NEWS
Wema Bank bags 2 Global SME Finance 2024 Awards
Wema Bank has bagged two awards of excellence, namely Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Financier of the Year (Africa) and Platinum Award for Best Financier for Women Entrepreneurs (Africa).
The Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of the bank, Mr Moruf Oseni, made this known in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos.
Oseni said the awards were received at the Global SME Finance Forum Conference Awards 2024, which held in São Paulo, in Brazil recently.
He stated that the Global SME finance forum is the world’s leading, technically oriented and geographically diverse platform focused solely on scaling SME financing worldwide.
According to him, Wema Bank emerged Africa’s top financier not just for the general SME landscape, but also particularly for women-owned SMEs, at the annual conference.
The managing director stated that the bank received the recognition for its commendable track record of developing an innovative, sustainable reputation as the bank of choice for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
He noted that the bank was also recognised for its significantly impactful products, services, solutions and opportunities for businesses of all sizes across Nigeria.
“It is beyond doubt that Wema Bank is indeed deserving of its recognition as Africa’s top financier for SMEs and particularly, women entrepreneurs.
“The bank’s impact ranges from affordable financing options and seamless payment collection solutions to access to market, digital solutions for efficient business operation and management.
“Also, SME advisory services and a vast range of products tailored to the needs of businesses across every part of Nigeria,” Oseni said.
According to him, through its women-focused proposition, SARA by Wema, the bank continues to tailor its SME offerings specifically for women.
Oseni said the bank also helped women to build sustainable businesses and access the resources needed to scale and thrive, as well as support their overall growth and well-being with affordable free healthcare packages.
“We are honoured by the global recognition accorded to us by the Global SME Finance Forum.
“As we receive these awards, we reiterate our commitment to providing businesses with the resources they need and making business management and operation seamless, maximally profitable and efficient.
“Wema Bank appreciates Global SME Finance Forum for the acknowledgement, and also our valued customers who continue to entrust the future of their businesses and their financial well-being in our hands,” he said.
According to the managing director, this prestigious recognition honours the bank’s unwavering commitment to empowering SMEs and fostering innovation in SME finance.
Oseni said the award further fueled the bank’s drive to consistently go above and beyond in accelerating growth for SMEs and delivering optimum value to every stakeholder. (NAN)
NEWS
NYSC Members Lack Nothing in Daura – Emir
The Emir of Daura, Alhaji Faruk Umar- Faruk, says National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) members do not suffer anything in his domain, as they lack nothing.
The emir made the statement when he received the NYSC Coordinator in the state, Alhaji Ibrahim Sa’idu, on a courtesy visit on Thursday in Daura.
According to the emir, NYSC is the only programme left for all Nigerians that ensure unity, from government to communities and individuals.
Umar-Faruk called on all Nigerians to see the NYSC members as, ”Children of necessity, orphans who has no family, Children that also need assistance, protection, guidance and comfort.
“NYSC members should not be seen as vulnerable for exploitation and molestation, they should be provided with shelter, food and everything that will make them comfortable in any place they found themselves
“Corps members don’t suffer anything in my domain, they lack nothing, because I always do my best to ensure they are well accommodated.
”He advised other communities in the country to do the same for the development and sustenance of the scheme, stressing that NYSC has done so much for the unity and integration of Nigeria after the civil war.
Earlier, Sa’idu told the emir that he was in his palace being one of the critical stakeholders to report that he has resumed office as the new NYSC coordinator in the state, and also to request for his blessings.
The coordinator assured the emir that the scheme would continue to collaborate with the Emirate Council towards the development of the country and the nation’s unity.
The highlight of the visit was the presentation of the NYSC Katsina State End of Service Year Publication to the Emir. (NAN)
NEWS
Host Communities, Litigations Delay Trust Fund Implementation – HOSTCOM
The Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM) says some delays in Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) Fund creation and implementation are caused by community members and litigations.
The HOSTCOM said pending issues by host communities in choosing members and chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) delayed the implementation of the HCDT funds.
Dr Benjamin Tamaranebi, National President, HOSTCOM, disclosed this to newsmen on Thursday in Abuja while making clarifications on recent claims on the Host Community Project Funding in Akwa Ibom.
Report says that HCDTs are responsible for managing and distributing oil company funds to the host communities, ensuring that resources are used effectively for community development projects.
Host communities in Akwa Ibom had expressed frustration over the delayed release of funds by oil companies to HCDT which it said hindered the implementation of projects outlined in their respective development plans.
Community representatives from HCDTs in Ibeno, Eket, Mbo, Esit Eket, Uruan and Ikot Abasi LGAs claimed that the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission’s (NUPRC) failed to enforce statutory sanctions on oil companies that delay funds.
Tamaranebi, who condemned the recent publication regarding alleged delays in funding development projects in host communities in the state, urged the public to disregard it as it was unfounded.
“We must state clearly that some of the delays of HCDTs creation are caused by community members and litigations over who wants to be a member and chairman of the Board of Trustees which has nothing to do with NUPRC.
“So, we advise communities to conduct themselves properly for the benefit of the HCDT funds,” he said.
He recalled that the NUPRC initiated the HCDTs Forum to meet with community representatives through its HCDT trustees to address broader issues and grievances ensuring continuous dialogue between host communities and the operators.
The national president said the forum had promoted transparency and accountability ensuring that community voices were heard at a higher level.
Tamaranebi said there was registration of reputable 34 asset/fund manager to invest 20 per cent of the three per cent Operating Expenses or Expenditure (OPEX) on behalf of the trusts.
“Some of the trusts are already benefiting from the dividend of this investments.
“These achievements underscore the commitment of the NUPRC and Settlors to the sustainable development of host communities.
“We encourage all stakeholders, including community members and operators, to maintain open lines of communication with the HOSTCOM or NUPRC,” he said.
On concerns regarding funding or implementation of projects, he urged parties to engage with HOSTCOM directly for resolution rather than resorting to public statements that may misinform or escalate tensions.
He added that HOSTCOM was actively monitoring the situation in Akwa Ibom and other states to continue to advocate for the rights and developmental needs of local communities.(NAN)
NEWS
Nigerian Army Emphasises Responsible Social Media use for National Security
The Nigerian Army has stressed the importance of responsible social media usage in contributing to national security and development.
Maj. Gen. Sanusi Dahiru, Deputy Director-General of the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, made this remark at the 37th Nigerian Army Social Media Seminar in Calabar on Thursday.
Dahiru, who was the Special Guest of Honour said the seminar, noted that social media could shape the security environment but could also be misused to spread harmful content.
He encouraged Nigerians to support the army and promote community engagement.
On his part, Maj. Gen. Nosakhare Ugbo, Chief of Civil Military Affairs, emphasised responsible online behaviour to enhance national security.
He warned against spreading unverified information and urged Nigerians to be mindful of those sowing discord.
Dr Erasmus Ekpang, Cross River’s Commissioner for Information, acknowledged social media’s impact on society but also highlighted its negative tendencies, such as cyberbullying and depression.
He advocated for the military’s involvement in social media to address security challenges.
(NAN)