Author: Val Kosi

  • BAFI Awards: LAPO MfB Wins Microfinance Bank of The Year

    BAFI Awards: LAPO MfB Wins Microfinance Bank of The Year

    LAPO Microfinance Bank Limited, a premium microfinance institution in Nigeria wins the “Microfinance Bank of the Year” 2023 BusinessDay Banks and other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.

    In a statement issued by the bank, Director of Communications & Branding, Oluremi Akande, said: “LAPO Microfinance Bank has won this award category for nine times consecutively since its inception of the BAFI awards; an explicit  recognition of the bank’s consistency in the delivery of its core mandate, industry leadership and social impact.

    “The Management of the microfinance bank appreciates BusinssDay Media, organisers of the awards for enduring legacy of BAFI and its invaluable contributions to growth of the financial services sector.”

    In a related development, Founder, LAPO Microfinance Bank, Dr. Godwin Ehigiamusoe, was conferred with the honour of ‘Fellow Chartered Institute of Bankers’ in recognition of his immense contributions through LAPO Microfinance Bank to the development of the financial sector, growth of the national economy and socio-economic empowerment of members of low-income households and owners of micro small and medium enterprises in Nigeria.

    LAPO MfB remains committed to its over 30-year mandate of socio-economic empowerment of members of low-income households and owners of micro small medium enterprises in a most sustainable manner.

     

  • An Opportunity to Serve My People, Country’ll Be The Highest Honour – Barr. Morayo Lebi

    An Opportunity to Serve My People, Country’ll Be The Highest Honour – Barr. Morayo Lebi

    Barrister Morayo Lebi is a chieftain of the APC in Ondo South Senatorial District, well known in the political, business, and legal circles.

    He had contested on three occasions to represent the people of Ondo South as Senator, but all attempts have been met with controversies. He appeared to have left the public scene since the senatorial primary election in May 2023.

    In this interview on the occasion of his upcoming birthday on March 25, he opens up about service to the country and other issues.

    Excerpt.

    Q: Who is Barrister Morayo Lebi?

    A: I was born almost 60 years ago, in a place called Akotogbo (my hometown) in Irele Local Government Area of Ondo State. But, I left for Lagos immediately after my primary education. I had my secondary school education at Igbobi College, Yaba, Lagos. I later went to the University of Lagos, where I studied law.

    I’m a Christian and worship in the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Lagos. I am married with children and grandchildren.

    Q: After the last primary senatorial election that was held at Methodist Secondary School premises, Okitipupa, where you angrily left when Barr Jimoh Ibrahim emerged as the winner in the election, it appeared you have not been visible in the public arena.

    Therefore, when the powers that be had done their worst, what else do you expect of me? Let me use the opportunity to say this: I am a foundational member of APC, and I’m not a “come and chop” politician. I wasn’t prepared to destroy a house I helped to build. As a lawyer, I knew the sham that was done on the said day.

    Who were those who conducted the election? Were they the party representatives from the National Headquarters of the party or those who were merely selected by the state government? The pictures are everywhere, and some of us will rather keep quiet. It shouldn’t be taken as an endorsement of the electoral manipulation, or that we don’t know what to do.

    Immediately, I went back to my business and, there has been no week after the said election that I didn’t come to Ondo State, whether for party activities, political meetings with leaders and stakeholders, social engagements, etc. So, I disagree with you that I have not been present in the political scene.

    Q: What is your assessment of the national and state elections that have just been conducted?

    A: Despite some pockets of challenges, we have to appreciate the brilliant efforts of the electoral umpires, the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC). If we want to be sincere with ourselves, we must commend the progress the INEC has made compared to what we used to have.

    The introduction of BVAS and IREV are the game changers! However, there still seems to be voters’ apathy when you compare the numbers of voters’ card registrations and the actual numbers of voters during the election. In summary, the election was better than the previous ones.

    Q: As a political leader and businessman, what would you suggest to the incoming government of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu?

    A: Asiwaju is well known to most of us in terms of his capacity to deliver. He was a former company executive in a multinational company, a former Senator, who was in charge of the biggest committee in the National Assembly, and a former Lagos State governor, he already has a verifiable pedigree.

    The economy really needs attention, and the president-elect must hit the ground running immediately. He must assemble a great team that will help actualize his dream for the country.

    Q: It is being rumored that you are very close to the president-elect, will you be part of his team?

    A: Asiwaju is our leader, and as the elected president, he is the one to choose those to work with him. To serve one’s country is the highest honor. I think that answers your question for now

    Q: The Ondo State Governorship election is coming up next year, and we have reliably gathered that the ticket is going to your zone; Ondo South Senatorial District based on the political understanding in the state. Therefore, we would like to know: Are you running for the governorship election next year?

    A: You are right. The ticket should be graciously conceded to one of the capable persons from the zone because, “Awa loan “! ( Laughs) But, sincerely, I like to take things one after the other. National elections have just been conducted, and our party massively won, don’t you think, we should be allowed to rest, plan for the inauguration of those who have won the elections? 2024 is still very, very far away. We shall cross the bridge when we get there.

    Q: Any parting words for your supporters?

    A: Thank you for your time with me here. Please, let’s be positive and confident about our dear country.

    The future is bright. Let us shun those negative activities that could jeopardize the peace, progress, and prosperity of our country. Nigeria shall be great, and we shall all contribute our quota to its greatness.

    Ismail Aniemu, Publisher of JournalNG and ghostwriter, is a maritime journalist with over two decades of practice with a multidisciplinary background. He holds a master’s degree in Transport Management from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology(LAUTECH) with a bias for logistics. He is also an alumnus of the Times Journalism Institute where he obtained a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.

     

  • Embracing 147 Years Of Global Excellence: How Henkel’s Legacy Shapes Its Business Ambitions In Nigeria

    Embracing 147 Years Of Global Excellence: How Henkel’s Legacy Shapes Its Business Ambitions In Nigeria

    Transformation and Public Affairs Manager of Henkel Nigeria, Chidera Akwuba (left); Head of Finance, Kadir Demirtas; Senior Brand Manager, Oluwaseun Ayemi and Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) at the Henkel Day celebration in Lagos recently.

    Henkel, a global consumer goods, laundry, hair care and adhesives manufacturing leader, with headquarters in Germany and a vast workforce across 125 nations and offices in 79 countries, including Nigeria, recently celebrated its 147 years global legacy of innovation, excellence and sustainability.

    This milestone is a testament to how the corporate brand is driving its purpose through its leadership commitments including acting as entrepreneurs, collaborating with strong teams, developing people with passion, and owning its results and its purposeful growth agenda.

    With a rich history spanning nearly a century and a half, Henkel globally has become a name synonymous with quality, compliance, and sustainability. This legacy has been instrumental in guiding the company’s journey towards becoming a global leader.

    Since its entry into Nigeria in 2016, Henkel’s well-known laundry detergent brands, which include WAW and Nittol detergent, have grown to be a significant participant in Nigeria’s Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) market.

    Speaking on its anniversary in Lagos, Managing Director of Henkel Nigeria, Rajat Kapur, stated: “Throughout our long history, Henkel has evolved into a global leader, guided by a legacy of excellence and a commitment to innovation. This has been our compass, steering us through change, uncertainties, and disruptions. Through our goal of creating value for all stakeholders, we are enablers of employee empowerment, regulatory compliance, and environmental stewardship. We remain committed to shaping a brighter future for all, not just for ourselves but for generations to come.”

    On its diversity, equity and inclusion agenda, Rajat said: “Henkel was one of the first German DAX companies to establish a dedicated global diversity team. Today, diversity, equity and inclusion are deeply anchored in the company strategy and corporate culture.

    “One of the things that really worked for us in Nigeria since we established the purposeful growth agenda in 2020 was the fact that we had since fully ingrained it as part of work culture and transited to a more open transparent culture in our transformation journey.”

    Rajat also highlighted the significance of cultural transformation in promoting understanding among employees, fostering stronger relationships, teamwork, and collaboration among team members, ultimately enhancing productivity and innovation within the organization.

    Head, Public Affairs, Governance (PAG) and Transformation, Henkel Nigeria, Chidera Akwuba, emphasized Henkel’s resilience and commitment to organisational cultural values to drive sustainable impact.

    In her words: “As we celebrate beyond now, let us remember that our legacy is not just a record of our past achievements but a promise of what we can achieve in the future. Together, we will continue to innovate, lead, and make a positive impact on the world.

    “Our global journey of 147 years is a testament to our resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to our values. We embrace diversity and inclusivity as part of our ways to drive our purposeful growth agenda through cultural transformation. A diverse workforce can bring fresh perspectives and ideas that contribute to a more innovative and adaptable culture,” Chidera said.

    The corporate brand has also consistently demonstrated its commitment to empowering Nigerian youth and contributing to the socio-economic transformation of its host communities. Through its Peer-to-Peer (P2P) entrepreneurship initiative, over 250 unemployed Nigerian youths have been empowered and transformed into thriving entrepreneurs. Its Researchers’ World Initiative has positively impacted over 1,000 children and students from 2021 till date.

    Transformation and Public Affairs Manager of Henkel Nigeria, Chidera Akwuba (left); Head of Finance, Kadir Demirtas; Senior Brand Manager, Oluwaseun Ayemi and Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) at the Henkel Day celebration in Lagos recently.

     

     

  • Ecobank Group Champions Intra-African Trade Growth At IATF 2023

    Ecobank Group Champions Intra-African Trade Growth At IATF 2023

    Ecobank Group, the leading pan-African banking Group, has restated its commitment to position as the ‘go to’ bank for payments and trade on the African continent.

    Group Executive, Corporate and Investment Banking, Ecobank Group, Eric Odhiambo, who disclosed this at the ongoing Intra-African Trade Fair 2023 (IATF 2023) in Cairo, Egypt, said the bank’s digital platforms facilitate seamless payments and collections across the 35 countries where the Pan-African bank operates on the continent.

    He said IATF 2023, the continent’s premier trade and investment event with the theme: Connecting African Markets provides a springboard for businesses to grow their intra-African trade and investments across the continent’s single market of 1.4 billion people created by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

    “IATF provides Africa’s businesses with unrivalled opportunities to network, connect and sign contracts with buyers and sellers from across the continent.

    “With our comprehensive suite of banking products, services, solutions and our established digital platform, which facilitates seamless payments and collections across our 35 countries of presence in Africa, Ecobank is positioned as the ‘go to’ bank for payments and trade.

    To further support businesses to grow and succeed we have also put in place a range of initiatives which include the game-changing Ecobank Single Market Trade Hub, which connects importers and exporters across Africa.”

    The Ecobank Single Market Trade Hub is a cutting-edge digital platform, which serves as an exchange and information repository, designed to respond to the evolving trading needs of SMEs and corporates within Africa’s single market. The Trade Hub reduces the asymmetry in trade information and leverages Ecobank’s wide client base, through its network advantage given its presence in 35 African markets.  With more than 2,000 customers on-boarded on the platform, the Trade Hub offers the following essential features and services:

    MyTradeHub: An online match-making platform that enables importers and exporters to create their company profiles, exhibit their goods and services, and connect with buyers and suppliers throughout Africa.

    AfCFTA Expertise: A valuable repository of knowledge and information on the African Continental Free Trade Area to help SMEs and other corporate organisations familiarise themselves with the single market and ways to expand their trade into new African markets.

    Trade and Payment Solutions: A gateway to Ecobank’s full range of products and digital solutions, including trade finance and services, cash management solutions, domestic and cross-border payments and collections, investment banking and Capex financing, among others.

    Ecobank’s additional solutions to facilitate intra-African trade include RapidCollect, which enables businesses to collect payments instantly and at low cost from their customers in 33 countries, whilst only needing one single account in their home country; and assisting businesses to gain an online presence and develop a free website through Google My Business Platform.

    In addition, Ecobank will be acting as an inter-bank settlement agent for central banks in our countries of operation that have not yet signed up to Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS).

    IATF 2023 promises to play a key role in raising awareness and helping Africa’s businesses to grasp the opportunities and benefits of the AfCFTA and create new markets across Africa, while fostering investments and boosting value chains.

    The Ecobank Group is determined to continue to play a significant role in helping to achieve the objectives of the AfCFTA and is delighted to be a sponsor of the IATF2023.

     

  • Experts Urge Journalists To Resist Misinformation In Ondo Elections

    Experts Urge Journalists To Resist Misinformation In Ondo Elections

    To help you understand this important electoral process, Media and civil society experts have tasked journalists on their role in resisting misinformation during the Ondo State governorship bye-elections.
    They gave the charge on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at a webinar themed “Misinformation and Elections: Journalists, Public Educators, and Opinion Shapers,” organized by Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) in partnership with the European Union Support For Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU SDGN) II.
    CAPPA is a Pan–African organization that works to advance human rights, challenge corporate abuse of natural resources, and build community power for inclusive development and participatory governance.
    Speakers included Akinbode Oluwafemi, Executive Director of CAPPA; Ms. Joke Kujenya, Executive of the Media Mentors Journalism Centre; Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of the International Press Centre (IPC), and Timothy Bamidele, a Programme Manager at Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO).

    In his opening remarks, Oluwafemi noted the media’s critical role in reporting facts, particularly in the era of fake news, adding that “reporting should promote peace and not violence”.

    “The populace is going to turn to the media for direction, for news, for opinion, and again for perception, and it behooves on us as media practitioners to report the facts as the facts,” Oluwafemi said, adding that they should take necessary measures to ensure their safety.

    According to Oluwafemi, “We’re essentially doing this to promote nonviolent elections in Nigeria. We think we can continue to engage, and educate our people, to ensure that we vote only with our thumbs and not with guns or cutlasses. So, the media plays a very critical role in this level of engagement.”

    In her presentation, Ms. Joke Kujenya, the Executive of the Media Mentors Journalism Centre, distinguished between distinctions and misinformation and disinformation, and harped on the responsibilities of journalists in election coverage, the importance of fact-checking organizations, and strategies for monitoring social media.

    Regarding the duties of journalists in reporting, Kujenya emphasized the importance of verifying information, educating the public about media literacy, critically analyzing information, and fostering informed engagement as key responsibilities.

    She said: “Journalists should understand local issues, as well as verify claims before reporting.”

    Kujenya stressed the need for journalists to collaborate with fact-checking organizations to ensure authentic reporting and avoid spreading fake news.

    “Journalists are also encouraged to monitor elections on platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp and to be vigilant about emerging narratives propagated by trolls,” she added.

    In his presentation, Arogundade noted that “18 political parties in the state had signed a peace accord to promote a peaceful and nonviolent election”, and that the state had deployed 41,000 security personnel for public safety on election day. Nevertheless, he emphasized that journalists should take their security seriously.

    He further emphasized the need for journalists to be conflict-sensitive, while urging them to utilize I-Verify to fact-check their stories.

    Joshua Okoria is a Lagos-based multi-skilled journalist covering the maritime industry. His ICT and graphic design skills make him a resourceful person in any modern newsroom. He read mass communication at the Olabisi Onabanjo University and has sharpened his knowledge in media practice from several other short courses
  • Nigerian Striker Boniface Wins Bundesliga Rookie of the SeasonNigerian Striker Boniface Wins Bundesliga Rookie of the Season

    Nigerian Striker Boniface Wins Bundesliga Rookie of the SeasonNigerian Striker Boniface Wins Bundesliga Rookie of the Season

    Bayer Leverkusen striker, Victor Boniface has been awarded the 2023/2024 German Bundesliga Rookie of the Season.

    Boniface clinched the award ahead of the trio of RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons, Chelsea loanee, Ian Maatsen, who has made a name for himself in Borussia Dortmund’s colors since his January move, and Hoffenheim’s Maximilian Beier.

    “And the winner is Victor Boniface. Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface takes home the #BLRookie of the Season award from Sorare after making an instant impact in the Bundesliga — in which he won four Rookie of the Month trophies in a row. Congrats Victor!,” Bundesliga announced on its X formerly Twitter account on Wednesday.

    The Nigerian international has been instrumental for Xabi Alonso’s side scoring 13 goals and recording 9 assists, which played a crucial role in the club winning the German Bundesliga title for the first time in its 120 years of existence – and with five games remaining.

    Despite missing out on action for about four months, he amassed 30 goal contributions – 20 goals and 10 assists in all competitions. The performances of the 23-year-old also earned him a place in the Bundesliga Team of the Season.

    Leverkusen are on the verge of winning the league title with an unbeaten run as they play Augsburg in their last game on Saturday at Bay Arena.

    Alonso’s men have been outstanding this season having set a European record of 50 games unbeaten and stand a chance to win a treble with the Europa League final coming up next Wednesday against Atalanta in Dublin – and the DFB Pokal final against FC Kaiserslautern on Saturday, May 25.

  • Palmer Wins EPL Young Player of the Season Award

    Palmer Wins EPL Young Player of the Season Award

    English international, Cole Palmer has been awarded the 2023/2024 English Premier League Player of the Season.

    Palmer won the award ahead of Manchester City duo; Erling Haaland and Phil Foden, Newcastle United’s striker, Alexander Isak, and Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka.

    He also beat the trio of William Saliba, Kobbie Mainoo, and Tottenham Hotspur left-back, Destiny Udogie to the award.

    The 22-year-old recorded 32 goal contributions (22 goals and 10 assists) in the league to achieve the feat in his first season at Chelsea after joining from Manchester City for a fee in the region of 40 million pounds (£40 million) in the last summer transfer window.

    Palmer had earlier won the Premier League Player and Goal of the Month awards for April a week ago after netting seven (7) times – the highest in the English top flight and his first strike against Everton set up by Nicolas Jackson earned him the latter.

    Cole Palmer with the Premier League Player of the Month and Goal of the Month awards for April (Photo Credit: @ChelseaFC on X)
    His stellar performances for Mauricio Pochettino’s side saw him win Chelsea Player of the Year and he is equally a contender for the Premier League Player of the Season alongside Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, Martin Odegaard, and Declan Rice.

    Others are Alexander Isak, Ollie Watkins, and Liverpool centre-back, Virgil van Dijk.

    The former Manchester City player has a chance to increase his goal involvement tally when Chelsea play host to Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge in their last Premier League game for the season on Sunday, May 19.

     

  • Foden Wins EPL Player of the Season Award

    Foden Wins EPL Player of the Season Award

    Manchester City player, Phil Foden has been awarded the 2023/2024 English Premier League Player of the Season.

    Foden, 23, clinched the award ahead of his teammate, Erling Haaland, Arsenal’s duo of Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice.

    Others include Alexander Isak, Cole Palmer – who won the Young Player of the Season award, Ollie Watkins, and Liverpool defender, Virgil van Dijk.

    “To win this award is an achievement that I am extremely proud of. The Premier League is acknowledged as the greatest league in the world, and it is a pleasure to have been nominated with so many other great players who have all enjoyed special seasons for their clubs,” Foden was quoted as saying by Sky Sports upon receiving the award. Watch live sports online

    He added: “Overall, I’ve been very happy with the way I have played this season and pleased that I have been able to contribute with the goals and assists throughout the season.

    “I’d like to thank all of the City staff, coaches, and especially my teammates because without them this wouldn’t be possible. And I would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who voted for me as the award means a lot.”

    The English international registered 25 goals involvements (17 goals and 8 assists) in the league to achieve the feat – and had earlier this month won the Football Writers’ Player of the Season.

    The versatile player has a chance to increase his goal contributions tally and also add another Premier League title to his laurels with Pep Guardiola’s side on top of the standings with 88 points; 2 points above Arsenal in second place after 37 games.

    Manchester City will play West Ham United at the Etihad Stadium for the decider on Sunday, while Mikel’s Arteta men will face Everton at the Emirates Stadium same day.

  • Manchester City Wins Record-breaking Fourth Consecutive Premier League Title

    Manchester City Wins Record-breaking Fourth Consecutive Premier League Title

    Manchester City have been crowned the Premier League champions for the fourth time consecutively after defeating West Ham United 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium to achieve a record-breaking feat.

    Phil Foden, who was awarded the Premier League Player of the Season on Saturday broke the deadlock by capitalizing on Bernardo Silva’s effort two minutes into the game.

    Foden recorded his second (19th league goal of the season) through Jeremy Doku’s assist 16 minutes later.

    Ghanaian international, Mohammed Kudus fired home an acrobatic strike to reduce the deficit for the visitors before the half-time break.

    Rodri compounded the woes of the opposition a minute before the hour mark to seal the victory for Pep Guardiola’s side, leading to the Premier League title with 91 points – and Arsenal in second place on 89 points following a 2-1 triumph over Everton at the Emirates.

    Idrissa Gueye put the travelers in front after 40 minutes of action, however, Arsenal rallied back with goals from defender and Japanese international, Takehiro Tomiyasu in the 43rd minute and Kai Havertz with few minutes left on the clock.

    The Manchester side registered 96 goals and conceded 34 times on the path to success, thereby making Guardiola the first manager to win four Premier League titles in a row (6 in total since he arrived at the club in 2016) – propelling the club to its 10th league title.

    Similarly, Liverpool accumulated 82 points in third place, while Unai Emery’s Aston Villa completed the top four teams with 68 points despite suffering a five-nil defeat at the hands of Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

    Luton Town (26 points), Burnley (24 points) and Sheffield United (16 points) finished 18th, 19th and 20th on the standings and have been relegated from the English top flight.

    Manchester City striker, Erling Haaland retained the league’s highest goalscorer (Golden Boot winner) having netted 27 times. The Norwegian recorded 36 goals to claim the award last season – and Cole Palmer registered 22 goals to finish as the second-highest goalscorer in the just-concluded Premier League campaign.

     

  • Chelsea Part Ways with Pochettino After One Season

    Chelsea Part Ways with Pochettino After One Season

    Chelsea have parted ways with Mauricio Pochettino after a season as the manager of the club.

    The west London side on Tuesday night announced that both parties have mutually agreed to part ways.

    Pochettino, 52, was announced as the manager of the Blues on May 29, 2023 – and officially joined the team on July 1, 2023 after signing a two-year deal.

    However, the Argentine will no longer remain as the head coach of the team following his sixth (6th) place finish with 63 points in the recently concluded 2023/2024 Premier League season.

    Pochettino failed to lay his hands on the domestic titles after losing to Liverpool by a lone goal through Virgil van Dijk’s header in the final of the Carabao Cup. He equally lost out by the same scoreline to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in the semi-final of the FA Cup with the only goal coming off Bernardo Silva.

    “On behalf of everyone at Chelsea, we would like to express our gratitude to Mauricio for his service this season. He will be welcome back to Stamford Bridge any time and we wish him all the very best in his future coaching career,” Sporting Directors of Chelsea, Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley were quoted as saying on the club’s website.

    On his part, Pochettino was quoted as saying: “‘Thank you to the Chelsea ownership group and Sporting Directors for the opportunity to be part of this football club’s history. The Club is now well positioned to keep moving forward in the Premier League and Europe in the years to come.”

    The club also announced that the quartet of Jesus Perez, Miguel d’Agostino, Toni Jimenez, and Sebastiano Pochettino left the club with the former Paris Saint-Germain manager.