The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Investors largely interested in finance solutions – Osindero

    Investors largely interested in finance solutions – Osindero

    Branch Nigeria’s Head of Legal & Compliance at the 6th Lagos Startup Week, Tolulope Osindero has said that investors are largely interested in finance and finance-related solutions because of their centrality to society.

    Osindero spoke on a panel at the fourth day of the Lagos Startup Week with thought leaders including Olu Akanmu, Co-CEO of OPay and Nefe Etomi, Strategy and Finance Specialist at Paystack.

    Speaking on the theme “Building the next billion”, the panel spoke extensively on the future of the Nigerian & African Tech Ecosystem and how with innovation, the ecosystem can evolve for the better.

    Tolulope explained how technology evolved and created the need for a change in the finance ecosystem. “Getting a loan was very difficult as it took time for the bank to do their due diligence. Around the 2000s, the introduction of the internet and the proliferation of mobile phones precipitated the need for the finance ecosystem to change. Access to money had to improve and become faster due to its direct impact on people.”

    Although technology is no longer an industry, but rather the underlying driver of change and innovation for every business everywhere including Africa. It is important to have a mutually respectful relationship with regulators.

    Read Also:Business activities pick up as sit-at-home continues in Abia

    Olu Akanmu commented, “One of the things we should do in tech is engaging our regulators more with an open mind. As Founders, we should deal with regulators with more emotional intelligence”. Strategy & Finance Specialist at Paystack, Nefe Etomi agreed saying, “You need to tread carefully with regulators especially if you intend to operate in multiple countries because if you mess up in one country, it can affect entry into another.”

    Osindero also agreed with the panel adding, “Banking and finance have always been regulated. You will always have a regulator and you are not more powerful than your regulators. Understanding that from day one even at your conception stage helps you to think about creative ways to engage your regulators and how to communicate properly. I’ll say that the relationship with regulators has significantly improved in Nigeria. The manner of approach is very key, you have to take them through the product, the building process and how the market is using this technology.”

    Asides from featuring on the panel, headline sponsor, Branch, showcased its investment products to attendees. The attendees were able to download the Branch app and set up an account that gives them access to loans of up to 500,000 and investment opportunities at their fingertips.

  • We await birds’ participation in funds disappearance – Dokubo

    We await birds’ participation in funds disappearance – Dokubo

    Veteran actress Hilda Dokubo has said among other animals and insects that have been blamed for the disappearance of fund, they await the participation of birds too.

    The thespian made the remark while reacting to the news termites have eaten up some of the documents to justify N17.158 billion missing funds.

    On Monday, it was reported the Senate Public Accounts Committee (SPAC) has put the current and past management of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) under scrutiny.

    The committee said it discovered that the fund’s management failed to produce relevant documents to justify alleged spending of N17.158 billion in 2013.

    Some of the documents to back the expenses were said to have been eaten up by termites.

    The Chairman of the Senate Committee, Urhoghide, had summoned and interviewed NSITF’s past and present managements on where the said N17.158 billion was transferred to between January and December 2013.

    It was learnt that no official of the former management could offer a satisfactory explanation on the alleged multiple transfers with necessary documents.

    Members of management in charge of the agency in 2013 had told the committee that relevant cash vouchers pertaining to the transactions were left behind by them.

    But the current NSITF Managing Director, Dr. Michael Akabogu, was said to have claimed that no such documents were in the organisation’s custody.

    Read Also:Why movie stars are kidnap targets, by Hilda Dokubo

    “The container the said documents were kept by past management has not only been beaten by rains over the years but even possibly been eaten up by termites.

    “As directed by this committee, I told the past management officers on the need for them to help us out in answering this query with necessary documents which have not been made available for us,” Akabogu allegedly said.

    But Dokubo in her reaction described the news as an embarrassment of an excuse.

    She noted at this point where animals and insects like monkeys, snakes, termites and others have actively participated in the disappearance of funds; the birds should certainly be next in line.

    “Please whose father, brother, husband, friend, neighbour or boss is this person whose face is used as brand ambassador for this kind of gist?

    “Only in this administration, we have animals, insects, monkeys, snakes, rats participating actively in the disappearance of funds…

    “Ok o we are waiting for the birds,” she wrote.

  • You’re a ‘waka pass’ if he isn’t financially committed – Lepacious Bose

    You’re a ‘waka pass’ if he isn’t financially committed – Lepacious Bose

    Comedienne Bose Ogunboye aka Lepacious Bose has attempted to offer insights into what it means for men to withhold cash and other gifts from women.

    She stated a woman whose partner is not pampering her with money and gift is merely a ‘waka pass’.

    Such a woman, according to her. is one ‘who has nothing binding’ her to the man.
    She argued men who don’t commit their finances to their partner will sooner than later serve such a woman ‘breakfast’ because they have nothing to lose.

    The actress made this submission as an affirmation to Zlatan Ibile’s quote on what a man who genuinely loves a woman ought to do which is constantly crediting her account with money.
    “I totally agree but the stingy ones will claim they like independent women and never drop anything! Shior! Mental manipulation! Emotional scam ni!

    “Dem go Dey claim your independence is what makes you so attractive. You sef go Dey die in silence to maintain “strong girl” respect.

    “Truth is when they don’t commit their money to you, it’s a mental preparation to walk away, nothing to lose!

    “Nothing binds them to you, you are not the main chick, you are not the side chick, you are not even the side chick to the side chick!!!

    Read Also:It takes a strong man to love fat women- Lepacious Bose

    “As a matter of fact, na the money he suppose give you, him Dey take buy ingredients for the breakfast he will serve you. It’s low key the exit plan!”

    Though she agreed spending a fortune on a woman doesn’t guarantee a lasting relationship but insisted when the reverse is the case, it only meant the man never loved nor valued the woman because ‘giving’ is an expression of ‘love.’

    “Does that mean he can’t walk away after spending millions on you?? Of course easily, that’s another scenario and another story; but when you have been together for a while and one naira has never passed to you in cash or in kind?…..my sister, wake up and smell the coffee ooo!

    “PS: I don’t think a woman should live off a man’s pocket…. But giving is an expression of love and any man that does not give either in cash or in gifts is just using you to pass time; all that independent woman BS is a mind game to stop you from asking or be upset about it. Men actually like to pamper women, if he is not pampering you, you be waka pass…,” she added.

     

  • Wike gifts Odili multi-million house for birthday

    Wike gifts Odili multi-million house for birthday

    Rivers Governor, Nyesom Wike has gifted a multi-million naira house to ex-Governor Peter Odili for his 74th birthday.

    Odili was the Governor of River between 1999 to 2007 when Wike was Chairman of Obi Akpor Local Government Area.

    Celebrating Odili at a ceremony organised by the Rivers State Government to commemorate the 74th birthday anniversary in Port Harcourt, Wike eulogised Odili for the roles he played in his emergence as Governor.

    He said Odili had beforehand enlightened him on the possible outcome of his ambition and prepared his mind for likely betrayal by allies.

    Noting that Odili remains one of the greatest politicians in Rivers who raised every member of the current ruling class in the state, Wike said Nigeria missed a great deal by not having the ex-governor as a President.

    He described him as a true leader of men who groomed many and supported a lot of persons to the political limelight, especially in Rivers State and across Nigeria.

    Read Also:Deji Adeyanju mocks Obi over meeting with Wike, others

    “There was a time every political class abandoned Dr. Odili. This is a man who gave us everything. Some people called him Mr. Donatus. There was no abuse he did not get. Everybody he tried to help their families, at the end of the day, all betrayed him,”

    “For us, we have used him as a school and we thank him for making himself available for us to use him to learn so that we won’t be shocked by whatever is going to happen,” he said

    Wike expressed delight for the opportunity to have known Odili and be able to celebrate him.

    He pointed to the several support and the gains from the political tutelage under the ex-governor that had made him accomplish his political successes.

  • ‘We’re committed to delivering top notch IT services’

    ‘We’re committed to delivering top notch IT services’

    Chief Business Development Officer of Obiwezy.com, Obafemi Onanuga, in this interview with Ibrahim Adams speak about the value he offers in the Information technology space. Excerpts:

    Give an insight about your experience as an IT analyst?

    Very tough but enlightening because knowing I have always had an affinity for IT as the workings blew my mind. The use of information technology for my business growth is worth the reason to remain steadfast

    How has it been running companies?

    Information technology infusion has made it easier though being in Nigeria coupled with having conversations with Nigerians is not easy and can be very discouraging but when other people are offering the same service we do, we know we are on track.

    What differentiate what you do from others who offer similar service?

    Over the years we have done relationship management not necessarily customer service by leveraging social media which is a major edge.

    What problems do you set out to solve?

    Same worth, same value but the more affordable price with warranty and trust.

    What is the biggest challenge you foresee?

    Sales of stolen products at the time but now not being able to make the customer happy.

    What would you say are your biggest constraints in delivering services to customers?

    As the business owner you are the visionaire and a country like Nigeria where the educational system doesn’t make the workforce market ready so having a workforce key into that dream or relate as you would to any and every customer is a major problem.

    Read Also:Carving a niche in business

    With inflation affecting businesses, what is the coping mechanism you employed?

    Inflation never left us but we have been able to focus our strength on delivery proximity from our vendors and the tactic of not overstocking and buy from where you can get it delivered as quickly as possible.

    What impact are you making by proffering a solution?

    Providing smart work solutions in terms of gadget and selling convenience that you can trust using re-commerce (giving value to every product no matter the degree of usage till the end of the life cycle)

    Describe a mistake you made and what You learned From It?

    Buying without proper check, it is important not to jump processes and do due diligence no matter the connection, closeness, or familiarity. You create a standard for yourself and avoid most issues if all procedures are duly followed.

    How do you monitor performance in achieving the company goals?

    KPIs per departments and job functions like cashflows, customer growth, and turnover (quantity over profit mostly).

  • ‘Why you should marry wife with ‘ashawo’ vibes’

    ‘Why you should marry wife with ‘ashawo’ vibes’

    Self-acclaimed relationship expert, Blessing Okoro aka Blessing CEO has advised prospective husbands to ensure they marry a woman with the some ‘prostitute’ vibes as it helps curb infidelity.

    The controversial Instagram celebrity shared a TikTok video where she was captured trying to portray a ‘reserved’ wife but eventually transformed into slaying wife.

    Captioning the video, Blessing CEO revealed marrying a wife who exudes ‘ashawo’ vibes makes marriage sweeter because it restrains husbands from going out to patronise ‘prostitutes’.

    Read Also:Why I’ve ‘controversial’ personality-Blessing CEO

    “Marry wife wey get ashawo vibes, so you no go dey patronise ashawo in private. Dear men. e dey make marriage sweet,” the mother of two said.

    She further scorned men who openly declare that they love reserved women yet their home get shattered by women of easy virtue.

    “I love reserve women.. I love reserve women but na ashawo dey shatter ur home,” she added.

  • What to do if you genuinely like a woman – Zlatan Ibile

    What to do if you genuinely like a woman – Zlatan Ibile

    Singer Omoniyi Temidayo Raphael aka Zlatan Ibile has suggested what men must do when they genuinely like a woman.

    He noted beyond professing love for a woman, a man should deposit money in her account regularly.

    Read Also:Why Rema, Zlatan are major spenders at Flykicks, by Otukpa

    “If it’s genuine that you like her, steady drop money in her bank app,” the Zanku Records boss said.

  • BBNaija S7: I felt Bryann was a playboy – Ilebaye

    BBNaija S7: I felt Bryann was a playboy – Ilebaye

    Evicted BBNaija Season 7 housemate Ilebaye has opened up about her relationship with Bryann while in Biggie’s house.

    In a post-eviction interview with Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Ilebaye spoke about her time in the house.

    “I felt he wanted to play me,” Ilebaye told the show host about Bryann.

    On her preferable housemate to win the grand prize of N100 million, Ilebaye picked Phyna.

    “Phyna may win this year only if she does not get distracted,” she said.

    Read Also:#BBNaija S7: Eloswag picks Chizzy, Groovy, Daniella, four others for eviction

    When asked if there is anything she would have done differently if she had the chance, Ilebaye said she would have loved to know more about Dotun

    Ilebaye’s removal was announced by Ebuka during the second live eviction show on Sunday.

    She became the third housemate to be evicted in the ongoing show after polling the lowest votes from the viewers and voters.

  • ‘Vote wisely’ only movement I’m championing – Mr Macaroni

    ‘Vote wisely’ only movement I’m championing – Mr Macaroni

    Popular comedian Mr Macaroni has fired back at his detractors for not undisclosing his choice of presidential candidate in 2023..

    But he has remained vocal on 2023 elections, consistently urging youths to get their PVCs and vote wisely.

    He has however not revealed his preferred party or candidate.

    That has earned him criticisms from many quarters with many claiming he was “hiding” his preferred candidate.

    Read Also:I’ll never vote for APC or PDP – Mr Macaroni

    Replying his critics in a recent tweet, the thespian lashed out, referring to them as ‘stupid’ while insisting “vote wisely” is the only movement he’ll be championing.

    He said: “You people are sha stupid with this your “Hiding” narrative. Na for hiding dem dehumanize me? Constant attacks from then till now!!

    “If not endorsing a political candidate means I am hiding, then Yes!! I am hiding!!

    “VOTE WISELY!! That is the only movement I am championing!”

  • Baashe Delta releases visuals for ‘Kun Dhaan’

    Baashe Delta releases visuals for ‘Kun Dhaan’

    Singing sensation Baasha Ahmed Jaama aka Baashe Delta has finally released his much-awaited visuals for his recent single: ‘Kun Dhaan’ produced by Kkurbo Studio.

    The Somalia-born artiste sings in multiple languages, including German, English and Somali, making his music enjoys a wide range of audience.

    He officially made his musical debut in 2019 with the single “Najma” which was in the Somal language and ever since has revved up his game.

    Read Also:My village people have followed me abroad – Bovi

    Speaking about the new visuals, he said he was happy that the project actually went the way he wished and even his team was happy about the progress.

    “I’m grateful to the fans for patiently waiting up to this time and I’m sure we didn’t disappoint them,” he said.

    The video since it dropped has gathered multiple streams all over the globe with fans pouring encomiums on him for a job well done.

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