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The SUN names Dr. Olufemi Bakre as Banker of the Year 2023

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The SUN names Dr. Olufemi Bakre as Banker of the Year 2023.

The SUN names Dr. Olufemi Bakre as Banker of the Year 2023.

 

In acknowledgment of his outstanding leadership at Parallex Bank, The Sun Newspapers, organisers of The Sun Award, have conferred the title of Banker of the Year 2023 upon Dr. Olufemi Bakre, the Managing Director of Parallex Bank. In his opening remarks at the elaborate event at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos on Saturday, Mr. Onuoha Ukeh, the Managing Director of Sun Newspaper, said the Sun Awards annually aim to recognise and celebrate Nigerians who have demonstrated remarkable success in their respective fields, despite the challenging economic conditions in Nigeria.

 

The SUN names Dr. Olufemi Bakre as Banker of the Year 2023.

 

 

According to Ukeh, the year 2023 was particularly noteworthy for Nigeria, marked by political events and the removal of petroleum subsidies. Despite the myriad challenges faced by individuals and businesses, some Nigerians exhibited resilience, utilising their skills to succeed in their endeavors. He added that the individual awardees have made a significant impact on their chosen careers and interests.

 

The Chairman of the occasion and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, said nation-building is a collective effort, and the choice of Sun Newspapers to celebrate and reward individuals who are making great strides in nation-building is commendable. Akume congratulated all awardees and urged them not to relent in giving their very best to the nation.

 

Among the notable Nigerians recognised for their milestone achievement in 2023 is Dr. Olufemi Bakre, who, according to The Sun, has utilised exceptional skills to position Parallex Bank as a leading technology-driven financial institution in the country. Within less than two years of its operation as a deposit money bank in Nigeria, Parallex Bank, under Dr. Bakre’s leadership, has demonstrated strong indicators of being a sustainable and profitable institution.

 

Dr. Bakre, a seasoned banker, commenced his flourishing career with MBC International Bank, later assuming the position of General Manager and eventually becoming the Group Head, Multilateral, Financial Institutions, and Global Custody at First Bank after MBC’s acquisition in 2006. He distinguished himself by initiating and delivering the First Bank of China Representative Office. He joined FCMB in 2011 and held various positions until he was appointed Executive Director of Corporate and Institutional Banking in the United Kingdom and Nigeria. He was appointed as the Managing Director of Parallex Bank in 2021, making him the pioneering Managing Director of the bank as a commercial bank.

 

According to Bakre, Parallex Bank’s substantial investment in digital technology has made it the preferred bank in the industry due to the efficiency, convenience, and reliability of its digital platforms. He emphasised that Parallex Bank has become highly attractive to customers due to its value-added services, such as zero account maintenance fees, free interbank transfers, free debit cards, and unique account numbers.

 

He said Parallex Bank is driven by a commitment to deliver premium value-adding services that meet the diverse needs of all customer segments, including individuals, corporations, and businesses, with a particular focus on SMEs and commercial entities.

 

Expressing humility in the face of the awards, Dr. Olufemi Bakre stated that it is fulfilling to see efforts, sacrifices, dedication, and passion being recognised externally, in addition to bearing fruit for the organization. Bakre considers the award a great honour and privilege, dedicating it to God, who has transformed his journey from grass to modest grace, and the passionate workforce of Parallex Bank.

 

Bakre said Parallex Bank’s vision to become the leading financial solutions provider, revolutionising the customer experience through innovation, coupled with the collective determination to redefine banking services and provide customers with unparalleled opportunities, was the driving force behind receiving the award. He added that the steadfast dedication of the Board, management, and the team to delivering limitless possibilities has also garnered the trust and acknowledgment of their valued customers. He expressed gratitude to the Board of Parallex Bank for their relentless support, and the management of The Sun Newspapers for deeming him worthy of the honour.

 

Other notable awardees of The Sun Awards 2023 include Tobi Bakre, who won the Nollywood Icon of the Year, the founder and president of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Mr. Tony Elumelu, and Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, among others.

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FIRS ANNOUNCES AN ONGOING RECRUITMENT

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FIRS ANNOUNCES AN ONGOING RECRUITMENT.

 

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has rolled out an exciting opportunity for experienced professionals to join its team.

In a public notice via its X handle, the agency announced job openings for positions like Assistant Manager, Deputy Manager, and Assistant Director in fields such as Tax, Public Relations, Legal, ICT, and Risk Management.

Interested candidates are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria and apply via the official portal at careers.firs.gov.ng before January 11, 2025. This recruitment drive is aimed at bolstering public service efforts and maximizing national development.

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UBA GMD Calls for Public-Private Collaboration, Joins Aviation Minister to Commission New MMIA Departure Section

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UBA GMD Calls for Public-Private Collaboration, Joins Aviation Minister to Commission New MMIA Departure Section

The newly renovated departure section of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, refurbished by United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, was officially commissioned on Friday, December 20th, 2024.

The laudable project, which marks a transformative moment in Nigeria’s aviation sector, underscores UBA’s unwavering commitment to national development and highlights the immense value of strategic public-private partnerships (PPPs).

The ceremony was graced by distinguished stakeholders, including the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN; the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku; other Directors, and Heads of Agencies operating at the Airport.

Speaking at the event, UBA’s Group Managing Director/CEO, Oliver Alawuba,lauded the collaboration that brought the project to fruition as he emphasised the need for public and private institutions to come together to build and revamp the nation’s assets.

“This renovation is a testament of UBA’s belief in the transformative power of investing in national assets. By modernising our airports, we not only enhance infrastructure but also position Nigeria as a global hub for tourism, trade, and investment,” he stated.

Alawuba took time to highlight the broader economic impact of such initiatives, urging increased private-sector participation in national development. “Public-private partnerships like this demonstrate what can be achieved when we unite for a shared vision of progress and investing in infrastructure catalyses economic growth, improves travel experiences, and creates opportunities across various sectors of the economy,” he added.

Alawuba reflected on the power of unity and collaboration, quoting Helen Keller: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” The commissioning of the renovated departure section serves as a reminder of what strategic partnerships can achieve in driving national development and elevating Nigeria’s global standing.”

While commissioning the project, Keyamo commended UBA for executing the project, a feat he termed a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s aviation sector. “This renovated departure section exemplifies the bank’s commitment to elevating aviation infrastructure, improving passenger experiences, and fostering international partnerships. It is a proud moment for the ministry and all stakeholders involved, and I thank the management of UBA for pioneering this initiative,” he remarked.

The minister highlighted other key achievements of his ministry, including compliance with the Cape Town Convention, the launch of a consumer protection portal, and advancements in major infrastructure projects such as the second runway at Abuja Airport and solar energy integration in airport operations.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, commended UBA and other stakeholders for their contributions, adding, “This project reflects FAAN’s dedication to delivering world-class aviation infrastructure. The enhanced departure section not only elevates passenger experiences but also strengthens Nigeria’s competitive position in global aviation,” she said.

She called for more private-sector participation, emphasising that “partnerships like these are essential to transforming the aviation sector into a beacon of excellence.”

The newly renovated departure section boasts cutting-edge facilities designed to enhance efficiency and passenger comfort. This upgrade reaffirms the Murtala Muhammed International Airport’s status as a critical gateway to Nigeria and a major hub for international travel in Africa.

United Bank for Africa is Africa’s Global Bank. Operating across twenty African countries and the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting edge technology. UBA is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees group wide and serving over 45 million customers globally.

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Dangote Hails Tinubu on Impact of Crude for Naira Swap Deal

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Dangote Hails Tinubu on Impact of Crude for Naira Swap Deal

 

 

…As Dangote Refinery partners MRS to sell PMS at N935 per litre nationwide at its retail outlets

 

 

Sahara Weekly Unveils That The Foremost entrepreneur and President of the Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the positive impact of the naira for crude swap deal on the Nigerian economy, which has led to reduction in prices of petroleum products in the country.

 

Dangote Hails Tinubu on Impact of Crude for Naira Swap Deal

 

To provide succour to Nigerians, Dangote recently reduced the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from N970 to N899.50 at its Refinery loading gantry and provided generous credit terms to marketers.

 

 

“To ensure that this price reduction gets to the end consumer, we have signed a partnership with MRS to sell petrol from its retail outlets nationwide at N935 per litre” he added. This price has already commenced in Lagos, and it will be offered nationwide from Monday.

 

 

In his statement, he called on other oil marketers such as the NNPC Retail and all other marketers, “to work with us to ensure that Nigerians enjoy high-quality petrol at discounted prices.”

 

 

According to him, “The Dangote Refinery is for the benefit of Nigeria and Nigerians. We will therefore continue to work with various value chain players to deliver high quality petrol at cheaper prices. Our aim is for all Nigerians to have ready access to high quality petroleum products that are good for their vehicles, good for their health, and good for their pockets.

 

 

Recall that in September, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) under the leadership of Mr. President approved the sale of crude to local refineries in Naira and corresponding purchase of petroleum products in Naira. The move, which commenced on October 1, led to reduced pressure on the dollar and ensured the stability of the local currency.

 

 

Dangote thanked Nigerians for their unwavering support and the government for creating an enabling environment for the domestic refining industry.

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