General News
The Pivotal Role Of An Executive Assistant Especially During A Global Pandemic
By Precious Emechebe, Executive Assistant to John Ugbe, Chief Executive Officer of MultiChoice Nigeria,
There is this saying that “behind every great CEO is an exceptional and committed Executive Assistant”. The Executive Assistant job has recently become a lot more complicated because asides the novel experience of working from home fully and potentially alongside family demands, you are also working your hardest to go above and beyond to provide some sense of certainty and regularity for the Executive, which of course is one of the core functions.
But truly, this is the time for EAs to shine. Why? The Executives will need all the support they can get in this time of uncertainty. And there is perhaps no one more qualified to give this support than the EA. Proactivity and empathy are very crucial both to provide the best support possible and to show how valuable you are to the team regardless of non-physical availability.
Adapting to the new order implies retaining the star that you are. You are pliable enough to fit in into the new ways of doing things; Putting in conscious effort to wow the Boss and other executives through courageous help and ambitious progress; Focusing on what matters and what works. You must respond to that task speedily and timely with zero or very minimal excuses. You must be a fixer.
You must set up your workstation and ensure little or no network interruptions. This implies that you must work with the best internet provider as being irresponsive may be tagged as inefficiency. EA’s must present a professional and credible image on behalf of the bosses. They are the filters that allow the executives to remain focused on priorities even in these peculiar times where physical meeting requests are minimally advised. You must work side-by-side with the executive to absorb his or her knowledge and learn how the business functions as the pandemic elongates.
Exceptional EAs are high-performing, excellent professionals who must have basic knowledge of the business such that they can operate as a seamless extension of the executive. The EAs understand that for their executive to be effective, they must take over the functions that are not a good use of the executive’s core or basic focal point. EAs never doubt what their executives want or do not want because the executive communicates to them their objectives and vision. Consequently, EAs speak on the executives behalf with confidence and authority. They also keep them protected from non-essentials or calamities.
During this pandemic, EA’s must take charge and accept responsibilities even more than they used to. They must get clarifications to ensure they are working within scope. All gaps must be closed without prompts. You must forestall, anticipate, look ahead, avert crisis, resolve issues and be a problem solver. Be resourceful, using good instincts and constantly looking for ways to improve and ease the Boss.
Self-Development in relevant professional areas is also one of the very keyways to adapt in this critical time. Online courses that would widen your horizon is a good way to go.
Exercise helps hugely. You do not want to look totally out of shape when you eventually resume physically at work. if you’re not into anything high intensity then yoga is awesome, dance exercise is fantastic, same as taking walks. Loads of videos are online to guide you. Remember you are now doing this in the comfort of your home.
Have you considered exploring that project you’ve been set to work on, go beyond just completing your responsibilities – research possibilities, explore beyond the job on hand? You have more time, so use it to fall in love with what you do and other things you are passionate about because when you do, staying inspired is easy.
Remain proactive, not reactive. Find other ways to bring value – be the eye of the boss even at the tiniest feedback that would make a meaning to the business. Become more than an EA. Keep your ears wide open for advice that would matter.
Indeed, walking over to the boss’s office or the fact that you do not see yourselves daily as the case may be, may seem like your relationship with your boss is slipping away, so you need a new way to maintain that. Keep at it daily. Set up catch up online meetings where you can run through your plans and progress. It keeps you on track while making sure your interactions are still valid.
When the day hits you hard, it is so easy to just move to the sofa, switch on the TV and stare blankly at your screen waiting for the hours to tick by. Knowing how to overcome these days can be tough: There aren’t colleagues celebrating birthdays, or clients and customers interface that could take your mind away or motivate you, so you’ve got to do it for yourself. Take a break, play some music, play with the kids, get your brain moving again and then when you come back to your workstation, throw yourself into the most intense piece of that task and deliver.
In all seriousness, the flexibility of working from home is incredible, however, it can be hard to turn off your laptop or phone sometimes when you are working from home because you really do not want slip-aways. Ensure work is not still heavy during this time otherwise it would become difficult to separate life and work when they are unified.
Keep staying safe, think big and self-motivate.
General News
Uche Uzoebo, SANEF CEO Makes Case for More Financial Inclusion Strategies Targeting Women
Leveraging digital infrastructure is key to accelerating financial inclusion, especially through a multi-stakeholder approach involving governments, fintechs, telecoms, regulators and even the customers.
According to the World Bank report, a significant portion of the global adult population remains unbanked.
Specifically, 27% of adults globally are considered unbanked, and an additional 50% are underbanked, defined as lacking a credit card, , according to Lucidity Insights.
By investing in awareness, robust digital ID systems, interoperable payment rails, and inclusive policy frameworks, stakeholders can expand access to financial services, particularly in underserved regions, and reduce the global unbanked population significantly.
Stakeholders who gathered at the Regtech Conference 2025 discussed these strategies and more, especially facilitating cross-border payments and investment opportunities across Africa.
The event featured a thought-provoking panel discussion moderated by Uche Uzoebo, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Shared Agent Network Expansion Facilities (SANEF) Limited.
The panel discussion themed, “From Borders to Bridges: Leveraging Digital Infrastructure to Drive Financial Inclusion through a Multi-Stakeholder Approach”, brought together diverse voices across banking, fintech, policy, and government to explore how digital infrastructure can be annexed to drive financial inclusion.
Uzoebo highlighted how women often face unique challenges in accessing financial services coupled with limited digital literacy and cultural barriers.
She engaged the panelists to discuss targeted interventions aimed at promoting gender inclusivity in the financial sector and effective financial education programs that empower individuals to utilize digital financial services.
Jacqueline Mpare, Head of Agency Banking, Ecobank Group, highlighted how her organization had established a women-focused initiative to provide support to businesses targeted at women and those with women as part of the leadership by providing them with access to finance and non-financial support.
Isa Aliyushata, Regional Advisor, Africa, Corum Group Limited, stressed the need to inculcate financial literacy into the education curriculum to ensure everyone is exposed to the knowledge of financial literacy from a young age.
The panelists include Ajibade Laolu-Adewale, Chief Partnership & Ecosystems Officer, Wema Bank; Gerald Munyaradzi Nyakwawa, Head of Digital Channels, MoneyMart Finance (Private) Limited, Zimbabwe; Dr. Henry Clarke Kisembo, Group Global Lead and Executive Chairman, Development Associates Link International (DALI); Jacqueline Mpare, Head of Agency Banking, Ecobank Group; Jean Jacques Kajuga, Chief Operations Officer, RSwitch Rwanda; and Isa Aliyushata, Regional Advisor, Africa, Corum Group Limited.
The panelists emphasized collaboration, leading by example, speed and legislative alignment, a unified infrastructure payment system, and collaboration between national and regional switchers to allow a low-cost cross-border payment as key to ensuring financial inclusion.
Meanwhile, her organization, Shared Agency Network Expansion Facilities (SANEF), was honored with the title of 2025 Financial Literacy Champion at the RegTech Awards. This prestigious recognition highlights SANEF’s steadfast commitment to promoting financial literacy and enhancing financial inclusion across Nigeria. Through strategic partnerships, the expansion of agent networks nationwide, and impactful educational programs, SANEF continues to equip millions with the knowledge and tools to make informed financial decisions.
General News
Hydrogen, Lagos State Touch Thousands of Business Owners with “Healthy Heart, Healthy Business” Outreach
As part of its continued effort to support the growth and sustainability of Nigerian enterprises, Hydrogen Payment Services Company Limited joined forces with Ikeja Local Government Area and the Office of the Medical Officer of Health to deliver the impactful “Healthy Heart, Healthy Business” outreach on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at the Ikeja Local Government Secretariat.
The initiative successfully engaged a wide range of business owners through a combination of in-person participation and extensive digital awareness campaigns.
Participants benefited from a comprehensive range of free medical screenings, including blood pressure checks, ECGs, malaria and typhoid testing, urinalysis, packed cell volume (PCV), blood sugar monitoring, and more, highlighting the critical connection between good health and business longevity.
Kemi Okusanya, CEO of Hydrogen, commented on the initiative, affirming Hydrogen’s passion for the growth of businesses.
“At Hydrogen, we are deeply committed to the success of Nigerian businesses. As a payment solutions provider, we recognise that healthy entrepreneurs build stronger, more resilient enterprises. This outreach exemplifies our belief in supporting entrepreneurs beyond just payments.”
Demonstrating this responsibility, Hydrogen donated Sphygmomanometers and Glucometers to indigent and high-risk attendees unable to afford this essential health monitoring devices, empowering them to manage their health beyond the outreach.
Public-private partnerships (PPPs) have become increasingly important in driving sustainable development across various sectors.
By leveraging the unique strengths of both government institutions and private enterprises, PPPs enable more efficient delivery of services, innovation, and expanded reach. These collaborations foster shared responsibility and resource pooling, making it possible to tackle complex challenges that neither sector could effectively address alone.
Dr. Tawak O.F., Medical Officer of Health for Ikeja, spoke on this, saying, “This partnership with Hydrogen Payment Services Company Limited exemplifies the power of effective public-private collaboration in reaching the heart of our business community.”
“Entrepreneurs often overlook their health while striving for success, but initiatives like this remind us all that good health is an essential part of wealth. We commend Hydrogen for their commitment to not just powering payments, but also powering healthier, more resilient businesses through impactful community engagement,” She added.
Mary, one of the beneficiaries and a merchant in ‘Computer Village’, expressed her gratitude, saying that, “Most of us don’t think about regular hospital checkups. Mainly, because the cost is too high and some things now are not covered by insurance. Today, Hydrogen and Lagos State have brought doctors for free to our doorstep, and we are very grateful.”
Hydrogen’s full team presence at the event reaffirmed the company’s dedication to forging genuine relationships and standing firmly with the business communities it serves.
General News
Tripoint Travels Hosts Pre-GEC Brunch for Nigerian Delegates Ahead of Global Entrepreneurship Congress 2025
In a vibrant celebration of national pride, global relevance, and entrepreneurial drive, Tripoint Travels, the official logistics partner of GEN Nigeria hosted an exclusive pre-congress brunch for Nigerian delegates attending the upcoming Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) 2025.
Held at Tripoint’s Lagos headquarters, the event brought together top entrepreneurs, investors, ecosystem leaders, and government officials, including Dr. Peter Bamkole, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Pan Atlantic University; Dr. Olawale Anifowose, Managing Director of the Global Entrepreneurship Congress Nigeria (GEN Nigeria); Dr. Babangida Ruma from The Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA), Mrs. Uche Uzoebo, CEO of the Shared Agent Network Expansion Facilities (SANEF) Limited; Actor and influencer Mr. Umar Gombe; along with other distinguished guests and representatives from various government bodies, all in anticipation of their journey to Indianapolis, Indiana this June.
The Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC), Organized annually by the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN), the GEC brings together more than 5,000 participants from over 200 countries, including Entrepreneurs, Investors, Policymakers, Researchers, & Support organizations to build stronger entrepreneurial ecosystems worldwide. Since its inception in 2009, the GEC has become a cornerstone of international collaboration and entrepreneurial innovation.
This year’s GEC, hosted in partnership with the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), marks the Congress’ return to the United States after 16 years. Held in Indianapolis from June 2–5, 2025, the event aims to spotlight Indiana’s pro-growth business climate while strengthening global ties that promote sustainable economic development and innovation.
The brunch allowed the delegation to connect in an intimate and engaging setting, sharing expectations, ideas, and goals ahead of one of the most impactful convening in the global entrepreneurship calendar. Designed to build camaraderie, align visions, and foster a sense of shared identity, the event emphasized the importance of collaboration as Nigerian representatives prepare to take the global stage.
“The Global Entrepreneurship Congress is not just a conference, it’s a platform that is deliberate about global innovation meeting local action, said Mrs. Shuhda Muhammed, Founder of Tripoint Travels. We wanted to set the tone for our delegates, to ensure that they feel connected to this year’s theme – The Bold Change the World, as well as foster the necessary collaborations to make that happen at the local and global stage.. As a company rooted in both logistics and empowerment, we are proud to play a role in making their journey seamless and meaningful.”
Speaking at the event, Dr. Olawale Anifowose, Managing Director of the Global Entrepreneurship Network Nigeria (GEN Nigeria), emphasized the significance of the Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) as both a meeting point and a growth platform, where Nigerian entrepreneurs engage with global ecosystems to connect, learn, and thrive. He noted that Nigeria’s presence at the GEC is not just symbolic but essential, reflecting the country’s growing influence in the global entrepreneurial landscape. Dr. Anifowose also commended Tripoint Travels for their pivotal role as a trusted partner in mobilizing Nigeria’s brightest talent and making the journey to GEC 2025 a reality.
GEN Nigeria has emerged as a critical force in supporting entrepreneurship at the grassroots and policy level, and with a Partner as Tripoint Travels, its expansive network and initiatives, continues to actively shape the country’s innovation landscape, championing inclusive growth, and equipping thousands of Entrepreneurs with the tools, exposure, and networks needed to succeed in both local and international markets.
With delegates selected for their contributions to Ecosystem building and Entrepreneurship, Nigeria’s representation at The GEC 2025 would reflect the country’s diversity, resilience, entrepreneurship spirit and creative potential. The presence of Founders and Innovators like Mr Rotimi Awofisibe – MD, VFD bank, one of the officially invited participants, is testament to Nigeria’s growing influence in the Global Entrepreneurship arena.
“We’re proud to be a longstanding partner of GEN Nigeria, supporting the Entrepreneurs shaping Nigeria’s future. Attending the Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) is about learning, contributing, and returning with a renewed, broader vision. It’s through committed partnerships like ours that such visions become reality,” said Mrs. Muhammed.
More than just a travel management company, Tripoint Travels is a trusted enabler of dreams, mobility, and opportunity. As GEN Nigeria’s official travel partner for GEC 2025, Tripoint is overseeing every aspect of the delegation’s journey, from visa coordination and flight logistics to accommodation and ground transportation, ensuring a seamless and empowering experience.
Tripoint Travels also extends its commitment to ecosystem development through Tripoint Academy, its nonprofit arm that supports early-stage entrepreneurs with training, mentoring, and access to local and global opportunities. Tripoint’s partnership with GEN Nigeria reflects its broader mission: to use travel as a tool for empowerment, education, and national development.
“Every single ticket we issue is a bridge, a bridge between where someone is now, and where they’re meant to be,” added Mrs. Muhammed. “We don’t just book travel. We open up the world for Nigerian entrepreneurs.”
The highlight of the Pre-Congress brunch was the piece of art done by all the delegates present at the event. The interactive art was introduced as an inclusive way to showcase the multiculturalism and pivotal position of the Nigerian business mind, and so the essence of the Nigerian delegation materialised through the painting. The art work will be exhibited and gifted at a special event during the Congress.
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