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Polaris Bank Partners NCF on Land Restoration, Tree Planting

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Polaris Bank Partners NCF on Land Restoration, Tree Planting

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

In pursuit of its Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR), Polaris Bank Limited, is partnering the Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF), on land restoration through tree planting initiative.

The bank’s initiative, kicked off on Monday with a tree planting project at the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijagun, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.

At the event held in front of the university’s council chamber, the institution’s Vice Chancellors, Prof. Olumide Banjo, represented by his deputy, Prof. Adekunle Adeogun, was full of praises for the bank’s support for the school.

Speaking at the event, the Polaris Bank Executive Director, Chris Ofikulu, said the tree planting initiative, was borne out of the institution’s commemoration of the World Environment Day in June 2024.

According to Ofikulu, the 2024 theme focuses on “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience,” which aligns with the United Nations Decade of Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030).

He said: “In support of this, Polaris Bank has committed to sustainable practices and land restoration by planting trees nationwide in regions affected by erosion, such as Ogun State.

“It is noteworthy to mention that we are commencing this initiative with Ogun State.

“At Polaris Bank, sustainability is not just a catchphrase. It is our ethos. It is a journey in which we are committed to walk in with conviction.

“Our sustainability practices involve promoting responsible banking, empowering people and society, addressing environmental issues, and sustainable economic growth.

“We aim to ensure that every decision we make, from investments to operations, is guided by the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.

“Our choice of TASUED as the starting port for the bank’s tree planting project is borne out of our long-standing relationship with the University, which commenced with the erstwhile SKYE BANK in 2007.

“The relationship has today remained very cordial and mutually beneficial to both organizations.

“Today’s tree planting exercise at Tai Solarin University of Education in collaboration with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) is a testament to our commitment to these sustainability principles.”

Ofikulu said the bank shares its dedication to encouraging sustainable economic growth and appreciating the importance of environmental preservation.

His words: “This project aligns perfectly with the World Environment Day, in addition to reducing carbon footprints and enhancing our natural ecosystem. It also aims to promote public awareness regarding the importance of environmental preservation.

“The benefits of our tree-planting initiative cannot be overemphasized.

It will contribute significantly to the restoration of degraded areas, the prevention of soil erosion, and the enhancement of overall environmental health.

“This tree-planting project signposts Polaris Bank’s way of giving back to the society through dedication to environmental stewardship and community well-being, promoting a greener future through Corporate Responsibility.”

While stating that the initiative would involve planting of 500 trees, Ofikulu, said 250 seedlings would be planted in the university while the remaining 250 would be planted in another part of the state that would be determined later.

Speaking at the event, the TASUED Vice Chancellor, Prof Oluwole Banjo, said Polaris Bank had contributed immensely to the development of the university.

The vice chancellor represented by his deputy, Prof Adekunle Adeogun, appealed to Polaris Bank to give more support for TASUED promising that the relationship shall be for mutual benefits.

In his address at the occasion, Ayodele Alamu, Senior Manager, Partnerships, NCF, said the whole essence of the initiative is to achieve afforestation and restore the forest cover in Nigeria.

Alamu said the vision of the NCF is to achieve at least 25% of forest cover in the country.

He said: “Today, deforestation is a big challenge such that our forest cover which used to be 30% years back is now in between 6 to 8% and the consequences of this is land degradation, erosion, among others

“However, efforts such as this tree-planting project being done in partnership with Polaris Bank and TASUED will really help to arrest this challenge and enhance sustainability of our environment.

“It is what everyone of us must get involved in to fight the climate change and the attendant negative consequences”.

Other dignitaries at the event were Mrs. Bukola Oluyadi, Group Head Customers Experience and Value Management, Rasheed Yusuf, Group Head, Ondo/Ekiti, Abiodun Daramola, Group Head Ogun/Oyo and Yemi Akinrelere, Head, Sustainability and Consumer Protection among others.

//Ends.

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Stanbic IBTC Insurance CEO, Akinjide Orimolade to Keynote Business Journal Annual Lecture 2024

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Stanbic IBTC Insurance CEO, Akinjide Orimolade to Keynote Business Journal Annual Lecture 2024

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Mr. Akinjide Orimolade, Managing Director/CEO, Stanbic IBTC Insurance Limited is the Keynote Speaker for the Business Journal Annual Lecture 2024 coming up on Thursday, November 26, 2024 at the Event Centre, Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) Building, 2-4, Customs Street, Marina, Lagos.

The theme of the Lecture is: Repositioning the Insurance Industry to Drive Sustainable Economic Growth in Nigeria while the Panel Session will evaluate the impact of insurance on key sectors of the Nigerian economy such as local content development, aviation, telecoms, oil & gas, banking etc.

Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, the Commissioner for Insurance/CEO, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) would be the Special Guest of Honour while Mr. Tope Smart, Group Chairman of NEM Insurance Group would Chair the event.

Mr. Akinjide Orimolade is a Chartered Insurer with a wide range of experience in Insurance marketing, general underwriting, and claims administration.

He has experience in diverse aspects of corporate operations including human resource management, administration, and business development. His career has spanned pioneering start-up insurance firms within the industry and successful transformation of organisations he has led.

Akinjide has mentored young people in the industry most of whom are now at the top of their careers. He is currently the Deputy President of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) and the Chairman of the Governing Board of College of Insurance and Financial Management (CIFM).

He has over 32 years’ experience in the insurance industry and has been very influential in setting up startup insurance companies.

Orimolade worked with Law Union & Rock Insurance Plc Group as Chief Executive until November 2018. Before his employment with Law Union & Rock Insurance, Akinjide worked with AIICO Insurance as Executive Director – Technical, Liberty Life as Regional Director – West Africa, Zenith Insurance as Chief Executive, Sovereign Trust Insurance as the Assistant General Manager (Apapa Area Office), Central Insurance Company as Unit Head – Marketing, Bullion Insurance Broker as Deputy Manager, Financial Assurance Company as Superintendent Officer.

Akinjide holds an MSc in Marketing from the University of Lagos, He also has a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) in Insurance from the University of Lagos. Akinjide Orimolade is a fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN).

Commenting, the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Business Journal Media Group, Prince Cookey said:

“We are indeed honoured to have Mr. Akinjide Orimolade, Managing Director/CEO of Stanbic IBTC Insurance Limited as Keynote Speaker for the Business Journal Annual Lecture 2024.

A thoroughbred insurance professional, educator and mentor, he has meritoriously traversed the insurance industry landscape in Nigeria and Africa over a period of more than three decades. He remains a worthy inspiration and role model to current and future generation of insurance men and women in Nigeria and Africa. Our 2024 Annual Lecture is designed to draw critical attention to the expanding role and contribution of the insurance industry towards sustainable growth of the Nigerian economy. The second leg is equally to consider the industry’s impact on various key sectors of the economy.”

Cookey listed the objectives of the annual lecture to include showcasing contributions of the insurance sector in the past 10 yearsevaluate the current state of the marketevaluate the current challenges hindering its further growthevaluate the impact of insurance on key sectors of the economyidentify the emerging growth potential and opportunitiesand to project the future of the industry in the coming 10 years.

He stated that other guest speakers/panelists for the annual lecture would be unveiled in due course.

The Business Journal Publisher explained that the Business Journal Annual Lecture Series is the contribution of the Media Group to nation-building and critical support for the growth of the Nigerian economy.

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Polaris Bank Empowers Media Practitioners with 2024 Capacity Building Workshop

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Polaris Bank Empowers Media Practitioners with 2024 Capacity Building Workshop

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

As part of its ongoing commitment to continually empower the Nigerian media and enable it play the critical watchdog role in the society, Polaris Bank is organizing an open workshop for all classes of Journalist across the media spectrum as one of its critical CSR intervention meant to positively impact key stakeholders. 

The 2024 media workshop with the theme: “Integrating AI tools in Contemporary Media practices for Innovation and Excellence” falls within the Bank’s intervention programs under its Education/Capacity Building Strategic Corporate Social Responsibility(CSR) pillar which deepens media relations, and contribute to the overall development of Nigeria’s media landscape.

Scheduled to hold on Thursday, October 24th, 2024, the media workshop aims to equip media practitioners with the latest tools and skills to navigate evolving challenges of modern journalism. 

With a focus on available and relevant Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and use, participants will learn how to integrate these technologies into their day-to-day work, streamlining news gathering processes and ensuring accuracy in storytelling.

The workshop will also dive deep into contemporary new media tools and practices, while addressing available opportunities that enhances career development.

Focus will also be shed on key topics such as; data journalism, fact-checking, and solutions journalism—ensuring media professionals are equipped to thrive in the digital era.

Building on the success and feedback from previous workshops, especially that of 2023 edition, where hundreds of Journalists participated, the 2024 workshop promises to offer even greater value. 

This year’s event will highlight cutting-edge trends, such as media entrepreneurship and career development strategies in a competitive media landscape.

To deliver an impactful workshop, the Bank has assembled top faculty and distinguished subject experts as facilitators, including Dr. Chike Mgbeadichie, a Senior Lecturer at the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University, Lekki, Lagos and Lekan Otufodunrin, Executive Director of the Media Career Development Network.

Their extensive knowledge and experience in media and communication will guide participants in understanding how to stay relevant, adapt to technological advancements, and maintain responsible journalism practices.

This initiative reflects Polaris Bank’s long-standing commitment to capacity building, particularly in empowering media practitioners to address the challenges of the digital age. 

By providing access to the latest knowledge and tools, the workshop aims to support the continuous development of the Journalists, and media landscape in Nigeria while fostering sustainable and impactful journalism.

Interested media practitioners can register to attend: Register Here.

Polaris Bank was adjudged Nigeria’s Digital Bank of the Year in 2023, 2022 and 2021 in Business Day’s Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.

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Ecobank Nigeria to Host Design and Build Expo, Featuring Premier Exhibitors

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Ecobank Nigeria to Host Design and Build Expo, Featuring Premier Exhibitors

LAJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Ecobank Nigeria is set to host its inaugural Design & Build Expo, aimed at highlighting the latest trends, innovations, and sustainable practices in architecture, construction, building materials, household appliances, engineering, and interior design.

This carefully curated five-day event tagged “Building Nigeria Together” will take place from November 27 to December 1, 2024, at the Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC) on Victoria Island, Lagos, starting daily at 10:00 am. Approximately 60 exhibitors have already signed up to present their products and innovations at this significant fair.

During the event announcement in Lagos, Omoboye Odu, Head of SMEs, Partnerships, and Collaborations at Ecobank Nigeria, emphasized that the expo is part of the bank’s broader initiative to support the country’s economic development. The expo aims to provide a platform for professionals in the design and building sectors to showcase and sell their offerings to a larger audience, while also facilitating valuable networking opportunities for entrepreneurs, consumers, and stakeholders in the economy.

The expo will focus on businesses that include real estate development, kitchen fittings, tiling and flooring, interior design, lighting, woodwork, electronics, and construction tools and equipment.

“As a Pan-African bank, this expo aligns with our mission to contribute to the economic growth of the countries we operate in. It’s a unique opportunity for industry players to showcase their products, network, and promote the adoption of sustainable practices, emphasizing renewable materials and energy-efficient technologies,” Odu stated.

Ms. Odu also highlighted that exhibitors would gain significant exposure to key decision-makers, influencers, and potential clients, allowing them to showcase their offerings and engage in interactive sessions, workshops, and live demonstrations. This will enhance their brand visibility, provide valuable market insights, and help them explore emerging industry trends. She concluded with an open invitation to stakeholders and enthusiasts in the real estate sector – asking that they join us at this novel exhibition and collectively let us combine forces in Building Nigeria Together. 

In addition to the expo, Ecobank Nigeria has launched various initiatives to support SMEs and boost the economy, including the successful Adire Lagos Experience, +234 Art Fair, Ecobank National Schools Team Chess Championship, and Oja Oge 2024. The bank is also conducting its monthly MySME Growth Series, aimed at training and empowering over 1 million SME operators nationwide by the end of the year.

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