Heritage Bank shuts branch for disinfections over suspected coronavirus case

Heritage Bank Plc said it has closed down an Experience Centre- EC (branch) at Allen Avenue; Ikeja over “unconfirmed case” of Coronavirus for deep hygiene clean up after an employee took ill last week.

The bank in a statement made available to the press and customers, noted “in line with our emergency response plan and following regulatory practices, we have taken immediate steps to close down Allen Avenue, Ikeja Experience Centers- EC (branch) for thorough disinfections of the affected location.”

Contrary to rumour, the bank disclosed that whilst the suspected staff awaits her medical test from the Covid-19 Test Centre in Yaba, she had not exhibited any symptoms related to the virus.

“Neither of the suspected person or others in the EC had exhibited any symptoms,” the bank said in the statement.

Specifically, the bank stated that staff were advised to self-isolate for 14days forthwith which was in consonance with Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

The bank stated that the EC will undergo “thorough disinfections,” further affirmed, “Customers and staff safety remains paramount; hence we will recommence business with new set of relief employees, as the current staff self-isolate.”

In the interim, the bank advised customers, “please visit other ECs or branches in Ikeja where you can conduct your daily transactions. Otherwise, you can use our alternate e-channels for seamless service deliveries.

“Heritage Bank remains resolute to continually serve you seamlessly despite prohibitions imposed on physical contact through our bouquet of electronic products which have been made available on notable mobile stores and our website (www.hbng.com).”

The bank noted that it would continue to intensify ongoing efforts via its intranet and other channels to keep staff and customers up-to-date with the latest COVID-19 information and provide clear direction and guidance expected of workers and customers.

“We have setup a COVID-19 Support Centre to offer COVID-19 safety tips to all our customers during this period, in support of the efforts of the Government and relevant bodies.

COVID-19: Keystone Bank Launches Online Platform To Empower SMEs

Keystone Bank Limited has launched an online platform to empower Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) with knowledge to manage and grow their businesses in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The lender in a statement on Wednesday disclosed that the programme tagged: “Keystone Bank Online MSME Academy” is aimed at helping SMEs cope with the operational stress of the current pandemic and will serve as an enabler for business owners to create an active online presence, digitalize their product, services and find new ways to connect with their customers.
“One way to identify an SME-centric bank is the length it is willing to go in finding new ways to help SMEs to survive and thrive in the current harsh business environment.
“Keystone Bank has demonstrated this passion during the Covid-19 crisis by initiating an online platform to empower SMEs with knowledge in managing and growing their businesses,” the bank said.

Heritage Bank to disburse CBN’s N100bn loan to health, sells FX to SMEs, education sectors

As part of proactive measures to cushion the effect of the COVID-19 and revamp the nation’s dwindling economy, Heritage Bank is set to disburse the N100billion set aside by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

This is in line with the apex bank’s policy to introduce another intervention scheme directed to the health sector, which is known as the NGN100 Billion Credit Support for the Healthcare sector (the Scheme). Specifically, the scheme is to provide credit to indigenous pharmaceutical companies and other healthcare value chain players intending to build or expand capacity.

Also, the CBN resumed provision of foreign exchange to all commercial banks for onward sales to parents wishing to pay schools fees and small medium enterprises (SMEs) with plans to make essential imports needed to revamp economic activities across the country. In particular, the CBN is resuming the provision of over US$100 million per week for both categories.

Meanwhile, Heritage Bank serves as a conduit which will assess and channel the profiles of interested applicants to the CBN while using its platforms to create awareness for the scheme.

The CBN has also made complete arrangements to resume foreign exchange sales to the BDC segment of the market for business travels, personal travels, and other designated retail uses, as soon as international flights resume.

COVID-19: Heritage Bank adopts business continuity mgt. strategy to meet customers’ needs

Ifie Sekibo

Heritage Bank Plc has disclosed that the safety and well being of its customers and employees are amongst the most pressing business needs, as the world grapple with the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic on human lives, businesses and economies.

In view of this development, the MD/CEO of Heritage Bank, Ifie Sekibo in his message to customers, explained that the bank has adapted to the changing environment swiftly to offer more seamless services that is usable and accessible without interruption.

Heritage Bank identifies high prospects in Nigeria’s £4bn Gold market

R-L: Managing Director /Chief Executive of Nigeria Export -Import Bank (NEXIM ) Mr Abba Bello; Chief Executive of Bullion Mart, Mr Moniruz Zaman; Team Lead, Agric Finance and Export Heritage Bank, Mr Adelana Ogunjirin; Minister of State for Mine and Steel Development, Dr. Uchechukwu Ogah and  Dr. Hadiza Gado, during NCIS Summit 2019 – Mining Master Class held at Transcorp Hotel Abuja.

Heritage Bank Plc, Nigeria’s most innovative banking service provider, disclosed that Nigeria’s Gold market is worth £4 billion Pounds with high prospects of profitability for all players in the subsector.

The MD/CEO, Ifie Sekibo, who stated this at the Nigeria-Canada Investment Summit, held in Abuja, yesterday also disclosed that the enormous potential of the industry was one of the reasons why Heritage Bank delved into the mining sector despite enormous risks.

According to him, the bank has Dukia Gold as its partner that would facilitate access to local miners and artisans to get value for their commodity at international market price after being registered with Dukia Gold.

Sekibo, who was represented by the Team Lead, Agric Finance and Export, Adelana Ogunjirin, explained that prior to now, local miners of Gold found it difficult to trade their commodities favourably but with the involvement of Dukia and its partner, Heritage Bank, a Quality-and-Quantity test will be conducted based on the arrangement they made with Dukia Gold and that will lead to additional value to the small holder miners. He explained that this will leverage the small miners the opportunity to also trade their commodities at international market price.

He further stated that a metric tonne of Gold is currently valued at $30million adding that it is worth investing in the industry, especially as gold is a kind of commodity that does not easily lose its value.

He said: “Mining sector is an area which has not been fully tapped in terms of the potentials around it, as there are quite a lot of opportunities around that sector. Recently we secured $1 billion funding line with our funding partner AfreximBank, which also is to support areas like solid minerals.

“Now with respect to this we have looked at the value chain of this space and we have looked at the opportunities that are there. A lot of fund providers have not really delved into this and it is because of the lack of understanding of the market.

“In terms of value, gold is an area where you can enhance the value. You hardly see Gold losing value and you see that in different exchanges you even trade those commodities.

“Looking at it in terms of trend, you see that gold is something that will appreciate definitely. So in terms of the profitability of this business, we have looked at it, the crunch, the numbers we see that is a space that the Bank will definitely earn a lot of income.”

He also expressed optimism that other banks would like to come into the Nigerian mining sector, but may be studying to understand the sector properly.

“Definitely other banks will come into the sector. For us we are leading, but the truth is they need to play in an area and space that they understand, as not everybody would be able to play in that space.

R-L: Team Lead, Agric Finance and Export Heritage Bank, Mr Adelana Ogunjirin; Dr. Hadiza Gado; Managing Director /Chief Executive of Nigeria Export -Import Bank (NEXIM ) Mr Abba Bello; Managing Director Dukia Gold, Bose Owolabi  and Mr Tunde Fagbemi during NCIS Summit 2019 – Mining Master Class held at Transcorp Hotel Abuja

 “Heritage Bank has already carved a niche for itself in agribusiness space, just like the Gold commodity, this would be exported. So, in terms of export proceeds too, there are opportunities to be explored. Generally, looking at the Nigerian outlook, on the long run, this will also enhance the country’s external reserves. There are multiplier effects of what we are doing today and that is why we are also moving in this direction," the MD noted. 

Also speaking, Managing Director, Nigeria Export-Import Bank, NEXIM, Abba Bello, revealed that the bank had gone into high level discussions with heavy equipment manufacturers and suppliers that would lease equipment to miners for exploration and processing, adding that this was expected to make the equipment accessible and affordable.

Bello said, “For equipment supplier or outright purchase of equipment, we have gone into discussions with Bluecare and now Mantrac for the supply of heavy equipment for gold processing or exploration on lease basis and, it is something that does not exist currently within the industry.

“Barrick Gold and Bullion Mart is something that happen in the mining world. You don’t have to own the equipment, but there are vendors who supply the equipment for explorers to hire.

“Discussions have gone very far with the equipment suppliers and very soon we will announce the programme.”

Meanwhile, the Country Manager, ITM, Nigeria, Habibah Waziri, raised concerns on human resources development that would sustain the sector.

Waziri also said there is need to formalize the sector and also invest in human capital in the sector for growth and development.

AFFC lauds Heritage Bank on youth, entertainment development

L-R: Dan Akpovwe, Publisher, Abuja Inquirer; Valentine Ozigbo, Chairman of Feet n Tricks Limited; Jude Monye, Executive Director, Heritage Bank Plc and Oluwafunmi Aloku, Head, Product Strategy and Business Solutions, Heritage Bank, during the 3rd edition of African Freestyle Football Competition 2019 in Lagos.

African Freestyle Football (AFFC) Championship 2019 in collaboration with World Freestyle Football Association (WFFA) have commended Heritage Bank Plc for its pivotal role in enhancing youth development and engendering the Nigeria’s entertainment space on the world’s stage.

The 2019 African Freestyle Football Championship ended on a high note, with defending champion Abdul Titi Kone of Cote d’Ivoire emerging as the African Champion once again. This event marked the 2nd edition of the African Championship and the 3rd annual edition of the Nigerian Championship hosted by Feet ‘n’ Tricks International Limited. The final was a repeat of the 2018 championship, as Kone again defeated Egypt’s Yousef Mohamad just as he did in last year’s final while Ashley Mhkize of South Africa placed third.

In the female category, Evelyn Okafor (Nigeria), Hadhara Charles (Tanzania) and Augustina Unamba (Nigeria) placed first, second and third respectively. 

L-R: Erlend Fagerli, Multiple World Champion, Freestyle Football (AFFC Judge); Valentine Ozigbo, Chairman of Feet ‘n’ Tricks Limited; Jude Monye, Executive Director, Heritage Bank Plc; Philip Gertsson, Sweden-based Norwegian-Filipino Football Freestyle (AFFC Judge) and Laura Biondo, first female freestyle to establish a Guinness World Record (AFFC Judge), during the 3rd edition of African Freestyle Football Competition 2019 in Lagos.

This year’s edition accommodated at least 30 African countries that participated at the championship.

The Chairman of AFFC, Valentine Ozigbo, who commended bank for being at the forefront of promoting freestyle football for the past two years, said Heritage Bank is “always very innovative and supportive to the cause of entertainment and youth development.

According to him, these achievements would have been impossible without the extensive support of the official bankers (Heritage Bank) for the championship for two years running.

Speaking further, Ozigbo hinted, “since inception, Feet ‘n’ Tricks has been committed to promoting freestyle football talent to stardom and we haven’t relented. Through this platform, we have seen talented freestylers get a head start in life, travel to exciting places and represent our beloved continent doing what they know how to do best.”

The MD/CEO, Heritage Bank, Ifie Sekibo, said the bank has strong desire towards developing and positioning youths to become world-class citizens equipped and ready to be absorbed into an increasing competitive professional skills and endeavours.

Sekibo, who was represented by an Executive Director, Jude Monye advised the youths who were participants to adopt strong positive character to enable them take advantage of the platform being presented to them.

“One of the reasons why we chose, as an organization, to support the freestyle championship is to enhance youth development in sport and entertainment, which will empower them play vital roles in the socio-economic development of the country and help curb the high level of unemployment,” he stressed.

According to Sekibo, the drive to support youths seeks to create, preserve and transfer wealth across generations. It is against the backdrop of the competition that Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Amaju Pinnick, promised to give more support to the entertaining part of football.

“We need to encourage this entertaining part of football because what they are doing here is great. Freestyle is quite interesting, and I am happy with what I have seen so far.

“With this project, a goal has been achieved. I also want more ladies to come out and do freestyle football because it is highly entertaining and competitive.

 “I will see to how we can give more support to freestyle football in the future,”he said. Congratulating the Feet n Tricks team, Daniel Wood, Co-founder and Head of Global Partnerships, World Freestyle Football Association (WFFA) said, “Feet n Tricks have proven that they can produce world class events and we are so excited to be extending our partnership. We are fully committed to creating opportunities for young people and this event is to be the focus point for our sport in the continent of Africa

How Shoprite lost over $15 million to xenophobia over stores’ closure, looting

Shoprite, a leading retail stores in Africa  has lost over N5.5billion ($15 million) in sales since the xenophobic attacks in South Africa against African nationals have intensified in key South Africa communities, 789marketing can authoritatively report.

The loss is reportedly recorded across the 15 markets in Africa Shoprite currently have presence.

According to some reliable sources in Shoprite Nigeria, several stores in South Africa, Nigeria, Zambia, Zimbabwe and others countries who citizens may have suffered xenophobic attacks  were shut down and are still being shut.

“This development has affected the company’s bottomline” said a senior management staff who pleaded anonymity.

He added that “Shoprite has lost over N5.5 billion approximately $15million in sales across its stores in 15 African countries. The looting in Lekki stores is the worse we have experienced since the retail giant began business.”

In a statement yesterday in Lagos, the Shoprite Group strongly condemned any kind of violence and intimidation against the citizens and businesses of countries on the African continent and anywhere in the world.

The retailer, according to the official statement said, “It is highly concerned about the acts of xenophobic violence against foreign nationals that sporadically flare up and the resultant rhetoric of intolerance that is levelled against foreigners and the platform this creates for criminals to exploit it.

“As a company with deep African roots who employs thousands of African nationals and works to bring affordable prices to consumers in 15 countries on the continent, we would like to see an end to xenophobia across the continent,” statement further said.

Shoprite lamented the store inability to open for business across Africa for fear of attack and the safety of its workers and property.

Senior management staff of the company said, “Several stores in South Africa, Nigeria and Zambia are today unable to open due to protest action and extensive damage has been done to several supermarkets over the past 24 hours, impacting the lives of millions of law abiding people. “

“We remain committed to engage with Government, industry and consumer groups so that decisive action is taken against those involved in violent crimes and intimidation against foreign nationals as well as to convey our strong position against xenophobia,” the Group said.

Court dismisses MTN application challenging AGF’s probe of N242bn, $1.3bn Import Duty/Withholdg Tax

A Federal High Court, Lagos, today, dismissed MTN Nigeria’s application challenging the legality of Nigeria’s Attorney-General of the Federation (AHF) assessment of its import duty and withholding tax amounting to N242 billion and $1.3 billion respectively.
The court presided over by Justice Chukwujekwu Joseph Aneke, dismissed MTN application, while delivering ruling on the application challenging AGF to probe its accounts.
 MTN had instituted the suit by a writ, dated September 10, 2018, challenging mainly, the legality of the AGF’s assessment of its import duties, withholding tax and value added tax in the sums of N242 billion and 1.3 billion dollars.
The telecommunication giant is seeking among other declaratory reliefs, a declaration that the AGF’s demand  of the sums of N242 billion and $1.3 billion from it, is premised on a process which is malicious, unreasonable and made on incorrect legal basis.
Meanwhile, in a preliminary objection challenging the suit, the AGF argues that the plaintiff’s action is statute barred having been filed out of time.
It argued that in seeking redress to the subject matter, the plaintiff had just three months from the date the cause of action arose, to institute the action, adding that same was filed out of lawfully stipulated time.
AGF had urged the court to dismiss the plaintiff’s suit as being caught up by the statute of limitation.
Justice Chukwujeku Aneke took arguments on the Preliminary objection from counsel on March 26, after which the court reserved ruling .
Delivering its ruling on Tuesday, and citing authorities of superior courts of record, the court held that for purposes of limitation, time begins to run from the date the cause of action accrued.
“The patent question to ask is when did the cause of action arise; is it on May 21, 2018 when the plaintiff received the defendants’ letter dated May 10, 2018, or on Aug. 23, 2018 when it received the defendant’s demand letter dated Aug 20, 2018.
“In my view, paragraph 24 among other paragraph of the plaintiff’s statement of claim is germane in resolving this issue; MTN avers that the AGF afforded it insufficient time to respond to its queries
“Judging from the plaintiff’s writ of summons and statement of claim as I am concerned to do, it will seem to me that the plaintiff’s cause of action with respect to this suit, arose on Aug. 23, 2018, when plaintiff received the defendant’s letter of demand dated Aug. 20, 2018, and nor May 21, 2018 when it received the demand letter of May 10, 2018.
“From the endorsement on the writ, this suit was commenced on Sept. 10, 2018, and a simple calculation shows that from Aug. 23, 2018 when cause of action arose to Sept. 10, 2018 when the suit was instituted, a period of three months has not expired as envisaged, for the suit to be statute barred,” he said
The court held that the irresistible conclusion to be drawn from the narrative, is that the suit is not statute barred
“The preliminary objection is hereby dismissed in its entirety,” he said
The court has fixed June 26, for trial of the main suit.
In its writ of summons, MTN is seeking declaratory reliefs on the following grounds:
“That the purported “Revenue assets investigation” allegedly carried out by the Federal Government on MTN, for the period of 2007 – 2017, and its decision conveyed through the office of the AGF by a letter dated Aug. 20,  2018, violates the provisions of section 36 of the constitution.
“A Declaration that the AGF acted in excess of its powers, by purporting to direct through its letter of May 10, 2018, a “self assessment exercise” which usurps the powers of the Nigerian Customs Service to demand payment of import duties on importation of physical goods.
“A Declaration that the AGF acted illegally, by usurping the powers of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, to audit and demand remittance of withholding tax and value added tax.
“A Declaration that the purported “self assessment” exercise instituted by the AGF via its letter of May 10, 2018, is unknown to law, null and void and of no effect whatsoever.
In addition, the plaintiff wants a court order, vacating the AGF’s demand letter dated Aug. 20, 2018, for the sums of N242 billion and 1.3 billion dollars from MTN Nigeria Communications Ltd.
Besides, MTN is claiming a total sum of N3 billion in damages, against the defendant, which covers General damages, exemplary damages, and Legal costs.
In its notice of preliminary objection, AGF had argued that the plaintiff commenced the suit in clear disregard for section 2 of the Public Officers Protection Act, which provides that any action commenced against a public officer, must be made within three months from commencement of cause of action.
AGF argued that plaintiff’s failure to commence the suit within three months as stipulated by law, robs the court of jurisdiction to entertain same.

Apple has just announced a new video streaming service to rival Netflix

Apple has announced a new streaming service called Apple TV+ in which subscribers will only pay for the channels they want.
Announced at Monday's Apple Event, the new service will allow viewers to pay for only what they watch, watch shows offline as well as on, and share shows with family.

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The service will be available as a redesign of the currently existing Apple TV app, and will come to iOS devices in May and Mac later in the year.
It will be available on smart TVs as well as streaming devices from Roku and Amazon. Subscribers will be able to buy channels individually - called Apple TV Channels - as well as being able to stream services like Amazon Prime Video.

Present at the launch was film director Steven Spielberg, who revealed that his new show would be available on the service.
At the event, held at Apple's campus in Cupertino, California, also saw a host of further announcements.
The company unveiled Apple Arcade, a gaming service which will host games not seen on any other mobile devices.
Apple News+ is a new premium version of the Apple News app which will see magazine content available for the first time, while the company also revealed that it would be releasing a credit card called, you guessed it, the Apple Card.

Nigeria’s first gold refinery near completion

Nigeria’s first gold refinery being built by Kian Smith Trade & Co Limited is billed to be completed by the end of June next year.
There was already a significant monthly supply of gold from Zamfara, Kebbi, Kwara, Niger, Kaduna, Ibadan, Ile-Ife, and Ilesha and about 100kg per month from other parts of Africa,” said the Vice Chairman, Kian Smith, Nere Teriba.
The firm was finalising supply agreements and terms from suppliers in Kano, and supply from Kogi State.
According to the Punch, the refinery would start with a production capacity of three tonnes per month of 99.99 per cent gold and one ton per month production of 99.99 per cent silver.
The Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Abubakar Bwari, was at the ground-breaking ceremony.
He said: “The present administration is determined to develop the mining sector to act as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth of the country.
“Part of our marching orders in the mines and steal development ministry is that we are expected to develop the sector to increase its contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product, improve its capacity to create jobs and engender sustainable mining.”
He noted that it was in keeping with his ministry’s mandate that a road map was developed for the growth and development of the mining sector.
“During the focus labs of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan of this administration, we discovered that a well-organised gold value chain can trigger an economic revolution as it did in India, South Africa, Switzerland and others,” Bwari said.
He added that the ministry had continued to work in this light to develop a gold value chain for the country.
“We will be supplying the Central Bank of Nigeria, the jewellery and the electronics industry.”
 According to Teriba, the refinery, when completed, will provide more than 500,000 jobs in two years as it continues to support its suppliers in their bid to become registered business entities in the mining sector.
“There are at present at least one million unregistered business participants in the Nigerian market (considering gold miners, sponsors, dealers, processors, aggregators and gold-workers).
The formalisation, organisation and development we bring to the value chain will provide quick wins to the Nigerian economy,” she added.

AKWAABA 2018: SA Tourism excites guests as Senator Ita Giwa, Banky W, others visit stand

South African Tourism once again demonstrated to guests, and dignitaries at the just concluded AKWAABA African Travel Market why the country is the prime destination for leisure, tourism, shopping and business in Africa and beyound.
The South African Tourism stand played host to dignitaries and guests in the tourism and entertainment industry in Africa and beyound like, the director general of the National Council for Arts & Culture (NCAC), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, top Nigerian musician, Banky W, popular Ghanian actor, Van Vicker and a host of others.
It was a delightful experience for all attendees at the 14th AKWAABA African Travel Market held at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos from the 9th to the 11th of September 2018.
Making a mark this year at AKWAABA was South African Tourism, with its alluring and fascinating destination stand where it engaged with Trade, Consumers and Exhibitors alike, sharing information on the amazing offerings the destination has to offer in line with the focus of the event for this year 2018 which included; introducing and encouraging African tour operators who promote African destinations to Africans, growing future of Aviation in Africa, showcasing wining and dining as a key element of tourism through food fair, wedding destinations, SPA and Wellness across Africa and engaging youths in Africa Tourism & Travel.
At the opening, Trade Relations Manager: West Africa for South African Tourism, Mr. Mohammed Tanko Kwajaffa received the DG, National Council for Arts & Culture (NCAC), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe who declared the exhibition open alongside other top dignitaries from across the continent at the South African Tourism Destination Stand.
The DG expressed his admiration saying “We are very proud of South Africa as they made the whole of Africa proud during the World Cup 2010 as the first African Country to host the World Cup”
In his remarks, Mr. Kwajaffa, explained the huge impact AKWAABA has brought to Africa ‘s travel trade and tourism saying: “One of the key game changer at Akwaaba Travel Market this year was the inclusion of the Local & Small scale Tour Operators & Travel Agents to exhibit as it attracted more foot fall from their own clients & followers.”
Kwajaffa extended a huge appreciation to the founder of AKWAABA, Mr. Ikechi Uko for organising a good event this year and also thanked Stakeholders from National Association of Nigeria travel Agency, Nigeria Association of Tour Operators & Tour Operators of Ghana who visited the stand to show their continued support and partnership “this gave us opportunity to showcase destination South Africa to more than the usual clientele hence reaffirming SAT’s commitment to supporting such initiatives & activities in the market. Congratulations to all the award winners of the Top 100 Africa Tour Operators and the organisers for a well-organised event” – he further said.
AKWAABA offered a valuable opportunity for the African Trade Market to network and discuss, trade businesses with others across the continent.
Also in attendance were, NANTA BOT Chairman, Mr Steve Isokarari, NATOP President, Hajiya Bilikisu Abdul, FTAN President, Alhaji Rabo Kareem, HATMAN President, Mr Badaki Aliyu Ajayi, NANTA National VP, Mrs Susan, NANTA VP Lagos Zone, Mrs Lola Adewale, NANTA VP Western Zone, Mr Dagunduro Tokumbo all of Nigeria and from Ghana TOUGHA President, Mr Kwesi Eyison, GHATOF Rep, Mr Ahmed Naaman, and celebrities such as Ghanaian famous actor, Van Vicker and Nigeria’s famous Singer, Producer, Actor, Banky W, resounding Nigerian Contemporary Vocalist & Chanter, Ire ‘D’ Stage Diva and many more who visited the South African Tourism destination stand.
AKWAABA was a valuable opportunity for the African Trade Market to network and discuss, trade businesses with others across the continent.
AKWAABA – African Travel market is the biggest Travel & Tourism Show in West Africa hosting exhibitors and buyers to meet with airlines, hotels, restaurants, tour operators, travel agents, state tourism boards, foreign trade and tourism sectors from over 20 countries in Africa and the UAE.

NCAC to showcase Nigeria’s cultural DNA at NAFEST Port Harcourt 2018

In three weeks’ time, all things being equal, Nigerians and the world at large would come to terms with the octopus presentation and showcasing of the best of Nigeria’s culture, arts, crafts and fashion as Rivers State government hosts the yearly rotated festival of unity in the
Garden city of Port Harcout.
Done with the meeting of the approving body comprising of all 36 states commissioners and Directors of Culture and Arts weeks back at the Port Harcourt venue, the National Council of Arts and Culture (NCAC) is not leaving anything to chance as the outing in Port Harcourt promises to re-launch the unity festival into global acceptance and inclusiveness.
Indeed, the last outing in Kaduna being the first under the watch of Otunba Segun Runsewe and to which there was a strategic manifestation of an enduring change and perception of the once neglected festival, the Port Harcourt edition in last week of this month, October will herald a massive repositioning of the entire gamut of Nigeria’s culture value chain beyond the pedestrian dance drama and accolades of mere street observers.
NAFEST in Port Harcourt will create a strategic learning curve on how to alleviate poverty and enthrone a new rural sustainable cultural economy through skill acquisition and exposure to other multi beneficial contents related to Nigerian culture.
According to the NCAC Director General, Otunba Segun Runsewe, the unity festival is coming at time Nigeria has become the destination to watch as President Buhari diplomatic shuttling across the globe has attracted some massive interest on Nigeria beyond the traditional business frontiers hence the repositioning of culture as the central bank of our creative wealth.
At the just concluded private sector trade fair in Lagos, Runsewe showcased interesting sidelines of what NCAC will do in Port Harcourt and to which governor Wike of Rivers has promised an enhanced and progressive collaboration to effectively re-jig policy orientation on Rivers very rich and unique culture.
Reports reaching us from all the states participating at the event revealed that a very strong wind of competition among participants will be high and the message of mainstreaming culture as an economic catalyst will be taken serious.
Runsewe who is noted to have changed the narratives of Nigeria’s tourism evolution when he held sway at NTDC notes at all forums and during the pre-festival visit to Rivers governor Nyemsom Wike that NAFEST in Garden city will ‘gong’ to the world the best of Nigeria culture, its economic baseline and its diplomatic, unifying influence for national socioeconomic and political development.
He also noted that Nigeria culture which is very diverse and unique will help bridge gaps in the quest to build a conscious and consistent appreciation to the multi ethnic cultural colouration that abounds in Nigeria, regarded as a mini united nations.
Investigations on Rivers state preparation as the host state also revealed that governor Wike many use the event to redirect cultural tourism traffic to this oil city and the south-south region of Nigeria in general.

Arik Air gives away 250 free tickets on Oct. 1, to celebrate Nigeria at 58

Arik Air is giving away 250 free tickets on October 1, 2018 to celebrate Nigeria’s 58th Independence anniversary.
Customers flying Arik Air on Monday, October 1 have the opportunity of winning complimentary tickets on board as five one-way economy class tickets will be raffled on each and every flight of the day.
In the course of the day’s flights, the crew will conduct a raffle using the seat numbers to draw five winners on each flight for the free one-way economy class domestic tickets.
Speaking on the Independence offer, Arik Air’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Captain Roy Ilegbodu said: “Arik Air is a wholly Nigerian airline and the independence anniversary of the country is an auspicious occasion to appreciate our customers for their loyalty.
“We wish all Nigerians a Happy Independence Anniversary”.
Arik Air is one of the oldest commercial airlines operating in Nigeria. The airline will be celebrating its 12th anniversary on October 30, 2018.

Sheraton Abuja Hotel celebrates Nigeria’s 58th Independence with iconic experiences

Sheraton Abuja Hotel is inviting its patrons to celebrate Nigeria’s 58th Independence with iconic experiences at the Hotel’s Pool Bar & Restaurant.
“According to the general manager of the Hotel – Nouman Irshad,” 1st of October 2018 will usher Nigeria into a new dynamic age. We will commemorate this at our Pool Bar and Restaurant where we will offer diners a 10 percent discount for the opportunity to taste a variety of traditional local favorites right from our African Pot.”
“Our African Pot Menu, is priced from as low as NGN1,000 and features an array of enticing African delicacies from around the regions such as Asun (Peppered and Spiced Native Goat Meat originating from Western Nigeria) Zobo (Natural Hibiscus flower drink) Nkwobi (a specialty local goat meat meal from Eastern Nigeria) Masa (Pan fried rice cakes from Northern Nigerian ) Abacha (a delicious African salad from the East) Kunu (a naturally extracted milk from groundnuts, rice, tigernuts or millet from Northern Nigeria).
In the spirit of bringing people together and getting families and friends to relax and enjoy the independence day break; our customers will be sure to experience an enhanced range of entertaining African music at the Pool Bar and Restaurant.
Irshad continued that: “To further mark this occasion, the hotel invites guests to share our Independence Day National cake at the Hotel lobby.”
“In line with unity, peace and progress; our Pastry Chef- Maroof and his dedicated team will cut the National day cake for the pleasure of our in-house guests and patrons as we welcome all those coming in through our doors” remarked the General Manager”.

Air Peace tells security agencies to call Labour to order

Air Peace has urged the police, other security agencies and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to intervene in the disruption of its flight operations and attack of its staff by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and its affiliates.
A statement issued by Air Peace Corporate Communications Manager, Mr. Chris Iwarah accused protesting members of NLC and its affiliates of targeting the carrier’s operations at the General Aviation Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos for disruption.
Staff of the airline, the statement said, were attacked by the protesters for refusing to join the industrial action and insisting on performing their lawful duties.
Air Peace said it feared that there would be a complete breakdown of law and order if NLC and its affiliates persisted in their unlawful disruption of its flight operations.
“On Tuesday, September 28, 2018, we received distress calls from our of staff that members of the Nigeria Labour Congress and its affiliates had invaded our hub at the General Aviation Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos, disrupting our operations and preventing members of the flying public from accessing the facility to board their flights.
“When our staff refused to join the protest, the protesters left. Shortly after, they returned with a crowd of about 500 protesters to forcefully take over our counters at the airport, attacking our staff and chasing members of the flying public out of the terminal. Other airlines were left to operate. It is rather curious that Labour would target the operations of Air Peace for disruption.
“As a law-abiding organisation, we call on the Nigeria Police, the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria and other security agencies to immediately call the NLC and its affiliates to order to prevent a complete breakdown of law and order. The unlawful action of the agitators brought our operations to a complete halt, caused us huge loss of revenue and made members of the flying public to through untold hardship.
“While we have nothing against the NLC and its affiliates, we wish to state clearly that it is absolutely condemnable for the protesters to single out our operations for attack and disruption. The NLC and its mob of protesters have no right whatsoever to stop our staff from performing their lawful duties, neither have they any authority to prevent members of the flying public from boarding their flights. The NLC must be made to understand the limits to its right to protest. That right does not extend to endangering the operations of organisations that are doing their best to contribute to Nigeria’s economy and make life easy for the people. We are currently talking with our lawyers with a view to getting the NLC and its affiliates to account for their unlawful action,” the airline said.

KONGA,A COMPANY TO WATCH

Konga, Nigeria’s e-commerce giant, was the centre of attention at the Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards (AMVCA) 2018 Nominees/Sponsors’ Party held at the impressive Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos on Friday, August 10^th 2018.

With its trendy innovations, style, quality of creative staff and show of confidence, Konga has been described by compere on the night, IK Osakioduwa as a company to watch closely and pride to Nigerian corporate.

Hosted by Multi-choice, pay-television service provider/operators of DSTV and GOTV, the event, a build-up to arguably Africa’s biggest award show attracted the crème of Nollywood, Nigeria’s burgeoning movie industry including a star-studded cast of nominees, celebrities and other elite guests.

ZINOX BOSS TO FG: USE TECHNOLOGY TO ERADICATE CORPORATE DEBTORS, BOOST ECONOMY

Africa’s leading technology entrepreneur, Leo Stan Ekeh has charged the Federal Government to leverage technology in reducing to the barest minimum the growing incidences of corporate debts and usher in an era of unprecedented boom and sanity in the Nigerian economy.

He made this assertion while delivering the Guest Lecture at the maiden edition of the 2018 Nigerian Online Merit Awards (NiOMA) held on Friday July 13th at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja.

Ekeh, Chairman of the Zinox Group, who disclosed that technology will resolve much of the contemporary problems facing the Nigerian state if holistically applied, noted that the country will benefit immensely if the government turns to technology in its search for lasting solutions to the challenges confronting the economy.

Nigeria, France sign $475m deal for Lagos, Ogun, Kano

Nigeria and France on Tuesday in Abuja signed three agreements worth US$475 million on social amenities and reforestation.
The agreements cover Urban Mobility Improvement Programme of Lagos State, sustainable water supply in Kano city and reforestation in Ogun.
President Muhammadu Buhari and the visiting French President Emmanuel Macron witnessed the signing of the agreements during their bilateral talks held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The Lagos agreement involved a letter of intent for the financing of urban mobility improvement project through a loan of 200 million dollars.
The urban mobility project will involve development of eight priority bus corridors connected to the Lagos mass transit network.

Leo Stan Ekeh Posits Key To Business Success

Leo Stan Ekeh

Africa’s leading technology entrepreneur, Leo Stan Ekeh, has laid out a blueprint for budding and potential business investors in Africa, noting that African entrepreneurs must apply 40% common sense, 20% spirituality and 40% knowledge of the business to succeed on the continent.

He made this charge during a keynote address delivered at the Africa Summit organized by Nottingham University which held in the United Kingdom (UK) on June 15th 2018.

Zinox Chairman, Ekeh who also addressed a mentorship session with a cross-section of African/International students of the institution, disclosed that Africa is a continent on the rise, noting that technology is bound to resolve some of the contemporary problems faced by African economies.

He, nevertheless, lamented the high failure rate of start-ups on the continent – an anomaly he attributed to the desire by entrepreneurs to take pleasure before pains.

“Success for an entrepreneur in Africa does not come cheap. This is because the continent is still struggling with a lot of infrastructural deficiencies, many of which technology will help resolve soon. To succeed in the peculiar business terrain in many African economies, an entrepreneur requires 40% common sense – especially since common sense is not by any chance, common; 20% spirituality which is important in view of the highly religious nature of Africans and 40% knowledge of the particular business one is investing in.

“It is, however, worrisome to see the high failure rate among start-ups on the continent. A lot of young African entrepreneurs are not ready to take pleasure before pains. As a result, they get too excited at the first sign of business break through and allow sentiments take over.”

Noting that African entrepreneurs must connect spiritually with their true origins, Ekeh submitted that Africa’s booming population which is expected to gross over 25% of the entire world’s population by 2050 is one that is overwhelmingly dominated by youths, thereby making Africa more important than ever to the global economy and arguably the world’s most attractive continent.

“Africa has for long been held back by its quality of leaders, many of whom are partially analogue due to their age and originating circumstances. This is not entirely their fault though as it is caused by a number of factors beyond their direct control. However, things are changing. There is a conscious interest in most African countries in the calibre and status of leaders that take office. Also, the current generation of youths have the benefit of better education and global exposure as a result of the internet-mediated world we live in. With the right leadership in place and technology accorded its rightful place as the driver of its future development, Africa may just be the continent for smart investors to bet on.

“It must be noted though that Africa needs investors with the right conscience to help change its narrative for good; investors who are interested in growing the economy, in creating employment opportunities and empowering local talents in the various communities and urban centres and not venture capitalists or angel investors who are only keen on milking the continent for profit and short-term gains,” he stated.

Also speaking on his decision to acquire e-commerce giant Konga, Ekeh revealed that the company is one of the examples of a corporate organization with a conscience, noting that Konga is bound to hit a market valuation of over $4b by 2022, going by the structures the new management is putting in place, many of which will empower millions of Nigerians and Africans, by extension and which will be one of the biggest success stories out of Africa.

Ekeh who reminisced on his time as a boarder at Nottingham University in the mid-1980s and from where he proceeded to Cork City University to conclude his postgraduate degree in Risk Management, also paid respects to one of his former tutors, Prof Bob Carter who passed on in 2012.

In his reaction, Managing Director, Nottingham Africa Summit, Victor Udeozor expressed appreciation for the rich contributions and interventions delivered by Ekeh at the summit.

While voicing the desire for many other successful entrepreneurs in the mould of Ekeh to emerge from Africa, he enjoined attendees and students, many of whom are looking forward to investing in Africa, to draw deeply from the experience and useful insights provided by Ekeh in making a success of their ventures.

                                                                                      

Maritime Topshot Peter Cole Chiori Bags International Award

This is certainly a moment of joy for Peter Cole Chiori,the Chief Executive Officer of Ocean Glory Commodities ,a proudly Nigerian company that doubles as a major player in the maritime and downstream sector within the Nigerian business community.

Recently in London,the Ohafia Abia state born high achiever was confered with an International award  for the African Entrepreneur Of The Year Award (Transport & Logistics Category) .

The event was organised at the behest of the African Leadership Magazine at the London Hilton Hotel as part of the group’s mandate of evolving solutions to some of the continent’s pressing and peculiar challenges.

The award ceremony had as its theme: “Jobs Made in Africa: Creating A World Of Opportunities for The Continent’s Young People”.

In attendance were top notch business, political and diplomatic leaders, from Africa and the U.K, among whom were, Tim Morris, Senior Trade Advisor for Africa, Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Catherine Simon, Desk Officer: Africa, Department for International Trade, Hon. Hamat N.K Bah, Gambian Minister of Tourism and Culture, Hon. Amadou Kone, Minister of Transport, Cote D’Ivoire, amongst others. Leaders at the event were united in a call to leverage Post-Brexit to solve Africa’s twin issues of job and wealth creation. The event provided a robust platform to discuss and provide solutions to the alarming rate of unemployment on the continent.

Alongside Mr Chiori,the African Summit also had other honourees in the persons of  Mr. Henry Saamoi, Chief Executive Officer, International Bank (Liberia) Limited, Liberia for the Industry Personality Of The Year Award (Banking Category) Ms. Leelai M. Kpukuyou, Chief Executive Officer, Mini Mall Enterprise Inc, Liberia for the African Female Business Leadership Excellence Award, Trade Kings Group, Zambia for the African Company Of The Year Award (FMCG Category), Ghana Forestry Commission for the African Government Regulator Of The Year Award, Hon. Hamat N K Bah, Minister of Tourism and Culture, the Gambia for the Government Personality Of The Year Award, Hon. Amadou Kone, Minister of Transport, Cote d’Ivoire for the Public Service Excellence Award and Amb. Dr. Ikechukwu U. Odo, Meridian Hospital, Nigeria, for the Leadership Excellence in Medicine.

Kudos once again to a high achiever who has continued to blaze the trail within the business community in Nigeria.