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Tag: Director

  • Truecaller unveils Anti-Fraud Enterprise Solutions For Businesses

    Truecaller unveils Anti-Fraud Enterprise Solutions For Businesses

    Truecaller, the world’s most trusted telephone search engine and caller ID service, has introduced a new identity solution for businesses to bolster safety and eliminate fraud.
    Africa is a growing market for Truecaller, with more of the population switching to smartphones, there is a pressing need to increase trust in communication as the rise in fraud and scams using spoofed identities is on the rise across the continent. As of today. there are over 43 million active users of Truecaller in Africa.

    The enterprise solution dubbed Truecaller Business Identity allows businesses to verify their identities using a green verified business badge, accurately presenting the name, photo and the logo of the organization. The new solution brings greater trust and efficiency in communication between businesses and clients as it gives confidence to consumers, knowing that the caller is a verified business by Truecaller. Apart from adding trust and reducing the possibility of fraud, a Verified Business badge can be a big boon for startups and businesses who are brand conscious and want to accurately present the name of their entity, logo and give their customers the satisfaction of knowing exactly who they are conducting business with. The new feature also allows businesses to drive efficiency in their communications while improving call-pickup rates for genuine and important calls.

    Speaking during the launch, Zakaria Hersi, Director of Business Development in Africa said, “Fraud continues to be a major issue across Africa and as a company, Truecaller wanted to provide solutions on a business level as well as a personal level. Trust is at the heart of everything we do and with so much of our lives lived through our phone, we need to ensure that our communication happens in a safe environment.

    Truecaller Enterprise has been set up with the strong intent of building solutions for businesses that will not just improve the efficiency of their communication but also provide significant value and safety to consumers in their day-to-day lives.

    “Truecaller is ready to scale the offering to a significant number of businesses globally ensuring that the ever-growing community of users can trust more calls coming from these businesses making communication safer for everyone. Our robust verification process helps consumers identify calls that can be 100% trusted to be initiated by a particular business. Over a period, this can result in drastic reduction of frauds and scams that happen over phone calls.”, added Sony Joy, VP & Head of Truecaller Enterprise.

    Apart from the green Caller ID and green Verified Business badge, a verified business on Truecaller gets a verified tick mark icon and can lock their brand name and profile photo. This lets consumers know exactly which calls to trust. Importantly, consumers will continue to see the number of spam markings as usual, and they retain the right to mark verified numbers as spam or block them completely.”

    Importantly, Truecaller’s spam algorithms will continue to work in the same way and the Truecaller global community of over 270 million active users will be able to mark calls that are potentially spam/scam/sales calls, even if they have a verified badge and Caller ID.

  • NCC Sensitizes Telecom Consumers at the Enugu International Trade Fair

    NCC Sensitizes Telecom Consumers at the Enugu International Trade Fair

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), in line with its tradition of exploring avenues to engage with telecom consumers, has taken advantage of the opportunity of this year’s edition of the Enugu International Trade Fair to enlighten telecom consumers on their rights and privileges within the telecommunications sector.

    Addressing a large audience of telecom consumers during the NCC Special Day held at recently-concluded 32nd Enugu International Trade Fair organised by the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA), the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Commission, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, said events of this nature provide the opportunity for NCC, as a telecom regulator, to interact with consumers and attend to their service-related concerns.

    In attendance at the NCC Special Day were the Director, Public Affairs, NCC, Dr Ikechukwu Adinde; Director, Consumer Affairs, Mr. Efosa Idehen; Zonal Controller, NCC Enugu Zonal Office, Mr. Ogbonnaya Ugama, and executive members of ECCIMA.

    Represented by the Director, Public Affairs, NCC, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, Danbatta, who spoke around the theme of the Fair: “Promoting New Technologies, Business Ideas and Strategies for Rapid Economic Growth and Development in Nigeria,” highlighted some of the regulatory initiatives emplaced by the Commission for protecting, informing and educating the consumers.

    These initiatives include the NCC Emergency Toll-free Number 112; the NCC Consumer Complaint Toll-Free Number 622; the Do-Not-Disturb (DND) Short Code 2442, the Regulation on Forceful Subscription and measures put in place to check cases of pre-registered Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards.

    Danbatta emphasised the importance of the ongoing National Identity Number (NIN)-SIM data linkage exercise, in order to ensure credible citizen database for improved national security. He stressed the need for consumers to be cybersecurity-conscious while online and to always ensure efficient management of e-waste for a safer environment, noting that this year’s World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD), which was observed on March 15, 2021 focused on ‘Tackling Plastic Pollution’ in line with the e-Waste Regulation being pursued by the Commission.

    Danbatta praised the efforts of Chamber at sustaining the Fair over the years, pointing out that it remains the largest and most important business event South-East of the country. “The Fair is pivotal to bolstering the economic and industrial transformation of the region in view of its enormous business potential,” Danbatta said.

    In attendance during the NCC Day at the Fair were Executive members of the ECCIMA. Earlier in his welcome address, the President of the Chamber, Emeka Nwandu, who was represented by the Chamber’s Deputy President, Jasper Nduagwuike, extolled the role of the Chamber in the facilitation and promotion of robust exchange of business engagements in the South-East region of the country over the years through various initiatives, such as the Trade Fair.

    During an interactive executive session with the ECCIMA executives at the Commission’s pavilion, Adinde and Idehen fielded questions ranging from consumer complaints management, the recent Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) policy, NIN-SIM linkage exercise and other industry-related issues.

    The event attracted many multinational, international and national exhibitors, who took advantage of the Fair to reach out to their customers in the South-East and South-South zones of the country.

    The NCC has, over the years, been a regular participant at international trade fairs across the country and has been consistent in its participation at the Enugu International Trade Fair.

  • NCC Directors, Wakil, Asaju Becomes NIEEE Fellows

    NCC Directors, Wakil, Asaju Becomes NIEEE Fellows

    Two directors of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Bako Wakil and Oluwatoyin Asaju have been conferred with the Fellowship of the Nigerian Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (FNIEEE).

    Wakil, is the Director, Technical Standards and Network Integrity, while Asaju is the current Director, Spectrum Administration Department at the Commission. Wakil and Asaju both certified engineers, received the Fellowship Award at the 8th Fellowship Conferment and Awards/Dinner of the Institute, held on Saturday, March 27, 2021 in Abuja.

    Wakil holds a Master of Science degree in Information System Engineering, South Bank University, London, (1997) and a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, University of Maiduguri (1989). He is a Microsoft-Certified Professional (MCP), Member, Nigerian Society of Engineers (MNSE); Member, Institute of Incorporated Engineers (MIIE) and a COREN-registered engineer.

    As a professionally experienced and certified engineer with vast expertise in diverse areas of engineering, Wakil has participated in a number of ITU conferences such as World Radio Communications Conference (WRC)-03, WRC-07, World Telecommunications Standardisation Assembly (WTSA-12), ITU Telecom World 2011 and also participated in a number of ITU Study Groups (SG) meetings.

    In the same vein, Engr. Asaju holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Electrical Engineering (1985), Master of Business Administration (1998) and Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Science (2004) all from the prestigious University of Ilorin. A beneficiary of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) postgraduate scholarship programme, Engineer Asaju earned a Master’s Degree in Telecommunications Regulation and Policy (MRP) with distinction from the University of West Indies in 2007.

    As an experienced Engineer and Administrator, Asaju has participated in many local and international conferences where he has made significant contributions in diverse areas of engineering. He is a member of several professional bodies of international repute, including the Council for Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Fellow; Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE); Member, Nigerian Institution of ICT Engineers (NIICTE); Member, Nigerian Institute of ICT Engineers (NIICTE) and Member, Nigerian Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (NIEEE), amongst others.

    Meanwhile, the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta has added his voice to those of colleagues, friends, professional associates and well-wishers of the awardees to felicitate with the duo on the new engineering fellowship status.

    Danbatta said the awards are in recognition of the valuable and selfless service to the society and their widely acknowledged authority in the field of engineering describing the two directors as professionals who have made remarkable contributions to the regulatory achievements of the Commission.

    The EVC said: “I felicitate with Engr. Wakil and Engr. Asaju on the engineering fellowship. As a Fellow of the Institute, I understand that it takes competence, dedication, and integrity in service to bag any engineering Fellowship. These awards have again demonstrated that the awardees are of outstanding character and have excelled in the field of Engineering.” he said

    “On behalf of the Board and Management of the Commission, we rejoice with our Directors; we are proud of their achievements and we wish them the best as they continue to excel in their service to the Commission and the engineering profession in Nigeria,” Danbatta said.

    Wakil and Asaju joined the services of the Commission in 2005 and have moved through the ranks, serving in different capacities before their current positions as Directors Technical Standards & Network Integrity Departments and Director, Spectrum Administrations respectively.

    The NIEEE, established in 1984 as a group of COREN registered electrical engineers, strives to promote professional competence and excellence among members through innovative contributions and development of sustainable solutions to challenging engineering problems by deploying efficient technologies and systems for the benefit of mankind.

  • CBN, NCC, TELECOS Company agrees on pricing for USSD Service

    CBN, NCC, TELECOS Company agrees on pricing for USSD Service

    The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and the telecommunications companies have agreed on the pricing of Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) Services henceforth. This was the outcome of a meeting chaired by the Honourable Minister of for Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami

    According to a joint press statement signed by Osita Nwanisobi, Head, Corporate Communications, CBN, and Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, Director, Public Affairs, NCC, the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) have had protracted disagreements concerning the appropriate USSD pricing model for financial transactions. This resulted in the accumulation of outstanding fees for USSD services rendered leading to the threat of service withdrawal by the MNOs.

    USSD is a critical channel for delivering financial services, particularly for the underserved and/or financially excluded. To resolve the lingering dispute and ensure uninterrupted services to customers on this channel, the Honourable Minister for Communications and Digital Economy on March 15, 2021 chaired a meeting of key stakeholders to discuss an amicable resolution in the interest of the general public. Represented at the meeting were the various MNOs, Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), DMBs (represented by the Chairman, Body of Bank CEOs) and the sector regulators – Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

    After comprehensive deliberations on the key issues, the meeting agreed on a resolution framework acceptable to all parties. These include:

    1. Effective March 16, 2021, USSD services for financial transactions conducted at DMBs and all CBN – licensed institutions will be charged at a flat fee of N6.98k per transaction. This replaces the current per session billing structure, ensuring a much cheaper average cost for customers to enhance financial inclusion. This approach is transparent and will ensure the amount remains the same, regardless of the number of sessions per transaction.

    2. To promote transparency in its administration, the new USSD charges will be collected on behalf of MNOs directly from customers’ bank accounts. Banks shall not impose additional charges on customers for use of the USSD channel.

    3. A settlement plan for outstanding payments incurred for USSD services, previously rendered by the MNOs, is being worked out by all parties in a bid to ensure that the matter is fully resolved.

    4. MNOs and DMBs shall discuss and agree on the operational modalities for the implementation of the new USSD pricing framework, including sharing of Application Programme Interface (APIs) to enable seamless, direct and transparent customer billing.

    5. DMBs and MNOs are committed to engaging further on strategies to lower cost and enhance access to financial services.

    6. With the above resolutions, the impending suspension of DMBs from the USSD channel is hereby vacated. Therefore, DMBs shall no longer be disconnected from the USSD channel.

    The general public is reminded that the USSD channel is optional, as several alternative channels may such as mobile apps, internet banking and ATMs may be used for financial transactions.

    The CBN and NCC shall continue to engage relevant operators and stakeholders to promote cheaper, seamless access to mobile and financial services for all Nigerians.

  • DLM Group celebrates Abike Dabiri and Juliet Ehimuan at 2021 IWD

    DLM Group celebrates Abike Dabiri and Juliet Ehimuan at 2021 IWD

    DLM Group continues its commitment to celebrate and enable Women leaders on International Women’s Day 2021. In commemoration of this year’s International’s Women Day, Dunn Loren Merrifield; DLM Group joined the global community to celebrate women’s achievements and raise awareness about women’s equality.

    The investment institution organized a one-day virtual session themed “Choose to challenge Mediocre.” The session was aimed at educating and igniting women to challenge the status quo and take practical steps for progress together. The Session had guest speakers such as Director, Google, West Africa, Juliet Emihuan; and the CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Honorable Abike Dabiri.

    The Guest speakers charged their fellow women not to abdicate their roles in nation building, and to be the change agents for the desired future they envisage. They further advocated for support for   women to achieve individual success, collective advancement, and business improvement.

    Commenting on the theme of the year, Director, Google West Africa, Juliet Emihuan challenged women to reflect on their successes.  ‘“Landmark events like IWD give us an opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come, focus on what still needs to be done, and be inspired by the stories of triumph and success by women.” She said.

    In her remarks, Honorable Abike Dabiri, challenged women to leave their comfort zones and participate in opportunities that gear towards career and personal fulfilment. ‘Women can do anything that men can do, if not do more, I therefore challenge all women to stop limiting ourselves and encourage gender support because together we can do more” she noted.

    Celebrating International Women’s Day is an opportunity to recognize our employees’ successes and to continue the discussion on gender equity, said, Head of DLM Trustees, Lola Razaaq.’’ In DLM, we are committed to pressing for progress by nurturing a diverse, inclusive environment in which all of our people are empowered to achieve their full potential.” She added.

  • Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria Accreditation Team Visits LASUTH

    Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria Accreditation Team Visits LASUTH

    As part of the activities of the accreditation exercise of the Lagos State College of Nursing, Igando, the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (MNCN) paid a visit to the Management of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) recently.

    In his remarks, the Chief Medical Director of LASUTH, Prof Adetokunbo O. Fabamwo said the hospital indeed needs the accreditation as nursing students are now being sent from private universities to LASUTH for training.

    He added that nursing education is critical in the medical sector and cannot be overemphasized stressing that the younger nurses are not as committed as the older ones; this is seen from the rate of resignation and migration of nurses abroad. However, he included, “Special thanks to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu who graciously approved the provision of exit replacement.”

    Professor Fabamwo charged the team to strive in continuing to upgrade the nursing education as he expresses that the management of the hospital is highly committed to maintaining a happy and progressive environment of service being a forward looking and highly progressive hospital.

    In her remarks, the Provost, Lagos State College of Nursing Igando, Mrs. Oyefunso Orenuga thanked the Chief Medical Director for receiving and training their students in the hospital and stated the purpose of the accreditation visit as a step in charting a way forward for the nursing profession.

    The leader of the accreditation team, Director, Nursing Services, Ministry of Health, Ondo State, Mrs. Alice Ogundele affirmed that the hospital staff was in sync with its mission of delivering services in a friendly environment as she observed the nurses discharging their duties in a friendly manner and at par with the nursing services standards.

    Mrs. Ogundele thanked the hospital for her support while admonishing the nurses to keep up the tempo as she charged them to provide directional signs, caution ramps, colour codes for some units and segregation ramps.

    Mrs. Dorcas Shonibare, rounded off the visit by appreciating the Management of LASUTH and the representatives of the different institution present.

  • United Nations appoints 4 Nigerians, others into finance group for High-Level Dialogue on Energy

    United Nations appoints 4 Nigerians, others into finance group for High-Level Dialogue on Energy

    The United Nations has appointed four Nigerians in a technical working group on finance and investment alongside four other groups that will prepare an action-oriented global roadmap for achieving affordable and clean energy for all by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050.

    The 21-member team made up of technocrats in the global energy sector includes Nigeria’s Abiodun Aina, senior investment officer at International Finance Corporation (IFC); Tariye Gbadegesin, managing director at ARM Harith Infrastructure Investment Limited; Wiebe Boer, CEO at All On; and Chris Chijiutomi, director, head of Infrastructure Equity at CDC Group.

    The technical working group will focus on how public and private finance and investment can be mobilized and leveraged to achieve the 2025 Milestones, SDG7, and carbon neutrality, taking also into consideration enabling mechanisms such as the fiscal response to COVID-19, fossil fuel subsidy reform; green investment regulation; risk management and insurance.

    The working Group on Finance and Investment is also expected to partner with the European Investment Bank (EIB), International Energy Agency (IEA), and the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UN ECA) as co-leads.

    Other members of the technical group on finance and investment includes Mohammed Alsayed, manager of Economic Infrastructure at IsDB; Anunya Bahanda, Intern at Savo Project Developers; Antonella Baldino, Head at CDP International Development Finance; Héla Cheikhrouhou, Chair and Chief Executive Officer at Nithio; Anton Eberhard, Professor Emeritus at University of Cape Town, South Africa; Andrew Herscowitz, Chief Development Officer at DFC; Heidi Huusko, senior manager, Environment and Climate at UN Global Compact.

    The team also includes Filip Koprčina, Founder of Energy Shift; Najada Kumbuli, Head of investment at Visa Foundation; Leslie Labruto, Head of Global Energy at Acumen; Teddy Mugabo, CEO at Fonerwa; Joseph Nganga, Executive Director at Smart Power Africa; Hong Paterson, Chief Investment Officer at Green Climate Fund; Josefina Stubbs, Project Manager at Res4Africa Foundation; Cecilia Tam, Head of OECD Clean Energy Finance and Investment Mobilisation and Valeria Termini, Professor of Political Economics at Università degli Studi di Roma Tre,Italy.

    The UN noted that each Technical Working Group which will be launched in February is expected to hold several virtual meetings through May after which they will produce a thematic report reviewing key issues and putting forward recommendations for elements of the global roadmap.

    The reports will provide the substantive foundation for five Ministerial-level Thematic Forums to be hosted by Member State Global Theme Champions, with participation from many stakeholders, during June/July.

    “A summary of the Ministerial-level Thematic Forums will inform the outcome of the Dialogue. The membership of each working group will consist of 25-40 technical experts representing Government and international agencies, businesses, development banks, civil society organizations, academic institutions, and others,” UN said in a statement seen by BusinessDay.

    The High-level Dialogue, to be convened by the UN Secretary-General, will also galvanize voluntary commitments and actions in the form of Energy Compacts that national governments, cities, businesses, and civil society organizations will present as contributions towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7 and net-zero emissions, at the same time addressing the climate crisis and feeding into United Nations Climate Change Framework Convention (UNFCCC) in November 2021.

  • Fidelity Restates Support To Small Business as Enugu First Lady, ABCON Commend Bank

    Fidelity Restates Support To Small Business as Enugu First Lady, ABCON Commend Bank

    Fidelity Bank Plc, top Nigerian lender has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing the productivity and prosperity of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the country by providing capacity building and advisory services, innovative funding options and other forms of relevant support that would significantly improve their overall contributions to national development.

    Fidelity CEO, Mrs. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe gave the assurance at the Fidelity SME National Capacity Building Webinar organized by the bank for entrepreneurs in Enugu State, in collaboration with the Enugu State Ministry of Trade and Commerce and the Enugu SME Centre; Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN); Nigeria Association of Small & Medium Enterprises (NASME) and Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA).

    The webinar which will take place across the country on a state-by-state basis, is part of concerted efforts to assist entrepreneurs across all sectors of the Nigerian economy develop requisite capacity to unlock their full potentials and take their businesses to the next level of growth.

    Mrs. Onyeali-Ikpe who during her remarks on Wednesday provided insights into the bank’s unique approach to managing MSMEs, pointed out that SMEs which are businesses with less than N100m annual turnovercontribute about 48% of national GDP, account for 96% of businesses and 84% of employment in Nigeria. She noted that despite the significant contribution of SMEs to the Nigerian economy, challenges still persist that hinder the growth and development of the sector. Chief among these are funding, lack of infrastructure, poor management, low entrepreneurial skills, improper planning, poor digital skills, etc. The Fidelity CEO however noted that the webinar seeks to proffer appropriate solutions to these challenges in a very practicable manner.

    “We have a dedicated SME Desk with innovative products and services to assist your business. Fidelity Bank, in partnership with various private and public institutions provides funding, business advisory services for all our customers. This webinar is an excellent opportunity to network, share information and deepen the SME sector in Enugu State”, she explained.

    Themed “Funding and Financial Management”, the Enugu Edition had in attendance special guests including Mrs. Monica Ugwuanyi, First Lady, Enugu State; Sir Robert O. Anwatu, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Roban Stores and Mr. Chiedozie Atuegwu, Director, Michelle Laboratories Limited, amongst others.

    In her remarks, Mrs. Ugwuanyi applauded the bank for its unrelenting support for MSMEs in Enugu State, stating that the Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi-led administration remained at the forefront of SME development in Nigeria as exemplified by its continuous investments in infrastructure deployment and provision of labor policy frameworks to further encourage investments.

    Speaking in the same vein, President, Association of Bureau De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON), Dr. Aminu Gwadabe commended the bank for its sustained efforts at promoting MSMEs nationwide. Gwadabe noted that the bank had been very supportive to its 5,000 licensed members nationwide. “The Bureau De Change (BDC) does about N1.4trillion per annum. Fidelity Bank controls 60 percent of these transactions in the country”, he explained.

    Whilst shedding light on the dynamics of the Bureau De Change sector, Dr, Gwadabe revealed that exchange rate stability was determined by the country’s SME structure. Given the immense potentials inherent in the nation’s MSME space, he said that the fledgling sector, if properly positioned, could assist the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) achieve its mandate on exchange rate stability.

  • Fidelity Bank Hosts National Capacity Building Webinar For SMEs

    Fidelity Bank Hosts National Capacity Building Webinar For SMEs

    Fidelity Bank Plc, top Nigerian lender, is set to organise a National Capacity Building Webinar For Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the country. The programme is part of deliberate efforts to assist entrepreneurs across all sectors of the Nigerian economy develop requisite capacity to unlock their full potentials and take their businesses to the next level of growth.

    Targeted specifically at existing businesses operating in critical sectors of the economy including trade and commerce, manufacturing, hospitality, education, entertainment, transportation and agriculture, these virtual sessions will take place across the country on a state-by-state basis, with the maiden edition slated for Enugu State on January 27, 2021 by 10am.

    The Enugu event is organised in collaboration with the Enugu State Ministry of Trade and Commerce and the Enugu SME Centre; Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN); Nigeria Association of Small & Medium Enterprises (NASME) and Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA).

    Other discussants billed to the participate in the webinar are subject matter experts with respect to funding and financial management for SMEs as well as model entrepreneurs who will share their success stories with participants.

    As a financial brand unswerving in its quest to develop the Nigerian economy, the SME Webinar seeks to help the participating MSMEs grow their businesses by educating them on the best measures to take in managing their finances, improving their sales, and developing their business in general.

    Speaking on the event, Fidelity Bank CEO, Mrs. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe said, “The programme underscores our long-running support for the growth of small businesses which stems from our recognition of MSMEs as critical agents of economic development and transformation in Nigeria and the world at large.

    According to Onyeali-Ikpe, the session aims at providing practical information, skills, and resources to help entrepreneurs become better managers of their businesses. The Bank has embarked on virtual SME-based events, to adhere to the social distancing guideline essential to promoting the safety of every participant in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Interested participants are required to click – https://www.fidelitybank.ng/SME-Capacity-Building/ – to register.

  • NCC allays the fears of mass disconnection of Telephone subscribers

    NCC allays the fears of mass disconnection of Telephone subscribers

    The Nigerian Communications Commission has allayed the fears of telephone subscribers in the country over the looming mass disconnection of subscribers

    This was contained in a statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, which reads thus-

    The attention of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has been drawn to numerous publications in both print and electronic media regarding the unfounded fears of mass disconnection of telephone subscribers as a result of the ongoing linkage of SIM Registration Records with the National Identity Number (NIN).

    It is therefore necessary for the Commission to issue this clarification in order to allay the fears of subscribers and the general public.

    Most of these publications are based on the erroneous assumption that for every network or SIM connection, there is one unique human subscriber.

    However, with the advent of social media and App-driven digital environment, network subscription went beyond human subscribers to include machines like PoS, Routers, Wi-Fi devices, electricity meters, CCTV, tracking devices etc. 

    A recent survey conducted in Nigeria has shown that on average, there are now approximately 4 to 5 SIMs to every human subscriber. This explains the basis of allowing the linkage of up to 7 SIMs to 1 unique NIN in the recently launched Federal Government Portal.

    Thus, if there are 43 million Nigerians with NINs, this could account for about 172 million SIMs already linked to NINs. It is very important to emphasize that the current exercise of linking NIN to SIM(s) is for the common good of all Nigerians, as it has far reaching benefits.

    Apart from enhancing our general safety, this will help in such vital exercises like National Budgeting, Policy Planning, Social Intervention programs and many more.

    The Honourable Minister of Communication and Digital Economy has assured that the Government will continue to review the exercise in the light of experiences to ensure its smooth implementation.

    We call on all our media partners, publishers and reporters to always endeavour to seek clarification from the Commission before going to the press, especially on sensitive issues.

  • Database: NCAA to capture all obstructions to flight safety in the country

    Database: NCAA to capture all obstructions to flight safety in the country

    Not leaving any stone unturned in ensuring that safety of aircraft in the country is guaranteed, the Director General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, Capt. Musa Nuhu says, the authority has kick started the building of a database system to capture all obstruction to flight safety in the country.

    The database tagged the electronic terrain and obstacle database, if successfully achieved will kick start the operation of helicopter at night in the country.

    Speaking at the gateway forum of the  League of Airports and Aviation Correspondents, LAAC via zoom, Capt. Nuhu said it is part of their statutory responsibility to identify obstructions within and around the airports to ensure flight safety.

    He noted that in the past all kinds of masts were erected within and around the airports constituting obstruction without clearance from the NCAA but has however directed those involved to obtain clearance height certificate before mounting their masts, adding that talks are on with telecommunications companies as regards payments for the clearance.

    “Height clearance is a regulatory function of the NCAA which is in our regulations that has been signed and passed by the government, we are dealing with all the communication companies, we are in contacts and deliberations with them, some of them have made part payment and we are working toward getting the remaining payment.
    He added, ” we are not using it to rake in money, it is base on cost recovery.”


    Director, Aerodromes and Airspace Standards, DAAS, Engr. Mohammed Odunowo stressed that these masts have constituted a lot of safety hazard for them and are trying to do a better job to prevent accident by these oversight. 
    “If we can implement it (the electronic terrain and obstacle data base) and go live, that will enable with the help of the federal government helicopter to fly at night, we are trying to capture all the obstruction that is out there because everybody flies.”

  • Hassan M.T Usman appointed Director at Access Bank Plc

    Hassan M.T Usman appointed Director at Access Bank Plc

    Mr Hassan M.T Usman has been appointed as an Independent Non-Executive Director of the bank, following the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

    Mr. Usman is the Founder/Chief Executive Officer of New Frontier Development Limited, an investment company focused on financial advisory, hospitality, real estate and proprietary investments in startups and challenged companies in the SME space. He is also the Founder/Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Al-Qalam (Pen) Foundation, a Non-for-Profit Organization that provides educational opportunities to disadvantaged children.

    Prior to his new appointment, he was the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Aso Savings and Loans Plc and an Executive Director at Abuja Investment and Property Development Company Limited. He was at various times the Deputy Director and Head of Petrochemicals and Gas Unit, Transport Sector Reform Team as well as the Deputy Director Telecoms Reform Lead and Head NITEL Privatization at the Bureau of Public Enterprises. He had also worked with the Central Bank of Nigeria, Arthur Andersen and CitiBank Nigeria.

    Usman holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics from the University of Sussex and a Master of Philosophy in Development Economics from the University of Cambridge. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. He is also an Eisenhower Fellow and Archbishop Desmond Tutu Fellow of the African Leadership Institute.

    Over the years, Usman served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company and Council of the Nigerian Stock Exchange

    While commenting on Usman’s appointment, the Chairman of Access Bank Plc, Ajoritsedere Awosika said, ‘’We are delighted to be joined by Mr Hassan M.T. Usman, a leader with a rich blend of academic, entrepreneurial and public sector experience which are all relevant to the needs of our Board.’’

    ‘’As we embark on the next phase of our enterprise transformation, we continue to strengthen the diversity of our board, we are strongly convinced that he will no doubt add significant value to our quest to become Africa’s Gateway to the World.’’

  • FirstBank hosts Fintech Summit 4.0, promotes the growth and Reinvention of Banking Technology in Nigeria

    First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Nigeria’s leading financial inclusion services provider, has announced that the 2020 edition of its annual FinTech Summit is scheduled to hold on Thursday, 6 August 2020 by 12.00 noon. The event will be virtually held via Zoom Meetings. 

    The 2020 edition of the summit, which is the fourth in its series is themed; “How Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence will Disrupt FinTech in Nigeria” and will be discussed by experts, key and leading players, policy influencers and regulatory officials in the Nigerian financial, banking and technological climate. To participate in the event, click the link https://www.firstbanknigeria.com/business-banking/smeconnect/fintech-summit/registration/ to register.  

    Chinedu Echeruo, founder of HopStop which was sold to Apple for $1bn will be leading the discussion as the Keynote speaker alongside other panelists; Musa Itopa Jimoh, Director, Payments System Management Department and Aminu Maida, Executive Director, Technology & Operations, Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System Plc (NIBSS).  

    Representing FirstBank in the panel of discussants are Callistus Obetta, Group Executive, Technology & Services and Chuma Ezirim, Group Executive, e-Business & Retail Products  

    Speaking on the event, Mr. Gbenga Shobo, Deputy Managing Director, First Bank of Nigeria Limited said; “at FirstBank, we have been at the forefront of employing technology in the delivery of financial services in the country exemplified by our various products and services such as FirstMobile, USSD Banking services, FirstMonie Wallet, FirstMonie Agent Banking, FirstAdvance loans provisions

     The 2020 edition of our FINTECH summit will build on the successes achieved in the last three editions. We welcome the panelists as we look forward to the shared knowledge which will be integral to deepening the continued growth of banking technology, especially its impact on the Gross Domestic Product of Nigeria and the continent at large. 

     Technology continues to play a fundamental role in driving financial inclusion and strengthening the growth of SMEs that contribute significantly to the development of the country.

    We encourage members of the public, players in the fintech and financial climate to register, as there is knowledge for everyone,” he concluded.