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Heritage Bank identifies high prospects in Nigeria’s £4bn Gold market

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Heritage Bank Plc, Nigeria’s most innovative banking service provider, disclosed that Nigeria’s Gold market is worth £4 billion Pounds with high prospects of profitability for all players in the subsector.

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The MD/CEO, Ifie Sekibo, who stated this at the Nigeria-Canada Investment Summit, held in Abuja, yesterday also disclosed that the enormous potential of the industry was one of the reasons why Heritage Bank delved into the mining sector despite enormous risks.

According to him, the bank has Dukia Gold as its partner that would facilitate access to local miners and artisans to get value for their commodity at international market price after being registered with Dukia Gold.

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Sekibo, who was represented by the Team Lead, Agric Finance and Export, Adelana Ogunjirin, explained that prior to now, local miners of Gold found it difficult to trade their commodities favourably but with the involvement of Dukia and its partner, Heritage Bank, a Quality-and-Quantity test will be conducted based on the arrangement they made with Dukia Gold and that will lead to additional value to the small holder miners. He explained that this will leverage the small miners the opportunity to also trade their commodities at international market price.

He further stated that a metric tonne of Gold is currently valued at $30million adding that it is worth investing in the industry, especially as gold is a kind of commodity that does not easily lose its value.

He said: “Mining sector is an area which has not been fully tapped in terms of the potentials around it, as there are quite a lot of opportunities around that sector. Recently we secured $1 billion funding line with our funding partner AfreximBank, which also is to support areas like solid minerals.

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“Now with respect to this we have looked at the value chain of this space and we have looked at the opportunities that are there. A lot of fund providers have not really delved into this and it is because of the lack of understanding of the market.

“In terms of value, gold is an area where you can enhance the value. You hardly see Gold losing value and you see that in different exchanges you even trade those commodities.

“Looking at it in terms of trend, you see that gold is something that will appreciate definitely. So in terms of the profitability of this business, we have looked at it, the crunch, the numbers we see that is a space that the Bank will definitely earn a lot of income.”

He also expressed optimism that other banks would like to come into the Nigerian mining sector, but may be studying to understand the sector properly.

“Definitely other banks will come into the sector. For us we are leading, but the truth is they need to play in an area and space that they understand, as not everybody would be able to play in that space.

“Heritage Bank has already carved a niche for itself in agribusiness space, just like the Gold commodity, this would be exported. So, in terms of export proceeds too, there are opportunities to be explored. Generally, looking at the Nigerian outlook, on the long run, this will also enhance the country’s external reserves. There are multiplier effects of what we are doing today and that is why we are also moving in this direction,” the MD noted. 

Also speaking, Managing Director, Nigeria Export-Import Bank, NEXIM, Abba Bello, revealed that the bank had gone into high level discussions with heavy equipment manufacturers and suppliers that would lease equipment to miners for exploration and processing, adding that this was expected to make the equipment accessible and affordable.

Bello said, “For equipment supplier or outright purchase of equipment, we have gone into discussions with Bluecare and now Mantrac for the supply of heavy equipment for gold processing or exploration on lease basis and, it is something that does not exist currently within the industry.

“Barrick Gold and Bullion Mart is something that happen in the mining world. You don’t have to own the equipment, but there are vendors who supply the equipment for explorers to hire.

“Discussions have gone very far with the equipment suppliers and very soon we will announce the programme.”

Meanwhile, the Country Manager, ITM, Nigeria, Habibah Waziri, raised concerns on human resources development that would sustain the sector.

Waziri also said there is need to formalize the sector and also invest in human capital in the sector for growth and development. 

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Afriq Arbitrage System Slams $10 million Lawsuit Against Micheal Okoh, Prince Humble Eteng, Hajj Ibrahim, Engineer Awajioma and Others (Video)

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Jesam Micheal, the Rise of the Moon Among Stars, A Game Changer By Femi Oyewale 

Afriq Arbitrage System Slams $10 million Lawsuit Against Micheal Okoh, Prince Humble Eteng, Hajj Ibrahim, Engineer Awajioma and Others (Video)

 

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The board of directors of Afriq Arbitrage Systems after an emergency meeting condemned in strong terms the attitudes of Prince Humble Eteng, Michael Okoh, Okoi Daniels, Engineer Awajioma and others about their nefarious activities to injure the longstanding reputation the organisation has maintained and in a final resolution, resolved that the above parties be sued for defamation and has slammed a ten million dollar lawsuit with a suit number w/2011/2024 against them at the High court of the Federal capital territory in the Abuja judicial division on Monday, April 15th, 2024 on charges bothering on cyber bullying, attempt to life and property, lies and unlawful incitement and instigation against the CEO of the company , Jesam Micheal, his family and organisation.

 

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In the lawsuit through the legal representation of Jesam Michael and AAS by Barrister Ovat the service required the defendants to appear In court within 14 days, else judgement will be issued against them in absentia.

 

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It would be recalled that few days after series of cyber bullying against the CEO of Afriq Arbitrage System, Jesam Micheal and his Family by MICHEAL OKOH, PRINCE HUMBLE ETENG,OKOI DENOCK in collaboration with one TOCHUKWU NWOYE, DINGCHI YARLING, Godwin, Benjamin Uwanga and Findins, Jesam escaped assassination attempt as gunmen numbering over ten, armed with sophisticated weapons invaded his lounge in Lagos seeking for him.

 

Afriq Arbiritage System, Slams $10 million Lawsuit Against Micheal Okoh, Prince Humble Eteng, Hajj Ibrahim, Engineer Awajioma and Others (Video)

 

Information available to us revealed that when the hardened criminals invaded the lounge on Friday, April 5th, 2024 where Jesam was billed to address his workers, they were demanding for him and when they learnt he couldn’t make the meeting as expected, they descended on the staff and customers threatening to kill them in his stead. They also went away with the company’s properties such as laptops, equipment and gadgets of staffers and customers.

 

Micheal Okoh who has been ranting on Social media against the CEO of Afriq Arbiritage System has been exposed along with Prince Humble Eteng, Okoi Denock as partners in crime with Abayomi oluwasesan who is in prison for defrauding the financial platform to the tune of $87 million dollars

 

According to reports, Micheal Okoh is an investor in AAS who has benefited from the scheme and has withdrawn over three thousand dollars which he never disclosed to his gullible followers until the evidence was uncovered and exposed to the community.

 

Aside from that, information revealed that Micheal Okoh, Prince Humble And Okoi Denock have been working in tandem with Abayomi in plotting the loot from AAS and threatening the life of Jesam Michael and his family. In a series of life threatening messages the plotters swear to eliminate him and his family for standing on the path of truth, justice and for arresting Abayomi in recovering the loot. Also, these revelations are not unconnected to the fact that these people engineered Abayomi not to return investors money back to the community.

 

However, the long arm of the law will soon reach them as Abayomi who has willingly confessed to the heinous crime he committed to the company is arrested and taken to court where he is Remanded and Micheal Okoh and his cohorts we learnt are also on the radar of the security operatives for collaboration and cyber bullying.

 

 

 

Sadly, the threat to life of the CEO and his family by these people should not be taken lightly as just as Mr Micheal Okoh said in his video that he will bring him down, same day, gunmen were sent to invade AAS lounge on the same day he was to address his workers for the year.

 

 

According to the security officer of the company, the ugly incident has never happened before on any of their investments until this brazen threats from Mr Okoh and others.

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Wema Bank Launches Anti-Fraud Campaign to Protect Customers*

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HACKAHOLICS DIGITAL SUMMIT 2023: WEMA BANK LAUNCHES AFRICA’S LARGEST GATHERING OF INNOVATORS, DISRUPTORS, REGULATORS, POLICYMAKERS, INVESTORS & CUSTOMERS IN THE DIGITAL SPACE

*Wema Bank Launches Anti-Fraud Campaign to Protect Customers*
*….Takes Firm Action Against Fraudulent FINTECH Partners*

 

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Wema Bank, Nigeria’s foremost innovative bank and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital Bank, ALAT, has launched an anti-fraud campaign to protect its customers and other Nigerians against fraudulent activities perpetrated by some wallet accounts and fintech partners.

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As the bank at the forefront of digital innovation and a top enabler in the FinTech landscape, Wema Bank powers a plethora of FinTechs across Nigeria, allowing them to operate seamlessly through Wema Bank’s 3rd Party Wallet Accounts. Due to the recent hike in fraudulent inflows into these wallet accounts, the bank has taken a firm action against fintech partners whose account activities have been found guilty of fraud.

Through the anti-fraud campaign launched recently, Wema Bank has successfully investigated, identified, and disengaged 3 FINTECHs partners for Fraud and suspended 4 FINTECHs partners from its platform in its ongoing efforts to ensure responsible partnership, adherence to regulatory procedures and conformance to CBN KYC guidelines. There are ongoing audit and review of FINTECH partners processes as part of the grand plan to ensure that we get the anticipated/desired results.

The Anti-Fraud Campaign targeted at creating awareness, educating, and equipping customers with necessary information needed to mitigate, detect and handle fraudulent activities on their bank accounts further underscore the bank’s commitment to safeguarding customers’ finances and personal data.

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Wema Bank’s Chief Audit Executive, Oluwole Esomojumi, disclosed that the anti-fraud campaign is designed to protect customers from fraudulent activities and providing them with necessary information for detecting the evolving tactics of fraudster and to also solidify our position as the bank that stands fully against fraud.

According to him, “The antics of fraudsters are constantly evolving. To stay steps ahead, it is imperative that consumers have good understanding of what interaction or engagement are telltale signs of fraud and how they can handle suspicious fraudulent engagements, hence the launch of the Wema Bank Anti-Fraud Campaign. We are steps ahead on our end which is why we have taken time to investigate our fintech partners and those found culpable have been disengaged from our payment gateway platform.”

“As a bank that is resolute in our stance against fraud, we cannot compromise the safety of our beloved Nigerians, especially when these threats of fraud are emanating from Fintech who use our platforms. Rest assured, there is no room for fraudsters here. We have multiplied the frequency of our security checks and are committed to rooting them out one by one. No fraudster is safe with Wema Bank because at Wema Bank, customer safety is our priority and empowering the lives and businesses of every customer is our mission”, he concluded.

The fight against fraud is one that is clearly personal to Wema Bank and with the sturdy layers of security measures initiated and executed by the bank to sustain consumer protection beyond the direct responsibilities of the bank, Wema Bank is making its entire ecosystem inconducive to fraudsters.

To escalate fraud cases connected to any Wema Bank account(s), customers are to send an email to frauddesk@wemabank.com as the platform is live and active 24/7.

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Nestlé’s Nutritionist, Cissoko, Provides Insights On Harmonious Transition To A Balanced Diet After Ramadan

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Nestlé’s Nutritionist, Cissoko, Provides Insights On Harmonious Transition To A Balanced Diet After Ramadan

Nestlé’s Nutritionist, Cissoko, Provides Insights On Harmonious Transition To A Balanced Diet After Ramadan

The sacred month of Ramadan came to an end about 24 hours ago with Eid al-Fitr celebrations which mark the end of the fasting period.

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Nestlé’s Nutritionist, Cissoko, Provides Insights On Harmonious Transition To A Balanced Diet After Ramadan

This technically raises the issue of how to smoothly return to daily eating habits after the sunrise to sunset, no water or food long hours.

Then, breaking the fast at sunset, followed by one to two more meals before dawn. Meals during Ramadan are often more abundant and richer than usual, consumed at unusual hours of the night.

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As the sacred month of Ramadan comes to an end with Eid al-Fitr, the celebration marking the end of the fasting period, many people wonder how to smoothly return to their daily eating habits. How can one make this transition without any hiccups and adopt behaviors that promote a healthy diet while avoiding post-Ramadan nutritional pitfalls?

To guide you in this process, Dr. Cissoko, Nutritionist at Nestlé, provides some insights for a harmonious transition to a balanced diet after Ramadan.

Readjusting Your Digestive System without Rushing:

To avoid potential stomach discomfort, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea, it is recommended to opt for easily digestible foods. Fish is preferable to meat as it is lighter and easier to digest. Cooked vegetables with low fat content are also gentler on the digestive system compared to raw vegetables. Whole or semi-whole grains are rich in fiber and promote a healthy intestinal transit. Fully ripe fruits are also easier to digest than unripe ones.

Water, on the other hand, is your best ally for a smooth transition before returning to a normal diet. In addition to maintaining the body’s water balance, it plays an essential role in digestion by facilitating the process and helping eliminate toxins. Water remains the best beverage.

Lastly, prioritize small portions and take the time to chew your food well, which allows for better digestion and optimal nutrient absorption.

Opt for Gradual Changes, the Key to Dietary Rebalancing:

For a smooth transition after Ramadan, it is recommended to adopt a measured and thoughtful approach, whether in introducing different food groups or in the frequency and intensity of physical activities. Take the time to gradually introduce foods in a balanced manner, ensuring to include all necessary food groups for a healthy diet. It is important to note that physical exercise is of paramount importance in the context of a balanced diet. Light activities such as walking are particularly recommended at the beginning. They stimulate the body without subjecting it to excessive efforts. Over time, you can gradually increase the intensity of these physical activities according to your abilities. This gradual approach is the key to regaining dietary balance after Ramadan.

Avoiding Post-Ramadan Nutritional Pitfalls:

It is important to remain aware of potential nutritional pitfalls that could hinder a balanced diet.

Excessive Sugar Intake: After a period of fasting, it can be tempting to indulge in excessive sweets and desserts. It is essential to limit the consumption of added sugar and prioritize natural sources of sugar, such as fruits.

Excessive Portions: After fasting, it is common to want to compensate by eating larger portions. However, this can lead to overeating and calorie imbalance. It is important to maintain moderate portions and eat slowly to better feel satiety.

Ensuring a Good Variety of Foods: After Ramadan, it is essential to maintain a balanced diet by ensuring the inclusion of a variety of foods to guarantee an adequate intake of essential nutrients. Make sure to include a wide range of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and sources of healthy fats in your meals.

Maintaining Proper Hydration: After a period of fasting, it is important to ensure adequate hydration. Make sure to drink enough water throughout the day to maintain good hydration. It is recommended to consume at least 2 liters of water per day.

Being Mindful of Snacking: Prioritizing structured meals over snacking helps maintain a healthy weight and avoid unnecessary calorie intake.

Listening to Your Body: Relearning to listen to hunger and satiety signals is a valuable skill to adjust your diet to your true needs.

Planning to Avoid Slip-Ups: Anticipating and preparing meals is an effective strategy to stick to a balanced diet and avoid impulsive food choices.
The period following Ramadan is an opportune time to establish or reinforce healthy and sustainable eating habits. By taking conscious steps, each individual can make the most of this transition to nourish their body and mind.

At Nestlé, we encourage and support this journey by offering a variety of products and tips to accompany you in your quest for a balanced diet.

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