FOR A THIRD CONSECUTIVE YEAR, ZENITH BANK MAINTAINS POSITION AS NIGERIA’S BEST COMMERCIAL BANK, ALSO NAMED BEST CORPORATE GOVERNANCE BANK AT WORLD FINANCE 2023 AWARDS

 For a third year running, Zenith Bank Plc has been named the Best Commercial Bank in Nigeria at the World Finance Banking Awards 2023. The bank also emerged as the Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria, in the World Finance Corporate Governance Awards 2023, retaining the award for a second consecutive year.

These awards were presented to Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank Plc, at the London Stock Exchange recently. The recognitions celebrate the bank's tremendous feats and milestones in financial performance, financial inclusion, corporate governance, and sustainability.

Commenting on the awards, Dr Onyeagwu said that: "these awards are a testament to our resilience and ability to adapt to the vagaries of the market as well as our innate capability to engender very stellar business performances through our innovative products and solutions. It also affirms our continued commitment to global best practices in corporate governance, sustainability and corporate social responsibility." 

Dr Onyeagwu dedicated the awards to the Founder and Group Chairman, Jim Ovia, CFR, thanking him for his mentorship and for establishing the basis for a resilient and highly successful institution. He also expressed gratitude to the board for their exceptional leadership, vision, and insight; to the staff for their unwavering commitment and dedication; and to the bank's customers for making Zenith their preferred bank.

World Finance is a foremost international magazine providing extensive coverage and analysis of the financial industry, international business, and the global economy. Its editorial combines award-winning journalism, covering a vast array of topics from banking and insurance to wealth management and infrastructure investment, with contributions from some of the world's most esteemed economists and theorists and consultants from government think tanks and the World Economic Forum.

Zenith Bank's track record of excellent performance has continued to earn the brand numerous awards, with these latest honours coming on the heels of several recognitions, including being recognised as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital, for the 14th consecutive year, in the 2023 Top 1000 World Banks Ranking published by The Banker Magazine; Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Banker's Bank of the Year Awards 2020 and 2022; Best Bank in Nigeria, for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022, in the Global Finance World's Best Banks Awards; Best in Corporate Governance' Financial Services' Africa, for four successive years from 2020 to 2023, by the Ethical Boardroom; Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria in the International Banker 2023 Banking Awards; Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria and Best Innovation In Retail Banking, Nigeria in the International Banker 2022 Banking Awards. 

Also, the bank emerged as the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria in the Banker Magazine Top 500 Banking Brands 2020 and 2021 and Retail Bank of the Year, for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022, at the BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards. Similarly, Zenith Bank was named Bank of the Decade (People's Choice) at the ThisDay Awards 2020, Bank of the Year 2021 by Champion Newspaper, Bank of the Year 2022 by New Telegraph Newspaper, and Most Responsible Organisation in Africa 2021 by SERAS Awards.

PURPLE CRECHE: WEMA BANK REVAMPS ITS CHILD CARE FACILITIES FOR EMPLOYEES

 In line with its continuing policy of upgrading the well-being and welfare of its employees, Wema Bank Plc, Nigeria’s leading innovative financial institution, has announced the re-opening of Purple Crèche for its employees. 

Purple Crèche is an initiative that provides top-tier daycare for the newborn and very young children of Wema Bank staff – the Wema Bank Knights – enabling them attend to their daily schedules. It is a development that further affirms the narrative that Wema Bank is the employer of choice and a great place to work.

Purple Crèche is a daycare and educational facility located within the Wema Bank Head Office and is available to children of Wema Bank staff, aged 3 – 30 months. The crèche had been temporarily closed during Covid. The revamped Purple Creche has now been upgraded with top-notch quality facilities, equipment and human resources, all to provide the staff of Wema Bank with superior standards of care and education for their children. 

The now re-launched Purple Crèche is fully equipped with premium state-of-the-art facilities and a private room for nursing mothers to breastfeed their infants. The staff also comprises a roster of qualified nurses on-site and is managed by trained and experienced, carers who place a premium on the documentation of the children’s activities, in order to keep parents updated on their children’s welfare and progress. The children themselves are taught and educated to develop their cognitive, social, and mental skills, giving them a head-start in life. 

The facility is open every weekday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. in alignment with general staff work schedules, thus allowing staff to provide their children with exceptional care in professional hands, without worrying about their safety or well-being.

“Our commitment to improving the lives of our staff and helping them become the best versions of themselves, often have us developing new and improved employee-focused initiatives that positively impact their lives.” explains Ololade Ogungbenro, Wema Bank’s Divisional Head, Brand, People and Culture, “Purple Crèche is one of such initiatives. We observed that members of staff who had just returned from maternity leave had some difficulty adjusting to leaving their newborns at home. We started Purple Creche to bring the children closer to their parents without interrupting productivity on either side; and it was amazing to see parents handle their duties without worrying about their children’s, knowing they’re in the safe hands.  

Regarding the renovation of the crèche, Ogungbenro insists it is in line with Wema’s commitment to excellence. “We maintain a constant review of Purple Creche’s facilities and decided to remodel and upgrade its facilities, improve the quality of Purple Creche staff and create a more homely, advanced and top-class care and learning environment for the children of our staff.” Ogungbenro adds that Purple Crèche is open to all staff of Wema Bank. 

With its re-opening, Purple Crèche is an excellent facility with top-grade infrastructure and a well-trained staff providing children of Wema Bank employees with first-class care and education in a safe, secure and hygienic environment that’s within the immediate reach of their parents, and under the supervision of qualified professionals. 

On her expectations for Purple Crèche, Ogungbenro says “It is about creating a home like environment for our staff most important treasures. When our staff are at peace that their treasures are safe, they can be at their best at work.

 “Purple Crèche promises to be a safe haven for both children and parents to maximize their potential within a secure, nurturing environment. It is our faith that this will ultimately help to produce both intellectually sound and emotionally intelligent children, and highly productive, stress-free parents.”

Lagos State Govt Doesn't Recognize Eyin-Osa United Kingdom"- Lagos CP Tells Alhaji Shitu & Murphy Adebare

 The Eyin-Osa community in the Free Trade Zone Parcel B and its resettlement area named Resettlement of Eyin Osa witnessed a protest last week Thursday as indigenes and residents demonstrated against ACP Jejeloye of the Lagos Taskforce and LSSTF boss Dr Ayo Ogunsan. The protesters accused them of forcibly taking over Eyin-Osa land for a notorious landgrabber known as Murphy Adebare Ademoye, also known as Topaz Gardens.

The protest, held in front of the Lagos High Court, aimed to draw attention to the alleged forceful taking over of residents' lands and the damaging of properties belonging to Harmony Gardens and Estate Development Limited, which were legitimately bought from the Eyin-Osa Resettlement Committee.

According to Mrs Apena Adijat, the Secretary to the Parapo of Abomiti, Yeguda & Eyin-Osa Displaced Communities, Murphy Adebare Ademoye has become a terror to the indigenes and residents of Eyin-Osa. Topaz allegedly employed the services of touts and the Lagos State Taskforce to intimidate, assault, and evict the staff of Harmony Gardens, resulting in the demolition of their properties. Topaz then erected his billboard on the land that belongs to Harmony Gardens to defraud innocent buyers. Mrs Adijat called upon the Lagos State Government to intervene and protect the rightful owners of the resettled land, as they possess legitimate Certificates of Occupancy for their respective zones.

10th Senate: Senator Lawan Maintains Neutrality, Denies Endorsing Any Candidate

 10th Senate: Senator Lawan Maintains Neutrality, Denies Endorsing Any Candidate 

In the final hours leading up to the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly, rumors have been circulating regarding the outgoing Senate President, Ahmad Lawan's alleged support for Senator Godswill Akpabio as the Senate President. However, Apples Bite Magazine has gathered reliable information from sources close to Senator Lawan, revealing that he has not officially declared or endorsed Senator Akpabio or any other senator vying for the position.

According to our source, "Senator Lawan is keeping his preferred candidate close to his chest."

Clearly, Senator Akpabio's camp is jittery and pushing an agenda in the media to market their candidate for the top job in the Senate. When asked about a photo circulating in the media, that had Senators Akpabio, Lawan, and President Tinubu in what appeared to have been taken after a closed-door meeting, our source clarified, "There was no closed-door meeting between Senator Lawan, the President, and Akpabio. The photo was taken on inauguration day."

Recent developments indicate that some Senators-elect, who were previously voicing support for Senator Godswill Akpabio's bid for the Senate Presidency, are now reconsidering their stance. Several senators-elect have expressed concerns over Akpabio's alleged disrespect towards the legislature during his tenure as the Minister of Niger Delta. Akpabio openly accused National Assembly members of profiting from lucrative contracts in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) without providing substantial evidence.

From $2 Billion in 2012 to $219 Billion in 2022, See how Elon Musk became World Richest

Elon Musk is one man that is breaking financial boundaries in tech innovations and finances. When his name hit limelight of world richest people, Musk worth was put at $2 Billion. That was in 2012.

 In 2022, which is ten years later, Musk is worth a staggering $219 Billion. He is now supremo in the league of Forbes Richest Billionaires all over the world. 

 The secret to Elon Musk growing wealth has been ascribed to the growth of his shares in Tesla Motors and other businesses.

Elon Musk joins Twitter Board of Directors

Tesla Motors Chief, Elon Musk is set to join Twitter board of Directors. The announcement has been confirmed by twitter's CEO, Parag Agrawal. Musk is an innovator, billionaire and tech entrepreneur. He is originally from South Africa. 

More Photos from Grammys 2022

The Grammys usually parade A-list celebrities you can find in any part of the world. This year's edition is no exception. The red carpet comes with a lot of drama. 

From the best dressed to the most dramatic fashion and style personalities and paparazzi trying to figure out the colourful ceremony with their brand of sophisticated cameras such as Canon,Nikon,Sony camera and so on.

We bring you more photos from the 2022 Grammys. 

Grammys 2022 Red Carpet Photos

Grammys 2022 Red Carpet is lit with many celebrities and their partners taking turn to thrill us with latest from their fashion designers, wristwatch and shoe makers.

We are not talking about the bed dressed right now but we can tell you for free than man like Justin Bieber came prepared, smooching and kis.sing his girl. 

The legendary John Legend also came with his wife! They both look powerful and beautiful on the red carpet.

See photos

I once went on a date with a bus driver- DJ Cuppy Otedola

 DJ Cuppy Otedola has given a sneak peek into her private life as she reveals that she once went on a date with a bus driver. However, the DJ revealed that he is based in the United Kingdom.

The DJ who is a Master’s student at the Oxford University, England, during an interview on The Zeze Millz show, further hinted that an 18-year-old ‘fresher’ asked her out.

She further noted that she is single and open-minded when it comes to dating.

The DJ said, “I have dated all kinds of men, maybe not every single kind but like a lot of different types of men. I find them on apps; one of the apps cost €400 to join. I have dated a bus driver; I went on a date with a bus driver, and there is nothing wrong with that.

" I have literally gone on a date with an annoying guy that lives with his mother. I have gone on a date with a model, I have been on a date with a footballer, like so many of them. With dating you have to be open-minded; I actually enjoy dating. When you go on a date, it is about talking and getting to know each other. I am ‘super open’, I want to be dating and that is why I met the bus driver.”

DJ Cuppy mentioned the kind of man she would love to be in a relationship with, stating that he has to be genuinely caring.

She said, “I just want someone that is genuinely caring and funny. Someone who can be an escape for me out of my crazy world.”

Olori Sekinat Elegushi Celebrates Birthday in Grand Style

The  first wife of Oba Shared Elegushi, Olori Sekinat is celebrating her birthday anniversary today. The flamboyant king took time to celebrate her in a post he made on his official Instagram page. 

He wrote

It’s the 45th anniversary of your glorious and wonderful birth…I wont have met or benefited from all that you gave if you weren’t born on this day.

So, My QSE, I celebrate you today as I always do; it is undeniable my connection with you, unbelievable is how much I love you, and unbreakable is the bond that we have formed with each other. This bond, like Shakespeare said, “it never changes, it never fades, it outlasts death and admits no flaw”.

I thank you for all that was; all that is and all that will be.

Have a wonderful birthday, My Queen

Land Tussle in Fatubibo Village: Adeseji,Others Escape Assassination Attempt

 The once-peaceful village of Subair Adeseji Fatubibo village Emure- Ile,Owo Ondo state, has been thrown into chaos following a violent land dispute between Mondorogho and Adeseji families.

 What began as a small disagreement over ancestral land has escalated into killings and destruction of properties.

According to findings, the dispute started when a tract of land traditionally claimed by Adeseji family was allegedly encroached by Mondorogho family. 

  

The land was said to have been inherited by Rasheed Abubakar Adeseji through his father, who inherited same from his ancestors.

Efforts by the local authorities and law enforcement agents to stop the fightings in Adesoji Fatubibo village yielded little or no results as the land grabbers are not ready for any peace meeting.

The traditional head of the village, High Chief Obasekola Kehinde Adebayo confirmed that for the conflict started because the Adeseji family were not ready to leave their ancestral land inspite of claims by Mondorogho family.

Last week, some group of thugs invaded the residence of Rasheed Abubakar Adeseji, inflicting various wounds on family members they found in sight. The intruders also burnt part of the house as Rasheed Adeseji  their main target escaped assassination attempt on his life. As at the time of this report, his whereabouts is yet unknown.

 In recent times, there has been several cases of killings by land grabbers, even when knew the person's had paid for the land or entitled through accentral means. 

A banker was hacked to death after he refused to repay for a land he bought some years ago. Six persons were also hacked to death in another village because they refused to allow others encroach on their ancestral land.

Reports indicate that weapons were used, leading to injuries and escalating fear within the village.

 

The violence reached a peak in recent days, with widespread reports of property damage and terrified residents seeking refuge in neighboring communities.

 

The ongoing conflict has disrupted daily life, with markets and schools closed and agricultural activities halted.

 The social life of the village has been severely damaged, with deep divisions emerging between the warring families and their supporters.

 

 Local authorities and community leaders are reportedly attempting to mediate the dispute and restore peace but none seems to be working out.

 

  The deep-seated nature of the dispute and the high level of animosity between the families present significant challenges to resolution.

It would recalled that Ajah in Lagos became a battle field for years because of land grabbing activities. Several persons were also killed, while properties worth billions of Naira were demolished.

 There are concerns about the potential for further violence and the long-term impact on the village's social and economic stability.