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Eno-obong Bassey: I Find Joy in Transforming Ordinary Rooms into Aesthetically Pleasing and Functional Spaces

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Eno-obong Bassey: I Find Joy in Transforming Ordinary Rooms into Aesthetically Pleasing and Functional Spaces

 

Eno-obong Bassey: I Find Joy in Transforming Ordinary Rooms into Aesthetically Pleasing and Functional Spaces

 

Eno-obong Anthony Bassey has a deep passion for entrepreneurship and a strong desire to make a positive impact through innovative ventures. She is into interior decoration, like POP ceiling installation, wall screeding and painting and also deals with sales of building materials such as cement. As an entrepreneur, she has acquired critical skills over time like creativity, problem-solving, adaptability, and risk-taking.

 

 

 

 

Eno-obong says that she ventured into the business 5 years ago out of a passion for design. According to her, “I enjoy creating aesthetically pleasing and functional spaces and find joy in transforming ordinary rooms into extraordinary. I enjoy working with people and building relationships, this field provides ample opportunities for client interaction and collaboration. Interior design is a dynamic field that constantly evolves with new trends, materials, and technologies.”

 

 

 

 

The interior decoration business is lucrative and one can make money out of it especially with Customer Retention Loyalty. Building strong customer relationships and fostering loyalty has had a significant impact on the economic potential of Eno-obong’s business as customers not only provide a steady revenue stream but also serve as brand advocates, referring new customers and promoting positive word-of-mouth. Thus, investing in customer satisfaction, personalized experiences, and loyalty programs really contribute to long-term economic success.

 

 

 

 

Her starting capital in the cement business (Plaster of Paris) with Sisal fibre amounted to N400,000. The high points of the business have been achieving financial success by reaching revenue targets, generating consistent profits and most importantly having positive customer feedback and loyalty. However, the low points have been financial loss due to poor sales, mismanagement of funds, economic downturns, unclear business strategy and inability to pay loans back on time.

Eno-obong Bassey: I Find Joy in Transforming Ordinary Rooms into Aesthetically Pleasing and Functional Spaces

 

 

 

But Eno-obong always keeps in mind that failure is a common part of the business journey. Many successful entrepreneurs and companies have faced setbacks along the way and the key is to learn from these experiences, adapt, and develop strategies to overcome challenges and grow stronger.

 

 

She admits that she has thought about giving up but she takes some steps. According to her:

“1. I step back and reflect, assess the reasons behind my feelings of giving up and try to gain clarity on the root causes of these challenges I’m facing. This reflection will help me develop a more objective perspective and identify potential.

2. I focus on my motivation and passion. Reconnect with the reasons why I started the business in the first place. Reflect on my long-term vision, personal goals, and the impact I want to make.

3. I seek support and advice; I reach out to mentors, business networks, or other entrepreneurs who have faced similar challenges.”

The Interior decoration business is typically started by one person but individuals who have expertise and experience are needed in interior decoration. Eno-obong says that she has people working with her. “In POP ceiling installation one person can’t do the work successfully you need one or two persons to assist you. So I can’t handle the task alone. But going to a site to take quotation, casting POP ceiling, plain dressing can be done by me. However, I have people working with me we are more like a team”. The business is registered with Corporate Affairs Commission.

Policymakers and investors can assist Eno-obong and other entrepreneurs by creating a supportive ecosystem that fosters innovation, growth, and investment; by investing in entrepreneurship education and training programs at various levels, from schools to universities. These initiatives can help aspiring entrepreneurs develop the necessary skills, knowledge, and mindset to launch and manage successful ventures. Policymakers and investors can also facilitate networking events, mentorship programs, and entrepreneurship ecosystems that connect entrepreneurs with experienced mentors, industry experts, and these connections can provide valuable guidance, advice, and access to networks that can contribute to entrepreneurial success.

Eno-obong has this advice for future entrepreneurs, “They should always remember that entrepreneurship is a journey that requires dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to learn from both successes and failures. Stay focused, adaptable, and passionate about your vision, and you’ll increase your chances of building a successful venture”.

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Business

PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES DR ADEDUNTAN, AS FIRST BANK CELEBRATES EX-GROUP CEO

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PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES DR ADEDUNTAN, AS FIRST BANK CELEBRATES EX-GROUP CEO

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES DR ADEDUNTAN, AS FIRST BANK CELEBRATES EX-GROUP CEO

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu congratulates Dr Adesola Adeduntan, the retired Group Chief Executive Officer of First Bank Nigeria Limited, for his exceptional service at Nigeria’s oldest bank.

In celebration of Adeduntan’s remarkable tenure, the 130-year-old First Bank will host a special send-off ceremony this weekend, expressing gratitude for his contributions over the past nine years.

President Tinubu commends him for steering the bank through transformative growth, which includes expanding customer accounts from 10 million to over 42 million and elevating Profit Before Tax from N10 billion in 2015 to an impressive N300 billion in 2023.

These milestones, the President said, reflected Adeduntan’s visionary leadership and commitment to excellence.

The President expresses his appreciation for Adeduntan’s willingness to serve the nation in various pivotal roles, including his contributions to the Nigerian Economic Summit Group and other prominent institutions. His extensive expertise in the financial sector has significantly bolstered Nigeria’s economic landscape.

President Tinubu also lauds the bank’s solid internal management ethos, which is responsible for the seamless transition from Adeduntan to the current CEO, Olusegun Alebiosu.

President Tinubu wishes Dr. Adeduntan continued success in all his future endeavors.

Bayo Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President

(Information & Strategy)

November 1, 2024

 

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ZENITH BANK DELIVERS REMARKABLE TRIPPLE-DIGIT GROWTH IN GROSS EARNINGS AS PBT HITS N1.0 TRILLION IN Q3 2024  

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Zenith Bank Enhances E-Channel Services for Customers

ZENITH BANK DELIVERS REMARKABLE TRIPPLE-DIGIT GROWTH IN GROSS EARNINGS AS PBT HITS N1.0 TRILLION IN Q3 2024

 

Zenith Bank Plc has announced its unaudited results for the third quarter ended 30 September 2024, recording a remarkable triple-digit growth of 118% from N1.33 trillion reported in Q3 2023 to N2.9 trillion in Q3 2024. This performance underscores the Group’s resilience and market leadership in spite of the challenging macroeconomic environment.

 

According to the Bank’s unaudited third quarter financial results presented to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), the triple-digit growth in the topline also led to an increase in the bottom line, as the Group recorded a 99% Year on Year (YoY) increase in profit before tax, growing from N505 billion in Q3 2023 to N1.0 trillion in Q3 2024.  Profit after tax equally grew by 91% from N434.2 billion to N827 billion in the same period.

 

The growth in the topline was driven by the expansion of both interest income and non-interest income. Interest income saw a notable 190% rise to N1.95 trillion, attributed to the high-yield environment. Non-interest income rose by 41% to N856 billion, bolstered by substantial growth in fees and commissions, which highlights the strength of Zenith Bank’s retail growth and the robust performance of its digital channels during the reporting period. The robust increase in profitability reflects the Bank’s focus on operational efficiency and strong risk management practices. Earnings per share (EPS) nearly doubled, rising to N26.34 from N13.82 in Q3 2023, underscoring Zenith Bank’s strong value creation for shareholders.

 

The Bank’s balance sheet grew significantly, with total assets growing by 49% to N30.4 trillion, largely supported by customer deposits, which rose by 42% to N21.6 trillion. This growth in deposits was broad-based across corporate and retail segments, highlighting the Bank’s deepening reach and customer loyalty. Gross loans increased by 46% to N10.3 trillion, underscoring the commitment to supporting strategic sectors in the economy.

 

Capital adequacy ratio remained strong, improving to 21.9%, well above regulatory requirements. The return on average equity (ROAE) stood at 37.8%, up from 35.1%, while return on average assets (ROAA) also improved to 4.3% as Zenith Bank maximized its asset base. Cost of funds increased to 4.3%, reflecting the broader market trend of rising interest rates, while the cost of risk was maintained at 7.3%, underscoring the Bank’s proactive approach in provisioning for credit risk. The Bank’s cost-to-income ratio rose to 39.5%, reflecting the impact of strategic investments in technology and capacity building aimed at supporting long-term growth, even as it continues to strive for greater operational efficiency.

 

Zenith Bank’s asset quality remains a cornerstone of its strength, with a non-performing loan (NPL) ratio of 4.5%, within regulatory limits. A high coverage ratio of 198.4% underscores the Bank’s disciplined approach to risk management, positioning it for resilience in the face of market volatility while supporting stable loan growth.

 

Zenith Bank remains steadfast in its commitment to sustainable growth and value creation. The Bank launched a capital raise program on August 1, 2024, consisting of a combined Rights Issue and Public Offer. This capital raise was driven by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s recapitalization directive for commercial banks issued in March 2024. While the Bank awaits final capital verification approvals from authorities, the fundraising exercise was successful, reflecting strong confidence in Zenith Bank’s brand.

 

The additional capital will enhance the Bank’s ability to expand its product offerings, deepen its penetration in strategic sectors, boost lending to the real sector and pursue its African and global expansion plan.  In furtherance of this, the Bank in September 2024 received regulatory approval for the establishment of a Zenith Bank branch in Paris, France, which is fully operational and will enhance the Bank’s product offerings in international markets.

 

With a strengthened capital base, Zenith Bank is well-positioned to navigate the evolving economic landscape, while putting best-practice sustainability standards at the heart of its business. The Bank will also continue to prioritize opportunities that enhance stakeholder value and a strong compliance and corporate governance culture, which will reinforce the its leadership position within Nigeria’s financial sector and drive long-term growth.

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IPMAN: Setting the Record Straight

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Fueling Uncertainty: Investigating Nigeria's Subsidy Removal And Dangote Refinery Debacle* By Sylvester Audu

IPMAN: Setting the Record Straight

 

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery wishes to clarify that it has not received any payments from the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) to purchase refined petroleum products.

IPMAN: Setting the Record Straight

Although discussions are ongoing with IPMAN, it is misleading to suggest that they (IPMAN Members) are experiencing difficulties loading refined products from our Petroleum Refinery, as we currently have no direct business dealings with them. Consequently, we cannot be held responsible for any payments made to other entities.

The payment in mention has been made through the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), and not us. In the same vein, NNPCL has neither approved, nor authorised us to release our Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to IPMAN.

We would like to emphasise that we can meet the nation’s demand for all petroleum products, including petrol, diesel, and aviation fuel. At present, we can load 2,900 trucks per day and we have also been evacuating petroleum products by sea. We advise IPMAN to register with us and make direct payment as we have more than enough petroleum products to satisfy the needs of their members.

Furthermore, we believe it is instructive for all stakeholders to refrain from making unfounded statements in the media, as that could undermine the economic re-engineering efforts of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Conducting business through public speculation is counterproductive and unpatriotic.

In the interest of our country, we encourage all stakeholders to collaborate and heed the advice of President Tinubu, while promoting a unified approach, rather than engaging in media conflicts and needless propaganda.

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