference with the theme: “Nigeria: Roadmap for Socio-Economic Recovery and Sustainability.” Even as prominent stakeholders in the polity, civil society organisations, security, judiciary, media, among others have confirmed participation.

He reeiterated that the 7th annual conference, is slated for the 5^th October to be chaired by the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, while Prof. Uche Uwaleke has confirmed as the keynoter for this year.

He affirmed that seasoned panelists for this year would 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 Ltd, Mr. Johnson Chukwu.

As said by him, a pre-conference day has been advanced to hold on the October 4, comprising the GOCOP business session, the luncheon and interactive segment with nationwide media managers of corporate entities and advertisers.

In addition, he said, the pre-conference day activities include that presentation of annual report and election of new National Executive Council (NEC) for another two years.

Past Speakers at the Conference include: 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”. In 2021, 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. He spoke on: “Post Covid-19 Pandemic: Recovery and Reconstruction in Nigeria”. In 2022, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission delivered the address titled: “2023 Elections: Managing the Process for Credible Outcome.”

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.

NCDMB Hosts GOCOP to Breakfast Meeting in Abuja

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Business Journal

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03/10/2023

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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

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Business Journal

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02/10/2023

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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 15^th 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 15^th 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

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Business Journal

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01/10/2023

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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

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01/10/2023

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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 21^st 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

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Business Journal

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01/10/2023

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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

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Business Journal

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01/10/2023

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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

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Business Journal

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28/09/2023

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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

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Business Journal

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28/09/2023

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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 2^nd 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.

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