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Tag: Access Bank Plc

  • Lawyer sues Access Bank for failed N40, 000 ATM Transaction, demands N100m

    Lawyer sues Access Bank for failed N40, 000 ATM Transaction, demands N100m

    Mr Musa Baba-Panya, an Abuja-based Legal Practitioner has instituted a suit in the FCT High Court against Access Bank Plc claiming N100 million for alleged defamation of his character.

    Mr Chidi Ifeonye, the counsel to the plaintiff, who filed the suit on May 26, made the process available to newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja.

    The plaintiff had instituted the suit as a result of the bank’s failure to reverse the N40, 000 he claimed was debited from his Diamond bank account while using the defendant’s ATM facility on March 11.

    The plaintiff had described N100 million claims as general, aggravated and punitive damages for the defamation.

    Baba-Panya said that the defendant’s alleged recalcitrant attitude caused him grave embarrassment, hardship and trauma.

    “After a considerable waiting, no response of any sort came forth from the defendant, till date, thus was left with no option than to institute this action,’’ he said.

    The plaintiff averred that the money in debt was meant to execute a printing project at the ECWA Church, Maitama on that fateful day.

    “The development was most unpleasant to both the printer and I. It especially put me in unwarranted ridicule and scrutiny among the Church folks,’’ he said.

    The plaintiff is seeking a declaration finding the defendant liable for the defamation of his character via its negligent conduct against him.

    The plaintiff is also urging the court to compel the bank to write a letter of apology copying the Customer Relation Manager platforms of the CBN-interbank system.

    He also prayed for apology letter to be forwarded to the Customer Relation Manager of Diamond Bank Plc and to the ECWA Church, Maitama, Abuja.

    Baba-Panya was also seeking the award of N40, 000 being the alleged liquidated money in debt.

    He also sought an interest award at inter-bank rate on the money debt effective March 11, until final judgment.

    The plaintiff further asked for award of 10 per cent interest on the final judgment sum until final liquidation.

    He urged the court to grant him an award of N500, 000 as cost of legal cost, including solicitor’s fees.

    The matter has however not been slated for hearing.

  • Access Bank introduces ‘Family Savings Scheme’

    Access Bank introduces ‘Family Savings Scheme’

    Access Bank Plc has unveiled a new savings system tagged ‘Family Savings Scheme’ initiated to give its customers a boost in their savings.

    The bank said in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos that the exercise was in line with its commitment to promoting savings culture among the populace.

    It said that the ‘Family Savings Scheme’ was designed to encourage families to save together and enjoy exclusive privileges. The bank added that such privileges included family rewards.

    Others, it said, were that they continued to enjoy the confidentiality of their banking relation and manage their accounts as unique individuals.

    The bank said, “The scheme provides access to people who are presently excluded from financial services while promoting capital accumulation and investment boom.

    “Under the scheme, a minimum of four family members are encouraged to bank with Access Bank and enjoy exclusive value propositions.

    “Eligible family members include partners, children, parents, aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents.

    According to the bank’s Executive Director, Personal Banking, Mr. Victor Etuokwu, the scheme comes under new segment in the Bank – Family Banking Segment.

    “This is not a new product but a new segment in the bank.

    “We have basically pulled together the various products we offer to unique family members under this segment,” he added.

    He listed some of the value propositions of the scheme including education advisory services, deals and discounts, higher interest rates, insurance, school fees advance and home loans.
    Etuokwu implored the existing and prospective customers to take advantage of the ‘Family Savings Scheme’ to save for themselves and more importantly for economic development.

     

  • Lagos terminates N844 billion fourth mainland bridge contracts

    Lagos terminates N844 billion fourth mainland bridge contracts

    Lagos State Government has said it has terminated the earlier contract with investors for the construction of proposed N844 billion fourth mainland bridge projects.

    This was disclosed Monday by the Commissioner for Waterfront and Infrastructure Development, Engr. Adebowale Akinsanya, while addressing journalists in Alausa.

    He said government is presently considering various proposals from foreign investors such as United States of America, Britain, in order to accelerate commencement of the project.

    Akinsanya said the government had to dump the former contractors which include Africa financial corporation, AFC and other investors, due to continued delay in the commencement of multi billion naira project.

    Other investors dumped by the Government a year after signing Memorandum of Understanding, MOU for the 38 kilometer bridge and road project includes; Visible Assets Limited and Access Bank Plc.

    According to him, “the reason why we terminated the contract of former investors was mainly due to slow pace of work. We are now looking at many investors, though, interest is very high. We have such investors from South Korea, Europe, and America, among few others. What we are doing now is vetting the proposals we don’t want to waste any further time. So works are in top progress on the 4th Mainland Bridge.”

    The commissioner assured residents that the state government would ensure that appropriate investors would be named soon for the project considering its importance.

    Also, permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Temidayo Erinle, who spoke on the planed airport road project said, “We are yet to get Federal Government’s approval on the Airport road project. We want to assure residents that whenever there is approval you will see engineers move to site.

    “Though, we are still collaborating with FG to get things resolved. The road is not in good condition; hence, we need to move fast. Also Apapa Road, same issue as Airport Road, it’s a federal road, we are collaborating with FG on it too.”

    Erinle added that efforts by Ambode administration’s to carry out a total reconstruction of the International Airport Road from Oshodi as at press time was yet to be approved by the Federal Ministry of Works.

    According to him, the state government, presently, has a design for the reconstruction of the road as well as the funds to embark on the project but “the Federal Government is yet to grant approval. Though, we are still talking on it.

    “On the proposed 188 roads, we have received over 1,000 proposals from contractors. We are currently in a vetting stage. We are studying the technical aspect because it’s very important. We are looking at the application. Not only the costs are we considering, we have to look at the background, years of experience, expertise too. We are paying more attention to technical aspect.”

    Erile added that in maintaining the existing roads in the state, the Public Works Corporation, LSPWC, worked on 807 roads within the state, while it delivered over 532 roads and agency currently working on over 275 other roads.

     

  • Delta govt paid N24million into Justice Ajumogobia in 2011 – Witness

    Delta govt paid N24million into Justice Ajumogobia in 2011 – Witness

    An Ikeja high court heard Friday that the Delta State Government credited the current bank account of Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia twice in August 2011 to the tune of N24 miilion.

    A former customer relations officer with Access Bank Plc, Clement Okaranwolu who disclosed this at resumed proceedings before Justice Hakeem Oshodi said on Friday that the state credited the judge’s account with N15million on August 5, 2011and with N9million on August 29, 2011.

    Okaranwolu, who said he was the account officer to the judge, further stated that N15million was paid into the account with an Oceanic Bank cheque while the N9million was lodged in with a Zenith Bank cheque.

    Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia, a serving judge of the Federal High Court, is facing a 30 count charge offence before the court for alleged bribery and unlawful enrichment alongside a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Godwin Obla.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had accused the judge of receiving a total of $793,800 in several tranches from different sources between 2012 and 2015 “so as to have a significant increase in your assets that you cannot reasonably explain the increase in relation to your lawful income.”

    Led in evidence by the EFCC prosecutor, Rotimi Oyedepo Okaranwolu is the fourth prosecution witness told the court that apart from the naira account, the judge also owned two dollars accounts into which lodgments were constantly made by herself and other individuals.

    The witness said one Ken Mozia paid in $20,000 on May 7, 2008 into the judge’s domiciliary account, numbered 0002130929; Tony Iwobi, who paid $10,000 into the account on April 16, 2008; Ali D, who paid in $10,000 on June 16, 2007;  Subedetu, who paid in $3,000 on April 12, 2011; and AB/GT which paid in $9,900 on April 30, 2013.

    The witness, who was presented with the judge’s statements of accounts, also pointed out to the court several $10,000 lodgments which Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia made by herself and by sending others, including the witness himself and one Donald Ofili adding that $10,000 was the maximum daily deposit allowed.

    He said that the two dollar accounts received a total credit of $693,000 deposited by the judge and other individuals between 2007 and 2011.

    The witness also pointed out names of individuals who credited the judge’s account to include one Ayegba Abdullahi who credited the account with N1million on August 17, 2011; Mrs. Bola Latinwo who paid N700,000 and N500,000 into the account on October 5 and November 20, 2011 respectively.

    Justice Oshodi has adjourned further proceedings in the matter till April 28, 2017.

     

  • Hauwei donates N50m to eradicate malaria

    Hauwei donates N50m to eradicate malaria

    Hauwei Technologies has donated N50million to Access Bank and other private sector companies in support of the campaign to eradicate malaria in the country.

    The presentation was done on Wednesday at the press conference on ‘Malaria to Zero’ campaign in Lagos by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Huawei Technologies, Nigeria, Frank Li to MD/CEO, Access bank Plc, Herbert Wigwe.

    Mr. Ade Kehinde, Head, Enterprise sector, Huawei  Technologies, who spoke on behalf of Chief Executive Officer(CEO), Huawei  Technologies, Nigeria, Frank Li, said, Nigeria has the highest malaria patients ranging from children to adults.

    According to him, “Huawei has a company has employed about six hundred Nigerians as workers and the company is using this medium to say Zero to malaria in Nigeria that is why we are supporting Access bank in fighting against malaria.”

    He also said, Huawei will be glad to donate more fund if need be as long as the money is been used to fund the ‘malaria to zero’ campaign.

     MD/CEO, of Access bank said, the campaign aims at teaching 20 millions Nigerians how to live in a malaria free environment come year 2020.

    “By 2020, 20 million Nigerians would have learnt how to combat malaria. Life has a chance as any child born in Nigeria has that right to life just like children born in other countries in the world. Improving and winning war against malaria to zero in Nigeria and across Africa is our aim,’’ Wigwe said.

    According to him, “it is advisable to help financiers invest in the most appropriate technical strategies suitable to local context. Private sector is coming together to work with the government and accelerate the campaign –malaria control-elimination. And this can be achieved through private sector engagement platform.”

    Chief, Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria, Dr. Muntaga Umar-Sadiq  also called on journalists to assist in disseminating proper information in order to help engage hundreds of private companies in Nigeria about ongoing campaign.

    “It is good to ensure private sector roundtable on malaria through innovation and technology to develop new way of measuring impact on the campaign because, money is coming in, but it is rather appreciative to get the target structure issues-data and surveillance system right,” Umar-Sadiq stated.

     

  • Access Bank praised by customers

    Access Bank praised by customers

    Access Bank Plc has been commended for its display of affection during the Valentine’s Day celebration. In line with the bank’s aspiration to build a long-standing relationship with its customers, the Bank introduced a campaign whereby several customers were given Valentine’s Day gifts.

    The Campaign which was tagged #LoveAll250 was aimed at celebrating unity in diversity. Taking into cognizance that there are over 250 languages in Nigeria, the campaign particularly focused on breaking down language and cultural barriers through the promotion of love, peace and unity.

    Speaking on how the campaign was successfully organized, the Head of Strategic Brand Management, Access Bank Plc, Amaechi Okobi said #LoveAll250 which ran for two weeks from February 2 to 15 was aimed at celebrating Nigeria’s unity in diversity.

    According to him, the campaign involved social media fans winning gifts on behalf of their nominees and coming from the angle that love can be expressed in more than 250 ways, social media fans were asked to express love in their own ways by posting pictures that speak love. They were also required to nominate a special person who should get gifts from the Bank.

    “These nominees were 250 in number and they got Cakes from the Bank free of charge on Valentine’s Day”, he stated.

    A customer of the bank, who is also a recipient of the gift, Judith Warelagha described the Cake as the most wonderful gift she ever got from any financial institution.

    “Access Bank has proven beyond reasonable doubt that they are a responsive institution that is sensitive to happenings around the society. I never dreamt of getting a cake from any other person apart from my fiancée who I was told nominated me, but Access Bank has truly surprised me,” Warelagha noted.

  • Access Bank donates van, others to Police

    Access Bank donates van, others to Police

    Access Bank Plc has donated Hilux Patrol Van, Bullet proof vests and Walkie-Talkies and others to the Lagos State Police Command.

    The state Commissioner of Police, Kayode Aderanti, received the items. He praised the lender’s zeal and commitment to the maintenance of peace and security in the state.

    He noted that the items would help the police in fighting crime.

    “We are going to access a lot of prosperity for the people of Lagos State. Access Bank has shown us what partnership in progress is and we really appreciate them. I want to also use this platform to ask other banks to follow suit and support the police,” he stated.

    Head, Compliance and Internal Control, Access Bank Plc, Pattison Boleigha, said the bank remained committed to delivering world- class service embedded in speed, service and security.

    “There is no way we can achieve security which is a very important part of the Access Bank’s values without partnering with the Nigerian Police. How else can we ensure the security of our customers deposit than by supporting the Nigerian Police. We are indeed proud of our partnership with Nigeria Police Force,” he said.

    “The presentation of the Patrol vehicle and other operational items also signifies the banks desire to always remain the front runner in the safety and security consciousness in line with our business continuity strategy” he said.

  • Fitch affirms eight banks, downgrades one

    Fitch affirms eight banks, downgrades one

    Fitch Ratings yesterday affirmed the Long-term Issuer Default Ratings (IDR) of Zenith Bank Plc , First Bank, United Bank for Africa Plc, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc , Access Bank Plc, Diamond Bank Plc, Fidelity Bank Plc and the Long-term National Ratings of Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc.

    Reuters report said the agency has downgraded Union Bank Plc’s Long-term IDR due to a change in Fitch’s opinion of the bank’s systemic importance relative to peers. Union’s Support Rating Floor (SRF) has been revised to ‘B’ from ‘B+’ due to its perceived lower systemic importance post restructuring.

    As a consequence, the bank’s Long-term IDR has been downgraded to ‘B’ from ‘B+’ and its National Rating to ‘BBB+(nga)’ from ‘A+(nga)’. At the same time, Union’s Viability Rating (VR) has been upgraded to ‘b-’ from ‘ccc’ due to its improved financial position with on-going restructuring.

    Access’s VR has been upgraded to ‘b’ from ‘b-’ given its larger franchise, improving performance and commitment to maintaining healthy Fitch core capital (FCC) ratios over the medium term and despite its high cost to income ratio as it integrates a large acquisition.

    As a consequence, the bank’s Long-term IDR is now driven by its VR of ‘b’ rather than its SRF of ‘B’. A full list of rating actions is at the end of this rating action commentary.

  • Access Bank, groups partner on Inside story

    Access Bank, groups partner on Inside story

    Access Bank Plc’s commitment towards building a healthier world through its fight against HIV/AIDS received a boost over the weekend at the premiere of Inside Story: The Science of HIV/AIDS in commemoration of the 2012 World AIDS Day in Lagos.

    The movie, captured in compelling story of sports, love and ill fate, has been developed to enlighten audiences about HIV/AIDS and raise the level of awareness about the disease among mankind in partnership with UNAIDS, Discovery Communications, Discovery Channel Global Education Partnership (DCGEP), Chevron, Management Sciences for Health and some other global organisations.

    Speaking on the collaboration, Access Bank’s Group Managing Director, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, said: “The Bank’s intervention in the health space is a responsible approach to managing the impact of the triple pandemics of HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria through effective workplace programmes, partnerships and community involvement that seek to reduce the effect of the pandemics on employees, their families, supply chain, clients and society in general”

    He added: The partnerships between organisations are essential, and Inside Story is one of such partnerships. The film will help ensure that awareness and education about HIV/AIDS reaches the grassroots and shapes behaviour.”

    Consul-General of the US Consulate in Lagos, Jeffery Hawkins,who attended , said Inside Story would be a valuable tool to inform people across Africa and the world about the science of HIV. With greater understanding of the virus people can seek to know their status, to protect themselves, and to adhere to life-saving treatment if needed.” He called on other organisations to forge stronger alliances to put a stop to the AIDS pandemic.

    He added that “the global AIDS response is a shared responsibility. With strong leadership from the United States, and continued partnership from the private sector, we are seizing the opportunity the science has presented us to move toward an AIDS-free generation.”

    President Discovery Channel Global Education Partnership and the Executive Producer, Aric Noboa, Inside Africa said “Knowledge is power, and with Inside Story we have a powerful tool with which to share the science of HIV, adding that Inside Story is an African film for African audiences that tackles a global pandemic. We’re honored to premiere the film here in South Africa, and thankful for the generous support of our partners”.

    “Understanding HIV/AIDS is central to making healthy decisions, complying with treatment, and ending stigma and discrimination. This is the right time forInside Story, an innovative approach to helping eradicate HIV/AIDS in Africa and beyond”, said Aric.

    Following the premiere of the film in Johannesburg and US in January 2012, a comprehensive rollout of the film – including national broadcasts across sub-Saharan Africa and distribution through grassroots efforts of NGOs, schools and governments will start. Also, DCGEP will provide facilitator guides and DVD and online materials for use by community and public health organisations, as well as schools throughout Africa, to reinforce Inside Story’s messages in both urban and rural communities