9PSB gets final Approval from CBN with *990# to Commence Operations in Nigeria

As bank customers continue to encounter challenges such as regular long queues in the banking halls, consistent network failure, stringent documentations to assess credit facilities, frequent transaction/dispensing error, delay in transaction completion and process among others, the Central bank of Nigeria has granted final approval to Nigeria’s lifestyle and first payment service bank, 9PSB (Payment Service Bank), to commence operations in fostering financial inclusion drive in the Nigerian ecosystem.

FG appoints Olalekan Fadolapo CEO, Registrar APCON, approves eight other agencies

President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed Olalekan Fadolapo, Registrar/CEO of Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON).

Stanbic IBTC Donates Covid-19 Test Kits to UCH, Ibadan

As part of efforts to support the fight against the spread of Covid-19 in the territory, Stanbic IBTC Bank has donated test kits to the University College hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Oyo State.

Airtel Unveils New Unlimited Ultra Plans to Enrich Home Broadband Customers Experience

Leading telecommunications services provider, Airtel Nigeria, has announced the introduction of its Unlimited Ultra Plans, a new value offering that is designed to ensure its Home Broadband customers do not run out of data while enjoying superior, uncapped speed and continuous broadband connectivity to the internet.

TikTok's CEO Takes A Bow Amid U.S. Pressure to Sell the Video App

Kevin Mayer has resigned as TikTok’s CEO just four months after his appointment by the company. Mayer’s resignation comes as President Donald Trump has threatened to ban the app over national security concerns.

LG Unveils Battery-powered Air Purifying Face Mask

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought on us the 'new normal' - meaning wearing of face mask at all time will now be part of protective measures for everyone across the word - at least in the next couple of years. 

Richard Branson's Virgin Money is shutting down its SA credit card

Obviously, this is not a good time for Virgin Group! Virgin Money, owned by Richard Branson has reportedly announced that is shutting down its South African credit card after 12 years in the local market.

Jeff Bezos becomes first person to be worth over $200 billion as Zuckerberg crosses $100 billion

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos on Wednesday saw his net worth soar above $202 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, making him the first person to cross the $200 billion threshold. He’s now $78 billion richer than Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, who stands at number two.

Vivien Shobo Recognized As Icon of the Year at 2020 African Banker Awards

The African Banker Awards has recognized Nigeria’s Vivien Shobo as winner of the African Banker Icon Award 2020, in acknowledgement of her outstanding work and exemplary career during her tenure as Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria’s foremost credit rating agency, Agusto & Co.

TAJBank Opens New Footprints in Sokoto State

TAJBank, Nigeria's most innovative Non-Interest Bank, has announced the launch of its 4th (fourth) branch in Sokoto State recently.

Breaking: Akinwumi Adesina re-elected AfDB President

Akinwumi Adesina has been re-elected as the President of the African Development Bank President on Thursday, August 27, 2020. With this election, Adesian will spend another five years managing and supervising the affairs of the bank. 

Economic War: Understanding the Black Wall Street and Redirect Mall

The leader of Africa's first Economic War, Charles N Lambert, in a video released on Sunday, gave a detailed explanation of what the Black Wall Street and Redirect mall is all about.

Access Bank, Women Financiers Win Big at 2020 African Banker Awards

Winners of the 2020 edition of the African Banker Awards were announced today at a virtual Awards ceremony. The awards were pushed back to August to coincide with the African Development Annual Meetings which are taking place this week, with the election of the new president of the bank expected tomorrow.

Heritage Bank’s “The Refinery,” CBN, 25 others receive CIBN’s Certificates of Accreditation

The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) yesterday official presented Certificates of Accreditation to Heritage Bank Plc Academy known as “The Refinery” and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Learning Centre.

Adesola Adeduntan to be honored as Forbes Best of Africa

September 11, 2020 will mark an auspicious day for Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, as he will be honored alongside prominent African business leaders such as: CEO of Ocean Marine Security Ltd, Idahosa Wells Okunbo; and founder and executive chairman of Online Integrated Solutions Ltd, Mahmood Ahmadu, for the Forbes Best of Africa awards.

Ecobank Group announces 2020 Winners of Fintech Challenge

Ecobank Group yesterday announced the winners of its Ecobank Fintech Challenge after an exciting virtual event streamed live from Accra Ghana.

The Evolving Model of Wealth Management

It would be a strong, yet fair claim to make, that banks have had to change their business models more than any other industry. New technology and capabilities which have been accelerated through the COVID pandemic have further disrupted banking including the hitherto slow-moving wealth management business. This has shown the importance and growth of digital banking, but with change comes caution and fear so it still remains key for banks to maintain the human, trusted side of advising on wealth. The question is whether financial institutions will remain committed to the new models which have evolved during the crisis? 

Ogilvy SA Appoints New Group CEO

Ogilvy has appointed Enver Groenewald as the new Group CEO of Ogilvy South Africa, effective 1 October 2020.

Evercare Hospital Lekki launches Telemedicine Platform in Nigeria

…aims to provide quality accessible healthcare

Evercare Group, a leading healthcare delivery platform that operates hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic facilities across Africa and South Asia will soon be unveiling its new Multi-Specialist Hospital in Lagos, Nigeria. Evercare Hospital Lekki is purpose built as a state-of-the-art private hospital offering advanced care across a range of specialty medical services. 

Facebook Launches Grants Programme to over 700 eligible Nigerian SMBs to Help Cushion Effects of COVID-19

Facebook today announced a ₦500m grant to support 781 small businesses in Nigeria, as part its $100m Global Grants Programme announced earlier this year, which aims to support 30,000 SMBs in over 30 countries. Aimed at stimulating economic recovery following the effects of COVID-19, this will help empower and extend a lifeline to local small business owners who have been most affected.

Emirates and Clark International Airport celebrate landmark one-off A380 service

Nigerians travelling via Dubai to an onward destination in Philippines can now enjoy the iconic Emirates A380 which made a one-off service to Clark International Airport on August 19th 2020, becoming the first commercial flight, utilizing the iconic aircraft, to operate to the Luzon-based airport.

Curbing COVID-19: Lagos Education Authority Lauds X3M Ideas’ 2020 CSR Project Innovative Wash Hand Station

Lagos agency, X3M Ideas today climaxed its 8th year anniversary tagged “X3M good for 8 years” as the urbane multinational agency, donated a first of its kind wash hand station facility and Glo MiFi internet modems with unlimited data, to Opebi Senior High School, Opebi - Ikeja, Lagos to further combat the dreaded COVID-19 and safeguard the health of the students' population.

‘Nigerian Economy Needs a Soft Rebooting’ - Isa Pantami

Nigeria’s Minister for Communications and Digital Economy Dr. Isa Ali Pantami has declared that Nigeria needs to reboot the entire ecosystem with digital technology in order to survive the present regressive economic outlook as a result of Covid-19 disruption. 

How Eat’n’Go’s Unbeatable August Deal is Enriching Family and Friends' Relationships

Having fun, sharing laughs and bonding with loved ones will be perfect with a yummy cup of ice cream from Cold Stone creamery, delicious mouthwatering pizza from Domino’s Pizza and a frozen swirly surprise from Pinkberry frozen yogurt!  Luckily, this can be you, all thanks to the amazing deals and discounts from these 3 brands this August!

Ikeja Electric Launches WhatsApp Chatbot to optimise service delivery, complaints resolution

Ikeja Electric, Nigeria’s largest power distribution company has unveiled a WhatsApp messaging solution, which offers real-time customers complaints resolution and 24-hour customer support service.

MTN appoints Ralph Mupita as new Group CEO

In line with its policy of appointing internal candidates, MTN Group Limited has appointed Ralph Mupita as Chief Executive Officer, to pilot the company’s operations in Africa.

“Africa’s Business Heroes” Competition 2020 Announces Top 20 Finalists and enters Pre-Finale Stage

Announcement of top 20 finalists for the Jack Ma Foundation-promoted prize; Entrepreneurs from across Africa, representing wide spectrum of business sectors compete to showcase the best of their entrepreneurial spirit and drive; Tough selection process ahead for a chance to enter the Top 10 at the grand finale. 

East African SMEs accelerate their growth with cloud deployments

SMEs in the East African region are using digital transformation initiatives to increase their competitiveness and ensure they are set for growth despite challenging trading conditions.

9mobile Launches Landmark Mega Millions Promo to reward customers

Nigeria’s most customer-focused telecommunications company, 9mobile today announced the roll-out of a massive reward promotion for its customers through a campaign tagged Mega Millions Promo. This promo, designed to reward 90 lucky customers with N1 million daily, will also give out smartphones every hour for 90 days and a grand prize of N10 million at the grand finale.

More organizations in Sub-Saharan Africa record advancing gender parity in the workforce - Report

According to Mercer's When Women Thrive 2020, Sub-Saharan Africa Report, key areas such as advancing and retaining female employees have shown some progress over the past few years. The report also highlights that despite recent progress and achievements such as equal access to leadership roles in the workplace, there is still more work to be done.

 

Facebook launches Avatars across Sub-Saharan Africa

Facebook today, launched Avatars in Africa to give people new ways to express themselves online. Avatars are digital personas that enable people to engage across Facebook and Messenger in a more personal and dynamic way.  You can use your personalised avatar to share a range of emotions and expressions via a digital persona that is unique to you.

EXMAN Calls for N500,000 Rejection Pitch Fee For Member Agencies

...As Experts Advocate Innovation, Collaboration At EXM2020

The Experiential Marketers' Association of Nigeria (EXMAN) has disclosed that organisations inviting experiential marketing agencies for pitch should prepare to pay N500, 000 as rejection fee to the agencies not picked.

Zedvance Unveils “Keeping SMEs Alive” Campaign, Offers Zero-interest Loans to Small Businesses

Leading consumer and SME finance company, Zedvance Finance Limited has revealed plans to empower small and medium-sized businesses with interest-free credit to catalyze their growth against the backdrop of the global economic downturn occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Lagos Reduces Ride-hailing License Fee by 20%, shifts deadline to August 27, 2020

The Lagos State Government has reduced the ride-hailing operational license fee in the state by 20% after a stakeholders’ meeting with the operators on Friday, August 14, 2020.

Lai Mohammed to Headline 7th Lagos PR Stakeholders Conference On National Peace And Security

The Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations today announced that national peace and security will be the thematic focus of the web edition of the seventh Lagos Public Relations Stakeholders' Conference, holding on Thursday, August 27, 2020.

Emirates Launches Air Bridge to Lebanon

Emirates has launched an air bridge to Lebanon and rolled out a massive humanitarian initiative in the wake of the Beirut explosions which have devastated many parts of the capital city.

Nosizwe Nokwe-Macamo Joins the African Energy Chamber’s Advisory Board

South African businesswoman, engineer and natural gas expert Nosizwe Nokwe-Macamo has joined the African Energy Chamber’s Advisory Board for 2020 and 2021. Nosizwe will be advising and supporting the work of the Chamber within its Natural Gas and Local Content committees.

Sombank Selects Temenos Cloud-Native Technology to Deliver Digital Islamic Banking Services in Somalia

Sombank selects Temenos Islamic Banking to create innovative financial products to help with the country’s economic growth, leveraging the market-leading capabilities of Temenos Infinity and Temenos Transact; Temenos cloud platform will enable Sombank to reduce time and cost in deploying digital banking products designed to increase access to financial services to all Somali speaking populations; Temenos technology will enable Sombank to accelerate digital transformation and offer a unified banking experience to customers in branch and online.

President Buhari finalises Nigeria’s membership in African Trade Insurance Agency

Nigeria becomes a full member country at an opportune time. It joins ahead of others that are fast-tracking membership given the trade and investment insurance challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic and also recognizing the potential post pandemic opportunities.

Commonwealth Youth Awards 2021 open for entries

Exceptional young people can now submit entries for the 2021 Commonwealth youth awards to win prestigious titles and cash grants. The awards recognise and reward young people whose work has made a major impact on people and communities in their country.

Rolake Akinkugbe-Filani Joins the African Energy Chamber’s Advisory Board

Leading and prominent African energy expert and finance executive Rolake Akinkugbe-Filani has joined the African Energy Chamber’s Advisory Board for 2020 and 2021. Rolake will be advising and supporting the African Energy Chamber within its Investment and Energy Transition Committees.

Movie Lovers Can Now Enjoy African Movie Channel, AMC Series and Nolly Africa on Airtel TV

Lovers of Nollywood and other African movies can now enjoy unlimited access to premium content as Nigeria’s leading Video on Demand and live TV streaming platform, Airtel TV has added popular channels, African Movie Channel (AMC Movies), AMC Series and Nolly Africa to its robust catalogue.

Equip Radio Series Debuts on Metro FM today

As a part of plans to empower Nigerians to become vast and well-rounded in business, entrepreneurship, capacity development and other human endeavors, Global Outreach, a platform that harnesses human potentials for maximum productivity will be launching a new series tagged ‘EQUIP’ on Metro FM 97.7, today. ‘Equip with John-Mabun’ will be airing every Thursday from the 13th of August, 2020 from 7:45 PM.

Zedcrest Capital Bags Three International Awards

...Reiterates Commitment to Building Inter-connected Financial Services Across Africa

New-age financial solutions powerhouse, Zedcrest Capital Limited has been named the Leading Proprietary Investment Firm in Nigeria and the Best Financial Management Firm in Nigeria by International Business Magazine.

Lekki Property: Stanbic IBTC Bank rebuts Ascon's Claim of Repossession

Stanbic IBTC Bank has refuted Ascon's claim of  ‘retook possession’ of the property along Lekki Admiralty Way, pursuant to an alleged Court Order issued in their favour.

Nigerian Skyward Members Get 1500 New Ways to Earn Miles

Emirates Skywards members in Nigeria amongst other travellers world-wide can now enjoy over 1500 new ways to earn miles, as the award-winning loyalty programme of Emirates and flydubai, has introduced a thousand new ways to earn Miles while shopping online with popular UK and US brands.

COVID-19: MMF Floats MedAssist Partner Line

The Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MFF) has launched a telecommunication medical line to assist the NCDC in its drive to reach those with the Covid-19 virus who are unable to access the designated Isolation centres across the country.

AfriCanCode Challenge calls for Courageous Coders and Plugged-In Pupils

In recognition of the United Nations' International Youth Day this week, a new-look SAP Africa Code Week (ACW) initiative officially kicks off across the continent with a number of exciting changes and developments all aimed at empowering Africa's youth with digital skills learning. Now in its sixth year, ACW is the largest digital literacy initiative on the continent. Over the last five years, the initiative has positively impacted millions of youth and thousands of teachers.

NBA names Victor Williams as CEO of NBA Africa

The National Basketball Association (NBA) today named Victor Williams CEO of NBA Africa, effective Aug. 17, 2020, it was announced by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. Williams, an accomplished investment banking executive with extensive experience growing businesses across the U.S. and Africa, will be based in the league’s Johannesburg office and report to NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum.

Canon Revolutionizes African Film Industry and Unveils a Knowledge-Sharing program

Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) a leader in imaging solutions, proudly showcased the compact and versatile 5.9K CCNA next-generation professional Cinema EOS System cameras. Leading African directors, including Kunle Afolayan and Merzak Allouache, hailed the EOS C500 Mark II with elevating their latest productions. Alongside the inauguration, Canon unveiled a knowledge-sharing initiative for the African filmmaking community.