WEMA BANK ALERTS CUSTOMERS TO FRAUDULENT ADVANCE PAYMENT REQUESTS FOR LOAN DISBURSAL

 Wema Bank, Nigeria’s foremost innovative bank and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has alerted its customers to beware of fraudulent antics involving requests for advance payments to secure loans, asserting that Wema Bank will never request any form of advance payment into personal or corporate accounts before disbursing loans.

This notice was issued following recent inquiries by customers who had received messages from fraudsters impersonating certain personalities and organisations, asking them to pay certain amounts into a 3rd party Wema Bank Account to secure a loan. The bank has responded to these inquiries, explicitly stating that Wema Bank loans do not come at any advance cost, and that all requests for advance payment for loan disbursement must be denied.

Wema Bank further charged customers to report all such cases to the bank by either sending an email to purpleconnect@wemabank.com with proof attached or sending a Direct Message (DM) to the bank’s official Instagram account @wemabank with proof attached as applicable; to enable the bank investigate and take further action to curb these incidences. 

Disclosing the appropriate channels for requesting their personal and business loans, Wema Bank reiterated that loans are accessible via the ALAT mobile App, the ALAT For Business app (for business loans) or their branches, all at no advance cost.

Wema Bank has remained consistent in safeguarding customers’ finances, protecting them from fraud and securing their financial future. It is commendable that the financial institution is so relentlessly committed to going the extra mile in ensuring the financial security of its customers and helping them avoid falling victim to fraud.

SANWO-OLU ELEVATES AKOSILE TO SPECIAL ADVISER, MEDIA AND PUBLICITY

 The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has elevated his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mr. Gboyega Akosile, to Special Adviser, Media and Publicity. 

The appointment, which took immediate effect, was announced on Wednesday in a letter dated March 13, 2024, and signed by the Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro.

 

"I wish to convey the approval of Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Governor of Lagos State, of your new appointment as Special Adviser, Media and Publicity (Non-Cabinet Rank) to Mr. Governor. The appointment takes effect from 13th March 2024 to 21st May 2027.

 

"In appointing you, the State Government expects you to demonstrate a high level of dedication, diligence, and selflessness in the discharge of your duties to justify the confidence and trust reposed in you," the statement reads in part. 

 

Before his new appointment, Akosile was the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Sanwo-Olu.  He had earlier served as Media Adviser to the Governor during the 2019 governorship campaign and in the same capacity after the swearing-in of Governor Sanwo-Olu for a second term.

 

He also served as Deputy Chief Press Secretary and later Chief Press Secretary to Governor Sanwo-Olu during his first term in office. 

 

Akosile holds Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in Theatre Arts from both the University of Ilorin and University of Lagos respectively. He also bagged a Master of Business Administration degree, MBA at the Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU between 2008 and 2010.

He has over two decades of robust career and hands on experience in journalism, media and perception management.

In his new role, Akosile is expected to continue his media and perception management of the Governor and his administration, in line with the Government’s THEMES+ development agenda.

NEPL/SEPLAT JV Kicks-Off the 2024 “Eye Can See” Initiative

 The NEPL/Seplat Energy JV has kicked off the 2024 edition of the Eye Can See initiative, one of its flagship Corporate Social Investment (CSI) in Benin, Edo State. The event, which took place at the Palace of the Oba of Benin, is designed to provide free optical treatment at all levels to members of the communities within NEPL/SEPLAT operational communities.

Photo Caption (Seplat -Eye Can See 2024) - L-R: Mildred Medinus, Broadcast Media Advisor, NEPL; Chief Victor Osa Uzamere, Obadolaye of Benin; Emmanuel Otokhine, Base Manager, Western Asset, Seplat Energy; Esther Icha, Manager, Corporate Social Investment, Seplat Energy; Faith Otitinor, Community Liaison Officer, NEPL and Chief Uyi Okungbowa, Ogua of Benin at the NEPL/Seplat Energy JV "Eye Can See" programme held on Wednesday March 13, 2024 at the Oba of Benin Palace, Edo State.

Specifically, the programme is targeted at men, women and children with eye problems and aims to ensure the provision of free eye care, visual aid and surgical treatment for Cataract, as well as reduce cases of permanent loss of vision. The initiative also provides free reading glasses, treats other related eye problems, educates patients on ways to care for the eyes and how to detect Glaucoma and also educate patients on lifestyle changes required to reduce the rates of Hypertension & Diabetes.

In his welcome address, the Managing Director, Seplat West Limited, Ayodele Olatunde, who was represented by the Base Manager, Western Assets, Emmanuel Otokhine, thanked the Edo State Health Management Board and other partners, who have supported the programme over the years.

He assured that, “Seplat and our JV Partner are committed to continuing this programme and all we ask is that you continued to cooperate with us, to take advantage of the opportunities that this programme offers and also spread the news to let others also enjoy the benefits of the programme”.

On his part, the Corporate Communications Manager, NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL) Alhaji Dahiru Abubakar, represented by the Community Liaison Officer, Faith Otitinor, said, “It is our pleasure as an organisation in partnership with SEPLAT to roll out the “Eye Can See” optical care program for the community. Over the years, we have partnered with highly reputable medical practitioners, who have proven themselves in the field of optical care to deploy this program and we pledge our undiminished collaboration towards human and capital development in Edo State.”

Also, while commending the Seplat Energy JV for its commitment to positively impacting lives through the Eye Can See initiative, Chief Isaac Oghafua, the Oyeoba of Benin, affirmed that, "Seplat has made significant strides in improving community health and the people living in our community have felt their impact. The Palace is always happy when this programme happens because our own family members within and outside the Palace have directly benefited from the initiative.”

The Eye Can See initiative which commenced 12 years ago has delivered over 96,000 eye treatments, dispensed over 45,000 reading glasses and performed more than 4, 000 surgeries. The current programme is projected to Screen 6,000 persons, perform 350 Surgeries and dispense 5,000 Reading Glasses across various communities.

The Seplat Energy JV collaborates with reputable medical practitioners and organisations, including the Family Health Outreach Association and the Medical Women Association of Nigeria, to deliver the Eye Can See Programme, in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, which is designed to deliver Good Health and Well Being, to ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing of all at all ages.

One of the beneficiaries of the ongoing programme, Mrs. Florence Ayewoh, expressed joy that she could see well again. “I am really grateful to Seplat for making me see well again. May God bless all of you and those who sent you to come.”

WEMA BANK EMERGES MEMBER OF THE MONTH FOR FINTECH ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA

 Wema Bank, Nigeria’s foremost innovative bank and Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has been recognised as the member of the month by the Fintech Association of Nigeria for its outstanding contributions to the fintech and innovation ecosystem.

The Fintech Association of Nigeria [FinTech NGR] is a non-profit and non-political organisation established to serve as a platform for the development of the Nigerian financial technology [FinTech] industry; interfacing with the Central Bank of Nigeria [CBN], Securities and Exchange Commission [SEC] and other relevant bodies to develop the industry. 

According to FinTech NGR, Wema Bank’s emergence as Member of the month is corollary to a number of factors which include:

- Wema Bank’s active collaboration within the FinTech industry, striving towards common objectives and nurturing a spirit of togetherness within the FinTech community.

- The bank’s position as a steadfast financial member of the Association.

- Wema Bank’s numerous community-oriented initiatives that involve giving back, including rewards and various campaigns such as the SHE EMPOWERS HER Award.

- The bank’s partnership with the National Youth Service Corps [NYSC] on youth development through the NYSC-ALAT Accelerator Programme. 

- The bank’s first physical Importer-Exporter Forum in Lagos to address issues impeding International Trade and proffer solutions to these issues.

- A 106% growth in Wema Bank’s Profit Before Tax [PBT] from the year 2022 to 2023 [Q3].

- Wema Bank’s FinTech arm, ALAT, setting a benchmark for quality in the FinTech industry, showcasing their commitment to pushing boundaries.

Further commending Wema Bank’s exemplary leadership, innovation and impact in the Fintech Industry, the Fintech Association of Nigeria expressed eager anticipation for Wema Bank’s continued contributions, innovations and successes in the FinTech landscape.

With each solution, initiative and partnership pioneered by Wema Bank, the trailblazing financial institution continues to raise the bar and reset the standards for innovation and positive impact across the financial services industry.

Dollar crashes from 1800 to 1400 as Goverment attacks spot buyers on Binance

 The Federal Government of Nigeria determination to curb the activities of forex speculators seem to be gaining momentum with the exchange rate now down to 1439 to 1 US Dollar. The Naira strengthens against USDT as Binance and other crypto platforms confirm they are in talks with government to curb spot trading. 

Aside talks with Binance and other platforms, the attack against currency speculators is also been effectively sustained by the office of National Security Adviser, Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) and the police. A source disclosed that Naira will continue to strengthen against the dollar and the economy will experience speedily recovery from saboteurs. 

   "In a surprising turn of events, the Nigerian Naira has shown significant strength against the Tether (USDT) cryptocurrency, with its value improving to 1438 from a previous high of over 1800. This development occurs amidst growing speculation that major cryptocurrency platforms, including Binance, are in advanced talks with regulatory bodies to introduce measures aimed at curtailing speculative spot trading that has adversely affected the Naira.

The remarkable recovery of the Naira comes at a time when the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in conjunction with other financial regulatory authorities, is reportedly considering stringent regulations on cryptocurrency transactions to stabilize the national currency. The speculative nature of crypto trading had previously led to volatility in the Naira's value, prompting a need for intervention from both the government and the crypto industry.

Insiders suggest that the anticipated regulatory measures might include limitations on the volume of trades, enhanced surveillance of crypto transactions, and stricter rules for exchanges operating within Nigeria's financial ecosystem. These proposed regulations aim to mitigate the impact of speculative trading on the Naira, ensuring a more stable economic environment.

The strengthening of the Naira against USDT is viewed by many as a positive response to the ongoing discussions between crypto platforms and Nigerian regulators. It signifies investor confidence in the potential for a more regulated and stable crypto trading environment in Nigeria. This shift could encourage more responsible trading practices and contribute to the overall stability of the Nigerian economy.

The collaboration between crypto exchanges and regulatory bodies highlights a proactive approach to addressing the challenges posed by the integration of digital currencies into Nigeria's financial system. By working together, they aim to strike a balance between fostering innovation in the crypto space and protecting the economy from potential destabilization.

As the dialogue between the crypto industry and regulators continues, the focus remains on creating a regulatory framework that supports the growth of digital finance while safeguarding the economic interests of Nigerians. The recent strengthening of the Naira against USDT is a promising sign that these efforts are moving in the right direction. Speculators may be in for a wild ride"

EFCC Recovers N30 Billion from Ministry of Humanitarian N37B fraud

 The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has recovered over N30bn from the N37,170, 855,753.44 allegedly laundered in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs under the former minister, Sadiya Umar-Farouk.

Sources in the anti-graft agency, who spoke with our correspondent on Friday, said the commission had also uncovered over N500m from the scam associated with Umar-Farouk’s successor, Betta Edu, who was recently suspended by President Bola Tinubu.

A Nigerian newspaper, PUNCH had in December reported that N37,170,855,753.44 was transferred from government coffers and sent to 38 different bank accounts domiciled in five legacy commercial banks belonging to or connected with a contractor, James Okwete.

It was gathered on Friday that N30bn was recovered by the EFCC following the placement of a lien on the bank accounts of Umar-Farouq and Okwete, who are still being grilled by the anti-graft agency’s investigators.

Seyi Makinde's dance of shame

It is very curious that Governor Seyi Makinde referenced the petition signed and dated 3rd of February on a letter that he signed on the 2nd of February. Abeg, who is fooling who?

This whole thing is being orchestrated by the inglorious G5 governors who sabotaged PDP at national who want to again sabotage PDP in Edo state. They have never wished the party well and this is another example. Recall that they recently pledged to deliver Jagaban back to power.

As usual, they will continue to FAIL. 

We call on all law-abiding members of our party to turn out enmasse and vote for delegates of their choice today, 4th February 2024. Let's take our destiny into ou. .mr hands and take our party back from a handful of self-seeking people who have shown time and time again that they have no interest in helping ordinary people.

 *COPIED*