The Nation Newspaper

Tag: launches

  • FBN Holdings launches short-term growth plan

    FBN Holdings launches short-term growth plan

    FBN Holdings Plc has launched a new short-term strategic growth plan that will enhance the leadership position of the holding company and ensure better returns to shareholders over the next few years.

    Group chairman, FBN Holdings Plc, Dr. Oba Otudeko, who spoke at the annual general meeting of the company in Lagos yesterday, said the new strategic plan covers between 2014 and 2016 and would build on the successes of the previous plan that covered 2011 to 2013.

    According to him, the high-level aspirations and specific actions in the short-term growth plan will be building blocks that will not only sustain the company’s momentum but raise its leadership position in the evolving market place.

    He said the company has made significant progress integrating its business planning process and harmonising its investment decisions in a way that allowed the entire group to take full advantage of opportunities in non-banking spaces.

    “As we continue to diversify our profit base through this process, we will remain focused on containing costs and ramping up operational efficiency through targeted centralisation of all functions that lend themselves group-wide,” Otudeko said.

    He said the experience of the company with the holding company structure has helped to hone its business focus, deepen centralisation and skill sets across the group and increase prospects of profitability.

    In a review of the outlook of the company, chief executive officer, FBN Holdings, Mallam Bello Maccido, said the outlooks for each of the group’s businesses remained positive with increased contributions from the businesses expected to cumulate into better returns for the group.

    He said the group has increased investments across its business lines with a view to strengthening its leadership positions pointing out that the recent acquisitions of ICB banks across four West African countries, the acquisition of Oasis Insurance and ongoing efforts to strengthen the investment banking and asset management business through the acquisition of a merchant banking licence would help to enhance benefits to all stakeholders, especially the shareholders.

    “As we steadily progress in our journey under the holding company arrangement, we expect to drive growth in each of our business lines, in a way that will enhance the aggregate performance of the group. This will be complemented by reinforcing the pre-eminence of our commercial banking franchise, while driving the level of contribution from each of the non-banking subsidiaries,” Maccido said.

    Shareholders at the meeting commended the company while applauding gross dividend of N36 billion declared for the 2013 business year. The dividend breakdown indicates that shareholders would receive a dividend of N1.10 on every share.

    The audited report and accounts of FBN Holdings for the year ended December 31, 2013 showed that gross earnings rose from N370.2 billion in 2012 to N395.9 billion in 2013, the highest in the banking industry. Net interest income improved slightly from N226.6 billion to N230.1 billion while non-interest income dipped from N73.9 billion to N67 billion. Operating income stood at N296.1 billion in 2013 as against N301.1 billion in 2012. While the group moderated its operating expenses from N193.5 billion to N185 billion, profit before tax dropped marginally by 2.8 per cent from N93.9 billion to N91.3 billion. Profit after tax followed the trend at N70.6 billion in 2013 as against N76.8 billion in 2012.

  • Nikki Laoye launches #HelpKelechiWalk campaign

    Nikki Laoye launches #HelpKelechiWalk campaign

    Since Nigerian singer Nikki Laoye set up the Angel for Life Foundation, she has been showing fellow-feeling to some needy individuals in the society.

    The sensational singer has been in the news for some time for spearheading the #HelpKelechiWalk campaign.  Kelechi Uhegwu is suffering from Scoliosis.

    In realization of this, she now goes about soliciting help for Kelechi: “Please, can you give me 5k for Kelechi?”

    According to her, 5k For Kelechi had been created to provide what she described as “a droplet approach for kind-hearted individuals who would like to donate without feeling pressured financially and still help Kelechi fight for her life.

    “The saying that ‘little drops of water makes a mighty ocean’ sets a marker for the goal ahead as Kelechi needs N15 million (£47,000) for two major surgeries in the UK to save her life and enable her walk again. Multiple donations are highly encouraged as well,” Nikki said.

    Uhegwu is a graduate of the University of Lagos, Akoka and a self-employed makeup artist. She was diagnosed with paralytic scoliosis at the age of one. She needs immediate corrective spinal surgeries to prevent severe complications of scoliosis, which leads to land heart failure.

    Nikki Laoye has taken the campaign a step further by seeking the support  of celebrities and On- Air-Personalities, including  Funke Kuti, Yemi Alade, Dipp, Xblaze, Tola (CEO, PraiseWorld Radio), MC IceWater, DJ A’Cube, Charles Granville, Onos and many more.

    Nikki Laoye is known for her eclectic musical expressions and captivating stage performances. She described her style as urban contemporary sound with the fusion of alternative rock, R&B, Hip Hop, Pop, soul, jazz and gospel.

  • FCMB launches account opening on Facebook

    New customers of First City Monument Bank (FCMB)  can now open savings accounts  in their homes, offices, or on  via their computers or mobile devices.

    The launch of the platform coincides with the introduction of a new product, called, ‘the e-savings account’. The new account is an online based savings account which enables prospective customers to complete their account opening process with FCMB without the need to fill out any physical form(s) or visit a branch.

    In a statement, the bank explained that this new innovation is designed with the aim of utilising technology to reduce the time it takes to open an account, whilst also improving customer service and customer experience.

    It said the platform also extends the bank’s e-business offering by enabling new customers to open accounts, adding that existing customers already have access to various electronic banking services, including online banking, mobile banking and a range of international cards.

    Although the platform offers just one savings product, the Bank has informed that other types of accounts will soon be made available to give consumers the opportunity to select the right type of account for their banking needs.

    It said all consumers need to do is to fill out a short form, which is both on the bank’s website and Facebook page, and upload a recent digital passport photograph. If the information submitted passes the bank’s due process checks, the customer is then provided with an account number within minutes of completion and submission of the form.

  • Skye Bank launches Ria money transfer

    Skye Bank launches Ria money transfer

    Skye Bank Plc has launched a new money transfer service – Ria Money transfer service. The new service complements the bank’s other international money transfer services.

    Speaking at the event in Lagos, the bank’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) designate, Timothy Oguntayo, said the product is in tandem with the bank’s concept of value creation and addition.

    Noting that if banks must function as a one-stop financial supermarket where customers’ needs can be addressed, such lenders must provide needs-satisfying products timely and effectively.

    He said the new money transfer service would be available at the bank’s 250 branches nationwide as well as through some specially designated branches, assuring that quality service would be the watch word.

    On the new product, the bank’s Executive Director, Southsouth/Retail Banking, Mrs. Ibiye Ekong, assured the public that the bank would make funds remittance and collection easy, safe and convenient for senders and recipients. She said the bank would strive to make Ria Money the reference in money transfer business in the country.

    Business Development Director, Africa, Middle East and America, Ria Money, Manuel Villena, described the  market as the largest in Africa.

  • Sophia Chikere launches perfume line

    Sophia Chikere launches perfume line

    Nollywood actress, Sophia Chikere, the ex-wife of top movie director, Tchidi Chikere, has revealed her plans to set up a perfume line called Sophia Secret.

    The mother of three, who stated this on her Facebook page recently, described the perfume as “unique with a wonderful fragrance that will compete fairly with known brands in the market.”

    She added that it would be available all over the country as well as the West African sub-region.

    According to her, “This is a dream come true. God, I bow down before you and I worship you.”

    It appears the actress has resolved not to live in self-pity, following the breakup of her marriage to the respected movie director.

    It will be recalled that she was in the news recently when Tchidi tied the knot with his lover of many years, actress Nuella Njubigbo, in a traditional wedding ceremony held in Anambra State.

  • Supermartng.com launches in Lagos

    Supermartng.com, an online grocery and delivery service, has been launched in Lagos.

    Supermart enables customers to buy grocery items from various supermarkets on its website. The fact that customers are shopping from recognised supermarkets gives them an assurance about the source of what they are buying.

    Prior to starting Supermart, the co-founders, Gbolahan Fagbure and Raphael Afaedor were the Chief Operations Officer and Managing Director at the online retailer, Jumia.

    Gbolahan said: “We have worked very hard to build a service we believe will add a great deal of convenience to the lives of people who prefer not to spend hours driving between various supermarkets, looking for parking at busy supermarkets and waiting on queues to pay for their shopping.”

    According to Raphael, “knowing that customers typically go to multiple supermarkets to complete their grocery shopping led us to develop this service. Supermart allows customers easily add items from the multiple stores into one basket and pay once. For the first time in Nigeria, customers will be able to select when their order is delivered to their homes or offices, which can be in as early as three hours.”

    Supermart’s emphasis on providing superior customer service means that its team of personal shoppers who pick items for customer orders are carefully selected and well-trained to ensure they are selecting the freshest of what customers order. At the end of the chain are the delivery drivers who equally go through rigorous training prior to joining. “Our drivers are friendly and will carry your groceries all the way to your doorstep even if you live on the fourth floor of a building with no elevator…they go the extra mile,” said Gbolahan.

    To offer this time-saving service, which they estimate saves customers as much as six hours every week, Supermart has partnered with retailers Park ‘n’ Shop & Spar for groceries and every day essential items. Customers can currently shop from the 18,000 items these stores have for sale.

    The service will initially be offered in Victoria Island, Ikoyi, Marina and Lekki up to Victoria Garden City (VGC) and subsequently, expand to other parts of the city.

     

  • Firm launches broadband service

    Firm launches broadband service

    Smile Communications Nigeria Limited has announced the formal launch of its services in Lagos.

    A statement from the company indicated that the Group Chief Operating Officer, Tom Allen will speak on the exciting data packages specially designed for all classes of internet users in the country. He is also expected to underscore the fact theat the firm is at the forefront of harnessing technologies to create innovative solutions that enable the cost-effective deployment of advanced communication services.

    The firm is a subsidiary of Smile Telecoms Holdings which has operations in Tanzania, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Its parent company pioneered Africa’s first 4G LTE broadband internet service in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania two years ago.

  • IITA launches weeds control technology for cassava

    The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has launched a new multi-year project on sustainable weed management technologies for cassava-based farming systems.

    In a statement, its Communication Officer, Mr Godwin Atser, said the project was aimed at finding solutions to the labour-intensive weeding usually performed by women and children and to increase cassava productivity for 125,000 Nigerian farm-families.

    It said the project had the potential to serve as a livelihood transformation model for all cassava-producing states in the country.

    “Cassava is generally grown by smallholder farmers who appreciate its tolerance of drought and poor soils.

    “Its prospects in Nigeria, the world’s largest producer of cassava, were being threatened by insufficiently developed weed management practices.

    “Hand and hoe weeding are the predominant weed control practices on smallholder cassava farms and takes 50 to 80 per cent of the total labour budget of cassava growers with women,’’ the statement said.

    IITA’s Project Manager, Dr Alfred Dixon, said weeding required up to 500 hours of labour per hectare to prevent economic losses in cassava roots.

    “This burden compromises the women’s responsibilities and the children’s education, and Nigerian farmers will continue to record low yields until weed control in cassava is improved.

    “We are engaging in new research and deploying our best resources to ensure that smallholder farmers increase their agricultural productivity and improve the nutrition of their families,” Dixon said.

  • Nutricima launches promo

    The yearly promo by Nutricima Limited, makers of Coast, Nunu Olympic milk and other nutritious food drinks, has been launched in Lagos.

    It is tagged ’Nutricima Mega cash Promo’.

    According to the Managing Director, Nutricima Limited, Mr. Suneel Vasudevan, Nutricima values its consumers, adding the quality of the products testifies to its commitment to its consumers.

    The promo, which started on Tuesday, will end on April 22.

    Speaking at a briefing in Lagos, the milk Category Manager, Mr Ralph Agbaje, said consumers stand the chance of winning cash and gifts after purchasing any of its products. They include Coast evaporated milk, Olympic evaporated Milk or Nunu power refill, which has the promo label under the cover.

    He said consumers could find a six digit code number, which is to be sent with the product serial number to 08093377802.The sender then gets an interactive voice response which informs him/her about what has been won.

    The instant win range from N50 airtime e-top-up to N10, 000 wins.Aside, consumers can also qualify for a monthy raffle draw where they can win between N50,000and N1Million.

    To redeem their cash prizes, he said customers are expected to go to any branch of Zenith Bank with the product label and valid ID card.

    Cash prizes of between N500 and N10,000 will be paid over the counter,while N50,000 and N1million raffle draw will hold monthly.

    The Head of Marketing Mrs. Wande Oluwasegunfunmi, added: “Nutricima, in line with its vision to democratise the consumption of milk came up with the Mega Cash Promo as a way of expressing our appreciation to millions of our loyal consumers across Nigeria, as well as reward and its new and existing consumers; including kids, youth and adults who deserve nutritious milk and food which Nutricima provides.

    ‘’We all know that the festive period has just ended and many Nigerians have expended so much during the season. But, they need to have some money to replenish their pockets.“

  • Reckitt Benckiser launches Dettol Re-energize

    RECKITT Benckiser, a market leader in the health, hygiene and home care products segment, has launched Dettol re-energize in Lagos.

    Its Managing Director, Mr. Rahul Murgai, said innovation has helped the company to build the Dettol franchise across markets, including Nigeria.

    He described the extension of the soap category as another “great innovation.”

    Murgai said the new soap is unique because of its citrus fragrance, long-lasting freshness and protection.

    “Innovation underlines the acceptability of our brands, including Dettol, which is now a household name in the health and hygiene segment, not only in Nigeria, but all over the world,’’ he said.

    The firm’s Marketing Manager (Personal Care), Mr. Ahmed Shah, said innovation, consumer engagement and research were three critical factors that could not be compromised in the market.

    He said Dettol Re-energize, which was another product of innovation and extensive research into consumers’ want and preference.

    “Our research has shown that consumers want a soap that has pleasant fragrance and ability to refresh them. This is why we have introduced a Dettol Soap variant with a pleasant long-lasting orange fragrance that refreshes and also gives them protection against germs,” he said.

    The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has also given its nod to Dettol Re-energize. The Chairman, Lagos State chapter, Dr. Francis Faduyile, while unveiling the new product, said Dettol was a heritage brand which the group was proud to associate with.

    Dettol has been in Nigeria in the past 50 years.