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Stanbic IBTC celebrates its gender-balanced workforce, pledges to maintain it

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Stanbic IBTC, a member of Standard Bank Group, has again highlighted its resolve to maintain a gender-balanced workforce to ensure it continues to provide quality financial services to clients and Nigerians. The pledge was given at the 2019 Stanbic IBTC Blue Women Network (BWN) fifth anniversary event held in Lagos. The BWN, inaugurated five years ago, has consistently organised the BWN event to commemorate the yearly International Women’s Day (IWD) celebrations. The 2019 IWD theme, “#BalanceForBetter” wasa significant opportunity for Stanbic IBTC to celebrate its gender-balanced workforce and its efforts to promote a gender-balanced workplace in society.  

The Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, Mr Yinka Sanni, in his opening speech at the BWN event, said Stanbic IBTC is proud to showcase not only its equal opportunity policy, but also its efforts to promote a gender-balanced workplace in society. “In our 30-year history, we have always insisted on equal opportunity. We have also continued to lead the charge in empowering women. This gives me joy and is something that we are fully committed to as an organization,” Sanni said.

According to the CE, “I am pleased to let you know that Standard Bank Group has recently joined hands with ‘HeForShe’ (UN Women Solidarity Movement for Gender Equality). Our Group Chief Executive, Sim Tshabalala, is amongst other African leaders who have already signed up as a ‘HeForShe’ Impact Champion.” On March 8, the official International Women’s Day, Stanbic Bank made a bold statement by changing the colour of its logos from blue to magenta, colour of the UN Women HeForShe brand, on the vast majority of its digital platforms, he added.

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The Stanbic IBTC Blue Women Network is a platform established to provide the women in Stanbic IBTC the opportunity to engage and share knowledge/information among themselves and in the process gain new insights that will enhance their professional skills.

In line with the balance theme, Founder/CEO of Channels TV, Mr John Momoh, and the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, Mrs Yewande Sadiku, who was an ED in Stanbic IBTC before joining government, acted as resource persons for the event.  Momoh narrated how he started Channels TV with his wife and how his equal opportunity policy has helped to catapult the TV station to the top of the pile in television programming. Sadiku drew on her over 21-years of work experience with Stanbic IBTC and how she was never discriminated against based on her gender to encourage members of the BWN, especially the young ones, to remain hard working, dedicated, focussed, and creative in their duties. She urged them to take advantage of the opportunity provided by Stanbic IBTC to advance their career while admonishing them not to use their gender as an excuse to be sloppy at work.

The chairperson of BWN, Nike Bajomo, who is an executive director, said women have a duty to be diligent at work and be positive about career growth, otherwise, the famed glass ceiling will limit advancement. “I urge you to do your bit to ensure that the future for the female folk is positive, equal, safe and fulfilling. I don’t see glass ceilings preventing me from attaining success. If you do, then you are getting in your own way,” Bajomo said.

The 2019 edition of the Blue Women Network magazine was officially unveiled at the event. The BWN is an initiative of Stanbic IBTC – with a focus on deliberately driving career growth and development of Stanbic IBTC women.

In a show of its commitment to gender equality, Stanbic IBTC made a bold statement on the International Women’s Day (March 8) by changing the colour of its logos which are predominantly blue, to magenta on most of its digital platforms. Magenta is the colour of the UN Women ‘HeForShe’ brand.

As part of activities to mark the IWD 2019, the Stanbic IBTC Blue Lab, which has as one of its mandate the task to build affinity within the technology ecosystem through events targeted at building capacity/providing insights, hosted a panel discussion session tagged ‘Women in Tech’ on Saturday 16 March 2019. The event provided a veritable platform for the financial institution to educate young females who work in technology field through the experiences and career learning of select speakers. On the panel were Helen Udoh, Head, Quality Assurance and Software Testing, Stanbic IBTC, Amaka Nwosu, Head, Mobile Channels and Acquiring, Stanbic IBTC, Temidayo Ominiyi, Head, Product Assurance and Customer Care, Stanbic IBTC, and Foluso Gbadamosi, Director, Product Business Process and Technology, Prime Atlantic Group. 

Bridget Oyefeso-Odusami, Head, Marketing and Communications, Stanbic IBTC, in her opening address, stressed the importance of women supporting each other and creating balance in the workspace. The well attended session was both engaging and inspirational.

L-R: Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Bank PLC, Dr Demola Sogunle; Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, Mr Yinka Sanni; Executive Secretary, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, Mrs Yewande Sadiku; Founder/CEO, Channels TV, Mr John Momoh, at the Blue Women Network event held by Stanbic IBTC, to commemorate the International Women’s Day, in Lagos
L-R: Founder/CEO, Channels TV, Mr John Momoh; Executive Secretary, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, Mrs Yewande Sadiku; Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Bank PLC, Dr Demola Sogunle; and Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, Mr Yinka Sanni, at the Blue Women Network event held by Stanbic IBTC, in Lagos, to commemorate the International Women’s Day
L-R: Executive Director, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Limited, Mrs Nike Bajomo; Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Bank PLC, Dr Demola Sogunle, Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, Mr Yinka Sanni; and Non-Executive Director, Stanbic IBTC, Mrs Salamatu Hussaini Suleiman, at the Blue Women Network event held by Stanbic IBTC, in Lagos, to commemorate the International Women’s Day

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Abducted Rivers bizman rescued, suspected robber arrested

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Abducted Rivers bizman rescued, suspected robber arrested

 

The Rivers State Police Command said its men rescued a businessman identified as Julius Madabuchi, who was kidnapped by a four-man gang at a filling station in the Oyigbo Local Government Area of the state.

The police said the man was abducted when the miscreants who were driving in a Black Toyota car stormed the area and started shooting discriminately before executing their plan.

The rescue of the man, the police said, followed a distress call sent to the command control room about the activities of the hoodlums on November 17 and immediately mobilised operatives to the scene, saying the abductors engaged the police in a shootout.

The spokesperson for the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, on Wednesday.

 

The statement reads, “On the 17th of November, 2014, at about 2023hrs, operatives of the command received a distress call from the Room indicating that a gang of armed men numbering about four operating in a Black colour Toyota Corolla car shot sporadically and kidnapped one Madabuchi Julius at Sabbath Filling Station, Oyigbo.

“Operatives were swiftly mobilised to the scene and the hoodlums on sighting the police operatives drove off, but they were given a hot chase by the operatives and subsequently intercepted along Egbu Street, Oyigbo and a gun duel ensued between the operatives and the hoodlums.

“The hoodlums could not withstand the police’s superior firepower and eventually abandoned the victim and their operational vehicle with registration number RIVERS PHC 938 AH and escaped. The victim was rescued unhurt and the vehicle recovered. He has since reunited with his family.”

 

The state police image maker however said an investigation is ongoing while concerted efforts are being intensified to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang and recover their operational weapons.

In a related development, Iringe-Koko said the following day, precisely on Monday, operatives of the command acted on credible information, coordinated a covert operation at the St Lorinta Street, Oyigbo and arrested one Gabriel Morris, aged 25, at Mercy Ground in Kom-Kom, Oyigbo LGA of the State.

The state police spokesperson stated, “During interrogation, the suspect confessed to being a member of a syndicate that had been terrorising Oyigbo and its environs in recent times.

 

Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police, listed items recovered from the suspect including one locally made pistol and a quantity of weeds suspected to be Indian hemp.

She added, “Investigation is ongoing, while concerted efforts are intensified to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate.

“This successful operation further demonstrates the effectiveness of the Rivers State Police Command in combating kidnapping and all other forms of crime in the state.”

 

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Celebrate Your Wins, No Matter How Small-Prudent Ludidi

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Those who wronged you may never say "I'm sorry" - Prudent Ludidi

Celebrate Your Wins, No Matter How Small-Prudent Ludidi

 

Today, I want to talk about something incredibly important, yet often overlooked: celebrating our wins. Yes, you heard that right – celebrating our wins, no matter how small.

We live in a world that constantly pushes us to achieve more, be more, and do more. We’re always striving for the next goal, the next milestone, the next achievement. And while ambition is great, it’s equally important to acknowledge and celebrate the small victories along the way.

Think about it. How often do you achieve something amazing, only to dismiss it as “not a big deal” or “just part of your job”? How often do you downplay your successes or attribute them to luck rather than your hard work and dedication?

Here’s the thing: every win, no matter how small, is worth celebrating. Every achievement, no matter how insignificant it may seem, is a testament to your strength, resilience, and determination.

Celebrating your wins does several things. Firstly, it boosts your confidence and self-esteem. When you acknowledge your achievements, you remind yourself of your capabilities and potential.

Secondly, celebrating your wins helps you stay motivated and focused. By recognizing your progress, you’re more likely to stay committed to your goals and keep pushing forward.

Thirdly, celebrating your wins fosters a positive mindset. When you focus on what you’ve achieved, rather than dwelling on what’s still to be done, you cultivate gratitude, happiness, and contentment.

So, how can you start celebrating your wins?

Start small. Write down three things you’ve accomplished each day before bed. Share your achievements with a friend or family member. Treat yourself to something special.

Celebrate the tiny victories: finishing a difficult project, trying a new recipe, or simply making it through a tough day.

Celebrate the milestones: landing a new job, running a marathon, or graduating from college.

And celebrate the moments in between: learning a new skill, making a new connection, or taking a much-needed break.

Remember, celebrating your wins isn’t about being arrogant or boastful. It’s about acknowledging your hard work and dedication. It’s about recognizing your worth and value.

Don’t wait until you’ve achieved something “big” to celebrate. Celebrate every win, no matter how small. Celebrate every achievement, no matter how insignificant it may seem.

You are worthy of recognition. You are worthy of celebration. And you are worthy of acknowledging your own strength and resilience!

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IMF’s Bold Advice to Nigeria: How to Fix Economic Reforms and Win Public Trust” By Achimi Muktar

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IMF’s Bold Advice to Nigeria: How to Fix Economic Reforms and Win Public Trust”
By Achimi Muktar

 

As frustration mounts across Nigeria and other Sub-Saharan African nations undergoing tough economic reforms, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has stepped in with recommendations aimed at reshaping the narrative. These suggestions focus on addressing the growing civil discontent and turning public opposition into support for reforms critical to stabilizing their economies.

The IMF’s latest Regional Economic Outlook for Sub-Saharan Africa report highlights “adjustment fatigue” gripping nations like Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, and Kenya, where reform measures have triggered social unrest and resistance. In Nigeria, particularly, protests and labour strikes have erupted in response to policies like petrol subsidy removal and foreign exchange deregulation.

However, the IMF believes a path forward exists—one that involves rethinking reform strategies and engaging citizens more effectively.

The Call for Strategic Rethink
In the report, the IMF emphasizes the need for reform strategies that foster inclusivity and public trust while maintaining momentum for economic recovery. “Realizing this opportunity requires rethinking reform strategies to build and maintain pro-growth coalitions among leaders and the general public,” the report states.

The IMF outlined key pillars for successful reform implementation:

Broad-Based Engagement: Governments must actively involve citizens through two-way dialogue, creating a sense of ownership for reforms among the population, businesses, and civil society.

Transparent Communication: Policymakers should clearly articulate the benefits of reforms, the risks of inaction, and the compensatory measures being implemented. This approach, according to the IMF, will counter misinformation and rebuild trust.

Partnerships with Influencers: Engaging parliamentarians, community leaders, and independent experts can amplify reform messaging and provide credible advocacy for change.

Targeted Social Support: Implementing safety nets like retraining programs and job assistance for those hit hardest by reforms can reduce resistance and ease the social cost of change.

Sequenced Reforms: Staggering reforms over time to prevent overwhelming citizens and prioritizing initiatives with immediate, tangible benefits will help win public support.

Rebuilding Trust in Institutions: Strengthening governance, improving transparency, and tackling corruption are essential to ensure that reforms are seen as credible and effective.

The Nigerian Reality
Nigeria’s reform agenda has been met with resistance from citizens grappling with higher living costs and reduced public services. Labour unions have staged strikes, and civil society groups have accused the government of failing to provide adequate safety nets for vulnerable populations.

The IMF acknowledges these challenges but insists that success hinges on trust and inclusivity. “Opinion surveys indicate that trust in the government’s ability to use public resources to promote the population’s well-being is still relatively low in many Sub-Saharan African countries,” the report notes.

The IMF also warns that reforms without complementary measures—such as job creation and social inclusion policies—risk perpetuating social frustration and undermining long-term economic stability.

Turning Pain into Gains
While reforms are painful, the IMF underscores their necessity for unlocking durable and inclusive growth. “As painful as the current policy choices are, deeper and broader reforms will be required to guarantee that countries reap the gains, and not just the pain, of reform,” the report states.

The Fund advises African leaders to demonstrate upfront wins, such as improved infrastructure, better service delivery, and robust economic policies, to galvanize public confidence in the reform process.

The Bigger Picture
The IMF’s Regional Economic Outlook serves as a roadmap for Sub-Saharan Africa’s policymakers, navigating a delicate balance between fiscal adjustments and social harmony. For Nigeria, the report presents an opportunity to recalibrate its approach, engage its citizens meaningfully, and deliver reforms that prioritize the welfare of the people.

By rethinking reform strategies and implementing the IMF’s recommendations, Nigeria could not only weather its current challenges but emerge as a stronger and more inclusive economy. The onus, however, lies with the government to prove that these reforms are for the collective good and not just a painful necessity.

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