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Sterling Bank Shines Spotlight on Creative Industries Potential
Sterling Bank Shines Spotlight on Creative Industries Potential
“Nigeria’s leading financial institution, Sterling Bank Plc, has reiterated its determination to empower and energise the creative industry because of its strategic importance to the economic growth of Nigeria.”
Head of Media and Entertainment Financing at Sterling Bank, Mr. Olanrewaju Olalusi, disclosed the above at the weekend in Lagos while addressing participants at a seminar organised by the Legends of Nollywood with the theme: “Empowering the Nigerian Film Industry – Actualizing Your Resources.”
He said the bank had begun exploring financing of the creative industries in addition to its HEART sectors programme because of its importance to the national economy.
Sterling Bank has become renowned for its strategic focus and investments in the Health, Education, Agriculture, Renewable Energy and Transportation sectors of the Nigerian economy. These sectors have been affectionately dubbed the HEART of Sterling, and our HEART has contributed immensely to the growth of the bank, the sectors and the Nigerian economy.
Olalusi said it is important for artists to leverage funding from financial institutions to scale the level of their operations, remarking that the bank has set up a desk for the purpose of financing practitioners in the creative industry, information technology (IT) and animation, among others.
“We are open to having conversations with partners in the creative industry on the way forward.” He said.
He said that the industry was bustling with amazing talent and potential. But he highlighted a key challenge confronting the industry; a lack of viable business plans on the commercial perspective of creativity to show investors.
He continued by saying that there is a growing need for artists to separate their businesses from themselves and focus on improving their access to infrastructure and a ready market for their creative expressions.
Through collaborations with dedicated partners like Sterling, creatives can better their lot, both creatively and commercially, by leveraging financial advisory services, commercial loans, and other specially designed products to further capacity building and move the industry forward.
In a keynote address by Lagos State Commissioner of Planning and Budget, Mr. Samuel Egube, urged operators in the creative industry to think more deeply about how to seize available opportunities in the industry. He noted that if the industry must grow, then it should be able to attract financial resources from investors, adding that government alone cannot drive the growth in the industry.
He said the business plan should present a strong case to encourage investors to invest. He disclosed that the Lagos State Government has plans to build a media city in the Lekki axis for practitioners in the creative industry to leverage on under its 30-year development plan.
Also speaking, the President of the Association of Movie Producers, Mr. Paul Obazele encouraged his colleagues to lift the industry to a show business level by leveraging financial institutions to scale their operations instead of relying on grants alone.
OVER 3m MSMEs TO BENEFIT AS NIGERIA LAUNCHES FG/ALAT SKILLNOVATION
**No going back on creating inclusive economy, VP Shettima declares*
In a bid to support information technology revolution that would, in turn, extend the reach of economic and social interactions as well as enhance productivity growth in Nigeria, the Federal Government and ALAT have launched Skillnovation Programme.
The initiative will provide over three million Nigerians with essential digital skills required to succeed in the global economy.
Speaking during the launch of the programme at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Friday, September 29, 2023, the Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima, described the Skillnovation as a “transformative initiative” that “ushers in a new era of digital empowerment for” Nigerians.
He said, “We are compelled to tread this path by the direction in which the world has headed, a world of disruptive technologies redefined by the fourth Industrial Revolution.
“This initiative is a response to the evolution of the modern business environment, an acknowledgment that digital skills have become the cornerstone of economic ease and expansion.”
The Vice President hinted that the gathering is one of the many to come and an occasion to reassure the nation that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is fully committed to supporting small businesses across Nigeria.
The Skillnovation Programme will establish 15 state-of-the-art ICT centres, strategically placed across Nigeria, to provide individuals and businesses alike with access to cutting-edge digital training, resources, and support.
The first phase of the programme will focus on the states of Katsina, Anambra, Borno, Lagos, Oyo, and Kano, while the second phase will include Delta, Kaduna, Ogun, Bauchi, Kwara, and Ekiti States.
Giving an insight into how the country would benefit from the programme, Vice President said, “Nigeria, with its expanding MSME sector of close to 40 million, has the potential to lead business innovation beyond Africa. The Skillnovation Programme, therefore, aims to unlock this immense potential. The initiative is designed to provide the necessary tools and skills for our MSMEs to thrive and compete on the global stage.
“As you have witnessed, ladies and gentlemen, the Skillnovation Programme is not a mere promise; it is a resounding commitment to the Nigerian people,” the Vice President added. “It’s in pursuit of this administration’s resolve to empower our youth and MSMEs and to create a more inclusive and prosperous Nigeria. Today, we are translating that commitment into action, and we intend to be your allies in your race to take over the world through your enhanced skills.”
VP Shetimma also assured that nobody will be left out of the Skillnovation Programme, regardless of age, gender, or disability.
“There will be no disadvantaged demographic in accessing this opportunity. Our youth, women, and persons with disabilities have found friends and allies and will be favored in our proposed single-digit loan schemes for our valued MSMEs, for which talks are already ongoing with the Bank of Industry and other critical stakeholders and partners,” he stated.
The Skillnovation Programme is a significant step towards achieving the Federal Government’s vision of a digitally empowered and economically prosperous Nigeria. By providing MSMEs with the essential digital skills and support they need to succeed, the programme will help to create jobs, boost economic growth, and improve the lives of millions of Nigerians.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, Mr Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, emphasised the significance of partnership, noting that government alone cannot address the challenges confronting Nigerians.
On his part, Managing Director of Wema Bank, Mr Moruf Oseni, commended the passion of the President and Vice President for empowering young Nigerians, even as he announced the establishment of skills training centres across 17 states, beginning with Lagos and Borno.
He said the programme will directly impact 2 million youths and 1 million small businesses across the benefitting States.
The MD expressed optimism that the scheme will be impactful, particularly empowering young Nigerians and preparing them for the challenges of the future.
In his goodwill message, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Mr Bosun Tijjani, said President Tinubu administration’s will leverage the enthusiasm of youths in the technology space to launch Nigeria as a global power in sector.
He called on other private sectors to collaborate more with government to actualize the objectives of job creation.
On his part Governor Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto State pledged the state government’s support for the success of the programme.
Also present at the event were the Ministers of Agriculture, Sen. Abubakar Kyari; Labour and Employment, Hon. Simon Lalong; Deputy Governors of Borno, Umar Kadafur; Kaduna, Hadiza Balarabe; Anambra, Onyeka Ibezim; Jigawa, Aminu Usman, and Heads of government agencies.
*Stanley Nkwocha*
*Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications*
*(Office of the Vice President)*
*29th September, 2023*
Foundation Provides Financial Support To Outstanding Pupils In Ogun
In a bid to compliment government efforts at providing qualitative education to vulnerable children in Ogun schools, Obaruwa Foundation, a non-profit organization on Friday launched fund support for pupils at Ogbogbo Baptist Primary School, Ogbogbo-Ijebu in Ijebu North East local government area of the state.
Speaking through Mr Tunde Oresanya at the presentation of the cash gifts, the founder of the foundation, Omooba Adekunle Ayoola said the fund support has become an annual gesture of the group in reaching out to outstanding pupils who despite the lean purse of their parents came out with flying academic records in their examination.
According to him, the beneficiaries of the latest fund support were drawn from primary one to six, and pupils who came 1st, 2nd and 3rd in each class were rewarded.
Omooba Ayoola, a Poland based security expert whose passion for education support has received various outstanding laurels stressed that he would continue to employ various measures and programmes to improve the lives of the children, including educational sponsorships, educational supports, advocacy and healthcare assistance.
In her remarks, Mrs B.A Kazeem, the Assistant Head Teacher of the school, expressed appreciation towards the annual educational support of the foundation, seeking for more support both from the government and donors alike.
AfricentOCL UK Makes ‘Global Energy Awards 2023’ Finalists List
It’s another major milestone for a top firm in the maritime business sector, AfricentOCL UK, as it made the finalists list of the 2023 edition of Platts Global Energy Awards.
In the carefully screened list of 207 credible energy companies, AfricentOCL UK tops five others in the Energy Transition (Mainstream) category. According to S&P Global Platts, the organizers of the awards event, firms are recognized based on their achievements and results, positive impact on customers and the industry.
“The ‘Global Energy Awards’ indicates the direction in which the energy industry is headed. It is about recognizing the energy sector’s exponential growth and rapid progress, thereby acknowledging companies and individuals working on the crucial, innovative, practicable solutions that will solve the energy industry challenges,” the organizers declared.
It is AfricentOCL UK’s second global honour within a space of eleven months. Making the list as one of the finalists in the Global Energy Awards was coming soon after its victory as the 2023 Greater London Enterprise Awards’ ‘Best Maritime Materials and Vessel Chartering Provider’ winner.
Expressing his joy at the fresh honour for his business empire, AfricentOCL UK CEO, Mr. Juwon Lawal Razaq, stated that such an honour coming from an internally recognized outfit like S&P Global Platts is to him a good ego booster, which encourages business outfits to aspire to achieve more exploits. “Making the finalists list, for us, is a great leap to winning. We understand that people are watching us, they know that we have the gifts and skills and we have never been afraid to show them toward making the industry greater. So, it’s a great way to announce our future win, and we will celebrate the honour,” Juwon Lawal affirms.
A special reception to mark Platts Global Energy Awards’ 25th anniversary will be held in New York on December 7, 2023, where winners will be announced.
- “Democracy in West Africa in Danger” – President Akufo-Addo to Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament September 29, 2023
- South Africa: Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Adopts its Report on National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (NCGBVF) Bill September 29, 2023
- Special Representative Leonardo Santos Simão Concluded Five-day Visit to Nigeria September 29, 2023
- African Continental Free Trade Area to create immense opportunities for Algerian businesses September 29, 2023
- Somalia launches US$11.4 million project to strengthen emergency care services at regional hospitals September 29, 2023
- World Health Organization (WHO) scales up response following Sudan declaration of cholera outbreak September 29, 2023
- Merck Foundation and African First Ladies marks World Heart Day 2023 by providing 750 scholarships of Preventative Cardiovascular, Diabetes, Endocrinology and Obesity and Weight Management for doctors from 50 countries September 29, 2023
- Nigeria: Urgent funds needed to manage diphtheria outbreak, with more than 7,200 cases and 453 deaths September 29, 2023
- South Africa: Water and Sanitation interacts with political leaders and councilors on water supply issues September 29, 2023
- Joint Communiqué on the occasion of working visit to the Republic of South Africa, by the Right Honourable, Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane for official launch of Bi-National Commission September 29, 2023
