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Sterling convenes technology’s brightest for improved cyber security
Lagos, Nigeria: Sterling Financial Holdings Company is actively driving collaboration and partnerships with regulators, infrastructure providers, operators, and other financial services providers to bolster the security of the Nigerian consumer and improve the safety of the financial ecosystem.
Olayinka Oni, Executive Director and Group Chief Operating Officer of Sterling Financial Holdings, issued this during his commencement speech at the recently held Sterling Thought Leadership Series for Information Technology, themed The State of FI Consumer Security. The session took place in Lagos and was attended by heads of information technology and security teams from banks, fintechs, consultancy firms, industry infrastructure providers and regulators such as KPMG NIBSS, Flutterwave, Wema Bank, Uniswitch and many more prominent players.
The event featured a keynote speech from KPMG, with two panel sessions on “Predicting The Future – Preparing For The Future of Cybercrime In The Age of AI” and “Securing The Consumer: Strengthening Partnerships Between Operators & Law Enforcement”. The first panel featured the Executive Director of the Nigerian Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), Aminu Maina, SVP at Flutterwave, Dotun Adekunle, Mayowa Owolabi of Uniswitch, with founder of AWABAH and renowned media personality, Tunji Andrews anchoring.
In his address, Oni said: “This session, which will be the first of many,will seek to enhance our collective knowledge and inspire collaborative endeavors aimed at fortifying the digital realm, especially as an increasing number of customers turn to digital channels for value delivery.”
He underscored how this platform facilitates the exchange of ideas among thought leaders, challenges traditional norms, and charts a course toward a more secure digital environment, further describing the event as a platform to anticipate the evolving threats, adapt strategies, and promote a safer digital world marked by technological advancements and heightened cyber threats.
Oni continued by saying that, “This gathering represents a convergence of ideas, experiences, and visions that will drive advancements in securing the digital finance industry as our contributions and eventual decisions will have a direct impact on consumer rights, trust, and the continuity of our businesses.”
He concluded by saying that every organization participating directly acknowledges the evolving threats faced by operators and thought leaders in this space, and that their presence and contribution shows that they view themselves as more than just service providers, but custodians of monetary value and trust.
In a keynote address, Mr. John Anyanwu, Partner and Head of the Cyber Unit arm of KPMG Nigeria’s Risk Consulting, discussed “Strengthening the Customer and Preparing for the Emerging Digital World” by noting that disruptive technologies were already more prevalent and rapidly transforming every aspect of the world.
Anyanwu pointed out that this transformation was driven by the imperative to meet customer expectations, provide personalized and empathetic experiences, offer a unified integrated experience and anticipate issues before they arise, underscoring how these developments ultimately added value by increasing revenue, enabling faster onboarding and activation, personalizing pricing, improving customer acquisition, enhancing customer experience and loyalty, optimizing distribution and servicing channels and fostering the growth of new products and services.
However, Anyanwu cautioned that despite the numerous benefits of adopting the latest technologies, it also brought risks and concerns, including infrastructure vulnerabilities, data privacy, fraud risks, third-party risks and the need for education and awareness.
He emphasized the need for collaborative efforts among operators to address these concerns through initiatives such as cybersecurity education and awareness, cyber resilience, third-party risk management and safeguarding customer data privacy.
Outcomes of the session will include a communique that captures the submissions of the panellists and participants which will serve as the basis for the continued engagement with key stakeholders and shape policy for the delivery of service through digital channels for the financial services sector.
Sterling has maintained impressive momentum in 2023 with her citation as Africa’s Most Valuable Commercial Bank Brand for 2023 in a poll conducted by GeoPoll and Kantar for African Brand Magazine, has been named a top three employer in Nigeria by LinkedIn in the social network’s Top 25 List for 2023, and has featured on the prestigious list of the 100 fastest-growing companies in Africa for 2023, as published by the globally recognized Financial Times.
Renowned for its irreverent brand voice and enviable talent management practices, Sterling recently received three citations for Company Leadership Gender Diversity, Gender Diversity in Supply Chain, and Family-Friendly Workplace as bestowed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) at the Gender Leader Awards 2023.
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2027: Fubara declares support for Tinubu, Wike’s candidates, says time for war over
River State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reiterated his support for the second term bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the aspiration of Hon Kingsley Ogundu Chinda, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State.
In what could be described as a public declaration of peace and total cessation of hostilities in the political arena in the state, Governor Fubara said that as a loyal member of the APC, he has also become a member of the Rainbow Coalition, the political group put together by his predecessor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike to advance the interests of the ruling party in Rivers State.

The Governor made his position known on Wednesday during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Riven Medical Industries Project in Port Harcourt and disclosed that the hitherto contending political forces in the state have resolved their differences and agreed to work together in the interest of the peace and development of the state.
According to Onwuka Nzechi, Chief Press Secretary to the River State Governor, Fubara charged his teeming supporters across the state to, without prejudice to the past, join him in supporting the ambitions of Tinubu, Chinda and all the other candidates of the APC in Rivers State during the forthcoming elections.
“We have made peace in the state and I am supporting our Rainbow Coalition. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is our president, and is the one we are supporting. OK Chinda is the governorship candidate that I am supporting and anybody who believes in me will support him and every other candidate that is under the Rainbow Coalition.
” I’ve gone back to our family. So, please, whoever you are, give your total support to the Rainbow Coalition. We need to move forward. The time of war is over. It is time for peace and this peace is taking us to another level.
“I want this to be made clear to every body. So, don’t go anywhere and say you’re supporting Fubara …. No. No. No. My position is this: I have said it here and clearly for everyone to hear. If you’re not hearing we’ll, use cotton wool to clean your ears and let it enter well. I’m not party to anything that will bring any form of disunity in this state. I’ve done what I need to do and we are moving forward,” he said.
Governor Fubara described the Riven Medical Industries Project as a positive development for the state, but warned against a repeat of the ugly experiences in the past where some investors were given the opportunity to operate in the state only to renege on some aspects of the agreement, leading to litigations.
According to Governor Fubara, his administration endorsed the project out of the conviction that the new investors have the capacity and commitment to deliver on the mandate to revive the project, create jobs and boost economic development in the state.
He charged the investors to endeavour to keep to the timelines and ensure that the first phase of the project will be successfully achieved in the next three months. He also appealed to the host communities and the leadership of the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, to give their maximum support to the project and avoid anything that could disrupt its smooth operation.
Governor Fubara pledged that his administration will continue to provide total support the project to ensure its success.
The Riven Medical Industries Project is a landmark Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between the Rivers State Government and Enbay Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, and represents one of the State’s most strategic investments in industrialization, healthcare, and economic development.
The project is being implemented through Riven Medical Industries Limited, the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) established by Enbay Pharmaceutical Industries Limited to revive and redevelop the former Integrated Medical Industries (IMI) into a world-class pharmaceutical manufacturing complex.
When completed, the facility will manufacture pharmaceutical formulations, gelatine capsules, intravenous (IV) infusions, and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API), significantly expanding Nigeria’s local pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity, reducing dependence on imported medicines, strengthening the nation’s healthcare value chain, and enhancing medicine security.
The project is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities, stimulate technology transfer, attract local and foreign investment, and position Rivers State as the leading pharmaceutical manufacturing and healthcare investment hub in Nigeria and the West African sub-region.
The groundbreaking ceremony marks the beginning of a transformative journey that reflects the Rivers State Government’s commitment to sustainable industrial growth, economic diversification, improved healthcare outcomes, and strategic partnerships that deliver lasting value for the people of Rivers State and Nigeria.
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PDP, APM Alliance: The New Dawn
The challenges we face today require more than just politics as usual; they demand a unified, strategic, and bold rescue mission. It is time to hit the reset button on our nation’s trajectory. It is time for the Reset Nigeria Movement.
To achieve the Nigeria of our dreams, we cannot walk alone. We need a synergy of vision, experience, and grassroots mobilization. This is why a powerful coalition has emerged: The Grand Alliance.
At the heart of this movement is the historic PDP and APM Alliance, a formidable partnership between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Allied People’s Movement (APM). This is not just a political coalition; it is a declaration of intent to rescue, rebuild, and restore the glory of our great nation, Nigeria.
The PDP and APM Alliance brings together the strength, structure, and localized reach necessary to unseat stagnation and bring true democratic dividends to the people.
The Reset Nigeria Movement is committed to policies that empower the youth, support local businesses, and alleviate the economic burdens facing everyday Nigerians.
This Alliance is built on the belief that every Nigerian voice matters. It represents a broad spectrum of our society, ensuring that leadership is accountable to everyone, not just a few.
The alliance is pooling our collective resources, intelligence, and political will to create a safer, more united Nigeria where citizens can thrive without fear.
Whether you are a student, a professional, a market woman, an artisan, or a patriotic citizen eager for a new dawn, there is space for you in this movement.
Stand on the right side of history.
Join the Reset Nigeria Movement.
Join the Alliance.
Join the PDP and APM Alliance today!
Together, we will rescue and reset Nigeria.
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First Lady donates N2b to promote Akwete in Aba, receives traditional title
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has Remi Tinubu, has donated N2b to support Akwete weaving industry in Aba, Abia State.
She said the gesture was to support the development of the Akwete production site, with a view to creating more jobs and boosting the state’s economy.
She made the donation in Aba on Tuesday, during her visit to the state to celebrate and promote the historic Akwete weaving heritage.
The President’s wife explained that the gesture was to support the development of the Akwete production site, with a view to creating more jobs and boosting the state’s economy.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu praised the uniqueness and the richness of the Akwete fabric, crafted on vertical looms by women in Abia, using cotton, raffia, and silk and famous for its vibrant colours and intricate geometric motifs.
“I am in awe of all the richness of what the Akwete fabrics stand for.
”I love traditional outfits because our tradition, our culture, tells us who we are. The moment we lose that, we won’t remember where we come from.
“The craft was transferred from generation to generation. It is a sacred craft done with love, patience, and endurance.
“The tradition of the Akwete handmade fabric is dear to the hearts of the women who make it, and they should be encouraged to pass it on to the next generation,” she said.
She Tinubu encouraged the younger generation to embrace their culture, particularly cultural attire that connects the young with the older generation.
According to her, people should be proud of their cultural heritage and wear the African traditional attires with pride.
”We should not let our children forget that.
“To the women of Akwete, I heard your cry. I am here to announce to all Nigerians and the Igbo people that it is time to take Akwete fabric to the national stage.
”Therefore, all the notable sons and daughters of Igbo land should rise to preserve this culture. On my part, I am donating N2 billion for the project,” she said.
She promised Governor Alex Otti that if President Bola Tinubu wins the 2027 presidential election for a second term, she would wear a wrapper and “buba” made from Akwete for the inauguration.
Responding, Otti and his wife, Mrs Priscilla Otti, thanked the first lady for the gesture, saying, “it will significantly transform Akwete fabric production in the state”.
Mr Otti also pledged total support to President Tinubu’s economic policies, stressing that the reforms were gradually setting the country on the path of sustainable growth.
The Abia Council of Traditional Rulers conferred the traditional title of “Ugo Nwanyi Abia” (the Pride of Abia Women) on the first lady.
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