The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Access Bank

  • Access Bank, HACEY, others join forces against sexual violence

    Hacey Health Initiative in partnership with Access Bank Plc, the Stars Foundation Girl Award and Empower yesterday launched ‘Salvus’ a new platform developed to tackle sexual violence in the society.

    ‘Salvus,’ a web-based platform will facilitate safe and confidential reporting of sexual violence incidents and provide access to available comprehensive support service and relevant information.

    The ‘Salvus’ platform, hosts a database of sexual violence support service providers that victims can connect to and receive the support they need.

    During a symposium which held at the Access Bank Head Office, themed ‘Building Conversations around Preventing and Responding to Sexual Violence,’ Director of Gender Development Programme at HACEY, Ms. Rhoda Rhobinson, said the platform was designed to support community dialogue and social services while ensuring the acceptance and full integration of victims and survivors.

    According to Rhobinson, ‘Salvus’ would enable victims and survivors of sexual violence get access to medical and psychological help.

    She said: “We have worked with different civil society and government agencies to ensure that this solution does not just combat sexual violence today, but remains sustainable to ensure this is not just a one-time solution. Salvus is a dream come true. ”

    Other discussants at the symposium include Mrs. Olubukola Salami, Director, Office of Public Defender, Lagos State, Mrs. Itoro Anaba, Executive Director, Mirabel Center, Mrs. Ada Agina-Ude, Executive Director, Gender and Development Agenda and Mr. Paul Ojajuni of the Hacey Health Initiative.

    In 2016, Access Bank, through its employee volunteering scheme partnered with the Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT), to organize various activities aimed at creating awareness on domestic and sexual violence. Some of the highlights include school sensitization programmes across three educational districts in Lagos State and a stakeholders’ forum titled “It’s on You and I to end Violence against Women and Children”. This is in line with the Bank’s commitment to drive Women empowerment and Gender equality across the country.

  • Infinia partners Access Bank on loyalty scheme

    Infinia partners Access Bank on loyalty scheme

    Infinia Services & Solutions, a leading United Arab Emirate (UAE)-based loyalty management and payment solutions company, has stepped up its global presence with the introduction of its services to the African market. This is by entering a partnership agreement with Access Bank, Plc ,  one of the largest banks in the country, to launch the  bank’s R.E.A.L loyalty programme.

    Access R.E.A.L, according to a release, is built as a pan-bank programme, with a unique scope of redemption. With this, an Access Bank customer can earn R.E.A.L points by using the bank’s credit/debit cards, Automated Teller Machines (ATM), Point of Sale (PoS), mobile and online platforms. The redemption suite is designed with multiple categories, including travel, shopping, gift vouchers and more.

    Each category further includes a plethora of choices to redeem from leading partner brands. The programme, according to the bank, aims to introduce enhanced redemption experiences in the Nigerian market.

    Infinia’s portfolio includes a differentiated online loyalty platform with real-time redemptions across 900 airlines, 450,000 hotels, and 150,000 car rental options, as well as comprehensive global e-commerce platform.

     

  • Access Bank’s 42% increase in gross earning: PR strategy at work

    Access Bank’s 42% increase in gross earning: PR strategy at work

    In 2013, when Access Bank decided to reposition its brand, it did not choose to create a new product but chose to use a public relation strategy – build a community! The father of modern Public Relations, Ivy Lee, defined Public Relations as a “process that builds mutually beneficial relationships between organisations and their publics”.

    Brand strategy will birth great products, but PR’s strategy will birth great community. This is better defined by Access Bank’s women initiative, known as W Community.

    Launched in 2013, W Community focuses on young professionals; women and families; women in business and also give maternal health service support.  At present, Access Bank is focused on banking women, families and children. That is an innovative brand positioning. Who will not bank with a financial institution that have been giving women and their families access to finance, credit facility, mentorship and business trainings?

    This is why the 42 per cent increase in gross earning the bank reported for first half of the year is an expected result.

    This growth may not be unconnected to the W Community being built across the nation by the bank.

  • No drums rolled out as Herbert Wigwe clocks 51

    No drums rolled out as Herbert Wigwe clocks 51

    LIKE a seasoned war captain whose brave exploits are undersold in his time but will be told and retold for generations, Herbert Wigwe does not get near enough credit for his achievements. In a sea of mediocrity which is threatening to submerge all traces of vitality in Nigeria’s business space, the MD of Access Bank remains one of the few shining lights. An epitome of humility and resolve, he is as privately unassuming as he is a trailblazer in the business world.

    While many a man perched atop the mountain of his profession would declare a day of monumental fanfare to celebrate a new age, Herbert Wigwe remains as humble as a monk, untwined by the ropes of vanity that compel many a man to make a public display of self-adulation. As he turned 51 on August 15, the dynamic young man made no song or dance of the occasion. Rather, as has become his trademark, he celebrated the day quietly in the company of a few friends and family members.

    Since he stepped into the hot seat as the CEO of Access Bank, many who treated his name with scepticism have become his big fans, won over by the rapid innovation that has transformed the bank into one of the best-run around. The introduction of Africa’s first digital banking platform, Paywithcapture 5, is just one of the many innovations that have earned Wigwe the superstar billing in the banking industry.

  • Access Bank, Dangote Cement for N500m bonanza

    Access Bank, Dangote Cement for N500m bonanza

    As more winners emerge in the on-going N500 million Dangote Cement Retailers Bonanza, Season two, the scope of the winnings has been expanded by the Access Bank which is partnering the cement company to offer additional prizes to the Dangote Cement distributors and retailers.

    At the presentation of prizes to the new winners in Lagos yesterday, the bank told the winners that henceforth, any distributor or retailer who refer someone to the bank would stand the chance of winning a return ticket to Dubai and other household items like Fridges, freezers, fans television etc.

    At the Isolo, Lagos depot of the Dangote cement yesterday, leading the pack of star winners was a 90-year old retailer, Baba Hassan Shitta, who defied early morning drizzling to take delivery of his 600 bags and 20 ft. he won.

    He explained that he has been in the business of cement retailing for years and that Dangote cement bonanza is the first time he see a cement company running a promo to benefit the retailers.

    “I was more that excited when I received the phone call that I have won 600 bags of cement. It was my distributor who helped me filled the coupon that submitted. Ever since I started the business, I have never sold any other cement in my life. Dangote has been good to me and this is another opportunity for me again. We are being encouraged.

    “May God continue to bless Alhaji Dangote for his generousity, imagine how much the number of cement they are giving me will add to my business. It’s a lot. I will take story to Ikorodu and tell others who are not yet participating in the Bonanza that it is real,” Baba Shitta stated.

    Also, basking in the euphoria of their winning, Soyombo Rashidat of Morash Ventures, Ikorodu and Madam Khadijat Oluseun Rasheed of Kazeezat Enterprises, Ibafo said the Company have strengthened their resolve to continue in the business and that Dangote has revolutionised the business to the level where they could pass it on to their children.

  • Access Bank assures African businesses of support

    Access Bank Plc has assured African businesses and entrepreneurs of its readiness to fill the gap created by the big global banks in service rendition to Africa.

    Its Group Managing Director/CEO, Herbert Wigwe disclosed this while speaking to a high level business and political audience in Windsor, United Kingdom (UK).

    Speaking at the Access Polo Challenge Day 2017 in the UK, Wigwe said: “We are an emerging global bank and the bank’s capacity as a leading brand in the continent and globally will be perfect fit for the entrepreneurs as the global banks face business objectives in other parts of the world outside of Africa”.

    According to Wigwe, who is also Chairman of The Access Bank UK Ltd,  “as an international bank with branches in many African countries and in Europe with “The Access Bank UK along with its subsidiaries around the world in Paris, Middle East and China, our bank is poised to assist African entrepreneurs and businesses in meeting their corporate objectives”.

    The award to Access Bank UK, for the second year running, as best Africa Trade Finance Bank from CFI-Co (Capital Finance International) following voting from CFI readers, subscribers and contributors including the World Bank is particularly gratifying.”

    He spoke at a time  western banks are moving to establish a stronghold in Asia at the expense of Africa which will automatically reduce financial intermediation and services to African businesses and entrepreneurs with its multiplier negative effects on the continent.

     

  • Access Bank’s share price rises by 70%

    Investors in Access Bank Plc have recorded capital appreciation of more than 70 per cent over the past six and a half months as the leading commercial bank continued implementation of its strategic objective of improving profitability to shareholders.

    Year-to-date analysis for the period ended July 14, 2017 showed that Access Bank’s share price has grown by 70.4 per cent so far this year.

    The bank, which reported 2016 earnings of N2.46 per share in March 2017, opened the year at N5.87 per share and closed July 14, 2017 at N9.90 per share at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

    Year-on-year, growth in dividends per share increased 18.18 per cent while earnings per share excluding extraordinary items fell by 7.23 per cent.

    The bank’s net income for the last five years showed N39.52 billion in 2012, N36.1 billion in 2013, N42.4 billion in 2014, N65.3 billion in 2015 and N71.12 billion in 2016.

    The bank total assets stood at N3.48 trillion in 2016, N2.59 trillion in 2015 and N2.10 trillion in 2014.

  • Access Bank Group, UNICEF unveil commitment to Africa

    Access Bank Group, along with fifth Chukker, The Access Bank UK, and Access Private Bank  hosted the 10th annual ‘Access Bank Polo Day’ at the Guards Polo Club, Windsor.

    The annual event is part of its continued support of UNICEF and the climax to the Access Bank/UNICEF Charity Shield Polo tournament, celebrating a decade of commitment to UNICEF projects and aimed at reaching out to and highlighting the plight of vulnerable children and orphans and internationally displaced persons.

    From its base with fifth Chukker in Kaduna, Nigeria, the Access Bank/UNICEF Charity Shield  has grown to be  the biggest charity polo tournament in Africa and generates interest and support from organisations and individuals across Africa for the UNICEF/Access initiative.

    Since the UNICEF/Access Bank initiative was started in 2007, it has seen the rebuilding of two schools in Kaduna and more than 8,000 students sustained in continuous education, at the same time developing new school blocks and a computer literacy building all in a more secure and friendly school environment. The communities surrounding the schools are being supported with bore-holes for water, and sewing and grinding machines to secure employment and stimulate economic and social development.

    Access Bank PLC group managing director and chairman of The Access Bank UK Ltd, Herbert Wigwe explained the reasons behind the Bank’s continued support for the Fifth Chukker UNICEF initiative. He said: “We are conscious of our role as a change agent in Nigeria that can help institute socio-economic development through responsible business practice and environmental conside-rations.

    “In addition, we are continually seeking ways through which more resources can be pooled towards supporting the children.  We are part of the community and as such should support its wellbeing.”

    The UK event which is the culmination of the tournament was organised by The Access Bank UK Limited which has just published its Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2016.

  • KIA, Access Bank excite customers with Cerato promo

    Fortune promo has reeled in some appreciable level of interests from customers who stand a chance of winning special prizes, particularly the Kia Cerato.

    For customers of the bank, it would be a dream come true winning the Kia Cerato.

    The promo is set to reward customers who maintain a minimum balance of N150,000 between seven and 90 days with the bank. Referral of friends or family members also comes with a reward.

    Speaking at the draw in Lagos, Access Bank Executive Director, Business Banking, Titi Oshuntoki, stressed the need for families to come together to imbibe savings culture and collectively achieve family goals.

    Oshuntoki said the ‘Family Fortune’ “is probably the first of its kind in the industry and it is designed to reward the collective saving habit of families with exciting prizes and competitive interest rates while they enjoy banking as individuals.”

    Over 100,000 lucky families will be rewarded in the promo, in the first weekly raffle draw, 60 customers emerged winners with special prizes such as movie tickets for the family, cable TV full bouquets and other prizes. Special prizes to be won in the monthly draw include home furniture, television sets, home theatres, family shopping spree and mobile phones.

    The winners of the Kia Cerato will be experiencing the ultimate in-car entertainment of the new Cerato loaded with the latest in-vehicle entertainment technologies. Every interior feature can be operated with a fingertip, intuitive control, while storage spaces are designed with maximum convenience in mind.

    Technology, functionality and upscale finishing touches all come together in the new Cerato to deliver unsurpassed driving pleasure for the lucky winners.

    Defying the current wave of the cash-strapped economy where owning a new car might somewhat strain the budget, Access Bank with its innovative value added service rolled out the Family Fortune Promo to provide a rare opportunity for customers to own their dream cars.

    The all new KIA Cerato is built with technical excellence and exceptional style that comes together in an alluring passenger car. Redefining the very best in automobile design, the new Cerato’s bold, coupe-like proportions, eye-catching lines, and curves exude brisk acceleration and effortless fluidity of motion. The distinctive sportiness combines cutting-edge technology and advanced on-road performance to awaken the senses while opening up the owners’ world to new horizons. With the combination of beautiful exterior and innovative high-powered performance, the Kia Cerato is poised to thrilling the lucky winners in the family Fortune Promo with a driving experience that stirs their emotions.

  • Access Bank rewards Family Fortune promo winners

    Access Bank rewards Family Fortune promo winners

    Access Bank Plc rewarded 60 customers in its ongoing Family Fortune promo. The winners were selected through a transparent raffle draw from which different gift items were given out.  The exercise was the lender’s efforts to encourage collective family savings.

    The family banking scheme is a saving scheme designed to encourage families to save together and enjoy exclusive privileges (Interest rates and family rewards) while they continue to enjoy the confidentiality of their banking relation and manage their accounts as unique individuals.

    Speaking at the event, the bank’s Executive Director, Business Banking Division Access Bank, Titi Osuntoki said the essence of the scheme is to encourage Nigerians to cultivate the habit of saving in an exciting manner.

    She urged families to come together and have a collective savings goal, and get  rewarded in the course of the promo, which ends in August this year.

    According to her, “it is in line with the bank’s aspirations of being a forerunner in terms of innovation, professionalism and value added services to our customers. The Promo tagged, ‘Family Fortune’ is probably the first of its kind in the industry and it is designed to reward the collective saving habit of families with exciting prizes and competitive interest rates while they enjoy banking as individuals.”

    Osuntoki further defined a family as nuclear and extended consisting of a group of people related by blood or marriage and must be a minimum of four to be eligible for the promo.