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Polaris Bank Lifts Female-Owned Businesses with N1bn Loans

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Polaris Bank Lifts Female-Owned Businesses with N1bn Loans

Polaris Bank Lifts Female-Owned Businesses with N1bn Loans

 

 

In a move towards fostering gender equality, inclusiveness and economic empowerment, Polaris Bank has announced the disbursement of business support loans to female-owned businesses in the first quarter of 2023. This is part of the Bank’s commitment to supporting women and female-owned businesses through the provision of soft loans.

 

 

 

 

According to the Bank, the disbursement of the loans which impacted close to 20,000 beneficiaries across different sectors, is aimed at addressing the existing financing gap and providing a vital boost to female entrepreneurs. This is expected to help them to thrive, expand their operations, and contribute to the nation’s economic growth.

 

Polaris Bank Lifts Female-Owned Businesses with N1bn Loans

 

 

 

The sectors impacted include: Transportation; Agriculture; Education; Construction; Engineering; General Commerce; Health; Hotel & Leisure; Manufacturing and Media.

 

Part of the major selling point for the loan at Polaris Bank are quick turnaround time, instant disbursement, Flexible Terms and Conditions, Competitive pricing, Financial Education and Mentorship, amongst other value adding features. Polaris Bank envisions a future where female-owned businesses play an increasingly influential role in driving economic progress, innovation, and job creation. The bank firmly believes that empowering women entrepreneurs will contribute to a more prosperous and equitable society.

 

Within the quarter, the Bank also celebrated the International Women’s day (IWD) with a well-attended webinar titled: Advancing Women Empowerment through the Adoption of Technological Innovation and Digital Education”. During the webinar, availability of a single digit interest loan was re-echoed to women entrepreneurs that meet the set criteria. This is in line with Polaris Bank’s commitment to the Nigerian Sustainable Banking Principles.

 

Speaking on the development, Polaris Bank’s Group Head, Brand Management and Corporate Communication, Nduneche Ezurike, said, “At Polaris Bank, we are dedicated to building an inclusive economy that fosters opportunities for all. We recognize the immense talent and potential of women entrepreneurs and understand the challenges they face. Through our women and female-owned business loan window, we aim to break down barriers and provide the financial support necessary for businesses being run by women to flourish.”

 

Women entrepreneurs interested in scaling their business to the next level are encouraged to visit Polaris Bank’s website, www.polarisbanklimited.com or contact any of the Bank’s nearest branch to learn more about the application process and eligibility criteria.

 

Polaris Bank was adjudged Digital Bank of the Year in 2021 and 2022 in BusinessDay’s Banks And Other Financial Institutions Award (BAFI). It also emerged as the best MSME Bank because of its ability to use technology to enable bottom-up support to the MSME sector.

 

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Business

Nigeria’s Short Lets Surge Opens Doors to Unprecedented Real Estate Profits By Dennis Isong

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Nigeria's Short Lets Surge Opens Doors to Unprecedented Real Estate Profits By Dennis Isong 

Nigeria’s Short Lets Surge Opens Doors to Unprecedented Real Estate Profits By Dennis Isong

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sahara Weekly Reports That Short let, also known as short-term rental, has been gaining popularity in the Nigerian real estate business in recent years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nigeria's Short Lets Surge Opens Doors to Unprecedented Real Estate Profits By Dennis Isong 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A short let refers to the rental of a property for a short period of time, usually ranging from a few days to a few months. This type of rental arrangement is becoming an attractive option for both landlords and tenants in Nigeria.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For landlords, short lets provide an opportunity to earn higher rental yields compared to traditional long-term rentals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is because short let tenants are willing to pay a premium for the convenience and flexibility of a short-term rental.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Landlords can also avoid the hassle and expense of finding a new tenant every time a long-term tenant moves out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For tenants, short lets offer a cost-effective and flexible housing solution. They can rent a property for a short period of time, which is ideal for travelers, business professionals, and those who are in between homes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short lets also offer a more homely experience compared to hotels and other forms of temporary accommodation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The popularity of short lets in Nigeria has led to the emergence of several short-term rental platforms, such as Airbnb and Jumia House.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These platforms have made it easier for landlords to list their properties and for tenants to find short-term rental options.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This has also led to the creation of new job opportunities in the real estate industry, such as property management and marketing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

However, there are also some challenges associated with short lets in Nigeria. For example, some landlords are not familiar with the legal and regulatory requirements for short-term rentals, such as obtaining a license and paying taxes. Tenants also face challenges, such as finding a property that meets their needs and navigating the rental process.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In addition to the challenges mentioned earlier, security is also a major concern for both landlords and tenants when it comes to short lets.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Properties that are left vacant for short periods of time can be vulnerable to theft and other forms of crime. To address this issue, landlords can invest in security systems such as alarms and surveillance cameras. Tenants can also take precautions by making sure the property is secure when they leave and by keeping valuable items locked away.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another issue is the impact of short lets on the local community. In some areas, the influx of tourists and short-term renters can put a strain on local resources and disrupt the lives of residents. To mitigate these effects, some cities have implemented regulations on short lets, such as limiting the number of days a property can be rented out or requiring landlords to obtain a permit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Despite these challenges, the demand for short lets in Nigeria is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. The country’s tourism industry is expanding, and with it, the need for affordable and flexible accommodation options.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In addition, the growth of the gig economy and remote work is also driving demand for short-term rental options.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In conclusion, the prospect of short lets in the Nigerian real estate business is positive. With the increasing demand for short-term rental options, it is an opportunity for landlords to earn higher rental yields and for tenants to find flexible and cost-effective housing solutions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

However, it is important for landlords and tenants to be aware of the legal and regulatory requirements for short-term rentals and to use platforms that provide a safe and secure rental experience.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dennis Isong is a TOP REALTOR IN LAGOS.He Helps Nigerians in Diaspora to Own Property In Lagos Nigeria STRESS-FREE. For Questions WhatsApp/Call 2348164741041.

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Business

Sterling Bank Declares Bounty At 61st AGM

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Sterling Bank Declares Bounty At 61st AGM

Sterling Bank Declares Bounty At 61st AGM

 

Lagos, Nigeria: The shareholders of one of Africa’s fastest growing companies, Sterling Bank, have commended the board of directors, executive management and staff of the bank on its remarkable financial performance for the 2022 year, resulting in a recommendation of dividends of 15 kobo per ordinary share; a fifty percent increase from that paid in 2021. The shareholders gave this commendation at the 61st annual general meeting of the bank held in Lagos on Wednesday.

 

Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Rilwan Hamza, one of the shareholders, commended the board members and staff of the bank for the wonderful financial performance while another shareholder, Mr. Boniface Okezie, expressed delight at the level of transparency displayed by the board and commended them for the improved dividend payout.

 

 

 

 

The shareholders urged the board to make the most of the transition into a financial holdings company and establish more subsidiaries that will drive even more growth and increase shareholder value.

 

The bank’s strong performance for the 2022 financial year was derived from growth in its assets base and customers’ deposits by 14.4 percent and 9.8 percent respectively. This is despite strong economic headwinds experienced by the Nigerian economy in the year under review.

 

Addressing shareholders of the bank at the first meeting as a limited liability company, following its ongoing transformation into a holding company structure, Chairman of the bank; Mr. Asue Ighodalo remarked that, “Despite the challenges during 2022, our performance reflected our resilience and determination to deliver optimal value for our shareholders. We are pleased that we closed the year on a good note.”

 

Mr. Ighodalo said the bank grew profit before tax to N 20.8 billion, representing a 29 percent year-on-year increase from N 16.1 billion recorded in 2021, and a 28.5 percent growth in profit after taxes (PAT) to achieve the sum of N19.3 billion for 2022.

 

He said the PAT growth was driven by an N18.6 billion improvement in net operating income amidst heightened inflationary pressure and regulatory policies, adding that the gross earnings grew by 16.6 percent to N175.1 billion compared to N150.2 billion reported in 2021.

 

On business outlook for the year, the Chairman noted that “We remain very optimistic about our bank’s future and are devoted to effectively transforming our business to deliver optimal performance, and significantly offer superior services to millions of Nigerians.

 

“We are steadfast in our commitment to lead with best-in-class customer experience, establish a work environment that helps our employees became the best versions of themselves, become even more socially responsible as an institution, and create immense value for our shareholders.”

 

The Chairman said, “Our transformation into a holding company structure will allow shareholders and customers to maintain continued exposure to the bank’s existing lines of business and gain exposure to new business lines that will enhance shareholder value.”

 

“As we chart a new future for our organization, the expanded company structure will give us the renewed ambition to conquer new ground and solve more problems.”

 

The bank has maintained and increased momentum in 2023 with her citation as Africa’s Most Valuable Commercial Bank Brand for 2023 by the African Brand Magazine , in a poll conducted by GeoPoll and Kantar; two of the world’s leading brand research firms, a top three employer in Nigeria by LinkedIn in the social network’s annual Top 25 List, and most recently, one of the top 100 fastest growing companies in Africa by the prestigious Financial Times.

 

Renowned for its now famous HEART of Sterling strategy; which focuses major investments in the Health, Education, Agriculture, Renewable Energy and Transportation sectors of the Nigerian economy, its irreverent brand voice and enviable talent management practices, the lender recently completed a major milestone towards the completion of its transformation into a financial holdings company with the relisting of its shares on the floor of the Nigerian Exchange (NGX).

 

Sterling Bank Declares Bounty At 61st AGM

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Shareholders Commend Wema Bank Management on Good Corporate Performance

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Shareholders Commend Wema Bank Management on Good Corporate Performance

Shareholders Commend Wema Bank Management on Good Corporate Performance

Nigeria’s most innovative financial institution, Wema Bank Plc, held its 2022 Annual General Meeting yesterday May 31st, 2023 amidst encomiums over the sterling performance of the bank and the huge dividend payout.
Specifically, shareholders of the bank commended the board and management for delivering a good result in the financial year.
Shareholders Commend Wema Bank Management on Good Corporate Performance
A shareholder, Mr. Badmos commended the bank for proposing to pay 30kobo dividend per unit of ordinary share, saying it is the biggest in the history of the bank.
He charged the new management to sustain the tempo of excellent corporate performance so that shareholders could continue to get value from their investments.
Speaking on the occasion, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the bank, Mr. Moruf Oseni, said the present management which he leads is poised to making the bank the best financial house digitally.
Oseni said his management team is determined to scale up the bank, stressing that they would take it to its rightful place in the industry. According to him, the welfare of staff members would also be accorded top priority as a way of motivating them to contribute more in terms of their output.
In its audited financial results for the period ended December 31, 2022, the bank recorded gross earnings of N131.08 billion year on year, representing an increase of 42.3 percent over the N92.14 percent posted in 2021.
The results, which showed positive fundamentals across board, revealed a growth of 44.7 percent year on year in interest income to N106.07 billion from N73.30 billion. Non-interest income shot up to N25.01 billion to N18.83 percent, an increase of 32.8 percent.
Similarly, the bank’s profit before tax grew to an all-time high of N14.74 billion year on year as against N12.38 billion the previous year, an increase of 19 percent.
According to the bank, shareholders will receive a dividend of 30 Kobo per ordinary share in what is the biggest dividend payout till date. The bank grew its deposit year by year by 26 percent as at full year 2022 to N1,165.93 billion from N927.47 billion in 2021. Its stock of loans and advances also grew from N418.86 billion in 2021 to N521.43 billion, showing a rise of 24 percent.
The impressive results showed that total assets hit N1,433.79 billion as against N1,164.52 trillion, a growth of 23 percent. Shareholders’ funds also moved up to N82.62 billion from N70.36 billion in 2021, an increase of 17 percent.

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