...Announces Six other Executive Appointments as Samuel Oni Retires from the Group Board The Board of Directors of the United Bank for Africa Plc, Africa’s Global Bank, today announces the appointment of Mrs. Abiola Bawuah, as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of UBA Africa. Bawuah will also join the Group Board as an Executive Director, overseeing the Group’s operations across the African continent, outside Nigeria. UBA operates in 19 African countries beyond Nigeria, in addition to global operations in New York, London, Paris and the UAE. Bawuah, a Ghanaian national, is the first female CEO of UBA Africa. Her appointment further demonstrates UBA’s commitment to diversity. The UBA Group Board now includes eight female Directors. Prior to her appointment, Bawuah was Regional CEO, West Africa, supervising the Group’s operations in nine subsidiaries, including Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Senegal, and Sierra Leone. She previously held the role of CEO, UBA Ghana. Speaking on the new appointment, the Group Board Chairman Mr Tony O. Elumelu said, “Abiola has contributed significantly to the growth of UBA Africa for close to a decade. She brings a wealth of experience in commercial banking, and stakeholder engagement. It also gives me great pleasure that with her appointment, the UBA Group Board has now become a majority female board.” The UBA Group also announced the following executive roles: Chris Ofikulu becomes the Regional CEO, UBA West Africa. Ofikulu, who has over two decades of banking experience spanning corporate, commercial, and retail banking. Uzoechina Molokwu will take on the role as Deputy Managing Director (DMD) of UBA Ghana, subject to local regulatory approvals. He was previously the Executive Director, Business Development – UBA Côte d’Ivoire and has over 23 years banking experience. Ayokunle Olajubu will be the Managing Director/CEO UBA Liberia, subject to local regulatory approvals. He currently drives compliance across Africa subsidiaries
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Primate Ayodele Begins 17 Days of Appreciation, Philanthropic Impacts, Visits Sick People
The Leader Of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele has kicked-off a 17-day appreciation and philanthropic impact on Sunday, 29th Of January till Tuesday, 14th Of February, 2023. Many of his church members had a first-hand experience of the prophet’s philanthropic impact yesterday, Sunday, which marked the beginning of the programme. A good number of youths in the church choir were empowered, surgery fee was paid for 25 people, accommodation fee was paid for 20 people and every member of the congregation were given food items. Today, Monday, which is the second day, Primate Ayodele visited old and sick people in Lagos communities with money, food items, clothing materials, and many more. He also prayed with them and settled some of their needs. The old people couldn’t hold their joy as they passionately hugged the prophet and showered prayers on him for his rare philanthropic act. The very jovial prophet was also seen cracking jokes and playing with some of them just to lighten up their moods. Till February 14, Primate Ayodele will be visiting several places, institutions, organizations to show gratitude and impact people with cash gifts, prayers, words of encouragement, food items, to mention but a few. This is not the first time Primate Ayodele will be engaging in such philanthropic acts; every 14th of February is a day dedicated for his annual thanksgiving and it has been his culture to engage in massive philanthropic acts on days preceding the D-day. Every February 14 for Primate Ayodele is always the mother of all empowerment. In recent years, the man of God has given out cars, tricycles, thousands of GCE/JAMB forms, scholarships, accommodation fees, school fees, sewing machines, beds, food items, among a host of many others.
Adeduntan: Banks, Customers Must Approach 2
ADEDUNTAN: BANKS, CUSTOMERS MUST APPROACH 2023 WITH PARTNERSHIP MINDSET The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of First Bank Nigeria Limited, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, in this interview with THISDAY reviewed the performance of the global economy in 2022 and advised businesses and their bankers to approach 2023 with a partnership mindset to ensure that a win-win outcome is achieved despite the anticipated macroeconomic challenges. Excerpts: What are your forecasts and anticipations for the global economy in 2023? I would like to start by noting that 2022 was indeed a turbulent year for the global economy. In 2022, the global economy witnessed record high inflation rates with the attendant high cost of living across several economies. The elevated inflationary rates were attributed to the aftereffects of the Covid-19 pandemic as well as the Russian-Ukraine crisis. In its last World Economic Outlook report, the IMF projected a 2.7 per cent global growth rate in 2023, lower than the 3.2 per cent in 2022. The 2023 projection will be the weakest global growth profile since 2001 except for the global financial crisis year and the acute phase of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. In my view, in 2023, we will likely witness slower growth across several global economies due to lingering trade tensions as the impact of the Russia-Ukraine crisis will still weigh heavily on global trade flows. However, we may witness a decline in commodity prices as more import-dependent countries explore alternative sourcing options for these commodities. Inflationary pressures will however reduce as the impact of rising monetary policy rates continues to yield expected outcomes. The removal of COVID-19 restrictions in China should lead to a boost in global economic output. Oil prices are expected to remain largely elevated as tensions between Russia and Ukraine lingers, so energy prices will remain high. The transition to other sustainable
Dangote Cement Shareholders Unanimously Approve a 10% Share Buy-back Programme – Naijanewsdirect
Shareholders of Dangote Cement, unanimously on Tuesday authorised the Management of the company to undertake a share buyback of up to 10 percent of its issued shares, effective from the date of the resolution. The company had earlier indicated an interest in undergoing a share buyback programme, in respect of up to 10 percent of its issued shares, for the purpose of improving the company’s return on equity and its shareholders' value, so as to facilitate the future long-term growth of the company. The approval through voting, which was given at the company’s Extraordinary General Meeting, held in Lagos recorded a 100 percent approval from the shareholders, with many of them describing the exercise as very laudable and a win-win situation for them. Among other resolutions, the shareholders authorised that the “Memorandum and Articles of Association of the company be amended (as applicable), upon completion of the share buyback, to reflect the company’s share capital, following the cancellation (if any) of the shares acquired and/or otherwise held by the company.” The Board was also authorised to ensure that the amendment of the Articles of Association of the company reflects the company’s share capital, following the cancellation (if any) of the shares acquired and/or otherwise held by the company. It would be recalled that the Shareholders, at the company’s recent 13th Annual General Meeting (AGM), also commended the Management of the company for an impressive performance despite the economic challenges in the year under review. Unanimously, they approved N20 per share for the year ended December 31, 2021, as against the N16 paid in the preceding year. That represented a 25 per cent increase in dividend compared to the 2020 dividend of N16.00 per share, reinforcing the Company's commitment to maximising shareholder value. They also applauded the company for its drive in reducing unclaimed dividends of the company. Dangote
Take Campaign To The Doorstep Of Voters, Sanwo-Olu Tells Supporters As He Reels Off Achievements (Photos) – Naijanewsdirect
The Governor of Lagos state and governnorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 general elections, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has charged his supporters and members of the party to take his re-election campaign to the doorsteps of voters. Sanwo-Olu made the charge on Saturday, 3rd December, 2022, at the official flag off of his re-election campaign in Mobolaji Johnson Stadium, Onikan, Lagos. Reeling off his achievements within 3years, Sanwo-Olu said his achievements stand him a better chance to win the 2023 governorship election, adding that he had executed projects that were of people’s benefits. The governor, who handed over the party’s flag to the 3 Senatorial, 24 House of Representatives and 40 House of Assembly candidates of the party, said that ever since Lagosians have been voting APC, the people were not taken for granted. He said the state was able to surmount the global challenges and carried out populist projects. Sanwo-Olu said that the state is rising because of the projects and achievements that were recorded so far, adding that there are still much to be done to keep the state rising. ”You have seen what we have done across all local governments. New roads were constructed, existing ones were completed. New fire stations were built in Ajeromi/Ifelodun, Iru/Victoria and others, the health facilities were strengthened and many more. ”We appreciate your love, support and solidarity for us. We urge you to vote all our candidates in the coming 2023 general elections, from presidential to the House of Assembly elections. You have always been voting the APC in Lagos. We want you to work with us and as well journey with us by giving us your mandate”, said Sanwo-Olu. Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), Prince Tajudeen Olusi, said that if Lagosians want to continue to enjoy a better Lagos, they should
Wanted Drug Baron Arrested As NDLEA Nabs Woman Linked To Pakistani Cocaine Syndicate – Naijanewsdirect
...Recovers over 7.7tons of cannabis, arrests 20 suspects in Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Edo raids; intercepts 497,900 tramadol 225mg pills at Lagos airport Ten days after he was declared wanted, operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have arrested fleeing Lagos socialite and owner of Adekaz Hotels, Alhaji Ademola Afolabi Kazeem (a.k.a Alhaji Abdallah Kazeem Muhammed) over offences bordering on exportation and trafficking of illicit drugs as well as money laundering. The Agency had on Tuesday 1st November declared the suspect wanted following his failure to honour NDLEA invitations and an order granted by a Federal High Court in Lagos. The wanted drug kingpin was uncovered as the sponsor of some traffickers arrested by the anti-narcotics agency in their recent attempt to export cocaine to Dubai, UAE and other destinations outside Nigeria. The search for him however paid off on Thursday 10th Nov when he was successfully taken into custody where he is currently being interviewed. His lid was blown open after the arrest of one of his mules, Bolujoko Muyiwa Babalola, a Lagos BRT driver on 27th June at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Ikeja, when he named Alhaji Ademola Kazeem, alias Adekaz as the owner of the 900grams of cocaine he ingested. Following Adekaz’s failure to honour invitations sent to him, the Agency approached a Federal High Court in Lagos with three prayers: to attach and seal his identified properties in choice areas of Lagos island and Ibadan; declare him wanted and block his bank account with a cash balance of Two Hundred and Seventeen Million Naira (N217,000,000.00), all of which were granted. In a related development, NDLEA operatives also arrested a businesswoman, Okefun Darlington Chisom over her links with two Pakistanis: Asif Muhammed, 45 and Hussain Naveed, 57, arrested at the Lagos airport with 8 kilograms of cocaine concealed
ARISE TV Apologises As Keyamo Berates TV Station For Broadcasting Fake News Credited To INEC On Tinubu – Naijanewsdirect
One of the fast rising private television stations in Nigeria, ARISE TV has been lambasted by the official spokesperson for Tinubu/Shettima 2023 Presidential Campaign Council, Festus Keyamo (SAN). The criticism came over the broadcast of the letter purportedly issued by INEC to investigate APC Presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu over alleged drug scandal in the United States in 2003. In a Tweet on his official page, Keyamo berated ARISE TV for failing to verify a letter that was debunked by INEC. Keyamo said, “Even the ‘usual suspects’ have rushed to carry the fake story on their news bar without even a simple confirmation from INEC. The same outlet that wanted to conduct a ‘fair debate’. Now, they are left with a red face. It’s as bad as that this season of politics & electioneering!” It would be recalled that INEC debunked the letter trending on social media on Tuesday. INEC issued official press statement to deny the letter saying it was a fake letter and that it did not come the commission. However, on Sunday morning, the Management of Arise TV apologised to Tinubu over the fake report after INEC publicly dismissed it as fake. The station said: “Of criminal forfeiture of funds, linked to narcotics, smuggling conspiracy and money laundering against the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we Arise News that carried the news, which is now been denied by after the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC and we apologise most sincerely to the APC Presidential candidate Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the earlier broadcast.” INEC in a statement by its National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, in Abuja on Saturday, described the report as the handiwork of mischief makers. “It claims that the commission has commenced investigation into a case of criminal forfeiture against one of the Presidential candidates
HabariPay Partners Google Hustle Academy to Deliver Digital Payment Training for MSMEs – Naijanewsdirect
In line with its mission to empower Africans with the payment solutions they need to thrive in a digital community, HabariPay has partnered with Google Hustle Academy to train targeted MSMEs on digital payment solutions. The Hustle Academy seeks to provide MSMEs across Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa with expert training on business strategy and development, digital marketing, and financial planning. The participants will also have access to key industry leaders and masterclasses on business to help create opportunities and boost business growth and job creation across the region. This year, the academy aims to train 5,000 MSMEs across the target countries. At the Bootcamp, HabariPay will deliver impact-led sessions about how these businesses can adopt innovative payment solutions, such as its product, Squad, to grow and expand their reach to new markets. On the impact of the Hustle Academy and the partnership, Head of Brand and Reputation, Google SSA, Mojolaoluwa Aderemi-Makinde, said: “We are thrilled to be collaborating with HabariPay to give much-needed assistance to MSMEs. Small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) are the backbone of the global economy, accounting for many businesses in almost every region. They employ over 50 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa and contribute to the region's GDP. Through the Hustle Academy, we will provide them with training to assist them in packaging their businesses and obtaining the necessary funds to take them to the next level.” Also commenting, Chief Marketing Officer, HabariPay, Adeyemi Atanda, said, “At HabariPay, we are on a mission to ensure that businesses in Africa have access to the right solutions that they need to make and receive payments anytime, anywhere. We understand the critical role of small businesses in the economy; thus, our goal is to equip merchants with the knowledge and tools they need to make every payment digital whether online or
Read Siju Iluyomade’s Motivational Speech At 14th ‘Arise Women Conference’ Tagged “By Appointment” – Naijanewsdirect
Being a speech made by Dr. Siju Iluyomade at the 14th Arise Women’s Conference on Saturday, October 29, 2022. It is my utmost pleasure and privilege to welcome you to the ARISE WOMENS CONFERENCE 2022. Our theme for this year’s conference is “BY APPOINTMENT”…. #APPOINTED TO LIVE. The Ethos of this theme is encapsulated in JEREMIAH 1:5 Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart, I appointed you as a prophet to the nations. The word APPOINTMENT is used for a large variety of ideas including an act of assigning a job or position to someone to function fully and accomplish a task. It connotes making choices, engaging, consulting, allotting, fulfilling purpose, nomination, selection, appropriation, determination and many others. Our theme elicits the need for women to harness greater cooperation amongst themselves and others. A need to lead even in the face of existential threats. By Appointment is a call to meet needs or challenges with better preparedness. There is an urgent need for women to engage in civil society, vote in election, be elected to Government office, serve on boards, make their voices heard in any process that ultimately affects them, their families and their communities. At this conference, we are called upon to Champion OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN and their economic empowerment and well-being. We as women, need to shy away from situational ethic and values. Instead, we must embrace permanent, consistent values which we can pass onto our children. Women are the bridge between generations. It is time as women to embrace mainstream politics and policy making for ourselves and succeeding generations. 3 WE CAN NO LONGER AFFORD TO BE ABSENT …. WE MUST BE PRESENT. THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOAL No. 5 says Achieve Gender equality and empower all
NDLEA Declares Lagos Drug Baron Wanted, Arrests Kingpin Behind Cocaine Shipments – Naijanewsdirect
...Seals baron’s 7 mansions in Lagos, Ibadan; blocks N217million in bank account The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has declared wanted Lagos socialite and owner of Adekaz Hotels, Alhaji Ademola Afolabi Kazeem (a.k.a Alhaji Abdallah Kazeem Muhammed) over offences bordering on exportation and trafficking of illicit drugs as well as money laundering. The decision to declare the suspect wanted followed his failure to honour NDLEA invitations and an order granted the Agency by a Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday 17th October 2022. The wanted drug kingpin was uncovered as the sponsor of some traffickers arrested by the anti-narcotics agency in their recent attempt to export cocaine to Dubai, UAE and other destinations outside Nigeria. Soon after the arrest of one of his mules, Bolujoko Muyiwa Babalola, a Lagos BRT driver on 27th June at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Ikeja, Alhaji Ademola Kazeem who is also the Chairman of Adekaz Global Integrated Services, went underground. Following his failure to honour invitations sent to him, the Agency approached a Federal High Court in Lagos with three prayers: to attach and seal his identified properties in Lagos and Ibadan; declare him wanted and block his bank account with a cash balance of Two Hundred and Seventeen Million Naira (N217,000,000.00), all of which were granted. As a result, NDLEA operatives on Wednesday 26th October 2022 sealed six of the identified properties located on Lagos Island. They include: 105 Tokunbo street off Broad street, Lagos Island; 1 Abibu Oki street off Marina, Lagos Island; 3 Abibu Oki street off Marina, Lagos Island; 54 Palm Church street, Lagos Island; 26 Agarawu street, Lagos Island; and 41 Foresythe street, Lagos Island. The other one is located at 1 Irepodun zone, Adepoju bus stop, Ajoda Ayedun, Ibadan, Oyo state. In a related development, the Agency on Friday 28th