Connect with us

Business

Polaris Bank Lifts Female-Owned Businesses with N1bn Loans

Published

on

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.

 

-END-

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Business

Day Two of Decentralized Intelligence 2024 V2: A Deep Dive into Blockchain, Web3, and AI

Published

on

*Day Two of Decentralized Intelligence 2024 V2: A Deep Dive into Blockchain, Web3, and AI

 

 

The second and final day of the Decentralized Intelligence 2024 V2, a Blockchain, Web3, and AI Summit, concluded with a workshop at the Civic Center, Victoria Island, Lagos. The two-day event, organized by the Blockchain Nigeria Users Group (BNUG) and sponsored by the Afriq Group of Companies, brought together leading minds in the tech, cryptocurrency, and artificial intelligence sectors.

Day two focused on a series of in-depth workshops that provided delegates with practical knowledge and insights into blockchain technology, cryptocurrency, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. Participants had the chance to engage directly with some of the industry’s most respected figures. Among them were Jesam Michael, CEO of Afriq Group of Companies; John Orakwe, an AI specialist; Dr. Paul Chima, a chiropractor with interests in tech and innovation; Ladi Willie, a business journalist at Channels TV; and Chimezie Chuta, Founder of BNUG and Chairman of the Nigeria Blockchain Payment Systems Council (NBPSC).

 

Each expert contributed to discussions that ranged from the future of blockchain in Africa to the intersection of AI and Web3 technologies. The sessions offered valuable opportunities for attendees to deepen their understanding of the rapidly evolving tech landscape, with a particular focus on the practical applications and implications of these technologies for the Nigerian market.

 

The Afriq Group of Companies, as the major sponsor, made a lasting impression during the summit. Jesam Michael, CEO of Afriq Group, delivered a thought-provoking speech that resonated with the audience. He began by expressing his appreciation to BNUG for creating a platform that fostered learning and collaboration within the tech community.

 

“I celebrate ideas,” Jesam Michael remarked, acknowledging the vision and effort behind the summit. “Let’s thank Mr. Chimezie Chuta and his team for putting up this wonderful idea, allowing crypto and tech lovers to come and learn for free. If this event had been organized by a foreign counterpart, this hall would have been overflowing with people because they support each other. Yet here in Nigeria, we find ourselves caught up in internal conflicts, cyberbullying, and character attacks.”

His address highlighted the importance of unity and support within Nigeria’s tech community, emphasizing the potential for growth if individuals could rally behind one another. Jesam Michael also underscored the role of technology in creating positive social impact, saying, “My thoughts are to see you stand tall, helping the less privileged, the widows, the aged men and women, and contributing to the economy of our country.” He reiterated his commitment to supporting initiatives that promote progress and development.

The second day concluded with an atmosphere of optimism and excitement about the future of blockchain, Web3, and AI in Nigeria. Participants left the summit with fresh insights and new connections, poised to apply what they had learned to their respective fields.

Chimezie Chuta, reflecting on the event’s success, thanked all partners, speakers, and participants for their active involvement. He emphasized that the mission of BNUG is to continue to create platforms for knowledge-sharing and collaboration, ensuring that Nigeria remains at the forefront of the digital revolution.

The Decentralized Intelligence 2024 V2 Summit not only showcased the depth of talent and expertise within the Nigerian tech community but also underscored the importance of fostering collaboration for the growth of blockchain and AI technologies. The Afriq Group of Companies’ involvement, especially, served as a testament to the power of strategic partnerships in driving the country’s digital transformation forward.

 

Day Two of Decentralized Intelligence 2024 V2: A Deep Dive into Blockchain, Web3, and AI*

Continue Reading

Bank

Zenith Bank Boosts Customers Online Experience With Revamped Digital Channels

Published

on

Zenith Bank Enhances E-Channel Services for Customers

Zenith Bank Boosts Customers Online Experience With Revamped Digital Channels

 

 

 

 

Zenith Bank, one of Nigeria’s foremost financial institutions, has successfully restored full operational services across its electronic transaction channels, ensuring that customers can now enjoy seamless access to digital banking services.

This restoration follows temporary disruptions caused by a routine upgrade of the bank’s technology infrastructure, which aimed to optimize service delivery but impacted e-channel services recently.

In a post shared on Thursday through its social media platforms, the leading lender confirmed that all services across its electronic channels have been fully reinstated.

Reiterating its commitment to providing quality digital services, the bank assured customers of exceptional service with its newly enhanced technology infrastructure, designed to deliver seamless and innovative financial solutions.

The announcement stated:

“We are pleased to inform you that access to our digital channels has been restored, allowing you to perform transactions conveniently via your preferred platform.

We appreciate your patience during the IT infrastructure upgrade and sincerely apologize for any inconveniences you experienced.

Rest assured, we are dedicated to providing you with exceptional service, and the new IT infrastructure we have implemented will enable us to do so moving forward.

Thank you for choosing to bank with us.”

*Important Reminder*

Zenith Bank will NEVER call, SMS, or email you requesting your card details, PIN, token codes, mobile/internet banking login details, or any other account-related information.

We will also NEVER ask you to click on a link to update your bank information or activate your account. If you receive such messages, please DO NOT respond.

Continue Reading

Business

Wema Bank Launches #MyTeacherMyHero Challenge to Celebrate Exceptional Educators in Nigeria

Published

on

*Wema Bank Launches #MyTeacherMyHero Challenge to Celebrate Exceptional Educators in Nigeria

 

As the world celebrates the invaluable contributions of teachers on World Teachers’ Day, Wema Bank proudly joins this global recognition by launching the #MyTeacherMyHero Challenge to honor and reward exceptional educators in Nigeria. This initiative aligns with the bank’s commitment to the theme, “Valuing Teacher Voices: Towards a New Social Contract for Education.”

Abimbola Agbejule, Head of Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility, shares her thoughts on this initiative: “At Wema Bank, our dedication to education extends far beyond providing financial services. It’s about celebrating the educators who light the path of knowledge for our future leaders.” She added, “Through the #MyTeacherMyHero Challenge, we aim to honor these remarkable teachers while reinforcing our commitment to corporate sustainability. We believe that investing in education is essential for fostering a sustainable future for our communities.”

Wema Bank has consistently demonstrated a steadfast commitment to fostering educational engagement, making a positive impact on society, and promoting personal development through education. This year, the bank is determined to make World Teachers’ Day unforgettable by celebrating the educators who have made a lasting impact on their students’ lives.

The #MyTeacherMyHero Challenge encourages students, alumni, and parents to nominate the teachers who have left an indelible mark on their lives. These teachers deserve to be recognized and celebrated for their outstanding contributions to education and personal development.
Participation is Simple:
1. Follow @WemaBank on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
2. Upload a 1-minute video sharing the story of your most cherished teacher. Explain why they are special and how they have positively impacted your life.
3. Tag @WemaBank and use the hashtag #MyTeacherMyHeroByWema.
The call for entries opened on Monday, 7th October, and closes on Friday, 18th October 2024. The Top 3 teacher nominations will be announced and unveiled on October 25th, 2024, creating excitement and marking a significant moment in the teaching profession.

This initiative reflects Wema Bank’s dedication to education, personal growth, and the individuals who inspire and mold our nation’s future. We invite everyone to participate in

Continue Reading

Cover Of The Week

Trending