NIPR appoints Rasheed Bolarinwa, Head FinanceHub Committee

Governing Council, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, has announced the appointment of Rasheed Bolarinwa, the President, Association of Communication and Marketing Professionals in Banks, ACAMB, as chairman of its newly created Management Committee of FinanceHub.

NAN reports that the committee, comprising of banking, insurance, and pensions, is meant to deepen sustainable Public Relations practice in the finance sector.

Bolarinwa is expected to bring his wealth of experience from journalism, PR and the financial sector to the banking, insurance and pension sectors alongside other appointees from maritime and aviation sectors of the economy.

Bolarinwa is currently the Head of Brand Management and Corporate Communication at Polaris Bank.

He was re-elected President of ACAMB, the umbrella body of all corporate and marketing communications heads of banks in Nigeria, in January 2024 after a two-term as secretary-general of the association.

The committee members are expected to deepen sustainable PR practice.

Other appointees as chairpersons of other newly created sectoral hubs included Mrs. Thelma Okoh to head Maritime Hub; Dr. Jossy Nkwocha, Energy Hub and Mr. Basil Agboarumi for Aviation Hub.

Also appointed were Dr. Ahmad Sajoh for Anti-Corruption and Consumer Protection Hub and Miss Chimdi Neliaku to lead Young Practitioners Hub.

The nomination letters sent to the newly appointed chairpersons was signed by Uzoma Onyegbadue, the Institute’s Registrar/Secretary to the NIPR Governing Council.

The institute explained that the creation of the sectoral hubs was meant to build sustainable and viable public relations practices across the listed sectors.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Chairmen and Committee Members of the Sectoral Hubs, the National President of NIPR, Dr. Ike Neliaku, expressed satisfaction with the pedigree of the nominees.

“Your appointment’s are considered well thought out. It reflects the trust and confidence the NIPR council places in your expertise, commitment and dedication towards contributing to achieving the objectives of the Hub,” he said.

Neliaku, accompanied by other governing council members, pledged his support and that of the council to the sectoral hubs.

He said, “We look forward, with excitement, to working together with you all to make a positive impact on sustainable and viable public relations practices in the respective sectoral hubs in Nigeria.”

PRESIDENT TINUBU’S CONSUMER CREDIT SCHEME KICKS OFF WITH CIVIL SERVANTS NATIONWIDE

By Ifeoma Ikem

The Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) has kicked off disbursement of consumer credit to economically active Nigerians nationwide, through its growing list of participating financial institutions (PFIs).
In this first wave of institutions is Credit Direct, Nigeria’s largest lender to civil servants nationwide, and a subsidiary of the FCMB Group.

At a signing event today, CREDICORP announced the partnership with Credit Direct to accelerate mass access to consumer credit starting with civil servants across the country. Beginning this September, this kickoff offers discounted direct consumer credit to over 15,000 civil servants per round. Civil servants on IPPIS now benefit from exclusive offers with reduced interest rates and flexible repayment plans for purchase of domestic goods, mobility, medical care, electronics and other household needs.

The initiative is part of a much broader effort to support the well-being of Nigerians, which aligns with CREDICORP’s mission to accelerate consumer credit access to 50% of economically active Nigerians by 2030.”We are excited to partner with Credit Direct to kick off President Tinubu’s consumer credit scheme with civil servants as Mr. President had promised,” said

Uzoma Nwagba, CEO of CREDICORP. “By going through Credit Direct today, and subsequently our other financial institutions coming on stream in the next days and weeks as we target 500,000 civil servants, they can access instant and affordable credit to cushion economic shocks or afford consumer goods to improve the quality of their lives.

This is just the start of a long and exciting journey with many parts, and linkages that ultimately catalyse local industries as we expand consumption.”Chukwua Nwanze, CEO of Credit Direct, emphasized the importance of the partnership in fostering financial inclusion.
“Our civil servants are vital to the nation’s growth and stability, and we are committed to supporting them with accessible credit facilities.

This partnership with CREDICORP allows us to extend our services to more individuals, ensuring that all civil servants can access the funds they need quickly and easily, up to N3.5 million depending on their income and need. Over the past 17 years, Credit Direct has positively impacted the lives of millions of customers across Nigeria.

With a presence in all 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory, through branches and digital channels, we continue to serve working-class Nigerians nationwide.”Key Features of the Credit Offer:-

Lowest Interest Rates: Starting from September 3, 2024, civil servants will access loans at lowest interest rates on the market. Applicants can access a wide range, and up to N3.5 million, depending on their income and need.- Flexible Repayment Plans: Customized repayment schedules designed to meet the unique needs of each borrower.- Quick and Easy Application Process: Streamlined procedures ensure fast access to funds, making it easier for civil servants to manage their financial needs.

For more information about the special credit offer and eligibility criteria, please visit www.creditdirect.ng or contact the customer service center at 0700CREDITDIRECT, 02014482225, 0201700512.About CREDICORPThe Nigeria Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) is a government-owned development finance institution committed to enhancing consumer credit access for Nigerians.

By addressing structural barriers and providing capital, guarantees, policy support and cultural reorientation, CREDICORP works towards an economically inclusive Nigeria where every working citizen can build personal equity and access essential consumer credit to improve the quality of their lives.

Mele Kyari: A Trailblazer At NNPCL And His Audacious Milestones

As the Group Managing Director of NNPCL, Mele Kyari is a trailblazing executive renowned for his unwavering commitment to excellence. His impressive track record at NNPCL is a testament to his strategic prowess, transparency, and accountability. Despite facing numerous challenges, Kyari has successfully transformed NNPCL into a profitable and world-class organization, revolutionizing Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

With a distinguished background in crude oil marketing, Kyari’s expertise has been instrumental in driving NNPCL’s success. Notably, in 2015, as Group General Manager of the Crude Oil Marketing Division, he skillfully managed federation entitlements, ensured national energy security, and optimized the Direct Sale of crude oil and Direct Purchase of petroleum products (DSDP) arrangement. Kyari’s remarkable leadership and achievements have significantly contributed to Nigeria’s economic growth and development.

Mele Kyari’s Leadership Excellence in the Oil and Gas Industry

As a prominent global player in the oil and gas sector, Mele Kyari’s role as Nigeria’s National Representative to OPEC since 2018 underscores his exceptional leadership and managerial expertise. Upon his appointment as Group Managing Director of NNPC in 2019, he was widely regarded as a model servant leader, inspiring and empowering others to deliver outstanding results.

Kyari has been a driving force behind transparency and accountability, championing the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 and spearheading the transformation of NNPC into NNPC Limited. His achievements include introducing cost discipline, rehabilitating refineries, and promoting domestic gas utilization. Notably, under his leadership, NNPC has commenced novel LNG shipments to Japan and China, leveraging Nigeria’s abundant gas resources for national progress.

The ongoing implementation of CNG as a cleaner alternative fuel to PMS is a testament to Kyari’s vision for a sustainable energy future. His leadership has set unprecedented precedents in the public service sector, cementing his reputation as a trailblazing executive in the oil and gas industry.

NNPC’s Historic Profitability Under Kyari’s Leadership

Under Mele Kyari’s leadership, NNPC has achieved unprecedented financial success, declaring its first profit in 44 years in 2020 and sustaining profitability in subsequent years. The company has also excelled in transparency, consistently publishing audited financial statements.

The recently released 2023 audited financial statement showcases NNPC’s remarkable growth, with a net profit of N3.3 trillion, a N749 billion increase from the previous year. This follows a steady upward trend, from a loss of N803 billion in 2018 to profits of N287 billion in 2020 and N674.1 billion in 2021.

NNPC’s revenue surged to N24 trillion in 2023, up from N8.81 trillion in 2022, with the company declaring a dividend of N2.1 trillion to shareholders. This exceptional fiscal performance is a testament to Kyari’s strategic foresight and operational resilience.

Key factors contributing to this success include the Petroleum Industry Bill, which enhanced government revenue from Production Sharing Contract Arrangements and resolved disputes with International Oil Companies. Kyari’s exemplary leadership has had a profound impact on NNPC’s performance and reputation, cementing his legacy as a transformative leader in the oil and gas industry.

Mr. Kyari’s Commitment to Excellence Drives NNPCL’s Strategic Partnerships

Mele Kyari’s dedication to transparency, accountability, and performance excellence is further demonstrated by NNPCL’s plans to partner with reputable Operations and Maintenance companies to revamp the Warri and Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Companies. This strategic move acknowledges the limitations of previous management under civil servants and seeks to inject expertise and efficiency into the refineries.

As a distinguished Fellow of various prestigious Institutes, including the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (FNAPE) and the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (FNMGS), Kyari has consistently showcased his competence and credibility. Under his leadership, Nigeria’s oil and gas future looks brighter than ever.

We urge all Nigerians to rally behind Kyari, offering support and encouragement as he builds on these remarkable achievements and propels NNPCL to even greater heights. With his vision and expertise, the country’s oil and gas sector is poised for unprecedented growth and success.

Opinion: Adebayo Afolabi

Adebayo Afolabi is a public commentator and writes from Lagos