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Heritage Bank empowers ‘HB Lab’ tech start-ups’ winners with $40,000 grants

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As part of its efforts to support Nigeria’s aspiration and roadmap to become a leading Information Communication Technology (ICT) Hub in Africa, Heritage Bank Plc, Nigeria’s most innovative banking service provider has doled out $40, 000 grants to winners of the maiden edition of HB Innovative Lab.

The maiden edition of Heritage Bank Innovation Lab Accelerator programme (HB-LAB) tagged, ‘Demo Day,’ is a 12-week programme, expected to provide technology start-ups seeking additional investments to progress and accelerate market introduction/adoption of their solutions with co-working and internet resources, guidance and mentorship with finch start-ups founder and seed funding. However, the bank’s commitment is to create enabling environment, resources and support required to innovate and accelerate impactful solutions with the potential to radically improve financial Inclusion/Intermediation, health, automobile, agriculture, and other related problems affecting critical sectors of the economy.

At the grand finale of the programme, of the seven groups, Trep Labs-Real Drip emerged the winner with the most compelling solution won the N10million, whilst Ladipomarket.com.ng won the N5million prize, as the 1st runner-up, which is equivalent of $40, 000.

Speaking at the event, the MD/CEO of the bank, Ifie Sekibo, said the bank knew it was in the best interest of the country to pay attention to the development to the technology and industrial sector. According to him, “the future of the country lies in the hands of its youth. Our youths are talented, and Heritage Bank is committed to harnessing this talent to grow the economy.”

He noted that although in Nigeria, technology startups still account for a relatively small share of all businesses, but they have an outsized impact on economic growth, because they provide better-paying, longer-lasting jobs than other start-ups, and they contribute more to innovation, productivity, and competitiveness.

Sekibo explained further, “Newly starting up a business is part of the most difficult stage of the business, you would need to source for capital and manpower. Considering the fact that you are a new business those items are not so easy and cheap for you to acquire.

“However, the presentations we have seen today shows how gifted Nigeria is with human resources, our youths have demonstrated that the country still has a beautiful future.

“I am impressed with the start-ups, after six weeks of drilling and grooming they have been able to develop up to this point; everyone is a winner tonight as far as I am concerned.

“Based on the success of this maiden edition we are going to continue this initiative, we would go back to our laboratory and create something bigger for the upcoming editions.”

When asked what he felt about Artificial Intelligence being used in banks, he explained: “Technology has been playing a key role towards enhancing the banking sector. Thus, we saw the need to create an Artificial Intelligence product called Octopus, which has been piloted and its second edition is almost ready for launching.

On his part, the Co-founder TREP Labs, Alayande Abiola, said, “Emerging as first place and winning the ten million naira is going to help the growth of our clinical solutions.

“Now we would be able to complete our clinical trials, optimise our products development and also provide enough healthcare solutions that are battling with the country.”

Earlier, the bank’s Divisional Head Innovation and Partnership, Ikenna Imo, explained: “Twelve weeks ago we welcomed seven talented and diverse start-ups, at that time our intentions were clear that we were ready to create distinctive propositions that solves issues facing the country currently.

“Today, I have no doubts that the start-ups we have assembled after a selective and competitive process have what it takes to accomplish that.

Over the last 12 weeks, the HB Lab has hosted a number of business leaders and founders within in the tech ecosystem who shared the experiences and evolutions of their respective businesses with the aim to inspire and impart business knowledge in the young minds looking to start out their own tech-enabled businesses.

Some of the mentors at the program include; Gbenga Awe (Heritage Bank Plc), Tosin Eniolorunda (TeamApt), Abolore Salami (Riby), Deji Oduntan (Gokada), Muyiwa Faulkner (Mines.io), Shile Owoka (Smile Identity), Moses Sule (Oradian) to mention a few.

Heritage Bank Plc remains committed to championing sustainable value creation, leveraging technology to ensure a culture of innovation and mutually beneficial partnerships. 

Fela Ibidapo, Divisional Head, Corporate Communications

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Dr. Ifeoma Eze: The Connection That Transforms Lives

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Dr. Ifeoma Eze: The Connection That Transforms Lives

Dr. Ifeoma Eze: The Connection That Transforms Lives

Dr. Ifeoma Eze isn’t just a preacher; she is a voice that awakens purpose, a mentor who nurtures potential, and a guide leading people back to the true source of value—God. With warmth, wisdom, and an undeniable passion for transformation, she delivers a simple yet powerful message: your worth isn’t defined by what you have, but by who you are connected to.

Dr. Ifeoma Eze: The Connection That Transforms Lives

In her inspiring book, Becoming A Person of Exceptional Value, Dr. Eze drives home a truth that is often overlooked: no one can truly thrive in life without being plugged into the ultimate source—God. “We are not just physical beings trying to have a spiritual experience,” she says with conviction. “We are spiritual beings navigating a human journey.”

She takes readers back to the very beginning—Genesis 1:28—where God gave humanity a clear mandate: be fruitful, multiply, replenish the earth, subdue it, and have dominion. “This isn’t just about surviving,” she explains. “It’s about thriving, creating impact, and living a life that truly matters.”

But what happens when people try to go through life disconnected from their source? Dr. Ifeoma paints a vivid picture: “Imagine a strong, well-built water pipe. It looks good, but if it’s not connected to a water supply, it serves no purpose. That’s exactly what happens when we try to succeed without God—we may look promising, but we’ll never truly function as we were meant to.”

She also draws lessons from Jesus’ encounter with the barren fig tree. “Jesus wasn’t upset with the tree for simply existing,” she explains. “He was upset because it gave the appearance of having fruit but had nothing to show for it. And that’s how many people are today—outwardly successful but inwardly empty.”

Dr. Ifeoma Eze’s message is more than just words—it’s a heartfelt call to action. She speaks with the authority of someone who has walked this path, someone who has experienced firsthand what it means to be transformed by divine connection. Her sermons are not just lessons; they are life-changing encounters, filled with energy, encouragement, and practical wisdom.

Through Becoming A Person of Exceptional Value, she challenges people to reconnect with God, to recognize their true worth, and to step boldly into their calling. “You weren’t created to struggle in mediocrity,” she affirms. “You were made to shine, to build, to replenish, and to lead. But first, you must be connected to the One who gives all value.”

Dr. Ifeoma Eze isn’t just teaching people how to live; she’s showing them how to truly thrive. And in a world where so many are searching for meaning, her message couldn’t be more timely.

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Business

Ramadan Delight: Enjoy Flexible Payments, Huge Discounts & Exclusive Gifts with Adron Homes

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Ramadan Delight: Enjoy Flexible Payments, Huge Discounts & Exclusive Gifts with Adron Homes

 

In the spirit of Ramadan, Adron Homes and Properties is spreading joy and making homeownership more accessible with its “Ramadan Delight” promo. This special initiative offers incredible rewards and discounts, reflecting the company’s commitment to providing affordable housing solutions while embracing the essence of generosity during this sacred month.

As part of the promo, customers can enjoy up to 30% discount off land prices and the convenience of spreading payments for up to 24 months with flexible, zero-interest installment options. This incredible offer allows aspiring homeowners to invest in premium estates without financial strain, making their homeownership dreams a reality.

To make the season even more rewarding, Adron Homes is gifting subscribers valuable items, ensuring they experience the true delight of Ramadan. Customers who take advantage of this special offer will receive exciting gifts, including provision packs, provision hampers, standing fans, fruit baskets, microwaves, smart TVs, refrigerators, and many more luxurious rewards. Additionally, essential food items such as bags of rice, cartons of noodles, gallons of cooking oil, and Ramadan hampers will be shared, along with prayer mats and Qur’ans to support spiritual reflection.

Adron Homes estates are; in Lekki-Epe, Badagry, Shimawa, Ibadan, Abeokuta, Ede Osun, Osunjele, Ilisan, Jos, Sagamu, Ado Ekiti, Atan Ota, Ikorodu, Papalanto, Ijebu Ode, Abuja, Nasarawa, Niger, and more. With strategically located estates and a commitment to excellence, the company ensures that clients have access to premium and affordable properties in fast-growing areas.

Beyond offering attractive property deals, Adron Homes is reinforcing its commitment to corporate social responsibility by giving back to communities, mosques, and underprivileged individuals. The company has embarked on a charitable drive, donating food items and relief materials to support those in need, embodying the true essence of Ramadan’s spirit of generosity and kindness.

With the “Ramadan Delight” promo, Adron Homes continues to redefine real estate accessibility while celebrating the beauty of giving. Now is the perfect time for individuals and families to take advantage of this remarkable opportunity to own a home while enjoying heartfelt rewards.

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FIRSTBANK FILES APPEAL

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FirstBank has announced that its FirstEdu product designed to put schools at an advantage in the financing of capital projects such as the acquisition of new property, school expansion and reconstruction has been remodeled to a period of up to a maximum tenor of 48 months.

-INJUNCTION AND STAY OF EXECUTIONC

-ARGO REMAINS UNDER ARREST

 

In a surprising twist of events, its decision delivered today, the Federal High Court in a surprising shift from the true nature of FirstBank ’s claim held that the matter is not a maritime claim but rather, a simple case of debt recovery. This is quite surprising considering the fact that the order sought is to prevent further fraudulent sale of crude on the FPSO.

 

Shockingly, the court also held that the Arrest Order against the cargo, because it was exparte in nature, expired by effluxion of time within 14 days of its issuance.

 

Aggrieved by the decision, FirstBank lodged an appeal against the decision of the FHC. Also, FirstBank filed an application for an injunction of the court against GHL, pending the determination of the appeal. The Cargoes of Crude Oil on the FPSO TAMARA TOKONI remain arrested.

 

While FirstBank has great respect for the courts, it strongly disagrees with the ruling, which, in our view, constitutes a miscarriage of justice.

 

FirstBank remains committed to protecting and securing the interest of its members and will relentlessly pursue justice against mischievous debtors seeking to use the machinery of the law to perpetuate mischief and evade their responsibility to offset outstanding obligations.

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