Business
FirstBank demystifying financial inclusion with XploreFirst
By News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
Worried by the increasing rate of the unbanked population, the Federal Government, through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), kicked off a campaign in 2012 to achieve 80 per cent financial inclusion of adult population by 2020.
The CBN carried out the campaign through agency banking, mobile banking/mobile payments, linkage models and client empowerment, to reduce financially excluded adult Nigerians from 46.3 per cent in 2010 to 20 per cent in 2020.
According to the CBN, the overall goal of the strategy is to promote a financial system accessible to all Nigerian adults at an inclusion rate of 80 per cent (formal and informal).
However, the 2018 Access to Financial Services Survey findings, conducted by the Enhancing Financial Innovation and Access (EFInA) department of CBN, showed that 36.8 per cent Nigerian adults were still financially excluded.
This translates to a population of 36.6 million adult Nigerians who are excluded at the moment, with 44.1 per cent male and 55.9 per cent female.
The survey also disclosed that the country had a total adult population of 99.6 million, with 39.8 per cent as the banked population, which translates to 39.7 million.
In line with the apex bank’s strategy, some commercial banks have introduced products aimed at promoting financial inclusion, educational development and financial literacy to meet the 2020 target.
For instance, First Bank of Nigeria Limited has since launched a couple of innovative products such as FirstMobile, USSD, agent banking and FirstBillsPay to enhance banking efficiency.
The bank recently added a new scheme, FirstBank XploreFirst, a promotional campaign aimed at rewarding its youthful customers, in line with its financial inclusion and educational development drive.
Chuma Ezirim, FirstBank Group Executive, e-Business & Retail Products, said the six-month promo, which kicked off on October 1, 2018 and ends in May, was a FirstBank savings account variant designed specifically for students between 18 and 29 years.
He said a minimum of N1, 000 was required to open the account and account holders were required to maintain a minimum balance of N200.
To participate in the promo, Ezirim said XploreFirst customers were encouraged to save or maintain a minimum amount of N10, 000 in their accounts during the promo period to be eligible for the scholarship raffle draw, and that incremental deposits of N10, 000 in the account entitled the account holder to multiple tickets for the raffle draw.
To this end, a total of 198 winners emerged from the promo with 18 account holders (three from each of the six geopolitical zones) rewarded with scholarships of N150, 000 at the final raffle draw totaling N2.7 million.
The 18 account holders who won the N2.7 million scholarships were Chukwuebuka Ezugba, Oluwatunmise Olorunfemi and Michael Offiong for Lagos zone.
North-Central: Patrick Oginni, Aliyu Muhammad, Confidence Umeh; North-East West: Razaq Ibrahim, Habiba Ibrahim, Abdullahi Mannir; South-East: Victoria Umo, Armstrong Akoma and Deborah Fubara.
South-South winners were Woyingi Kunoun, Shulammite Onyigabor, Stephen Okolo; South-West: Adenike Adekale, Dorcas Agbakwuru and Oghogho Onoigboria.
Also, the bank rewarded 180 account holders with N5, 000 (N900, 000) airtime as consolation prizes, five from each of the six geopolitical zones.
Ezirim said the initiative was targeted at the youth, especially those in tertiary institutions and the informal sector to enhance savings culture and drive financial inclusion across the country.
He noted that the initiative would be sustained by the bank in the future in line with the CBN financial inclusion mandate.
Also speaking, Olufemi Odumuboni, the bank’s Head, Youth/Women Banking, said the promo dynamics were centred at making people to engage in financial discipline.
Odumuboni said winners were selected based on certain principles that made them eligible to qualify for the draw.
He explained that apart from the N2.7 million set aside for the yearly scholarships the bank had splashed about N900, 000 on customers that emerged winners at the various monthly draws for data purchase for their mobile phones.
To FBN Head, Retail Business & Community Banking, Mr Abiodun Famuyiwa, the bank embarked on the initiative due to its belief in nation’s building.
“We started this last year and the reason why FirstBank is driving this promo is because of our belief in nation’s building.
“We cannot build a nation without the population, youths populism consists of over 50 per cent of the population.
“And this population of youths we are targeting is those in the campuses, which are actually in need of some kind of support in their education, and this is one of the driving forces of the promo,” Famuyiwa said.
He also noted that the focus of the bank in organising the promo was to have more of the youths in the bank’s database, because traditionally, people associated FirstBank with old people. (NAN)
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FANAFILLIT sets to Unite hearts and transform lives with GLOWFUX 2024
Fanafillit Integrated Concepts, the visionary force behind the annual GLOWFUX Charity Concert, has revealed its ambitious plans for the 2024 edition. Slated for December, this year’s event aims to gather compassionate Nigerians for a powerful and heartwarming initiative, designed to bring joy to the lives of special children. The event promises not only world-class entertainment but also a deeply moving experience for all attendees.
In an official statement, Miss Rebecca Olaniyan, the Coordinator for the 2024 GLOWFUX Charity Concert, announced the theme: “UNITING HEARTS, TRANSFORMING LIVES.” This theme encapsulates the core purpose of the event—fostering unity through acts of love and compassion, resulting in profound and lasting change for both individuals and communities. “This theme underscores the concert’s mission of creating connections that inspire growth and empowerment,” Miss Olaniyan explained, as the concert continues its tradition of supporting children in orphanages and special needs homes.
The 2024 edition introduces a thrilling new twist with a change of venue to the historic National Museum, Onikan, Lagos. According to Mr. Olubode Mac Oserinde, initiator of the GLOWFUX Charity Concert and Team Lead at FANAFILLIT, this change is designed to offer guests an even richer experience. “With this year’s edition at the National Museum, GLOWFUX Charity Concert is set to elevate the event experience,” he noted. “The museum’s serene and culturally significant environment will add a new dimension to the event, ensuring that it not only entertains but also educates and enriches our guests.”
One of the key highlights of this year’s concert is the lineup of extraordinary young talents, aged between 7 and 16, who are poised to mesmerize the audience. Gospel sensation Feranmi Golden Angel, dynamic entertainer Vanessa Jones, proverb maestro Chief Adigun Olowe, and dexterious saxophonist Dom Sax will lead the entertainment. Their youthful exuberance and remarkable skills are sure to inspire both the children and adults in attendance, offering a unique perspective on how young minds can make a powerful impact.
Kicking off the day, the GLOWFUX Carpet session will run from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., offering guests a glamorous and engaging introduction to the event. The main concert will then follow from 1:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., ensuring a day full of joy, laughter, and heartwarming moments.
This year’s concert will also feature the traditional induction of new GLOWFUX Young Ambassadors, a momentous occasion where young advocates are recognized for their commitment to making a difference. Additionally, the GLOWFUX Hall of Charity Awards will honor outstanding contributions to the community, with awards in the categories of GLOWFUX Man of the Year, GLOWFUX Woman of the Year, GLOWFUX NGO of the Year, and GLOWFUX Socially Responsible Corporate Brand of the Year.
In a significant addition to the program, attendees can look forward to an enriching motivational talk on the power of giving with love. The concert organizers are currently in discussions with Rotarian Femi Adenekan, Governor of Rotary District 9112, to deliver this insightful keynote address, which will further emphasize the concert’s message of generosity and kindness.
As always, the GLOWFUX Charity Concert is open to the public, inviting individuals to celebrate with the special children, who are treated as VIP guests. Attendees are encouraged to bring gift items for the children and to join in the spirit of giving.
The entertainment lineup for the day is brimming with excitement, with performances from talented young stars and appearances by Hilary Jackson and his Dance Group. First Class Comedy will provide comic relief, ensuring that the audience is treated to both inspiration and laughter. The event will be hosted by the dynamic duo of Princephelar and MC Luwy, while popular child-skitmaker Akorede is expected to make a special appearance as a celebrity guest.
The GLOWFUX Charity Concert is open to the public, inviting individuals to celebrate alongside the special children treated as VIP guests with complimentary food, drinks, and entertainment for everyone. Attendees are encouraged to bring gift items for the children and join in the spirit of giving. Guests can register at https://donate-ng.com/campaign/glowfux-2024 to secure their spot at this memorable event.
The 2024 GLOWFUX Charity Concert is supported by notable brands, including Elegushi Royal Stool, iCare Foundation, Courteville Solutions PLC, Seniors Wellbeing Foundation, Hands Lifting Hearts Initiatives, Danone, Seven-Up Bottling Company, Primero Transport Ltd, Fidson Healthcare, Beloxxi Biscuits, AkModel Properties, Corsican Brothers, KingsMead Group of Schools, MALENS Diagnostics, Headway Events, DJ MAPS Productions, Epee Tech Solutions, SIFAX group, and 3Zs Fabrics.
Media support will come from an array of respected outlets, including AIT, Global Excellence magazine, theeagleonline.com.ng, KRAKS TV, newspop.com, theelitesng.com, freedomonline.com.ng, PULSE NG, saharaweeklyng.com, thegazellenews.com, pmexpressng.com, freelanews.com, thecitypulsenews.com, societyreporters.com, theimpactnewspaper.com, thestatusng.blogspot.com, mockinbird.com.ng, omonaijablog.com.ng and others. This comprehensive media coverage ensures that the concert will reach a broad audience, amplifying its impact.
For those looking to contribute, the GLOWFUX Charity Concert offers numerous avenues for participation, partnership, and sponsorship.
For all inquiries related to participation, partnership, or sponsorship, please contact:
– 07085755549
– 07032312815
– 09159712472
To support this noble cause, donations can be made to:
Account Name: GLOWFUX Concert
Account Number: 8554972016
Bank: FCMB
GLOWFUX Charity Concert: Giving happily to live happily.
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