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FIRSTBANK: INSPIRING KINDNESS, EMPATHY WITH SPARK

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What wisdom can you find that is greater than kindness? Asked renowned philosopher, writer and composer, Jean-Jacques Rousseau in one of his writings while highlighting the importance of the simple yet impactful act.

According to a health fact sheet produced by the Random Acts of Kindness Organisation, being altruistic increases one’s oxytocin, also called the ‘love hormone’, makes one happy, increases lifespan and stimulates the production of serotonin, a feel-good chemical that heals one’s wounds, calms down, and makes one happy. The fact sheet further notes that being involved in acts of kindness decreases pain as it produces endorphins, the brain’s natural painkiller, reduces anxiety, stress, depression and blood pressure.

Jamil Zaki, Professor of Psychology at Stanford University and Director of the Stanford Social Neuroscience Lab, recently conducted a series of studies that observed how witnessing kindness inspires kindness, causing it to spread like a virus. He concluded that “by emphasising empathy-positive norms, we may be able to leverage the power of social influence to combat apathy and conflict in new ways.”  

Another study conducted by Oxford University researchers and which found out that just seven days of small acts of kindness will make one happier, also attests to the scientific evidence that altruism is beneficial.

Nigeria’s oldest financial institution, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, which is this year celebrating its 125th anniversary, has an initiative aimed at restoring the fading age-long culture of being one’s brother’s keeper called SPARK. An acronym for Start Promoting Acts of Random Kindness, the initiative is also to reawaken the spirit of showing kindness which soci0-economic circumstances have forced many people to neglect.

The initiative, which is an integral part of its Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability (CR&S) Week, saw its employees and external stakeholders supporting humanitarian causes through crowdfunding. The staff members and others were encouraged to make small contributions/donations in aid of people who were in critical needs.

With the belief that a small act of kindness goes a long way in changing the world, staffers and other well-meaning Nigerians warmly embraced the initiative promoting compassion and being charitable. Through the Bank’s CR&S week people’s lives are positively impacted. Senior management executives led their subordinates to distribute essential commodities to orphanages across the country while old people and people living with disabilities also benefitted.

Having earlier encouraged its employees who made donations to also participate in nominating those they thought were deserving of acts of random kindness nominations based on the criteria of community/individual’s emotive story and the significance of the individual/community need, 10 beneficiaries eventually emerged last year. Among these was Baby Ijeoma, who was in dire need of cardiac surgery to correct her congenital heart disease and forestall irreversible and life-threatening complication and who got over N1.5 million assistance.

Also, Mrs. Mary Pius, a widow with five children and fruits seller who was unable to send her children to school, received support while Lawal Seun, a boy and the third child of a blind woman in Ondo town whose husband abandoned with the four children some years ago, returned to secondary school courtesy the SPARK initiative.

As previously done, FirstBank is activating SPARK again this year with more activities added to bolster the impact of the CR&S week and to serve as a platform to implore Nigerians about the long-cherished value of showing empathy and compassion on the four main areas: Education and Scholarship Fund; Welfare Fund for Mothers; Welfare Fund for the Old and Disabled, and Orphanage Support Fund.

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LX Group CEO BIGLX Takes Cryptocurrency To The Next Level ….Why You Should Invest

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LX Group CEO BIGLX Takes Cryptocurrency To The Next Level

….Why You Should Invest

The LXGROUP CEO by name GODWIN GREGORY IBEGBU popularly known as BIGLX has proven that he is on a mission to take cryptocurrency to the next level. He said dreams do come true and I am a living testimony to that.

 

The Fastest growing cryptocurrency brand had driven a strong force in the crypto space within its reign of one year and eight months after several years of working under his former bosses. He gave cryptocurrency a chance and it has given him his financial freedom. Success doesn’t just come in a day but by work In progress. The newly cryptocurrency brand has recorded over 800-1000 users during this period of time making them run a total transaction of 1.1Billion naira in just a year and 8 months.

The lxgroup was officially rebranded from its former name LordBtc Exchange which started with $5-$100 customers repeatedly for 5 months not quite long started getting more users who wanted to give a try and after their first transaction with the brand they got stocked to the brand and introduced the lxgroup to their own fellow friends and now they have been a wave in the crypto space with notable users in the space of a year and eight months.

He added, “I have learnt to be patient and cut off from people who want to compete”.

“According to the records, LX and his team have transacted and processed out a total of $670K during this time frame making them efficient and reliable for its users. I will say this again for the records over a year plus with an additional 8 months ago, no adverts nothing just myself and the team have witnessed lxgroup been used by many, trusted by thousands, and has successfully processed a total payment of 1.1Billion Naira in transactions across its banks to customers. Further more he said I LX love you all, for supporting me and the brand for years now isn’t easy with the trust, the refers and the trades are noticed, we have also worked hard over the years making sure we improve in serving you better without compromising your trust and we are pleased to say greater things awaits lxgroup. Also I urge you all to keep trading with us as we will Never disappoint you all.”

LX Group CEO BIGLX Takes Cryptocurrency To The Next Level

....Why You Should Invest

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FIRS Launches USSD Code *829# for taxpayers’ satisfaction

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FIRS Launches USSD Code *829# for taxpayers’ satisfaction

 

In a bid to enhance ease of doing business, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), on Wednesday, launched an Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) Code *829# specifically targetted at improving taxpayers’ satisfaction.

FIRS chairman, Zacch Adedeji, launched the code at the Revenue House in Abuja as part of activities making this year’s Customer Service Week which has the theme Above and Beyond.

The initiative makes Nigeria the sixth African country to deploy USSD code for simplifying tax payment processes. .

A statement by Dare Adekanmbi, Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS chairman said taxpayers on any mobile telecommunication network in the country can now get across to FIRS real-time on issues relating to retrieval of Taxpayers Identification Number (TIN), verification of Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC), information on tax types and rates, locate the nearest FIRS office, and as well as get answers to general tax-related inquiries.

Speaking at the ceremony, Adedeji said the instant messaging protocol demonstrated further commitment of the agency to simplifying tax administration and ensuring that “every taxpayer—whether in bustling cities or remote areas—can engage with FIRS seamlessly.”

He called on taxpayers to enjoy the benefits that the USSD code offers and utilise the code for all their enquiries.

“With the *829# USSD code, taxpayers now have the power to: retrieve their Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), verify their Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC), access information on tax types and rates, locate the nearest FIRS office, and get answers to general tax-related inquiries.

“Without the need for internet access, all of these services are now available with a simple mobile phone. This technological leap reflects our dedication to creating a tax system that is efficient, transparent, and responsive to the needs of taxpayers”, he said.

The agency also launched Customer Centricity Guide, a booklet containing policies, processes and procedures to ensure that FIRS keeps the taxpayers in their rightful position as ‘kings.’

“Equally important is the unveiling of the Customer Centricity Guide. This guide embodies our commitment to putting taxpayers at the centre of our service delivery.

“It outlines the principles and values that will drive our interactions with taxpayers by ensuring that every engagement is defined by respect, professionalism, and efficiency.

“The guide serves as a reminder to us all that the taxpayer is not just a client, but a valued partner in nation-building. Through the combination of the *829# USSD code and the Customer Centricity Guide, we are reinforcing a culture of service excellence and making tax compliance not just a duty but an experience that fosters trust and voluntary participation.

“As we celebrate this achievement, I encourage everyone to make full use of the *829# service and embrace the Customer Centricity Guide. Your feedback will be crucial as we continue to enhance these services and meet the evolving needs of our taxpayers,” he said.

The national coordinator of Servicom, Nnenna Akajemeli, praised the effort of the FIRS towards taxpayers’ satisfaction, noting that the efforts are evident.

“There are many things to congratulate the FIRS on. One is the launch of the USSD code *829# and the customer centricity guide. These initiatives which are simplifying tax and ensuring that citizens and taxpayers are delighted at the quality of service you render,” she said.

FIRS Director, Taxpayers’ Service Department, Loveth Onanuga noted the agency recognized that customer-centricity means more than just satisfying customers’ basic wants, but also going “above and beyond what customers anticipate and astonishing them with great service” in line with the theme of the week.

 

 

CAPTIONS USSD 1-3

L-R, Coordinating Director, People Services Group, Anthony Okonkwo; Coordinating Director, Services Support Group, M.L Abubakar; Coordinating Director, Compliance and Enforcement Group, Matthew Gbonjubola; Coordinating Director, Medium Taxpayers’ Group, Dick Irri; Chief of Staff, Tayo Koleosho; chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji; Coordinating Director, Corporate Services Group, Mrs Bolaji Akintola; Coordinating Director, Special Duties, Tamadi Shettima; Coordinating Director, Large Tax Group, Ms Aminat Ado during the unveiling of the agency’s USSD code *829# at the FIRS headquarters in Abuja, on Wednesday.

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Fidelity Bank improves ease of Revenue Collection with Tax Booths

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Fidelity Bank improves ease of Revenue Collection with Tax Booths

 

 

As part of initiatives towards increasing efficiency in revenue collection in Anambra State, leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, has donated 10 units of tax booths to the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service (AIRS).

Commenting on the donation, the Regional Bank Head, Awka, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Nosa Orumwense, explained that the donation is borne out of the bank’s devotion to creating solutions for its customers.

“For nearly four decades, Fidelity Bank has been dedicated to meeting the banking needs of Nigerians with customized solutions. Whether through thoughtfully designed products or exceptional services, we have established ourselves as the preferred bank for individuals looking to grow, businesses interested in prospering and economies that want to prosper.

“Today’s donation to AIRS is a first-of-its-kind initiative in Nigeria and would go a long way in smoothening the experience with tax payment and collection for individuals and the Anambra State government respectively. We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with the government on this project and commit to do more”, explained Dr. Orumwense.

Named the “Fidelity Bank AIRS Small-Tax Hubs,” these booths are customized, secure, and user-friendly self-service terminals designed for efficient banking transactions. They are equipped with both mains and solar power sources to ensure continuous operation, and they connect to the internet for real-time transaction processing.

At the commissioning ceremony, Chairman of Anambra State Internal Revenue Service, Dr. Greg Ezeilo, FCA expressed gratitude for the donation, calling the gesture “a dream come true.” An elated Dr Ezeilo praised Fidelity Bank for the groundbreaking support while promising that the hubs would be utilized effectively.

Ranked as one of the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank is a full-fledged commercial bank with over 8.3 million customers serviced across its 251 business offices in Nigeria and the United Kingdom as well as on digital banking channels.

The bank has won multiple local and international awards including the Export Finance Bank of the Year at the 2023 BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards, the Best Payment Solution Provider Nigeria 2023 and Best SME Bank Nigeria 2022 by the Global Banking and Finance Awards; Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2023; and Best Domestic Private Bank in Nigeria by the Euromoney Global Private Banking Awards 2023.

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