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Tag: Keystone Bank

  • Keystone Bank announces new board appointments

    Keystone Bank announces new board appointments

    The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has constituted a new board of directors for Keystone Bank Limited (the bank) as part of the strategy to strengthen the bank’s operations for sustained business growth.

    The apex bank also appointed two additional executive directors for the lender.

    In a statement by the financial institution on Wednesday, the bank announced Lady Ada Chukwudozie as the board chairman with five other non-executive directors comprising Abdul-Rahman Esene, Mrs Fola Akande, Akintola Ayodeji Olusoji, Obijiaku Samuel, and Sen. Farouk Bello.

    The two new executive directors appointed by the CBN are Ladi Oluwole and Abubakar Usman Bello.

    The Keystone Bank new board chairman is a leading figure in Nigeria’s corporate world, with nearly 30 years of experience in business strategy, management, and administration.

    Her expertise spans multiple industries and institutions, including De-Endy Industrial Company Limited, Dozzy Group, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), and Vogue Afrique Magazine.

    Abdul-Rahman Esene has over 43-year experience in banking, investment management, corporate finance, and advisory services. He has made significant contributions to the financial sector in Nigeria and beyond through his accomplishments and leadership roles at renowned global institutions including Afrinvest, Global Arbitrage International Inc, Fidelity Bank PLC, The Nigeria Air Force, and Louisiana-Pacific Corporation.

    Mrs Fola Akande brings over 25 years of exceptional experience in navigating the complex fields of legal, regulatory compliance, risk management, and corporate governance across various local and international markets, including Cadbury, Stanbic Chartered Bank, and Shell.

    Akintola Ayodeji Olusoji has over 30 years experience in accounting, finance, business development, risk asset creation, and performance monitoring with a distinguished career spanning financial institutions such as Sterling Bank, Access Bank, Intercontinental Bank, and Global Bank.

    Obijiaku Samuel comes with over 35 years of expertise in financial consulting, banking, and treasury operations. He has significantly impacted Nigeria’s financial sector through his achievements and leadership roles at prominent institutions such as Fidelity Bank Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, and PricewaterhouseCoopers.

    Read Also: Rivers PDP elders tackle Ada George over attack on Wike

    Sen. Farouk Bello is a seasoned banker with over 20 years of experience and remarkable achievements in financial and banking operations. His leadership roles have spanned both the public and private sectors, including regulatory bodies and private enterprises. With a strong track record, he has successfully shaped and delivered business processes and financial solutions across various institutions like the National Assembly and Guaranty Trust Bank (now GTCO), among others.

    Abubakar Usman Bello, Executive Director Northern Directorate, has acquired considerable experience in banking and management which spans various areas of banking, managing commercial, retail, corporate and public sector clients; and has served in strategic leadership and management roles.

    Ladi Oluwole, Executive Director Risk Management, brings with him over 20 years of expertise in Enterprise and Credit Risk Management and a proven track record in the financial services industry. Previously, he served as Senior Vice President and Senior Credit Officer at Bank of America, North America, where he managed an extensive credit portfolio within the Corporate, Investment, and Commercial Bank.

    Commenting on the appointments, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the bank, Mr. Hassan Imam expressed strong confidence in the new appointees, stressing that the bank will benefit from their vast experience.

    He said: “We are pleased to welcome the new chairman, non-executive directors, and executive directors to the Board of Keystone Bank. We are confident that their extensive experience will be invaluable to us, as we continue to reposition the bank to make the most of emerging economic opportunities hinged on strong corporate governance and to provide our customers with a secure and reliable banking experience,”.

  • Keystone Bank wins ‘Retail Bank of the Year 2024’ award

    Keystone Bank wins ‘Retail Bank of the Year 2024’ award

    Keystone Bank Limited has emerged as the ‘Retail Bank of the Year’ at the just-concluded Africa Industrial and Development Conference and Awards 2024.

    The bank was presented with the prestigious award during the Nigeria Middle East Investors Expo and Awards ceremony over the weekend.

    The African Industrial and Development Conference and Awards is an annual event dedicated to promoting industrial development, economic growth, and sustainable best practices across the African continent.

    Speaking on the award, Managing Director and CEO of Keystone Bank, Mr. Hassan Imam, expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, that the award is a testament to the effectiveness of the Bank’s various transformation programmes aimed at raising the bar in developing and delivering unique retail financial products to all levels of customers.

    According to the bank’s CEO: “Keystone Bank has in place a robust retail banking strategy that enables us to review our retail products and processes to ensure that the needs and lifestyles of customers are met.

    “We are grateful for this recognition and dedicate the award to our customers who rely on us to provide the right support for operating effectively in their businesses.

    “As a bank, we remain committed to our goal of growing together with our customers. We operate from a position of financial strength, consistently meeting our obligations as well as all regulatory requirements. Our focus is on building a lasting relationship with our customers and continually enhancing their banking experience” he concluded.

    KPMG, a leading audit and consultancy firm, rated Keystone Bank high in the retail and SME segments in the country in 2023.

    In the 2023 edition of the Nigeria Banking Industry Customer Experience Survey released by the agency, Keystone Bank topped other Nigerian banks moving up from its fourth position in 2022 to second in retail banking with 76.4 points. The lender’s customer experience performance in SME banking also improved significantly as it moved from fifteenth position in the last survey to third in 2023 with 73.5 points.

    According to the survey report, customers commended user-friendliness and reliability of Keystone Bank digital platforms as well as its efficiency of payment services, superlative relationship management and swift resolution of complaints.

    It’s worthy of note that Keystone Bank has invested substantially in technology and developed fully integrated service models that enable its customers to enjoy banking services through a wide range of channels. The effort is in the bank’s determination to take financial services to every household in order to drive effective inclusion and participation in the recovery and growth of Nigeria’s economy.

    The upgraded Keystone Bank digital platforms provide a truly customer-centric experience. The bank believes in innovation, creativity, and the use of technology to enhance the lives of its customers. 

    The bank’s upgraded digital platforms which include: the Keystone Bank Mobile Application, known as KeyMobile; Keystone Internet Banking platform and its *7111# Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) solution, are seamless, secure, fast, reliable and easy to use at convenience.

    On SME, Keystone Bank has been a major supporter and promoter of the segment in the country.

    The bank has embarked on several initiatives to train SMEs on financial literacy and bookkeeping to enable them to take control of their financial future and tap into the opportunities in the financial industry. Thousands of SMEs across the nation have benefitted from the bank’s programmes and initiatives.

    The retail lender’s SME financing strategy is delivered through a multi-faceted approach that includes robust business advisory, practical handholding, and guidance of aspiring and existing entrepreneurs to building sustainable businesses. Its SME package leverages partnerships, value add offerings, and cost saving banking services to support its customer’s business growth.

  • Keystone Bank trains Port Harcourt youths on digital skills

    Keystone Bank trains Port Harcourt youths on digital skills

    Keystone Bank has empowered about 30 youths in Port Harcourt with digital skills, specifically on web development and digital marketing.

    The intensive training, which spanned several weeks, ended with a graduation ceremony on March 5, 2024.

    According to the bank, the programme aimed to bridge the digital skills gap in the region, equipping young individuals with the necessary tools and knowledge to thrive in the evolving landscape of technology and business.

    At the training, the participants, carefully selected from diverse backgrounds, engaged in hands-on projects that provided practical insights into the world of web development and digital marketing.

    Read Also: Why we did not recover $69.4 million electricity debt, by NBET

    During the graduation ceremony, the Regional Head for South-South, Dr Eucharia Ken-Agbiriogu, highlighted the increasing demand for individuals with expertise in web development and digital marketing, citing the transformative impact these skills can have on personal and professional growth.

    Eucharia commended the graduates for their dedication and hard work throughout the intensive training program. 

    She encouraged them to leverage their newfound skills to unlock opportunities, drive innovation, and contribute to the digital transformation of the local economy.

    Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications of Keystone Bank, Izore Bamawo, said the programme reflects the bank’s commitment to foster youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and socio-economic development in the communities it serves.

    “By investing in the next generation of digital talents, Keystone Bank continues to play a pivotal role in shaping a digitally inclusive future.

    “At Keystone Bank, we are committed to ensuring that Nigeria economy grows. One of the ways to do this is to invest in education of what can take Nigeria from where it is to where it ought to be in the comity of nations.

    “We say Nigeria is the giant of Africa. For us to sustainably be the giant of Africa, we have to invest in key sectors that can ensure that we are not just giant of Africa today, but tomorrow,” he said. 

  • Keystone Bank assures customers of smooth operations as new management takes over

    Keystone Bank assures customers of smooth operations as new management takes over

    Keystone Bank Limited has reassured stakeholders, including customers and partners across the country of unhindered and smooth running of its operations as a new management takes over.

    In a statement on Friday by the Company Secretary, the bank noted that it would continue to operate and serve its numerous customers within the guidelines of the Central Bank of Nigeria under the direction of the bank’s new leadership headed by Mr. Hassan Imam.

    According to the bank: “Following the Central Bank of Nigeria’s appointment of a new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer for Keystone Bank, Mr. Hassan Imam, we would like to assure the general public of Keystone Bank’s continued operations within the guidelines of the CBN under the direction of the bank’s new leadership.

    Read Also: 10 things to know about new CEO of Keystone Bank Hassan Imam

    “Keystone Bank continues to operate in all its branches and across all channels.

    “We assure our stakeholders, including customers, partners, and other stakeholders, that we are fully committed to serving them, as we remain dedicated to the safety of our customers’ deposits, financial well-being, and upholding the trust placed in us by our stakeholders.”

    Before assuming the position, Imam who has over 25 years of banking experience, had served as the Executive Director of the North Directorate at Fidelity Bank, since January 2020.

    Hassan Imam holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and three other Master’s Degrees, including an MBA which he obtained from Business School Netherlands. He is a member of the Chartered Public Accountant.

  • FULL LIST: Newly appointed executives for Union, Keystone, Polaris banks

    FULL LIST: Newly appointed executives for Union, Keystone, Polaris banks

    The governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso has appointed new executives to oversee the affairs of Union, Keystone, and Polaris Banks.

    This is coming hours after the Central Bank of Nigeria dissolved the boards and managements of Union Bank of Nigeria, Keystone Bank and Polaris Bank over alleged corporate governance infractions and non-compliance with regulatory requirements.

    Announcing the new development in a statement issued by the acting director of Corporate Communication at the CBN, Sidi Ali Hakama, the newly appointed executives are set to assume their roles with immediate effect.

    Read Also: 10 things to know about new Union Bank CEO Yetunde Oni

    Here are the newly appointed executives for Union, Keystone, and Polaris Banks as announced by the CBN.

    Union Bank

    1. Yetunde Oni – Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer.

    2. Mannir Ubali Ringim – Executive Director.

    Keystone Bank

    1. Hassan Imam – Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer

    2. Chioma A. Mang – Executive Director

    Polaris Bank

    1. Lawal Mudathir Omokayode Akintola – Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer

    2. Chris Onyeka Ofikulu – Executive Director

  • Dissecting Olayinka’s style in Keystone Bank

    Dissecting Olayinka’s style in Keystone Bank

    • By  Sunday Saanu

    Over past two years, Keystone Bank has been more visible than ever before in the media with its advertorials and news of its positive developments in terms of quality customer services, offering banking services to large corporations, public institutions, small to medium enterprises and individuals. The bank which was created on August 5, 2011 by taking over all the assets (including subsidiaries and liabilities) of the now defunct Bank PHB is indeed making waves in the sector on account of its creativity and dynamism.

          The perception and the direction of attention people used to give the bank has changed. The bank is fast becoming one of the large financial service providers in the country. However, this feat may not be unconnected with the initiatives of the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Olaniran Olayinnka and his management team over three years ago. Olayinka became Keystone Bank Managing Director in 2020, working like a Trojan in order to reposition the bank with a view to giving the bank a competitive cutting edge.

           But who is Olaniran Olayinka? With a First Class Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the prestigious University of Lagos (Unilag) in 1988 and a Master’s degree from the same university  in 1990, coupled with numerous training and capacity developments across the world, Olayinka is one of the best of our brightest minds in the banking industry in Nigeria today. A fine gentleman with an imposing  physique and charming carriage, this master strategist extraordinaire is not only meticulous but methodical with a bonhomie attitude.

           His default behaviour is that of mutual respect, tact and calmness, always following the routes of reasons and rationality in his management style. With an upbringing cemented by sound family values, uncompromised religious doctrines, solid educational background and constant personal development, it couldn’t have taken much to infer that he would go far in life.

           However, there is a challenge here! Despite his intimidating resume and “Omoluwabi” posturing, this icon of financial sector hates publicity. It is either he is self-effacing or he simply does not like the razzmatazz of the media which many people crave for. While packaging this tribute, I goggled several platforms with a view to getting his past interviews by Nigeria press – all to no avail. When he was appointed in 2020, I asked him to talk about his vision for the bank, he politely declined, saying the time has not come. 

        Observing my closeness to him,  an association through me wanted to give him an award on account of his achievements,he politely declined. Hear him, “As you have rightly observed, I am a very private person who is primarily focused on delivering values to my stakeholders .While appreciating you for deeming it fit to recommend me for an award, I am one person that shy away from such because awards add nothing to my status and standing in the society”

        Three years after his appointment, Mr. Olayinka has remained taciturn, focusing primarily on his assignment, working assiduously and recording successes. The reason for writing this unsolicited tribute  in his honour however is to celebrate him on his birthday which is on November 14.

          But how can a man be working silently and recording successes without blowing his own trumpet? That is the Keystone Bank MD for you!  He has been leading the bank without backward glances. Matter of factly speaking, this MD who combines amazing technical brilliance with incredible strategic savvy is taking Keystone Bank on a journey of genuine growth and self-improvement. Staff members of the bank confided in this writer that since Mr. Olayinka’s appointment, “our MD has been taking the bank to monumental and historical levels that are of immense benefits and significance”

     In life, there are some instances of human apotheosis, pedigree and iconic antecedents that must be showcased for motivation and imitation for the coming generation. Such is the case of Mr. Olaniran Olayinka who has exercised executive power with near – absolute magisterial certainty. The story of this man is a story of achievements, courage, dedication and commitment. He has a reputation for incisive analysis backed by electrifying brain power.

    Read Also: Keystone Bank enroll 352 on health insurance plans

     Since his appointment, he has demonstrated leadership in an amazing manner. Leadership in this context is his strength of mind, self confidence, far sightedness and good judgment. Obviously, he is a gifted leader. A gifted leader can see what others cannot see. And because he can hear a distant drum, so, his dance steps are usually different from others, hence he is often misunderstood by the followers.      Olayinka, (like his elder brother, the 12th Vice Chancelor of University of Ibadan (UI), Prof. Abel Idowu Olayinka), is a humble leader who is neither paranoid nor seeks unnecessary self-promotion. He is not bothered by any kind of complex: inferior or superior. He does not feel threatened by anybody.

           Displaying humble mien and imperturbable equanimity of the quintessential technocrat, this master of an art of tact is generally accepted and respected within the ranks and files of bankers in the country. He is morally sound and highly hospitable. He is a very painstaking person, just as he is dutiful and dedicated. Call him a man of zeal and zest, you may be absolutely right. Indeed, he could be described as a quintessential gentleman who is affectionate and generous, friendly and fearless fellow.

            Like Barnabas in the Bible who stands up for friends in joy, thick and thin, Olayinka is ever ready to assist the needy whenever the need arises. To be precise, he has been too far kind to many people around him. For instance, like many other people, I have been a recipient of his generosity over the years. Surprisingly, each time I request his help, he does it in excess of my expectation. As a side note, he is a man who offers strength in distress.

           The point cannot be overstated that it is better to celebrate a person when he is alive than to praise him posthumously. We should therefore not hesitate in celebrating the best among us. By all standards, Niran Olayinka belongs to the bracket of the best among men. No one is celebrating him because of the virtue of the office he occupies, but he is being celebrated because of the virtues he brings to the office. As earlier stated, the essense of celebrating the best is to showcase them as quintessential models to the coming generations.

      For this Keystone Bank MD, everyone who knows him finds his presence infectious, reassuring and easy to sustain true friendship. He is a perfect gentleman with all the trappings and sensibilities of cosmopolitan technocrat. You will feel the imprimatur of his positive vibes as well as scent of his smiles. He dots on his family members with profound kindness. It is all filial affection in its finest form. He has worn his vocational garment with qusto and grace and it fits him snugly. This pathfinder of the towering height with a heart of gold is, to me, a lighthouse in the storm.

    Amazingly, he easily forgives the foibles of his friends, fiends and foes, offering them unmerited love and support in trying times, touching every life with a love unfeigned. As Mr. Olayinka marks his birthday on November 14, let us play the flute of felicity for him for he is a melody.

    Let us celebrate the man with rich repertoire of financial knowledge and native intelligence. Can we all roll out red carpet in honour of a treasured heirloom? Dear MD, as you mark your born day, may God continue to shine light in your dark skies. A happy birthday, sir, an exceptional brother of uncommon standing.

    • Saanu (08034073427) is with Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo on sabbatical.

  • Keystone Bank restrategises to drive growth

    Keystone Bank Limited has appointed three executive directors as members of its board of directors as part of a strategy to realign its operations for sustained business growth.

    The new directors who were appointed at the 49th annual general meeting (AGM) of the bank in Lagos, subject to the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), are Messrs Tijani Aliyu, Olaniran Olayinka and Lawal Jibrin Ahmed.

    Its Chairman, Alhaji Umaru Modibbo said the promotion of the three former general managers to the position of executive directors is in line with the bank’s corporate governance and culture of maximising its human capital through consistent leadership development and training.

    ‘’Since we restructured, we have intentionally and proactively nurtured our talents in readiness for future leadership opportunities that will arise in the organisation. It is, therefore, a major feat for us that we were able to appoint the three new executive directors from our internally groomed executives,’’ Modibbo said.

    Its Divisional Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications, Omobolanle Osotule, said  the appointment of the directors was in line with the strategic business intent and corporate realignment of the bank to sustain continued business growth.

    She added that the new executive directors would now join the executive management office to pursue and deliver on the bank’s strategic business objectives bringing to bear their in-depth wealth of banking experience garnered over the years across various sectors of the economy.

  • Mojec, banks collaborate on meter provision for customers

    As the date for the take off of the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme draws nearer, Mojec Meter Assets Management Company, a subsidiary of Mojec International Limited, and also one of the selected MAP operators, is partnering some banks to ease the roll out of meters to customers next month.

    Mojec with the banks – FirstBank, Wema Bank, Unity Bank, Keystone Bank, Zenith Bank, Sterling Bank, Polaris Bank and First Option Micro Finance Bank – entered into a deal to provide retail financing to electricity customers to ease their acquisition of prepaid meters.

    The banks will provide finance to customers within the coverage area of Mojec’s partner-electricity distribution companies (DisCos) across the country. The banks, this week, signed memoranda of understanding (MoU) with Mojec in Lagos.

    MAP is a scheme that was initiated by the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing and approved by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

    The MAPs will provide, install and maintain customers’ meters and fast-track the closure of the metering gap, which is five million and  end estimated billing.

    According to the regulation guiding MAP operation, a MAP must install a customer’s meter within 10 days of payment for such meter and the operators of the scheme must meter unmetered electricity users in Nigeria within three years from the time they strart work next month.

    Mojec International Limited Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Chantelle Abdul, said at a summit of the partnering banks and DisCos in Lagos that the company is determined to bridge the metering gap in the sector by ensuring provision of top quality electricity meters to customers in Nigeria.

    Abdul said: “Now that MAP is here, Mojec is once again blazing the trail in the provision of high-end quality prepaid meters to customers, helping to reduce the financial burden estimated billing is putting on electricity consumers. Mojec as a company has invested a lot of resources positioning it as best suited to meet the metering needs of all customers within the coverage of its partner DisCos.

    “Mojec would be partnering eight DisCos, including, Ikeja Electric, Eko DsCo, Abuja DisCo, Kano DisCo, Enugu DisCo, Jos DisCo, Ibadan DisCo and Kaduna DisCo, covering about 20 states of the federation.”

    The General Manager, Finance and Management Services, NERC, Abdulkadir Shettima, commended Mojec for its leadership in the metering subsector as demonstrated by its efforts towards the full scale implementation of the MAP scheme, which allows customers easy and direct access to meter assets.

    “This MoU signing between Mojec and these banks as well as the announcement of the company’s readiness to implement the MAP scheme is very commendable. It goes to show that Mojec is a real leader in this business and it is committed to industry’s mission of ensuring that every household in this country is metered.”

    Polaris Bank Chief Executive Officer Tokunbo Abiru explained that the bank was pleased to partner with Mojec by providing financing support to customers on the meter acquisition scheme. “Our bank is glad to be facilitating the acquisition of these meters by granting loans to eligible customers under the programme,” he said.

    Keystone Bank Acting Chief Executive Officer, Abubakar Sule, explained: “Energy cost is by all standards the major cost line in most homes and businesses. The scheme is set to eradicate the unnecessary prevalence of estimated billing, which deprived the national economy of funds which otherwise could be deployed into other productive use. We are, therefore, excited to be part of this initiative to bring electricity to homes and businesses at the most prudent cost, putting households and business in control of their expenditure pattern.”

    The Managing Director Unity Bank Plc, Tomi Somefun, explained that the development reinforces the long-standing beneficial relationship and business commitment it had maintained with Mojec International Limited for well over two decades, adding: “The partnership will create beneficial impact on electricity customers, further drive financial inclusion through consumer banking, restore customer’s confidence, increase transparency and thereby replacing the opaque estimated billing system that had prevailed.”

    The Divisional Head, Retail and Consumer Banking, Sterling Bank, Shina Atilola, represented by Ayodele Odulaja, Head of Power and Telecoms Team, stated: “We are excited to be a key driver of the pre-paid meter acquisition programme, which will eliminate the inefficiencies associated with estimated billing and inaccurate post-paid meter readings. Leveraging technology, Sterling Bank is reputed for providing Nigerians with a convenient way to access loans ranging from N10,000 to N5million in five minutes through the Specta online lending platform.

    ‘’Electricity consumers will benefit from the speed of this solution under this partnership without the attendant delays of traditional lending.”

    The Managing Director, Wema Bank, Ademola Adebise, noted that the partnership with Mojec is a proof of the bank’s commitment to provide simple and easy retail financing for Nigerians. ‘’As a bank that takes pride in applying innovative solutions to societal challenges, we are proud and excited to work with Mojec in meeting the demands of equitable electricity metering in the country. This is a reflection of our can’t stop, won’t stop drive to create avenues that will support Nigerians to achieve their future dreams today,” he said.

    The Managing Director, First Option Micro Finance Bank, Godfrey Ogbuehi, stated: “The MAP project resonates so much with the company’s goal of enhancing lives and in response, a new product,  Light-Up Loan (Prepaid Meter Acquisition Loan), has been  strategically   created   to   provide   funding   to   help   energy   consumers   (both individual  and businesses), especially  the  low-  income  earners and  rural  dwellers; acquire prepaid meters with ease under the Meter Asset Provider Regulations.”

  • Keystone Bank unveils ‘Cheque Deposit’ App

    Keystone Bank Limited has introduced “Cheque Deposit” feature in its mobile banking application, the new “Keystone Mobile App”.

    The feature, which is another first from the bank and in the banking sector, enables customers to pay cheques into their accounts at their convenience through their mobile phones even with zero data.

    Speaking on the development, the Group Managing Director/CEO of Keystone Bank Limited, Obeahon Ohiwerei, said the new feat is in demonstration of the bank’s commitment to continuously deliver superior and innovative banking solutions to its customers.

    “The Keystone Bank brand is built on meeting and exceeding customer expectations by providing simple and convenient banking services at all times.

    “With the new cheque deposit feature, you have one less reason to make that trip to the bank.

    “In our fast-paced and evolving digital world, service literally has to be at the speed of thought; the rules of engagement are changing so fast that customer expectations are as diverse as our lifestyles and choices.

    “It is no longer a question of stepping out to the bank but about the convergence of innovative services, digital technology and Omni-channel platforms coming to us at breakneck speed.

    “Mobile Banking for one isn’t entirely new in the industry, but there is no end to innovation in delivering customer convenience at Keystone Bank that’s what sets us apart and that shall continue to be our strength.

    “We are determined to be your preferred bank; dependable, responsive and always within reach,” Ohiwerei stated.

  • Keystone bank: Buhari campaign group sues Atiku, demands N40m

    A group, the Buhari Campaign Organisation (BCO) has sued the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, accusing him of defaming President Muhammadu Buhari and his family.

    In the suit filed before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the plaintiff wants the court to order Atiku and his party to pay N40million damages for alleged libelous claims that Buhari and members of his family own substantial shares in 9mobile and Keystone Bank.

    The president’s support group had two weeks ago threatened to sue Atiku and the PDP if within seven days they fail to provide proof of the said allegations against the first family

    Atiku had, in a statement issued in Abuja last week by his Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, claimed the first family now plays big in the nation’s financial sector after acquiring mouthwatering shares in Keystone Bank with total assets of $1.916 billion (equivalent to N307.5 billion) as well as purchasing about ₦3 billion worth of shares in the new Pakistani Islamic Bank.

    Read also: ‘PDP planning to attack our members in Kwara’

    In the suit, the plaintiff, the plaintiff also seeks declaration that “the 1st defendant (Phrank Shaibu) on behalf and for the 2nd defendant (Atiku)  neglectfully, unlawfully and recklessly permitted and caused to be published in newspapers defamatory and damaging statements against the 1 st Plaintiff (President Buhari)”.

    In its witness statement on oath made by its Director of Communication and Strategic Planning, Mallam Gidado Ibrahim, the plaintiff stated that Atiku and his media aide allegedly engaged in smear campaign of calumny against by willfully allowing and sponsoring the said purported defamatory and image-damaging statements made by the 1 st Defendant to be published by some newspapers to members of the public.

    It said President Buhari’s reputations was greatly affected by undue diligence with regards to the authenticity of the information as it relate to the true ownership of the alleged companies which the 1 st Defendant on behalf and for defendant falsely published in the newspapers for the consumption of the general public.

    It further stated that: “The 2nd Defendant permitted and sponsored the 1 st Defendant, Mr. Phrank Shaibu to make and publish defamatory and damaging statement against the 1st plaintiff in order for 2nd defendant to get undue advantage in terms of votes from the member of the public more than the 1 st Plaintiff (Buhari), the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    “The 2nd defendant, who is a Presidential Candidate of the People Democratic Party, hanged on this publications and using same on every campaign grounds to smear the person of the 1 st Plaintiff to his supporters and other members of the public.

    “The 1st defendant as an agent to the 2nd Defendant who is freely accessible to members of the public for patronage on behalf the 2nd defendant, has the duty to investigate any information/ documents means to be issued out either by words of mouth or publication to the members of public, most particularly where such information concerned a third a party or any member of the public.

    “The 1st defendant without investigating the authenticity of the purported defamatory information with intent to damage the reputation and integrity of the 1st Plaintiff caused to be published in the Newspapers.

    ‘’That the plaintiffs shall tendered two daily newspapers the Vanguard and Punch Newspapers both dated 27th December,2018 before the court during the hearing

    The plaintiff further prayed the court to order “specific damages against the defendants N30million 000,000.00) as compensation for the financial loss the plaintiffs incurred due to the wrongful, neglectful and fraudulent acts of the defendants which forced the plaintiffs to spend to correct the wrong impression created in the minds of the members of the public due to the publication caused and published by the Defendants.

    The plaintiffs also sought for general damages of N10m jointly and severally against the defendants for the embarrassment, pain and unnecessary financial loss suffered by the plaintiffs most particularly the 1st plaintiff who is a public figure, an honourable presidential candidate and reputable gentleman to the core”.

    BCO further prayed for an order of the court “for the payment of N375,000,000 only being incidental expenses and/or legal charges which the 1st plaintiff incurred in respect of this matter”.