Business

Fidelity Bank lights up Akwa Ibom Christmas Carols Festival

Published

3 years ago

December 24, 2021

Onyeali-Ikpe’s Seven Point Agenda: Building A Future-Ready Fidelity Bank

Fidelity Bank lights up Akwa Ibom Christmas Carols Festival

Sahara Weekly Reports That The Akwa-Ibom Christmas Carols Festival has once again lived up to its billing as one of the most delightful Christmas experiences in Nigeria as it treated thousands of attendees to a breath-taking experience on Friday, December 17, 2021. This year’s edition which was underlined by leading financial institution -Fidelity Bank Plc – saw an estimated 55,000 on-site guests and over 50 million viewers from the internet and satellite television bask in the euphoria of the season through soul stirring performances.

Speaking on the partnership, Fidelity Bank MD/CEO, Mrs. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe said, “We are very excited to partner with the Akwa-Ibom State government to host this year’s Christmas Carol Festival as part of our commitment to support the development of the country’s blossoming tourism Industry. We believe that the festive season is all about sharing love, joy and optimism and we are delighted to help host thousands of people to a beautiful Christmas carolling experience that demonstrates this.”

Tagged ‘The Return’ the festival featured a predominantly Nigerian line up of ministers including the gospel music legend, Panam Percy Paul, and other top Nigerian Gospel Musicians such as Tim Godfrey, Aity Dennis, Dunsin Oyekan, Progress Effiong, Ema Onyxl, David G, Ada Ehi, Bobby Friga, and Minster GUC – all of who gave electrifying performances at the 55,000 capacity Ibom Hall Arena in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State.

Also performing at the event was the globally renowned, Akwa-Ibom Carol Festival choir that featured 5,000 choristers out of it 25,000-member strong choir. Other choirs who gave wonderful renditions at the event include Intenxity, the Akwa-Ibom state Choir, The Promised Land Chorale Int’l, and the Ibom Brass Orchestra. The event also featured multiple-award winning South African DJ and Musician, Master KG who was the only foreign performer at the event.

A major side attraction for attendees at the event was the ‘Fidelity Santa Grotto’ experience centre where attendees took photos and received gifts from Santa courtesy of Fidelity Bank.

For the first time in the history of the event, two Guest Ministers – Senior Pastor of the Potter’s House Church from USA, Bishop Thomas D. Jakes and General Overseer of the Redeemed Christain Church of God, Pastor E. A. Adeboye – graced the occasion. Special Guest of Honor was His Excellency, the Governor of Akwa-Ibom State, Governor Udom Gabriel Emmanuel.

The festival drew a lot of attention and was attended by an estimated over 55,000 on-site guests and over 50 million viewers from the internet and satellite television.

Considered by many as one of the best Nigerian religious cum cultural festivals, the positive experience from the Akwa-Ibom Christmas Carol Festival 2021 edition powered by Fidelity Bank is one that would linger well beyond the yuletide season.

Business

Dangote Hails Tinubu on Impact of Crude for Naira Swap Deal

Published

24 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Dangote Hails Tinubu on Impact of Crude for Naira Swap Deal

…As Dangote Refinery partners MRS to sell PMS at N935 per litre nationwide at its retail outlets

Sahara Weekly Unveils That The Foremost entrepreneur and President of the Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the positive impact of the naira for crude swap deal on the Nigerian economy, which has led to reduction in prices of petroleum products in the country.

To provide succour to Nigerians, Dangote recently reduced the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from N970 to N899.50 at its Refinery loading gantry and provided generous credit terms to marketers.

“To ensure that this price reduction gets to the end consumer, we have signed a partnership with MRS to sell petrol from its retail outlets nationwide at N935 per litre” he added. This price has already commenced in Lagos, and it will be offered nationwide from Monday.

In his statement, he called on other oil marketers such as the NNPC Retail and all other marketers, “to work with us to ensure that Nigerians enjoy high-quality petrol at discounted prices.”

According to him, “The Dangote Refinery is for the benefit of Nigeria and Nigerians. We will therefore continue to work with various value chain players to deliver high quality petrol at cheaper prices. Our aim is for all Nigerians to have ready access to high quality petroleum products that are good for their vehicles, good for their health, and good for their pockets.

Recall that in September, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) under the leadership of Mr. President approved the sale of crude to local refineries in Naira and corresponding purchase of petroleum products in Naira. The move, which commenced on October 1, led to reduced pressure on the dollar and ensured the stability of the local currency.

Dangote thanked Nigerians for their unwavering support and the government for creating an enabling environment for the domestic refining industry.

Business

Port Harcourt Refinery Stays Active: NNPC Denounces Sabotage Rumors

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Port Harcourt Refinery Stays Active: NNPC Denounces Sabotage Rumors

NNPC Debunks Shutdown Rumors, Confirms Port Harcourt Refinery Fully Operational

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has dismissed reports circulating in certain media outlets claiming that the Old Port Harcourt Refinery, which was re-streamed two months ago, has been shut down.

In a statement released by Olufemi O. Soneye, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, the company clarified that the refinery is fully operational. The statement noted that the facility’s operational status was recently verified by former Group Managing Directors of NNPC during a site inspection.

“Preparation for the day’s loading operation is currently ongoing,” the statement confirmed, emphasizing that allegations of the refinery’s shutdown are baseless and intended to create panic or artificial scarcity in the fuel market.

NNPC Ltd urged members of the public to disregard such misleading reports, labeling them as the work of those seeking to exploit Nigerians.

The Old Port Harcourt Refinery has been in operation since its re-streaming, and the company remains committed to ensuring stability in the supply of petroleum products across the country.

Business

Nigerian Banks Donate Multimillion Naira Relief Materials to Jigawa Flood Victims

Published

2 days ago

December 20, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Nigerian Banks Donate Multimillion Naira Relief Materials to Jigawa Flood Victims

In a show of solidarity, the Committee of Banks in Nigeria has extended a helping hand to victims of the September 2024 floods in Jigawa State. On Thursday, a high-profile delegation led by Dr. Oliver Alawuba, Chairman of the Committee and Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA), visited Dutse, the state capital, to present relief materials to the state government.

The donated items, worth several million Naira, included essential food supplies such as rice and cooking oil, along with mattresses and beverages. Dr. Alawuba highlighted that the gesture aimed to alleviate the hardship faced by flood victims and support critical institutions, especially public hospitals, in their efforts to assist those affected.

“We stand in solidarity with the people and government of Jigawa State during this difficult time. This donation is our way of expressing empathy and supporting those who have lost loved ones, properties, and livelihoods,” Dr. Alawuba stated.

The delegation included notable banking leaders such as Mr. Roosevelt Ogbonna of Access Bank Plc, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji of Zenith Bank Plc, and Dr. (Mrs.) Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe of Fidelity Bank Plc, among others. Their collective presence underscored the banking sector’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and national development.

Governor Malam Umar A. Namadi expressed profound gratitude for the donation, describing the visit as a rare and commendable act of compassion. He assured the delegation that the relief materials would be judiciously distributed to the intended beneficiaries, emphasizing the importance of partnerships in rebuilding lives and communities.

The Committee of Banks also reiterated their commitment to supporting Nigerians during emergencies, drawing attention to previous interventions, including relief efforts during the 2011 and 2013 floods, the COVID-19 pandemic, and security initiatives like the Lagos State Security Trust Fund.

This humanitarian gesture reflects the collective resolve of Nigeria’s financial institutions to foster social and economic growth, making a meaningful impact in times of need.