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Non Government Organisations Award Scholarship, Laptops to Five Visually Impaired UNILAG Students

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blacktalker
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Five female visually impaired students of the University of Lagos, UNILAG, have received scholarship awards from two philanthropic Non-Governmental Organisations: Nigeria Association of the Blind, NAB and B.O. Foundation for Inclusive Media, BOFIM.

The scholarship awards cover the 200-level obligatory fees of all beneficiaries and a brand-new computer laptop for each. The presentation ceremony was held on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in the Senate Chamber, Senate House, UNILAG.

Speaking at the event, Chairman of NAB, Barrister Lukman Bolarinwa and Executive Director of BOFIM, Blessing Oladunjoye explained that the gesture was inspired by the need to provide visually impaired students with financial and technological support to empower and encourage them to excel in their academic pursuits.

While applauding the management of UNILAG for ensuring an all-inclusive environment especially for students, the duo stressed the need for an official Inclusion Policy Document for students with special needs as a way of further guaranteeing their inclusion and protecting their interests in the University. They urged public-spirited individuals and philanthropic organizations to support the course of students with special needs, so as to boost their sense of belonging and avert their exclusion from education.

In her remarks, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academics and Research, Professor Bola Oboh applauded the initiators and sponsors of the scholarship awards for their gesture towards students with special needs.

She re-affirmed the University management’s commitment to all students irrespective of their physical condition, one which she said manifests in the admission policy and the inclusive nature of buildings on campus, among other considerations.

Prof. Oboh charged the beneficiaries to make the best use of the scholarships awarded to them and see the gesture as a challenge to do better in their studies.

On his part, the Dean of Student Affairs, Professor Musa Obalola and former Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof Olufunlayo Bammeke appreciated the donors of the scholarship awards. They averred that the gesture complements the University’s efforts to promote inclusivity in the provision of tertiary education.

The wife of the scholarship award donor, Anna Oliver; and other facilitators including an alumnus of UNILAG Mass Communication and doctorate researcher at the University of Sussex, Mr Michael Fadeyi and Dr. Ifeolu Akintunde who spoke virtually at the event described the award as a token of their commitment towards assisting students with special needs as well as positioning them for a better student experience.

Responding on behalf of all beneficiaries, a 100-level UNILAG student, Mojisola Adeleye expressed gratitude to the donors, describing the gesture as one which will ease their studies and boost their morale for greater exploits in their academic pursuits.

UAE Considers Reducing Visa and DVN Fees for Nigerians

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blacktalker
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On October 21, 2022, the UAE government imposed a ban on 20 African countries, including Nigeria. However, on July 15, 2024, Nigeria’s Information Minister, Mohammed Idris, announced that the ban “had been lifted following a mutually beneficial discussion” between Nigeria and the UAE.

Since this announcement, media outlets have been abuzz with information and speculation.

Visa Fees and Banking Requirements:

Following the lifting of the visa ban, the UAE introduced stricter controls on the visa process, including a requirement for document verification to ensure the authenticity of documents submitted by applicants. The Document Verification Number (DVN) fee was set at 640,000 Naira by the website managing the DVN process, documentverificationhub.ae. Additionally, applicants were required to have a bank balance of 15 million NGN as a precondition for obtaining a visa.

These stringent fees and banking requirements have caused significant concern and backlash among Nigerian travelers and stakeholders.

Potential Review and Reduction of Fees:

In response to widespread concern, the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) has requested through official channels that the UAE reconsider these fees. Sources close to the UAE have revealed that a new and revised rate for the DVN and the bank balance requirement is imminent. This potential review aims to make it more affordable for Nigerians to visit the UAE for tourism, business, and family visits.

The Nigerian government has been actively pushing for these changes, and their efforts appear to be successful. Several sources confirm that the UAE is seriously considering revising the fee structure.

Impact on Nigerian Travelers:

A reduction in DVN and visa fees would alleviate the financial burden on Nigerian travelers, making it easier for them to visit the UAE. This move is expected to foster stronger ties between the two nations, encouraging more tourism, business engagements, and cultural exchanges. Lowering the fees would likely increase the number of Nigerian visitors to the UAE, boosting tourism and economic activities. It would also provide an opportunity for more Nigerians to explore business and investment opportunities in the UAE.

Timeline and Implementation:

Although the exact timeline for the fee reduction has not been announced, changes are anticipated soon. Detailed guidelines and updated fee structures are expected following the review.

The potential reduction of visa and DVN fees underscores the UAE’s commitment to maintaining strong bilateral relations with Nigeria. This development signifies a positive step towards more inclusive and affordable travel policies, benefiting Nigerian citizens and enhancing diplomatic ties.

The DVN will improve Nigeria’s image in the UAE, with the hope that more credible individuals will be able to travel and do business in the UAE with ease, thereby removing the negative perception created by a few Nigerians involved in crime.

UNILAG: Professor of Estate Management, Otegbulu Delivers 22nd Inaugural Lecture

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blacktalker
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……Emphasizes Critical Role of Environment in Human Life.

Professor of Estate Management in the University of Lagos UNILAG, Austin Chike Otegbulu has emphasized the critical role of the environment in human life, especially for rural communities who rely on natural resources for their livelihood. He also highlighted the forest’s wealth in non-timber products such as food, cosmetics, herbs, and aromatic substances.

Professor Otegbulu, who made this emphasis while delivering the 22nd Inaugural Lecture in the 2023/2024 Academic Session at the J.F. Ade. Ajayi Auditorium, UNILAG, Akoka, with the title; ”The Mysteries Of Bermuda Triangle And Environmental Valuation: The Missing Gap In Policy Decisions”.

He pointed out a significant issue saying, many benefits and costs associated with changes in both natural and man-made environments are not priced in the market like land, buildings, cars, and economic trees. As a result, these environmental assets are often undervalued, degraded, and used wastefully, leading to a substantial gap in environmental policy decisions.

The Estate Management expert elaborated on the importance of understanding the concept of Total Economic Value and Environmental Valuation Techniques, which can help properly assess changes in environmental assets and guide effective policy decisions.

He also illustrated this with examples from the Delta region, where communities have protested against environmental devastation due to industrial activities and have received inadequate compensation because of improper valuation and a failure to consider the total economic value of their resources.

The Professor demonstrated the use of environmental valuation techniques for utility pricing, including setting tariffs and toll roads. He also showed how these techniques can inform policy decisions related to infrastructure provision based on consumer demand preferences.

He emphasized that aligning infrastructure with user demand can result in high and sustainable willingness to pay for services, while demystifying the non-market value in ecosystems using these valuation techniques, contrasting this with the enduring mystery of the Bermuda Triangle.

LAGOS STATE SECURITY TRUST FUND TAKES DELIVERY OF VEHICLES DONATED BY JULIUS BERGER NIGERIA PLC

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blacktalker
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…Hands Over Nine Refurbished Armored Personnel Carrier to Lagos State Rapid Response Squad, RRS.

The Lagos State Security Trust Fund, LSSTF, has taken delivery of five (5) Pickup Tunland vehicles donated by a leading construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria PLC.

Security Manager (Region West), Julius Berger, Mr. Lucky Agbajama on behalf of the company, officially handed over the keys of the five vehicles to the Executive Secretary/CEO, LSSTF, Dr. Abdurrazaq Balogun, and the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Sam Egube.

Mr. Agbajama explained that this donation demonstrates the buy of the objectives of the Fund by Julius Berger towards enhancing the security infrastructure of Lagos State.

He reiterated Julius Berger’s commitment to supporting State community developments and security initiatives and confidence that the vehicles would add value in sustaining the activities of the Fund in facilitating safety and security in the State.

Executive Secretary/CEO, LSSTF, Dr. Abdurrazaq Balogun, on behalf of the Fund and State Government, expressed his profound appreciation to Julius Berger for their donation.

Dr. Balogun assured the donor that the vehicles would be put to optimal use in strengthening the security framework of the State. He also highlighted the importance of such collaborations between the private sector and government agencies in achieving sustainable security solutions.

In a related development, the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, LSSTF, took a significant step in bolstering the security infrastructure of the State by presenting nine (9) Armored Personnel Carrier Vehicles to the Rapid Response Squad, RRS.

Executive Secretary/CEO, LSSTF, Dr. Abdurrazaq Balogun said this initiative underscores LSSTF’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the operational capacity of the RRS towards the improvement of security for the prosperity of all residents of Lagos State.

Human Rights Journalists Network Trains Journalists, CSOs on Digital Security

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blacktalker
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The Human Rights Journalists Network, HRJN has successfully trained journalists, activists, and civil society organizations from Nigeria and other African countries on digital security. The two-day workshop, themed “Digital Security and Resilience Workshop,” took place on Thursday, July 18, and Friday, July 19, 2024. The event was supported by the West African Civil Society Institute, WACSI, and the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, in partnership with Citizens Gavel.

HRJN Executive Director, Kehinde Adegboyega spoke to journalists after the workshop, highlighting the event’s aim to educate journalists on how to protect themselves, especially when demanding transparency and accountability from the government.

“We understand that every journalist now works within the digital space and needs to know how to protect themselves. Because journalists hold the government accountable, some face attacks and arrests for what they write. This workshop, supported by the West African Civil Society Institute, addressed these issues. We discussed state surveillance, how journalists can protect themselves, and partnered with Citizens Gavel, an NGO providing pro bono litigation support for journalists. Participants also learned how to develop digital security policies for their organizations,” said Adegboyega.

One of the facilitators, Israel Olatunji, a Data Scientist and founder of ChatVE, emphasized the importance of journalists familiarizing themselves with principles like confidentiality, integrity, and availability to ensure privacy and security in the digital space.


“New threats, such as zero-day vulnerabilities, are emerging. These threats exploit unknown vulnerabilities in devices or platforms, and it’s crucial for journalists to protect themselves,” Olatunji stated.

Tech Lead at Citizens Gavel, Oluwadamilare Ayankoya, spoke about PODUS AI, an AI-powered legal assistant developed to enhance access to justice for Nigerians.

“At Gavel, we strive to speed up the pace of justice in Nigeria. Through tech, we engage citizens and assist with their cases. PODUS AI helps the less privileged get legal insights and connects them to pro bono lawyers,” said Ayankoya.

During his session,WebProgram Digital Manager at HRJN,  Godstime Agho, emphasised the importance of using strong passwords to protect devices, applications, social media accounts, and physical assets. He also highlighted the use of Open-Source Intelligence Tools (OSINT) and urged organizations to develop security policy strategies.

HRJN Deputy Director, Blessing Oladunjoye advised journalists to be cautious online and digitally. She emphasized setting up Two-Step Verification on WhatsApp, Multi-Factor Authentication on email, X (formerly Twitter), and other social media accounts.

“As journalists, due to the nature of our work and the information we gather, there are attempts to limit our work. It is crucial to implement all available security features on our devices and social media platforms to protect our work and interactions,” Oladunjoye stated.

Nothing Beats A Good Lung
(A rejoinder to Farooq Oreagba’s “Nothing beats a good smoke” comment)

By Babajide Seidu Adewale

By
blacktalker
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Tobacco kills up to half of its users who don’t quit. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), it is the only legal consumer product that kills up to half of its users when used as intended by the manufacturer.

In 2023, no fewer than eight million people died from tobacco, including an estimated 1.3 million non-smokers who were exposed to second-hand smoke. In Nigeria, about 28,876 tobacco deaths are recorded annually. This, according to research by the Centre for the Study of Economies of Africa (CSEA), costs Nigerians about N526.45 billion in direct annual treatment expenses. Even more concerning is the reality that over five million young Nigerians are addicted to smoking, even in the face of negative health consequences.

Despite this sobering data, the tobacco and allied industries remain relentless in their pursuit of new victims. To maintain or increase tobacco sales and profits, they must attract new prey to replace those who die or manage to quit. To this end, the industry spent a staggering eight billion dollars on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship (TAPS) last year, according to the WHO. In this mischievous plot, impressionable children and young persons are particularly vulnerable, easily swayed by the glamourisation of tobacco imagery in the media to adopt smoking and other detrimental habits.

That is why the buzz around recent comments by investment banker Mr. Farooq Oreagba endorsing smoking deserves comment.

Just weeks after the Nigerian Government, through the National Film and Videos Censors Board (NFVCB), moved to curb the glamorisation of smoking in Nigeria’s entertainment industry, Nigerians were confronted by a paradox: it was the sensational, widely publicised image of Oreagba, a cancer survivor and awareness volunteer, puffing on a cigar.

The distinguished Ijebu son, at this year’s Ojude Oba (the King’s) Festival in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, stole the show with his “steeze,” a trending urban slang for impeccable fashion and personality. Oreagba left netizens drooling and, inadvertently, became the face of the festival following his grand entrance at the event. Pictured sitting on a beautifully decorated horse, his enhanced look – including a cigar hanging from his lips – earned him the title of “The Man of the Day.” 

According to some media accounts, the Ojude Oba draws about one million participants yearly, not to mention the TV and social media audience.

“What a day!! The whole world has seen the pics,” an excited Oreagba said in a post on his Instagram handle on June 24.

The Federal Government, which only a few weeks before the viral shot from the Ojude Oba festival had received kudos for its strong push against tobacco promotion and glamourisation in the entertainment industry, also saw the images. Yet on July 8, 2024, Obi Asika, the Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), named Oreagba the NCAC’s Honorary Global Ambassador. It was entirely within its rights to do so.

*Tobacco Control*

In recent years, the Nigerian government, driven by advocacy from tobacco control advocates, has taken a fairly tough stance against smoking, especially against its portrayal in films and visual media. To protect Nigerians, the government enacted the National Tobacco Control Act (NTCA) 2015.

Specifically, Section 12 (1) of the NTCA 2015  states that “Except otherwise provided in this Act, no person shall (a) promote or advertise tobacco or tobacco products in any form; (b) sponsor or participate in any programme or event which is aimed at wholly or partially promoting or advertising tobacco or tobacco products; or (c) engage or participate in any tobacco advertising, promotion, or sponsorship as a media or event organiser, celebrity or other participant, as a recipient of any sponsorship contribution, or as an intermediary that facilitates any such contribution.”

However, Section 12 (2) of the NTCA provides contradictory exceptions, allowing communication between tobacco manufacturers, retailers, and consenting adults aged 18 years or older. This loophole, among other devious tactics, is regularly exploited by the industry to ensnare new customers. They could be doing so now.

Following the wide mileage of the Oreagba cigar images and his comments in subsequent videos, the government’s tobacco control efforts are now at risk of unravelling.

For instance, on July 1, a video was shared on X with the caption, “ST hosted Mr Farooq Oreagba at his cigar lounge.” It showed Oreagba being presented with and lighting up a cigar.

“This is gonna be a good smoke,” Oreagba said as the cigar was lit. Taking a drag, he added, “If this is what I get for riding a horse, I’d ride every **** day. D***! This is nice! This is a nice cigar! This is a fri**ing nice cigar!” As of July 1, the video had racked up 552.9K views, with not a few comments acknowledging his remarks.

It did not end there. On July 11, Oreagba posted a video and pictures of himself puffing a cigar with the caption, “Let me just drop these here. Nothing beats a good smoke ….” 2.3 million people had seen the video and images as of Tuesday, July 16.

At this rate, one can only imagine if a fraction of viewers, heavily influenced by Oreagba’s promotion of smoking, take up this deadly habit, our public health system – already tethering on the brink of collapse – would have an additional burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) to contend with. The victims, unlike Oreagba, may probably not be able to raise the funds to seek the advanced and expensive medical diagnosis and care that their debilitating conditions would require.

According to the WHO, studies show that both direct (advertising) and indirect (promotion and sponsorship) approaches increase the likelihood of people beginning or continuing tobacco use. Such tactics also mislead the public by depicting tobacco as no different from any other legal consumer product, thereby increasing its social acceptability. Thus, the promotion of images such as Oreagba’s Ojude Oba’s appearance, as extensively covered by both traditional and new media, creates a falsely positive image of smoking. It also helps the tobacco industry to recruit new addicts for its products of disease and death, to the detriment of public health and tobacco control efforts.

To be clear, Oreagba does not claim responsibility for his images going viral. He credited that to the photographers, stating that it was not planned that way. This article does not suggest that he has been recruited by the tobacco industry either. In the same vein, it is important to note that smoking, as deadly as it is, is not illegal yet, and an adult is entirely within their rights to decide their lifestyle and health choices.

However, with status comes responsibility. The kind of responsibility that should have prompted the Ojude Oba icon to refrain from using his newfound celebrity status to publicly promote smoking, inadvertently furthering the interests of the tobacco industry against the health of Nigerians. 

Oreagba has also defended his public display and glamourisation of smoking by saying it did not cause his cancer. The businessman is weathering an incurable form of cancer: multiple myeloma. Unlike the majority of cancers where smoking is a leading risk factor, multiple myeloma is a rare exception whose cause remains unknown, according to the Cancer Council of Australia. Nevertheless, smoking can still complicate treatments for multiple myeloma and worsen symptoms.

The Oreagba paradox deepens with the realisation that he is a cancer awareness volunteer who runs marathons to raise funds for cancer charities. He disclosed his awareness of smoking’s heightened risk for cancer while narrating his cancer survival story in a 2017 interview with The Heart of the Matter (HOTM). Oreagba said: “The two things that I have learned, and I keep on telling people, is, you can increase or decrease your chances of getting cancer by the lifestyle you lead. I’ve met someone who’s got lung cancer and never smoked. But if you do smoke, the chances you’ll get lung cancer increases.”

Like Oreagba, most people know smoking can cause cancer. What they may not be aware of is that it can also cause several other diseases and can damage nearly every organ in the body, including the lungs, heart, blood vessels, reproductive organs, mouth, skin, eyes, and bones. About 80% of lung cancers, as well as about 80% of all lung cancer deaths, are due to smoking. Smoking also increases the risk for cancers of the mouth, larynx (voice box), pharynx (throat), oesophagus, kidney, cervix, liver, bladder, pancreas, stomach, colon/rectum. It also raises the risk of acute myeloid leukaemia. Cigarettes, cigars, and pipes can all cause cancer. There is no safe form of tobacco smoke.

The tobacco industry, facing stiffer opposition in the West, is actively targeting countries in the global south, like Nigeria, with large youth populations and relatively weaker anti-tobacco regulations. Their focus is on young Nigerians, the same impressionable people taken in by Oreagba’s steeze and glamourisation of smoking. It is on this basis that I must implore Oreagba, in the interest of the country he so loves, to cease using his fame to endorse and promote smoking.

I urge him, if he loves his teeming fans – constituting mainly of young people with their futures ahead of them – not to take sides with the monster called the tobacco industry, which is intent on killing or severely harming Nigerians, so it can make more money.

_Adewale, an anti-tobacco awareness volunteer, writes from Abuja_

Unity Bank Customers Win Over 4 Million Naira in Cashtoken Rewards Promo

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blacktalker
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Unity Bank customers have claimed over 4 million Naira in cash rewards in its ongoing loyalty programme recently rolled out with Cashtoken, a Cash Reward-as-a-Service company.

The winners included no fewer than 40 customers who adopted and transacted on the Bank’s digital banking platforms, including the UniFi mobile banking application, the *7799# USSD platform, or activated their Unity Bank Verve Card to transact on e-payment terminals across Nigeria.

Beginning from onboarding in our customer lifecycle journey, the Unity Bank Cashtoken Partnership commenced as a loyalty and reward scheme to reinforce the benefits of e-banking platforms. To begin, Customer transactions earn cash tokens, which are then redeemed to qualify for the monthly Cashtoken Rewards draw. Consequently, winners emerge from the draws to claim the cash prizes.

Recall that the retail lender announced the ongoing Cashtoken Rewards loyalty programme in December 2023 in partnership with Cashtoken Rewards Africa to empower customers and improve customer satisfaction. The partnership with Cashtoken Rewards also provided an opportunity for the Bank to migrate customers—old and new—to a platform that will continually create exciting rewards and appreciation for loyalty.

Eghomware Iyamu, Unity Bank’s Head of E-Business, commenting on the success of the Cashtoken Rewards loyalty program, stated: “We are excited to see our customers win over N4 million in cash rewards through our partnership with Cashtoken. This initiative demonstrates our commitment to recognizing and rewarding the loyalty of our customers”.

“By leveraging our digital banking platforms, including the Unifi mobile banking application and the *7799# USSD platform, we are not only enhancing customer experience but also providing life-changing opportunities. The Cashtoken Rewards program is a testament to our dedication to improving customer satisfaction and creating meaningful rewards along our customer lifecycle journey. We look forward to seeing more of our customers benefit from this exciting program as we continue to innovate and deliver exceptional value to them.”

Unity Bank has robust electronic banking products which include mobile and digital banking channels, including ATM, PoS, or any digital payment channels that support retail product transactions across the country. New-to-Bank customers are invited to open a Unity Bank account, onboard onto the digital platforms, and begin transacting on the various platforms to earn cash token rewards and cash prizes while existing customers are encouraged to onboard and transact to win even more rewards and cash prizes. 

Promasidor Nigeria Appoints Eno Udoma-Eniang As Director Of Corporate Affairs, Ikun Dairy Farm

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blacktalker
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Promasidor Nigeria Limited has announced the appointment of Dr. Eno Udoma-Eniang as its Corporate Affairs and Ikun Dairy Farm, IDF Director, effective July 8th, 2024.

Eno joins Promasidor Nigeria from Emerging Markets Telecommunications Services Limited (9Mobile), where she held several leadership roles, the last of which was Head of Government and Legislative Affairs, promoting a favourable positioning and protection for the organization’s corporate, regulatory, and policy interests.

She brings over three decades of extensive multinational and multi-jurisdictional experience, in broad multi-functional roles spanning legal practice, social responsibility, corporate and regulatory affairs, and commercial legal management, to the Promasidor team. Her career cuts across Law Practice, Banking, and Telecommunications sectors, having worked in top-notch law firms including, Udo Udoma & Belo Osagie (Nigeria), Bentsi Enchill, Letsa & Ankomah (Accra, Ghana), UBA Trustees and Econet Wireless Nigeria (Now Airtel Nigeria).

Eno’s proven track record in Leadership, Stakeholder Management, Communications, Corporate Governance, and Advocacy makes her an invaluable addition to Promasidor Nigeria leadership team.

Eno Chaired the Legal & Regulatory Committee of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) and currently serves as the 2nd Vice Chairman of the Committee of Legal Advisers & Company Secretaries of the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA).

Dr Eno Udoma-Eniang is a lawyer and holds a B.L from both the Nigerian Law School and Ghana School of Law, an MBA in Consultancy Management from the University of Wales, Cardiff, and an Executive MBA and DBA from EMAS Business School, Eurasia. She is a Chartered Mediator and Conciliator, a Chartered Secretary and Administrator, a Member of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, and an Associate Member of the International Management Academy, IMA.

About Promasidor

Promasidor was founded in 1979 by Robert Rose, who left the United Kingdom in 1957 to pursue his African dream in Zimbabwe. Since then, Promasidor has expanded its presence to several African countries. Promasidor Nigeria commenced operations in 1993 and has achieved remarkable growth over the years.

Promasidor Nigeria is a leading manufacturer of high-quality products such as Cowbell Milk, Loya Milk, Miksi Milk, Kremela,1 Cowbell Chocolate, Cowbell Evaporated Milk, Cowbell Coffee, Cowbell Strawberry, Top Tea, and Onga food Seasoning.

The company is committed to maintaining high corporate governance and social responsibility standards. Promasidor Nigeria ensures its obligations to consumers, suppliers, employees, and communities are met with respect, integrity, and openness.

WITH GIANTS CAMPAIGN, FIRSTBANK IS TRULY WOVEN INTO THE FABRIC OF SOCIETY

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blacktalker
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The ‘Giant in you’ campaign of the FirstBank has again confirmed the common expression that ‘apple doesn’t fall far from the tree’ given the history of the financial brand and its legendary relevance to the growth of enterprises, within and outside Nigeria. 

In its usual creative conjecture, 130-year-old FirstBank, has hit the airwaves and other media outlets with various visuals to articulate its new campaign ‘The Giant in You’. Breaking down the central message, ‘there is a giant in you’ the campaign stylishly reminds the bank customer that ‘FirstBank Puts You First so you can’ before giving the match order, ‘Live the Giant-Life.


For a bank that settles for the big ‘elephant’, as its logo and has remained strong for 130 years, words like giant, tall, and strides, used in the various visuals are simply validations of its robustness, endurance, doggedness, and tall ambition. As part of the ways to convey the bank’s message to its array of patrons, SO&U, the creative agency behind the campaign cleverly selected its cast and buildings, including FirstBank’s corporate headquarters, to reflect the bigness, the tallness, and the boldness of the 130-year-old financial institution to rule the world as far as banking and business support are concerned.

Unraveling the ‘Giant’ strides…

Among other reasons, the new campaign must have been conceptualized to position FirstBank as a ‘giant’ and ‘future-ready’ institution that is dependable, innovative, and proactive in supporting its customers and stakeholders to win in the race to the future and be in a position to take advantage of the opportunities and possibilities of that emerging future.


Driven by the conviction that consumers want to turn their big dreams into giant successes, the new campaign reminds the consumer that in today’s world of constant disruptions and integrated experiences, the customer needs a strong, stable, and supportive partner, with the appropriate platforms, innovative solutions and networks to not only support their aspirations but also be responsive and adaptive enough to anticipate their needs and empower them to success.

Looking through the visuals and the television commercial, it’s easy to conclude that the campaign narrative is not about the brand but the customer. For instance, the creative path illustrates the world as it moves and changes at lightning speed, the customer is reminded that just like the world, everything within it is also changing, from economies to businesses and even opportunities.
“We recognise that to be in sync with the world will require a forward-thinking and future-ready mindset …and we have created the atmosphere, products, and services to help our customers,” the bank stated.

To underscore ‘the big idea’ and the ‘bringing out the Giant in you’ theme, key visuals speak to the essence of the campaign and are accompanied by long and straight legs in a demonstrative form to take the purported giant step. Here the messages are passed under the following; ready to take giant strides?, strides into the future, let’s take giant strides together, stand tall, stand out, think giant solutions, among others.

Facts and figures…

Like Coca-Cola, the world’s number one brand, one other thing that has consistently worked for the FirstBank brand is that the promoters have never, for once allowed complacency to set in. The implication of this is that the bank is not only the oldest but also one of the most digitally compliant banks.  Currently, First Bank stands tall via First Bank digital solutions, employing market-leading digital platforms and solution-driven products and services. Besides, the use of AI and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) by the bank enables the financial brand to initiate 85 percent of its transactions via digital platforms leading to quick responses to customers’ needs and satisfaction. In this regard, FirstBank has been recognised by Interswitch as the first financial institution in Nigeria to achieve 100 million sustained monthly transactions in electronic payment and it has hit N1 trillion in transactions through the FirstMonie Agent network.


Speaking during the unveiling of the new thematic brand campaign, Head, Brand and Stakeholder management at FirstBank, Yinka Ijabiyi, reiterated that FirstBank came up with the new campaign because of its belief that there is a ‘giant’ in every customer, every employee, and every stakeholder. He said, “This campaign was informed by our belief that there is ‘giant’ in every stakeholder a giant dream, a giant possibility, a giant idea, a giant life, and a giant future waiting to be birthed. Our commitment is therefore to provide all necessary business support, financial know-how, and platforms to bring out the giant in every customer,”


Ijabiyi further pointed out that the campaign was conceptualised by the bank in a bid to show customers in its 130 years, that it has been supporting and creating giants and that it has no plan to stop anytime soon. He said the bank, in its celebration of its 130 years in business, came up with a campaign that speaks to the business essence of its brand which is making giants of its customers. “We have always done it and the fact we have been around for such a long time means good to everybody as we have been supporting businesses, individuals, and government in those years. “We are making giants and there is no business that interacts with us that does not see the benefits in their business. We are making giants in our customers and we will not stop.


“We are the partner with tailored solutions for every customer, employee, and stakeholder. We have what it takes to turn dreams into giant successes. FirstBank’s services are designed to help customers “giant-size” their dreams, offering businesses the platforms and solutions needed to grow, innovate, and achieve remarkable success.” Ijabiyi added that the array of products, solutions, and services offered by FirstBank cannot be compared with any financial services in Nigeria.


For its customers, the bank said “We would enable, inspire and support you with our world of financial services to help you to giant-size your dreams and live your best life”. It also said it “would give businesses and business owners the right platforms and solutions they need to grow, initiate, and execute bold ideas.

Meanwhile, the creative agency behind the campaign has hinted to the media that the unveiled materials were mere ‘tip of the iceberg’ as efforts are ongoing to domesticate the same campaign in local languages to connect with customers across the major ethnic groups in Nigeria.

A peep into the past…

When the promoters said First Bank was “truly the first, many grudgingly agreed. But deep inside its competitors – the possible grudging camp – is the truth regarding the extreme distance the bank has given others in performance and people the relevance of its operations! They knew the bank was not bluffing. Not only has it rediscovered itself, but the ability to shed its ancient mindset in terms of operations and blend with modern trends in banking has left many agreeing that perhaps, the saying that the older the wine the better it gets in taste applies to FirstBank. To this end, it’s not by accident that First Bank has produced at least two former governors of the CBN and a Finance Minister, including Chief Joseph Sanusi and the current Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi.

Perhaps the current campaign is an offshoot of a story-telling Television Commercial, by the bank to reflect the beginning of modern banking and how the bank has consistently grown with Nigeria’s enterprises through partnership and innovation.


The referenced TVC says it all: A combination of historical renaissance and quite prescient validation of the innovation that usually drives its bewitching communicational ads. From the groundnut pyramids of the north, which was the symbol of the region’s commercial edge, and the cocoa bean mountains of Western Nigeria to the rubber plantations of the East and Mid-eastern region, First Bank has applied its new campaign to remind its decades-old patrons, customers, and even competitors, that the beat has refused to abate.


Throughout the campaign, FirstBank subtly registers itself in the minds of the banking public that it’s entirely Nigerian – past, present, and future. The well-crafted historical simulation captures how FirstBank opened its first branch in Lagos in 1894 and started helping merchandise and local traders to grow their businesses. The excitement and enthusiasm on the faces of the bank’s early customers after getting their cash books from the Lagos office say it all. Like someone who has gotten a glimpse of what the future holds with banking, the customers express surprises and happiness. The commercial captures the mood and goes back in memory lane on how the bank has helped many people succeed in their ventures. Subtly, the narrator takes viewers to Kano and reveals how the then richest men in the commercial city were making their deposit of 20 bags of Silver in an atmosphere that looks like the first operational day of the bank.


Perhaps the beauty of the commercial lies more in the way it strikes a balance between the ancient and the modern days through the setting and swapping of background colours. This was cleverly explored in referencing the way the bank transformed into an online haven, driven by technology. While reminding the patrons of the bank’s transformation and technological advancement, the narrator is quick to talk about the expansion of the bank beyond the shores of Nigeria to the West African region and beyond. The TVC also positions FirstBank as a socially responsible brand by touching on various initiatives it has embarked on. Specifically, First Bank’s contribution to Sports through its support for football and athletics is captured very well.
The ‘Giant in You’ is another chapter as the bank begins a fresh journey after operating for 130 years.

Culled from ThisDay

LASU Centre for Sargassum Research and Fisheries Department to Partner with Fisheries Society of Nigeria

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blacktalker
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The Centre of Excellence for Sargassum Research, CESAR, and the Fisheries Department at Lagos State University, LASU, are set to form a strategic partnership with the Fisheries Society of Nigeria, FISON.

This potential collaboration was revealed by the immediate past Director of CESAR, Professor Martins Anetekhaiat the meeting with the representatives of the Fisheries Society of Nigeria held on Thursday, 18th July 2024 at the Centre of Excellence for Sagassum Research, Office, Admin Block 2 Car park Area.

During the meeting, Professor Anetekhai recounted the origins of CESAR, explaining that the center was established to address the challenges posed by sargassum to fishing and transportation. The initiative, funded by the Lagos State Government, has significantly mitigated sargassum’s impact on the sea beaches of Badagry and surrounding areas.

The centre has achieved significant milestones, including winning the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology Research Innovation award at the 2023 Abuja Expo. CESAR showcased animal feed products made from sargassum, such as saga-rabbit, saga-fish, saga-pig, saga-grasscutter, and saga-chicken feeds. These products have received trademarks and are awaiting patent approval.

Professor Anetekhai highlighted the importance of partnering with FISON to advance aquaculture farming using sargassum. He emphasized the mutual benefits of the collaboration, which aims to explore various areas of shared interest.

President of FISON, Dr. Ebinimi Ansa, expressed her admiration for CESAR’s innovative efforts. She learned about the center during a workshop and encouraged one of her project students to research sargassum. Dr. Ansa praised CESAR for its proactive approach, stating,
“This centre has already started running even before it became fully functional. We are very appreciative and look forward to the collaboration.”

Dr. Ansa commended CESAR for its creative and innovative products, which have the potential to significantly enhance the fisheries sector. She acknowledged the center’s role in developing valuable products that can reduce the cost of animal feeds for farmers, adding value to the aquaculture sector. She also expressed gratitude for the warm reception received at short notice.

The meeting was attended by key figures, including Vice President of FISON Dr. Lekan Oguntade, HOD of Fisheries Department Prof. Abiodun Abayomi Jimoh, CESAR Academic Secretary Dr. Gbenisola Shaibu, Head of CESAR Fisheries Group Prof. Clark, Prof. Adewolu, Dr. Afolalu Awe from the Fisheries Department, CESAR Administrative Secretary Mr. Olatunde Shefiu, CESAR Admin Staff Mrs. Victoria Olatunji, and CESAR Media Officer Mr. Ademola Adekoya.

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