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All Posts in "Day: May 15, 2025"

emPLE Partners LASPARK For Tree Planting Initiative Supporting Lagos State’s Sustainability Goals

L-R: Group COO and Executive Director, Technical, emPLE Life Assurance, Jolaolu Fakoya; Chief Marketing Officer, emPLE Group, Labisi Adesokan ; General Manager, Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK), Mrs. Adetoun Ibilola Popoola; Managing Director, emPLE General Insurance, Oyinlade Olalekan; Executive Director, Technical, emPLE General Insurance, Titilayo Akinsiku; and Chief Risk and Sustainability Officer, emPLE Life Assurance, Kunle Odetola-Odeleye, at the emPLE Tree Planting Initiative on Wednesday, 14th of May, at Iganmu, Lagos.

emPLE, one of Nigeria’s leading insurance provider, has officially flagged off Green emPLE, its company-wide sustainability initiative, with a tree-planting exercise held in partnership with the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK) at the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos.

As part of the launch, emPLE planted 65 trees across strategic locations in Lagos. The carefully selected tree species were chosen for their environmental benefits such as improving air quality, reducing urban heat, and enhancing the city’s ecological balance.

 

 

 

 

Speaking at the event, Oyinlade Olalekan, Managing Director of emPLE General Insurance Limited, remarked,

“At emPLE, we’re deeply committed to empowering lives—not just through our financial offerings but by actively contributing to a more sustainable world. The launch of Green emPLE and today’s tree-planting activity are key steps in that journey. Sustainability is one of our core values, and we’re proud to be playing our part in building a cleaner, greener Lagos.”

He added,

 

 

 

“We see Green emPLE as a platform for driving real impact, one initiative at a time. This partnership with LASPARK is only the beginning. We look forward to rolling out more activities that reinforce our mission and encourage others to join us in protecting the planet.”

Mrs. Adetoun Popoola, General Manager of LASPARK, also commended the initiative, saying:

 

 

 

 

“Our mandate at LASPARK is to promote a greener Lagos through tree planting and urban beautification. It’s always encouraging to see private sector organisations like emPLE step forward in support of this mission. Collaborations like this help us get more done and inspire residents and businesses alike to take sustainability seriously. We are excited about what Green emPLE represents and we look forward to more impactful partnerships.”

 

 

 

To acknowledge emPLE’s contribution, LASPARK presented the company with a Tree Planting Certificate, recognising its role in environmental preservation and its ongoing support for climate resilience and green urban development.

Green emPLE is emPLE’s long-term commitment to promoting sustainable practices that support a healthier planet and empower future generations. The initiative reflects the company’s belief that true empowerment goes beyond financial products it includes taking responsibility for the environment and driving long-term positive change.

 

 

 

 

About emPLE

 

emPLE is a leading financial services company dedicated to providing insurance and investment solutions to retail and corporate clients across Africa. At emPLE, our purpose is to empower Africans by providing innovative financial solutions that enhance their freedom, security, and prosperity. We believe that true empowerment comes from providing not just access to financial products but also the knowledge and tools necessary for our customers to make informed decisions and achieve financial independence.

For more information about emPLE, visit: www.emple.group

Online Poster by — May 15, 2025 in News 0

In a dynamic and often unpredictable financial landscape like Nigeria, the ability to access funds at critical moments makes all the difference.  For entrepreneurs, financial agility is often the key to unlocking growth and success. With fluctuating prices and unexpected financial policies, many businesses in recent times have found themselves in need of short-term financial solutions to keep their business running smoothly.

Recognising this challenge, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, a pioneer in innovative financial solutions, redesigned the Retail Temporary Overdraft (RTOD) as a lifeline to empower businesses with swift, flexible cash flow support that can significantly empower business owners, allowing them to navigate the complexities of business management with greater ease.

The Retail Temporary Overdraft (RTOD) is aimed at providing customers with flexible temporary overdraft to meet urgent business financial needs.  The features of RTOD include:

  • Access up to N5million monthly subject to 10% of 6 months credit turnover from sales
  • Interest rate is competitive and subject to changes in money market realities
  • No tangible collateral is required
  • Facility tenor is 30 days, and this can be accessed up to 12 times in one year.

The benefits of this Facility include assistance in growing business volumes which position SMEs for higher facility limits. It is useful in emergency situations to meet urgent business needs. No tangible collateral is required to get the loan, and it is available throughout the year once the existing facility is repaid within 30 days.  The interest rate is cheaper due to the shorter facility tenor.

SMEs with regular cash flow who have maintained an account with FirstBank for a minimum period of six [6] months or 12 months in any other commercial bank are eligible for this facility. The amount drawable on this facility is N5million monthly, subject to 10% of the customers’ last 6 months credit turnover. Repayment is automatically deducted from (Sales or business proceeds) incoming receivables into borrower’s account within the stipulated time. To apply, customers need to show interest by contacting the FirstBank SME advisor or apply online by submitting the required documents. Approval could be as fast as 24 hours in cases where the customer fulfills all criteria.

To ensure that customers can maximise given opportunities and enjoy maximum turnover, the loan figure is N5 million globally for qualified customers who show a good track record of prompt repayment and also meet the stipulated criteria.

There are many customers who have been able to turn their businesses around with the help of this facility, such as Mr. Isola, the prime mover of Champion Five Limited, a food retail vendor who approached FirstBank for funding to augment his working capital and increase production.

 

The bank provided a N5million overdraft facility with a 30-day tenure which was made available to him for 12 months.  With the funding, Champion Five Limited was able to increase production by 50% and expand their customer base as well as employ more staff. The company has continued to grow in leaps and bounds.

FirstBank’s Retail Temporary Overdraft product has been so impactful to the businesses of both male and female entrepreneurs.

This contributed to the bank’s achievements, where it was honored with two highly prestigious awards at the Asian Banker Excellence in Retail Financial Services International Awards 2024. The awards, presented by The Asian Banker, crowned FirstBank as both the Best SME Bank in Nigeria and the Best SME Bank in Africa, a testament to the institution’s commitment to empowering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and driving retail financial excellence across the continent.

The Asian Banker awards are widely recognized as one of the most competitive and rigorous in the global banking industry. The evaluation process is stringent, focusing on various key performance indicators, including service delivery, customer experience, financial performance, and innovation in retail banking.

With an extensive panel of experts examining each institution’s track record, FirstBank’s recognition as the leading SME Bank in both Nigeria and Africa signals its outstanding leadership and vision in the African financial industry.

As the backbone of the Nigerian and African economies, SMEs play a crucial role in driving employment, innovation, and economic growth.

However, they often face significant hurdles, especially in securing adequate financial support. This is where FirstBank steps in, not just as a traditional banking partner, but as an enabler and advocate for the sector.

With its range of SME-focused financial products, from deposit products, loan packages to tailored advisory services, FirstBank has distinguished itself as a leader in providing SMEs the resources they need to thrive.

The bank’s FirstSME initiative is designed to support businesses in accessing capital, managing cash flow, and navigating the complexities of business development in a competitive market. This commitment is what earned FirstBank top recognition at the Asian Banker awards.

Source: Tosin Ajayi

Winifred Bosa by — May 15, 2025 in brands and Marketing 0
Airtel Introduces Full Shopping Experience Within My Airtel App

Airtel Nigeria has upgraded its My Airtel App with a fully integrated eShop feature, transforming the platform into a complete digital shopping destination.
With this update, customers can now enjoy a full retail experience directly within the existing subscriber app—beyond simply buying airtime or data.
The eShop feature offers a wide selection of products ranging from Airtel-branded items such as Home Broadband (HBB) devices and everyday retail items such as electronics, home appliances, fashion, and beauty products.
Speaking on the new feature, Director of Marketing at Airtel Nigeria, Ismail Adeshina, emphasized the brand’s ongoing focus on innovation and customer-centricity.
“At Airtel, we understand that today’s customers value convenience above all else. This update is part of our broader mission to simplify digital experiences and make everyday transactions easier and faster. By integrating the eShop directly into the My Airtel App, we’re eliminating unnecessary steps and giving users the freedom to do more within a single platform,” he said.
The update enhances the app’s functionality by allowing customers to access the eShop directly from the home screen, eliminating the need for external redirection to web browsers or third-party platforms.
“We’re moving beyond basic connectivity towards building a digital ecosystem that supports the lifestyle needs of our customers. Whether it’s purchasing a device, recharging, or shopping for everyday items, we’re putting more power and choice in the hands of our users,” Adeshina added.
The My Airtel App continues to serve as a key platform for Airtel subscribers, offering self-service options, quick access to bundles, account management tools, and now, a more robust digital shopping channel.
Online Poster by — May 15, 2025 in News 0
JAMB Admits Mistake, Candidates In 157 Centers To Retake Exams

Breaking News: JAMB Admits Error That Affected 157 Centres - EduTimes AfricaThe Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has admitted errors in the results of some candidates who took the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME).

On Tuesday, the board commenced the review of the candidates’ results with some stakeholders after widespread complaints of low scores by candidates who have a track record of better performance.

Speaking on the outcome of the review on Wednesday, JAMB Registrar Is-haq Oloyede, a professor, apologised to the candidates and admitted some errors.

Mr Oloyede said the board has decided that all candidates affected in 157 out of 882 centres will be contacted to retake their examinations starting Friday, 16 May.

A total of 379,997 candidates across the 157 centres in Lagos and the South-east would retake their examinations.

“So, I appeal to the candidates and those affected by the error of our system to accept this explanation as the truth of the matter without embellishment, Please. I apologise and take full responsibility, not just in words,” he said.

Mr Oloyede said affected candidates would be contacted by JAMB through text messages sent to their registered phone numbers, email addresses, profiles, and phone calls.

He directed them to reprint their examination slips for the rescheduled examination dates.

He said the board has contacted the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), which is currently holding its West African Senior School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE), to allow JAMB some slots for candidates to take the exams, and WAEC has agreed.

“Any candidate with a clash of timetable, particularly for Agricultural Science on Friday, would be rescheduled,” Mr Oloyede said.

“However, we have endeavoured to ensure that no such exist. Most, if not all, such candidates are scheduled for Saturday. Fortunately, the prescribed texts for SSCE are also the prescribed texts for UTME, apart from the reading text of the UTME, which carries just 10 marks in our Use of English test.”

Magnitude of error
Mr Oloyede explained that the errors happened in 157 centres – 65 centres in the Lagos zone and 92 centres in the Owerri zone.

Lagos zone comprises only Lagos State but Owerri zone comprises the five South-east states: Abia, Enugu, Imo, Ebonyi and Anambra.

While 206,610 candidates were affected in the 65 centres in Lagos zone, 173,387 candidates were affected in 92 centres in Owerri zone.

He said the reviewers examined samples from across the country, but no sign of any abnormality has been detected in any centre other than the ones mentioned.

He added that the exercise continues.

How the error occurred
Mr Oloyede explained that JAMB groups the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) into ‘KAD vehicle’ and ‘LAG vehicle’ to manage operations efficiently and in a balanced way.

 

KAD vehicle comprises all South-south states and most Northern states except Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, Niger, Kogi, and Abuja.

LAG vehicle comprises all states in the South-west and South-east as well as Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, Niger, Kogi, and Abuja.

He explained that the mixed grouping is deliberate and is meant to prevent any regional bias in how the examinations are organised across regions.

What went wrong
Mr Oloyede noted that after the mock exams, the board noticed that the exam questions were not properly shuffled in the LAG category. The board shuffles questions so candidates have different questions, which makes it harder to copy or cheat.

The board corrected this problem and tested the fix ahead of the actual UTME.

“However, on Friday 25 April, the second day of the actual UTME, JAMB found that there were omissions in the LAG category.”

Mr Oloyede said corrections were made instantly and tested on Saturday, Sunday and Monday before they were applied after 12 a.m. on Tuesday.

“That was why all the examinations from Tuesday till the end of UTME had no problem,” he said.

The correction that never worked
The JAMB Registrar said to correct and re-upload the results from LAG for the glitch from Thursday to Monday, the service providers concerned with the ‘LAG vehicle’ were deployed to effect the patch.

He said, unfortunately, the errors were still found in two locations –Lagos zone and Owerri Zone–, resulting in errors in the candidates’ results.

“In clear terms, in the process of rectifying the issue, the technical personnel deployed by the Service Provider for LAG (Lagos and South-east zones) inadvertently failed to update some of the delivery servers,” he explained.

“Regrettably, this oversight went undetected prior to the release of the results.”

Source: Premium Times

Online Poster by — May 15, 2025 in Education 0