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Leadway Assurance Partners Kwara on MSMEs’ Empowerment

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Leadway Assurance is partnering with the Kwara State Government and the Ajike Foundation in grooming and empowering operators of micro, small and medium scale enterprises (MSMEs) on financial inclusion and risk management.

The partnership championed by the underwriting firm through the First Lady of Kwara State, Mrs. Olufolake Abdulrazaq, will enable micro and small scale business owners in the state to build their capacity.

This category of business owners includes artisans, farmers, market women and other small business groups.

Speaking during the partnership signing, Abdulrazaq, commended Leadway Assurance for upskilling the state’s MSMEs on financial inclusion, security, and risk management.

Abdulrazaq, who spoke virtually at the event, said: “As the world is struggling to fight off the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses are witnessing unprecedented slowdowns and shutdowns.

“This, no doubt, is affecting the stability of small and medium scale enterprises. Businesses are struggling to survive due to the decline in the production volumes and harsh market conditions.

“The partnership with Leadway Assurance is an outstanding and unequivocal demonstration of our commitment to acquiring world-class knowledge for the MSMEs by learning from proven market leaders in financial security, risk management and business sustenance.”

Also speaking, Adebola Adegbayi, the Executive Director Leadway Assurance General business  said considering the risks involved in operating a business, every business owner should make insurance a critical part of his financial planning.

Adegbayi added: “We have always taken financial inclusion for small business owners as a priority at Leadway Assurance. We are convinced that financial education is critical to building business successes through smarter enterprise decision, wealth creation, risk identification, management, and protection.

“No matter how small your business is, there is a need to register with an insurance company.”

Adegbayi, reiterated her company’s commitment to Nigerian entrepreneurs by equipping them with the tools necessary to identifying and mitigate risks.


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E-Financial

Sterling Bank Adopts Africa’s First Indigenous Core Banking Solution

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Sterling Bank Limited has migrated to what is believed to be the continent’s first ever indigenous core banking solution called SeaBaaS.

The implementation of SeaBaaS, developed by Peerless, marks the completion of a new banking system announced to customers in August 2024.

According to a statement from the bank, the strategic move positions Nigeria as a leader in digital banking, driven by local talents and cutting-edge technology.

“Leveraging advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence, the system promises to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency, providing smarter, faster financial services” the statement added.

Speaking on the achievement, Abubakar Suleiman, CEO of Sterling Bank, said SeaBaaS is the first fully developed core banking platform that is wholly built and owned by an African technology company.

He described the development as the start of a new revolution in Africa’s drive for economic self-sufficiency, noting that the intellectual property underpinning SeaBaas will be available to partners across the continent in the coming months.

 


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CBN Reintroduces Controversial Cybersecurity Levy @ 0.005 Percent in New Guidelines

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Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced that it will continue enforcing the controversial cybercrime levy at 0.005 per cent on all electronic transactions under its new guidelines for the 2024-2025 fiscal year.

CBN Reintroduces Controversial Cybersecurity Levy @ 0.005 Percent in New Guidelines

Yemi Cardoso, Governor, CBN

The apex bank disclosed the levy’s reintroduction it abandoned in May, in a policy document issued on dated September 17, 2024.

The cybercrime levy is mandated by the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act of 2015, aimed at bolstering the nation’s cyber security infrastructure.

According to CBN,  the revenue from the levy would be directed to a cybersecurity fund to support efforts to safeguard electronic transactions.

CBN said: “The CBN shall continue to enforce the payment of the mandatory levy of 0.005 per cent on all electronic transactions by banks and other financial institutions, by the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.”

The bank restates the minimum cybersecurity baseline for banks and financial institutions.

The new guidelines also reaffirm the bank’s commitment to ensuring that banks, financial institutions, and payment service providers abide by the minimum cybersecurity standards.

CBN insist on the appointment of Chief Information Security Officers to oversee cybersecurity issues in line with the 2022 risk-based cybersecurity framework.


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CBN Appoints New Board of Directors for Keystone Bank

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Central Bank of Nigeria has reconstituted the board of directors of Keystone Bank.

The move announced on Wednesday, is part of the apex bank’s strategy to ensure sustained growth for the financial institution.

According to a statement from the Keystone Bank, Lady Ada Chukwudozie has been appointed as the new board chairman, alongside five other non-executive directors. They are Abdul-Rahman Esene, Mrs. Fola Akande, Akintola Olusoji, Obijiaku Samuel, and Senator Farouk Bello.

Read Also: Court Orders 9mobile Network Owners to Pay N55bn Debt To Keystone Bank

In addition, the CBN also named two new executive directors, Ladi Oluwole and Abubakar Bello.

Chukwudozie, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s corporate sector, brings nearly three decades of experience in business strategy, management, and administration.

Her expertise cuts across multiple industries, including De-Endy Industrial Company Limited, Dozzy Group, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, and Vogue Afrique Magazine.

Esene, with over 43 years of experience in banking, investment management, and corporate finance, has held leadership roles in major institutions such as Fidelity Bank, Afrinvest, and Global Arbitrage International Inc

Akande boasts over 25 years of experience in legal, compliance, and risk management, having worked with global brands like Cadbury, Stanbic Chartered Bank, and Shell.

Olusoji has a distinguished 30-year career in accounting, finance, and business development, having served at institutions such as Sterling Bank, Access Bank, and Intercontinental Bank.

Samuel, with more than 35 years of experience in banking and treasury operations, has left a significant mark on Nigeria’s financial sector, previously working with Zenith Bank and Fidelity Bank.

Bello, a seasoned banker with over 20 years of experience, has led initiatives across both the public and private sectors, including the National Assembly and Guaranty Trust Bank.

Meanwhile, the two new executive directors bring their vast expertise to the table. Oluwole, the new Executive Director of Risk Management, comes with over two decades of experience in credit and enterprise risk management, including previous roles at Bank of America. Bello, Executive Director for the Northern Directorate, has extensive experience managing corporate, retail, and public sector clients.

Read Also: Keystone Bank Upgrades Digital Banking Platform

Speaking on the appointments, Keystone Bank’s Managing Director and CEO, Hassan Imam, expressed confidence in the new board members, stating that their wealth of experience would play a crucial role in the bank’s continued repositioning and growth.

“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 as we continue to reposition the bank to seize emerging economic opportunities while maintaining strong corporate governance and providing our customers with a secure and reliable banking experience,” Imam said.


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