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Sanwo-Olu Approves N1Billion Seed Capital for Tourism Business

Sanwo-Olu Approves N1Billion Seed Capital for Tourism Business

•Grants Three-Year Waiver On Penalty For Land Use Charge Defaulters

•Lagos Governor Meets Business Leaders

With the approval of N1 billion seed capital for investment in tourism, Lagos State is set to drive a new growth in hospitality business. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced the approval of the loan on Wednesday at the 6th Lagos Corporate Assembly held at the Banquet Hall in the State House, Alausa.

The Governor said the investment was required to bolster the hospitality sector by providing key operators in tourism business with soft loans to boost their capacity in driving growth. The initiative, Sanwo-Olu observed, is necessary to position tourism business as a new frontier for job creation and economic prosperity in the post-Coronavirus era.

The seed capital will be domiciled in the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), the Governor said, adding that the funds will be made available specifically to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) operators in the sector.

The Governor said the State would also be collaborating with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to further create access for fund to support the hospitality business.

The event with the theme: “BOS Meets Business, was attended by the captains of industry, manufacturers, and members of Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).

Besides, Sanwo-Olu disclosed that the State had started the first phase of the 6,000km optical fibre being laid across Lagos, with the aim of providing technological infrastructure to support MSMEs.

He said the State had continued to strengthen its Ease of Doing Business policies to drive private investment and economic growth. This, he said, is being made possible by the digitisation of business registration and asset acquisition processes, which, he said, removed administrative bottlenecks.

He said: “We have just given approval for N1 billion support that will be given out through the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund to support hospitality business in the State. The beneficiaries of this fund will go through screening in line with the requirement of the agency. We are making this investment because of the huge potential for job creation and inclusive growth this sector can bring about.

“We will be working with the CBN for more funding to fully develop the potential of our tourism sector. This effort is being completed with the rolling out of 3,000 km optical fibre across the State to provide technological infrastructure for the MSMEs whose operations would depend on fast Internet networks to drive their businesses.”

With Lagos’ Gross Domestic Product (GDP) valued at $130 billion and over three million Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which make the State the fourth wealthiest city in Africa, Sanwo-Olu said it was time for the State to strengthen its economy with right policies for accelerated growth and prosperity.

The Governor said there will be a review of the dusk-to-dawn curfew imposed in the State by the Federal Government in response to requests by businesses across the State, noting that the ongoing rehabilitation of major bridges and roads had impacted business activities in the State.

Sanwo-Olu said the repeal of 2018 Laws on Land Use Charge was to further create incentives for more growth in the corporate sector, stressing that the new Land Use laws had addressed controversial provisions and remove ambiguity in the levies paid by companies in Lagos.

The Governor granted a three-year waiver on penalty for those that defaulted the payment of land use charge from 2017. He also offered a 25 per cent discount for those who make early payment of the Land Use.

He said: “We are granting a waiver of three years in late payment, which covers 2017, 2018 and 2019. We are also giving 25 per cent special discount on early payment. By this, we have achieved a 48 per cent reduction for businesses in chargeable rates by repealing the 2018 Land Use Laws.

“We are taking these steps to show that we are not being insensitive to the plight of businesses and residents, especially in this period of pandemic that have slowed down activities. We have been doing everything possible to make sure businesses are not choked by taxes.”

Sanwo-Olu told the business leaders and MSMEs operators to see his administration as a “real partner” in driving growth. He said the Government would continue to introduce more incentives to strengthen its partnership with the private sector to keep Lagos economy on the path of growth.

Representatives of corporate organisations praised the Governor for the reviews of the Land Use Laws. They, however, called for harmonisation of taxes and levies payable to the Government.

Deputy President of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Chief Olawale Cole, hailed the State Government for the three-month moratorium given to MSMEs, noting that the incentive would stimulate more commitment in the sector.

Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Corporative, Dr. Lola Akande, noted that Lagos Government had taken steps since the last meeting with the Organised Private Sector to sustain the momentum of growth.

She said: “We recognise that creating an enabling business environment is the key to job creation, poverty eradication and growth of the State economy. Lagos State is positioned to support businesses and industrial sector to maximise their potential for greater contribution to the State’s GDP.”

Sanwo-Olu Approves Appointment of New Members of Governing Councils for Tertiary Institutions

Sanwo-Olu Approves Appointment of New Members of Governing Councils for Tertiary Institutions

Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has approved the appointment of Chairmen and Governing Council members for four State-owned Tertiary Institutions: Lagos State University (LASU), Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED), Lagos State Polytechnic and Michael Otedola College of Primary Education (MOCPED).

In a statement signed by the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri- Okunola, the Governor said the tenure of Office of the newly appointed Governing Council members would take effect from 1st August 2020, following the expiration of the tenures of the former Governing Councils. The tenure of Office of the Institutions’ Chief Executive Officers shall remain as provided in relevant Laws.

Importantly, the Head of Service noted that the tenure of the newly appointed Chancellor of the Lagos State University, Professor Gbolahan Elias, SAN, would become effective from 16 September 2020 when the tenure of the incumbent Chancellor, His Excellency Honourable Justice George Oguntade would have expired.

Governor Sanwo-Olu thanked members of the outgoing Governing Councils for their commitment and meritorious service to the State.

While congratulating the newly appointed Governing Councils members, he expressed his appreciation and delight at the willingness of the new appointees to serve the State and help build on the achievements of the outgoing Councils.

He maintained that the newly appointed Governing Council Members had been carefully identified based on their individual track records in their respective professional fields, adding that he had no doubts about their capacity to move tertiary education in Lagos State to Greater Heights.

The newly appointed Governing Council Members are:

LAGOS STATE UNIVERSITY (LASU)

  1. Professor Gbolahan Elias, SAN – Chancellor
  2. Prof. Adebayo Ninalowo – Pro-Chancellor/ Chairman
  3. Professor Shafiudeen Amuwo – Member
  4. Mrs. Adenike Yomi-Faseun – Member
  5. Dr. Adetugbobo Hakeem – Member
  6. Mrs. Sule Tolani – Member
  7. Mrs. Folasade Adesoye – Member
  8. Mr. Karl Tokun Toriola – Member
  9. Mr. Kunle Soname – Member
  10. Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii – Member
  11. Mr. Adebayo Akinsanya – Member
  12. Mrs. Mojisola Tolagbe Taiwo – Member
  13. Mrs. Morenike Williams – Member
  14. Mr. Anuoluwapo Esho – Member
  15. Mrs. Foluke Abdul-razaq – Member

ADENIRAN OGUNSANYA COLLEGE OF EDUCATION (AOCOED)

  1. Prof. Nuru Olasupo – Chairman
  2. Mrs. Riskat Akiode – Member
  3. Dr. Olaolu Mudashiru – Member
  4. Mr. Wole Ajifowoke – Member

The other tertiary Institutions include:

LAGOS STATE POLYTECHNIC

  1. Professor Rasheed Kola Ojikutu – Chairman
  2. Dr. (Mrs.) Awonuga, Abiola Olawunmi – Member
  3. Bldr. Saabi Olakunle Alaba – Member
  4. Mr. Habeeb Aileru – Member
  5. Prince Olusegun Ogunlewe – Member
  6. Mrs. Iyabo Kuteyi – Member

MICHAEL OTEDOLA COLLEGE OF PRIMARY EDUCATION (MOCPED)

  1. Alhaja Sekinat Yusuf – Chairman
  2. Mrs. Victoria Mopelola Perigrino – Member
  3. Mrs. Folashade Agbalajobi – Member
  4. Hon. Toun Adediran – Member
  5. Mr. Johnbull Adebanjo – Member
  6. Dr. Waliu A. Ipaye – Member

Gbenga Omotoso

Honourable Commissioner for Information and Strategy

LASG

ForAGreaterLagos

NIGERIAN LAWYERS, I ATTEST TO Barrister Olumide Akpata’s LEGAL and SOCIAL SOPHISTICATION and EASE OF DOING BUSINESS TO DELIVER the NBA PRESIDENCY.

NIGERIAN LAWYERS, I ATTEST TO Barrister Olumide Akpata’s LEGAL and SOCIAL SOPHISTICATION and EASE OF DOING BUSINESS TO DELIVER the NBA PRESIDENCY.

I Chike Ofili, writer and brand communications consultant attest to the sophistication that Barrister OLUMIDE APATA BRINGS TO HIS LEGAL AND SOCIAL PRACTICE and his ease of doing business in the course of doing business with Nigerian Lawyers based in Lagos under his Chairmanship of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA Section on Business Law.

Together we made happen in a big way the possibility of bringing lawyers together to see a play, JUST AN ORDINARY LAWYER on lawyers written and performed by Nigerian born architect turn singer and actor, TAYO ALUKO practising in Liverpool, United Kingdom.

He very readily understood the concept, bought into it for what use it could serve lawyers, and the extra social touch he brought into it. He helped to rally round members of the Nigerian Bar Association at the prestigious MUSON CENTRE, Ikoyi, Lagos; using his NBA Business Section office to both make lawyers see the performance as theirs, and to smoothly make the platform a socialising ground for relaxing, recreating and re-energising lawyers with the play. Not to mention the bar he mounted for members of the bar at the MUSON lobby which became a parlour for soaking their patched throats, and made busy their masticating jaws on that Friday evening of Lagos lawyers in the theatre.

His sheer ease of doing business and his understanding of the application of branding and of seizing the moment, made him earn my respect and fascination of a Lawyer as public relations man. I therefore commend him for the lofty office of the PRESIDENT, NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION.

Chike Ofili
Lead Consultant,
Reputations Consulting, Lagos;
Presidential Candidate, ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIAN AUTHORS, ANA.

THE RETURN OF SOME IGBOS THAT MIGRATED TO IDU/IGODOMIGODO AND IDAH BEFORE 800AD.

THE RETURN OF SOME IGBOS THAT MIGRATED TO IDU/IGODOMIGODO AND IDAH BEFORE 800AD.

Recently I have heard a few of people who say some igbo speakers who also bear igbo native names are not igbos , some claim they came from either Benin or igala .Or some self acclaimed historians claim igbos are not of same ancestors.Some even went ahead to say igbo was imposed on them.There is a saying that a lie repeated too often will be assumed to be true.This article is to address some of the misconceptions and prove that igbos are one people, same ancestor wether your migration story is from Idu(Benin) or igala. .

1.Idah and igodomigodo/idu are part of the earliest sphere of igbo migration before 8th century AD. Migration is part of human evolution and humans are not static. Igbos have always moved from one location to the other in search of greener pastures and arable land for farming from prehistoric times and igbos are known for that even till today.

2.According to Nancy C.Neaher(awka who travel) ,the igbo area of southeastern Nigeria is one of the most populous region of sub-saharan Africa ,with a human density of 1,000 per square mile.In addition, in the book,cambridge history of Africa before 1600AD,it stated that the population distribution of eastern Nigeria is a high density belt.So it’s not surprising that igbos from prehistoric times had migrated to Idah and Delta-Benin environs due to high population density in search for arable virgin land for farming which was there major occupation .This movement is estimated to have occurred before 8th century AD, long before the advent of kingdoms in idah and Benin which subsequently led to the recoil of these igbos back to the eastern region.

3.Igbos have formed part of the nucleus of the multiethnic population at Idah before the settling of igalas and advent of igala kingdom. Its on record, as documented by G,T BASDEN(among the igbos of Nigeria) and Nancy C.Neaher(awka who travel) that the awka blacksmithers travel beyond the borders of ibo country ,north into igala, ibaji, idoma,warri and beyond, casting bronze,brass iron bells,hoes,according to specifications.Most times awka blacksmithers spend months and years away from igboland plying there trade and the possibility of establishing igbo settlements at these distant places can not be ruled out.This trade is estimated to have begun before 8th century AD (igbo ukwu bronzes) but however it became apparent in the 14th century AD following excavations made at awka (D.D HARTLE, 1966 page 26),GENERAL HISTORY OF AFRICA (Africa from 7th -11th century AD page 522.

4.Awka Smith always worked alongside Nri priest(patron and founder of the Ozo title) and they made and fabricated the ozor staff(ofor) ,iron bells and other ritual staves for the Nri priest. It’s on record that the Nri Influence extended beyond the igbo sphere into southern igala where igbos had earlier migrated and Idu/igodomigodo which later became Benin ,Nancy C.Neaher(awka who travel).

5.Nri Influence (9AD) extended beyond the shores of igboland into south of igala and igodomigodo(igbanke igbos in present Edo state) all of which igbos had earlier migrated in prehistoric times,(according to a book GENERAL HISTORY OF AFRICA (Africa from 7th -11th century AD by M.El Fasi) .On the west of Niger River,Nri priests along side Awka blacksmithers Made Ofor wands(staffs) for igbos along that axis(from Anioma down to Benin(igbanke igbos).Ichi facial scarification were also Noted among igbos in Delta and eastern side.They maintained ties of loyalty with Nri priestly cult by cleansing grave social infractions and abominations and conferring of rights of leadership (interesting narratives of olaudah equano 1745AD and Nancy C.Neaher(awka who travel) .So there was a prehistoric movement of igbos up north (idah) ,followed by migration and drift downward of igala from Wakuri in Taraba (Attah of igala HRH Dr Michael Idakwo-punch 2017) and migration of some igala into northern igboland to seek refuge due to raids in the extreme north of igala by sokoto jihadists in 1834 (igbo-igala borderlands by Austin.J.Shelton page 18).Igala later(late 1800) imperial Influence on northern igboland was kept in check by activities of the Aro.

In an interview granted to Obi agbogidi chukwunwike anyasi of odumuje-unor kingdom, delta state,he clearly stated that Nri priests performed rituals at the palace of Oba of Benin (genesis of migration of Ezechima to Benin from igboland) and this point was further supported by M.D W Jeffrey in his book Oreli mask Nigerian field, volume 10.He noted that Nri priests were performing certain ritual functions at the installation of a new oba of Benin.

6.As noted by Nancy Neaher,Nri Influence extended beyond northern igboland into idah where igbo settlements had earlier dispersed(ibaji,akpanya, olamaboro) from prehistoric times before the establishment of igala kingdom .Nri priests,along side Awka blacksmithers made iron bells, hoes,armlets,leg bands in igala and took over production (Boston 1964). R.N Henderson noted in the book GENERAL HISTORY OF AFRICA (Africa from 7th -11th century AD ) that royal bells made by awka blacksmithers were included in the burial of igala kings.In exchange for the services rendered, the awka blacksmithers brought back dried fish,maize,yams,elephant hair necklaces and horses which they used for sacrifice to Alusi (Nancy Neaher ). The true igala/Benin migrants Into igboland are few and mostly located at the igbo-igala ,Benin-igbanke igbos borderlands and those migrants met existing igbo settlements on ground.

  1. Its important to note that the subsequent rise of igala kingdom in the north and Benin empire in south led to the decline of Nri Influence in the igbo country that span from the borders of Benin (igbanke igbos in present Edo state ) down south and akpotos(igala/idah) up north and ijaw being there closest neighbours in the Delta borders (G.T BASDEN “among the ibos of Nigeria) page 28.

8.With the rise of Benin kingdom in the south and hostilities in the kingdom, many of these igbos that had migrated there prior to this time (Ezechima, Akalaka etc) began to return home.There deliberate migration towards the east, crossing the Niger river back to Onitsha shows they knew where they came from.As already noted in the book, cambridge history of Africa before 1600AD,page 273,the density of population in eastern region was already high before 1600AD when Ezechima and family is said to have left Idu/igodomigodo. So migrating in reverse, against an already densely populated area must be a deliberate move heading home and its unlikely they arrived onitsha a virgin land.

9.Thesame recoil event Also happened with igbos already spread up north to idah.The igala kingdom and subsequent hostilities,many of these igbos returned back to Nsuka,Enugu Ezike northern igbo borders. please note.non of the said igbos that returned from Benin or idah spoke any other language on arrival to igboland except igbo.They all had igbo names and spoke igbo on arrival to igboland. No history book documented they spoke any other language other than igbo.This further proves that they had already migrated there in prehistoric times and only returned back home.As igbos have always been decentralized societies,with the priestly cult of Nri widely known and fulfilling the needs of igbos at that time all over igboland, the system of government is not military. it’s not surprising if the history of early kings of agbor are from Benin. origin of kingship is not always origin of a people. The rise of igala or Benin kingdom may have Imposed some conventions among igbos within there sphere, but that doesn’t take away the fact they have always been there and retained there igbo identity.

10.So contrary to what some believe that some igbos are not of same ancestor, igbos have always been one and ancestral in there land.wether your migration story says your ancestors migrated from around Benin or igala, igbos have always been igbos and those that migrated to distant places only returned back home because archaeological findings have shown igbos are aboriginal occupants of southern Nigeria with settlements dating since 3000BC.(Thurstan Shaw-Radiocabon dating in Nigeria, 1968.

By professor Ofoegbu R.N with contributions from Dr Benson and Dr Opone.C

Dated 28/7/2020.
REFERENCES:
1.G.T BASDEN “among the ibos of Nigeria ,first published 1921.
2.Cambridge history of Africa from 1600AD to 1790,first edited by Rìchard Gray,by J.D Fage.
3.GENERAL HISTORY OF AFRICA (Africa from 7th -11th century AD by M.El Fasi)

  1. HRH,Obi agbogidi chukwunwike Anyasi of odumuje-unor kingdom, delta state,
    5.Interesting narratives of the life of Olaudah Equano 1745AD.
    6.Nancy C.Neaher(awka who travel,Itinerant metalsmiths of southern Nigeria.
    7.Oral tradition of UmuEri clan on the founding of igala by Eri.
    8.(igbo-igala borderlands by Austin.J.Shelton page 18).

EFCC Docks Woman For Alleged N2.7m Oil Fraud

EFCC Docks Woman For Alleged N2.7m Oil Fraud

The Lagos Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday, July 29, 2020 arraigned a suspected fraudster, Ikujemisi Modupe Naomi before Justice Sherifat Solebo of the Special Offences Court, Ikeja, Lagos on two-count charges of obtaining by false pretence to the tune of N2, 790,000.00( Two Million, Seven Hundred and Ninety Thousand Naira only).
The sum is the value of 18,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (diesel), she fraudulently obtained from her victim, Miss Faith Meribe.

One of the charge read, “That you, Ikujemisi Modupe Naomi, sometime in 2017 in Lagos, within the Ikeja judicial division, by false pretence and with intent to defraud, induced Miss Faith Meribe of Merit Integrated Service to confer a benefit of 18,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) valued at N2,790. 000. 00 (Two Million, Seven Hundred and Ninety Thousand Naira) on you by permitting the 18,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil to be delivered to you on the understanding that the Automotive Gas Oil would be paid for, which pretext you knew to be false and committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1)(b)(2) and (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act No. 14 of 2006.”

She pleaded not guilty to the charges upon which
prosecution counsel, Chikezie Edozie, prayed the court for a trial date and for the defendant to be remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service, NSC.

The defence counsel, however, informed the court of her client’s pending bail application and sought a short adjournment date.

Justice Solebo ordered for her remand in the custody of the EFCC and adjourned the matter to August 4,2020 for hearing of bail application.

EFCC

Nigeria Customs Service Board (NCSB) approved the appointment of Five (5) Assistant Comptrollers General

Nigeria Customs Service Board (NCSB) approved the appointment of Five (5) Assistant Comptrollers General

Nigeria Customs Service Board (NCSB) at its 52nd Regular meeting approved the appointment of Five (5) Assistant Comptrollers General of Customs, promotion of 2,634 Officers, dismissal of One (1) ACG and compulsory retirement of another ACG.Hon.

Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning and Chairman, NCS Board, Hajiya Zainab Ahmed who presided over the meeting said decisions taken during the meeting were meant to ginger and move the Service forward in-terms of manpower and operations.

The new Assistant Comptrollers General of Customs are:ACG, Mohammed Boyi – Doctrine DevelopmentACG, Adewale Adeniyi – Commandant C&SC GwagwaladaACG, Jack Ajoku – Strategic Research and PolicyACG, Olakunle Oyeleke – Training and CoordinationACG, Elton Edorhe – Zonal Coordinator, Zone ‘C’Breakdown of the 2,634 Officers whose promotion have 1st January 2019 as effective date is as follows:

Deputy Comptrollers to Comptrollers of Customs = 37

Assistant Comptrollers of Customs to Deputy Comptrollers = 110

Chief Superintendent of Customs to Assistant Comptrollers = 138

Superintendent of Customs to Chief Superintendent of Customs = 93

Deputy Superintendent of Customs to Superintendent of Customs = 93

Assistant Superintendent of Customs I to Deputy Superintendent of Customs = 1224

Assistant Superintendent of Customs II to Assistant Superintendent of Customs I = 475

Inspector of Customs to Assistant Superintendent of Customs II = 464205 out of the 2,634 are Support Staff who also enjoyed promotion to various ranks.In-line with the reform agenda, the Board took some disciplinary actions against two Senior Officers.

ACG Aminu Dahiru was dismissed for act of serious misconduct while ACG Bashir Abubakar was compulsorily retired for act of negligence.The Hon. Minister described the NCS as “Making Progress” and expressed the hope that the coming of the e-Customs will help improve NCS operations.

Signed:DC, Joseph Attah

Public Relations Officer

For: Comptroller-General of Customs

Nigeria Mining Week to Proceed Digitally in October and Reconvene in 2021

Nigeria Mining Week to Proceed Digitally in October and Reconvene in 2021

The mining mood in Nigeria remains upbeat amid the announcement that the Nigeria Mining Week conference will proceed as a digital platform from 12-16 October this year while the event will reconvene as a live event in Abuja on 11-13 October 2021.

According to Nigeria’s Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Arc. Olamilekan Adegbite, “Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is safer to reschedule the Nigeria Mining Week proceedings for 2020, as we prioritize the safety of the participants. We look forward to engaging with the industry digitally this year and hope to be able to hold the event in 2021, in the second week of October.”

Nigeria Mining Week is organised by Miners Association of Nigeria in collaboration with PwC and Clarion Events Africa and is supported by the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development. This year marks the fifth edition of the event, which has garnered increasing interest over the years.

The minister recently said that, “there’s no denying the fact that the pandemic has affected the mining community adversely. The community is spending this period to re-strategize so that when the pandemic is over we can once again hit the ground running.”

The President of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Kabir Mohammed Kankara, concurs and says in a statement that, “the global lockdown occasioned by COVID-19 has practically taught the world new ways of doing things and our annual Nigeria Mining Week is not exempted. Thanks to digital innovation that provides the platform for online interaction, the Miners Association of Nigeria, as the organizer of the annual event, hereby enjoins our members, donors, investors and other participants all over the world to link up to the virtual edition of Nigeria Mining Week 2020 and other digital platforms organized to whet our appetite for the main event.”

Home Page | Nigeria Mining Week

Successful transition to digital
Since the start of the pandemic and the resultant travel and movement restrictions, the event co-organisers Clarion Events Africa have made a successful and innovative transition from live events to digital and virtual conferencing and networking with several of its events across the continent proceeding to take place online.

“Virtual editions of industry and regionally leading events such as DRC Mining Week and African Utility Week have been very well received,” says David Ashdown, Managing Director of Clarion Events Africa. “It is clear that the industry is eager to engage, ask questions, find solutions and close deals. Our media division has been organising webinars for years and we have collaborated with them, and have been seamlessly running our events online, and will continue to do so as long as is necessary, while still managing to deliver a meaningful audience on a digital platform.”

He continues: “Moreover, we have an exciting list of topical webinars for those interested in investing in the Nigerian mining sector, which will take place on a regular basis in the run-up to the digital and live events this year and in 2021. So, watch this space, we are not going anywhere!”

Solid industry support
Leading mining sector players and longstanding partners of Nigeria Mining Week are supportive of the changes in the event’s format and dates, particularly as it concerns health and safety.

Mrs Emotan Josephine Aburime-Shine is the CEO of Emotan Global Ventures Limited, the returning platinum sponsors of the event: “Nigeria Mining Week is a great platform for the sector to be more visible.” She adds: “I would like the world to know that Nigerian minerals and metals wealth are 100 times greater than her oil wealth, and as we wake up and begin to realise this, this country will one day be labeled the land of milk and honey.”

“Given the unprecedented global pandemic we are currently facing,” says Segun Lawson, Chief Executive Officer, Thor Explorations, UK, “we understand the precautionary requirement to postpone Nigeria Mining Week 2020. We respect the decision to put health and safety of participants as a priority. We very much look forward to the event in 2021 where we will be a very supportive participant.”

“Although we are sad,” says Kevin Joseph, Managing Director, Nivek Mining, Nigeria, “considering the circumstances of this global pandemic we are all facing, it’s the safest thing to do. And even if we are unable to hold this very worthwhile Nigeria Mining Week conference this year, all is not lost in the mining industry here in Nigeria. We can, of course, hold digital events and webinars to continue to drive the Nigerian mineral extractive industry.”

He continues: “Our companies, based locally and very well connected internationally, must and will continue to support local initiatives of the MMSD, to continue to the growth of healthy project plans for the mining industry, here in Nigeria.”

Contact Information
Nigeria Mining Week
Annemarie Roodbol
+27217003500

Sterling Bank Leads with Lending, Investing and Credit Rating Features on WhatsApp with Clickatell’s Chat Banking Solution

Sterling Bank Leads with Lending, Investing and Credit Rating Features on WhatsApp with Clickatell’s Chat Banking Solution

Sterling Bank Plc, Nigeria’s leading commercial bank, in collaboration with Clickatell (Clickatell.com), a global leader in mobile communications and chat commerce, today announced a unique and very personalised banking experience for existing customers and prospective account holders through the popular messaging app – WhatsApp. Customers can now initiate bank transfers, and airtime and bill payments, check balance and BVN enquiries, as well as statement generation directly on WhatsApp with the aid of Kiki, a new personalised financial assistant. 

The financial assistant also connects customers directly to customer service, making dispute resolution seamless.

Designed to provide personalised service to every customer of the bank, Kiki possesses conversational intelligence and will answer questions related to personal finances once prompted. Kiki makes initiating banking transactions as easy as chatting with friends through the bank’s verified WhatsApp number – +234 906 000 6449.

Oladipo Alabede, Group Head of Digital Banking at Sterling Bank, said “Delivering banking on WhatsApp for instant messaging is desirous by our customers who want a reliable, convenient, and safe medium to perform basic banking transactions on their mobile devices. It eases the stress of moving between apps before transactions can be concluded.”

We are pleased to help Sterling Bank enable chat banking on WhatsApp, making banking services available to its customers anytime and everywhere on a channel they use daily

According to Alabede, WhatsApp is easy, safe, fast and secure. “It has improved security that prevents fraud and enables customers to have access to all their accounts. The service is designed for self-service registration and the customers can sign on from any location. The current features of the app include Sterling to Sterling and Sterling to other banks’ transfers, airtime top-up, bill payments, balance enquiry, BVN enquiry and statement generation, among others.”

Microsoft Customer Story-Sterling Bank differentiates itself as a ...

“We are pleased to help Sterling Bank enable chat banking on WhatsApp, making banking services available to its customers anytime and everywhere on a channel they use daily,” says Samson Isa, Director – West Africa for Clickatell. He added, “Chat banking is the future of financial services with bank customers preferring the channel for conducting routine banking, as it is fast, simple, and secure. We are proud to be leading this shift in financial services, along with customers like Sterling Bank.”

For a customer to get started, Alabede explained that he or she would need to follow three simple steps.

  • Firstly, the customer would have to save the mobile number +234 906 000 6449 as a contact on his/her device and should remember to save the number as “Kiki.”
  • Secondly, once the number has been saved, the customer should start a conversation by typing “Hi,” “Hello” or “Hey,” among others, and sending the message to Kiki.
  • Lastly, the prospective customer should agree to the terms and conditions by sending “I AGREE” followed by the account number to Kiki. Thereafter, an OTP will be sent to the registered mobile number for validation. The customer is also expected to set a transaction PIN using his/her debit card.

Alabede said the customer must use the mobile number registered on his/her Sterling account to enjoy the service.

He added that a new set of features will soon be enabled, as the bank is exploring ways to serve customers better with the introduction of micro lending, micro investment, account opening, card request, and credit rating, among others.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Clickatell

Cloudflex Echoes The Need To Patronize Local Cloud Solution Providers

Cloudflex Echoes The Need To Patronize Local Cloud Solution Providers

Cloudflex ,an indigenous cloud solution provider based in Lagos has reiterated the need for Nigerian firms to look inwards while shopping for their cloud products such as collocation, managed services and virtualization. A move that would save the nation foreign exchange and capital flight. Cloud computing has been identified as the future of computing and information technology (IT). The need for countries to develop a home grown cloud solution has informed indigenous firms like Cloudflex to open shop in Lagos.

While speaking  to the media in his office, Aderemi Adejumo,The Managing Director, Cloudflex said “Our aim is to set an agenda and the foundation for people to be aware that we have that capability on the ground as oppose to going out of the country when we have the same facility in Nigeria. We want Nigerians to avoid the capital flight of having these foreign brand and that was one of the major reasons we established this organisation. Having worked across the globe, we try as much as possible to be in tune with the global best practise as it pertains to IT  and Cloud solution deployment. We want our clients to have a rest of mind  while we got their back.”

“With our top notch cloud services, we have developed a backup system and business agility solution that can enable you to focus on your work and not bothered if your data would be lost in the case of breach. Our Disaster Recovery Solution Protects your business from the impact of a disaster,retrieve and restore essential technology infrastructure and systems following a disaster”, Adejumo added.

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Aside data sovereignty, Cloudflex boss reiterated that Nigeria has come of age to start doing something without depending on foreign products saying that with the abundant human capital resources,the country has no  use importing some technologies which can be sourced locally. He pleaded  that the government should focus on creating an enabling environment for IT firms to thrive. With the creation of an enabling environment, IT firms can scale and expand their frontiers to other African countries.

“We aim to be the leading premier cloud company in West Africa. Also  provide the Nigerian IT community and sub-region with quality cloud services, business information solutions, reliable and professional technical support, and unparalleled customer service by embracing good ethical business practices. We have the capacity to deliver this and we have been deploying world class cloud solutions to organisations across the country and we are looking at the sub region in near future”. He concluded.

Cloudflex computing Limited is Nigeria’s’ leading Enterprise local cloud service Provider. We are the first choice of Cloud Solutions and managed data services for local and Global businesses with great ambitions.

Anthony Nwosu .Emeka

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Why AI is the next best thing for customer experience management

Why AI is the next best thing for customer experience management

While an omnichannel approach has become the norm across most industries, forward-looking businesses are considering the next level to gain competitive advantage. According to Andrea Tucker, Research and Development Head at e4, to disrupt a market using omnichannel strategy businesses will need to turn to Artificial Intelligence (AI).

“AI has become a tool that is being utilised to improve customer service, but what has been achieved is really just the tip of the iceberg. There is so much more that can be done to improve and evolve customer service to meet the needs of a much-changed and mobile customer,” says Tucker.

Given the nature and pace of business today, coupled with the blurred lines between a consumer and a client, Tucker says that self-service is set to boom as one of the key take-outs from AI. 

In a Salesforce report, State of Service AI adoption is predicted to grow by 143% in the next 18 months. This pending spike is attributed to AI’s ability to automate manual tasks, answer routine questions and scale support: “This gives the business more time to be strategic, focusing on building customer relationships as opposed to the more menial tasks that are often time consuming,” says Tucker.

AI driven self-service also addresses digitally-savvy consumers via the use of chatbot technology. This is a step further forward in terms of time-saving when doing manual tasks and keeping customers happy by providing instantaneous answers: “Chatbots will greatly enhance omnichannel engagement and more importantly, improve customer service experience. The technology is perfectly designed to handle a variety of simple tasks often requested by customers,” says Tucker. 

The automation derived from AI enables the business to address more important customer queries, reduces the average handle time of the interaction as well as creating a better experience for both the agent and the customer.

In its report, Tucker says that Salesforce has identified that only high-performing organisations, with excellent customer service rates, are more likely to employ AI: “There are significant benefits to using AI on the inside too. As a growing trend, an integrated approach delivers immense benefits to business, of which enhanced customer experience is one of the most important.”

End-to-end AI delivers better customer experiences and business results. It impacts the bottom line and improves several customer experience metrics.

“An AI solution needs to compliment a business and its approach to customer experience. Once you have the right one, focus on doing what you do best and the technology will help you engage with customers intelligently, while being efficient and effective too,” says Tucker.

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