Business

UT Financials Services Holds Seminar on Investing for the Future, Proffers Saving Solutions

Published

7 years ago

April 22, 2018

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The prestigious ambiance of the Raddison Blu Anchorage Hotel, located in the highbrow Victoria Island, Lagos, played host to the launch of exquisite financial products from number one financial house, UT Financial Services Limited.

The CEO, Mr. Ade Adebajo

The event, which tends to educate Nigerians on the need to inculcate the culture of savings as a first step to profitable investment, presented diverse areas where investors can advantage of, and secure their financial future.

Mr. Kofi Amoabeng, President, UT Financials

Tagged Investing to Secure the Future, the occasion showcased speakers from notable financial institutions, who took quality time to dissect the problems associated with savings and investing as well as proffered solutions to the savings and investment scourge.

Mr. Michael Olaiya, UT Financials Head of Projects

Kick starting the avalanche of seasoned lectures was the Chief Executive Officer of the host company, Mr. Ade Adebajo. In his address, he noted that it is become worrisome that most Nigerians have not imbibed the culture investing their extra cash, which automatically guarantees future financial security.

Ade Ababajo, Eric Elezuo and Michael Olaiya

“How can you reap when you have not invested? Most people who had done well in the past are poor today because they were not exposed to the culture of investing. Either nobody told them why they must invest, or they felt it doesn’t matter. Today, regret has become the middle name. This is an opportunity as we are faced with the stark reality. UT provides all the opportunities as regards where and how to invest,” he said.

Segun Akintunde, delivering his lecture

Following his speech, the President of the organization, Mr. Kofi Amoabeng, who operates from the Ghana head office, went down memory lane and brought to the present the story of how the organization started many years ago, and how nine years ago, they decided to take entrepreneurial risk and established a branch in Nigeria. He noted that the biggest problem of an investor is the decision to start, and that is why many people have remained ‘would-be investor’. He further stressed that UT has all it takes to make any entrepreneur that investor he wishes to be.

Mr. Gary Whitehill, Genevieve Alatise and UT managerial staff

“Saving reduces the stress of going to bank for loan” Amoabeng said, adding that the SMEs are the livewire of any economy as it improves the economy of any country.

In his lecture, Mr. Segun Akintunde of Skye Bank, speaking on ‘The Need to Save’ noted that Nigerians ranked among countries with the least saving culture, which in effect is affecting the growth of the SMEs.

A cross section of participants

“Nigerians have been ranked among people that have the lowest saving culture. It is the amount of saving that you have that will form the amount of investment you will have. This is the reason the SMEs are suffering because Nigerians are not saving enough for them to have an investment,” he lamented.

He continued: “There is need to improve saving culture among Nigerians. We need to save for security purpose, to enhance our standard of living, to acquire assets, raise more capital and invest.”

Guests

According to him some of the challenges preventing people from saving are procrastination, lack of budget, impatience, discipline and goals.

Mrs. Genevieve Alatise, who came in from Ghana, echoed the voices of the previous speakers as she presented the financial products available at UT, stressing that the company is even empowered to plan school fees payment for its customers.

Mrs. Genevieve Alatise

The occasion was also an opportunity present a subsidiary of the UT Group, which is UT Homes. The honour of the presentation was given to the Head of Projects, Mr. Michael Olaiya.

Lending credence to the authenticity of UT Homes, the CEO, Ade Adebajo added:

“UT Homes is another associate company of UT Financials. It is the arm that deals with property. We sell property to low medium income owners. We manage property for people who engage us. That’s basically what UT Homes is all about. The reach for now is that we want to help meet the housing demand of people, especially in Lagos state and others. We are involved in building affordable homes anybody can buy.”

Cross section of UT Financial Services staff

With the Strategic Alliances skills presented by the Managing Director, First Ally Investment Limited, Mr. Felix Johnson, a prolific finance guru, Mr. Abraham Amkpa took centre stage for the proper launch of the UT products. This was a task he handled with the professionalism of one who had spent time in the industry.

The Master Compere

Rounding off, Mr. Gary Whitehill, a financial and investment motivational speaker, made the audience understand that the time for making excuses was in the past. ‘The time for action is now, contact UT Financial Services for that specialized investment needs of yours’, he advised.

Business

Fraud Allegations Against Us False – FirstBank

Published

5 days ago

December 15, 2024

Eric

The management of First Bank of Nigeria Limited has dismissed allegations of fraud reported against it in a recent publication by an online platform, Tech Cabal, describing the claims as baseless and unsupported by evidence.

In a corporate statement titled ‘Correction of Misleading Information Regarding Fraud Allegations,’ Olayinka Ijabiyi, the Acting Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, addressed the issue on behalf of the bank.

“We have been made aware of a recent publication by Tech Cabal containing allegations of fraud involving our institution. We wish to categorically state that the story is entirely unfounded and not supported by any factual evidence,” Ijabiyi stated.

The bank reaffirmed its commitment to ethical practices and transparency, urging the public to disregard the allegations. It emphasized its dedication to maintaining trust with its customers and stakeholders while upholding its longstanding reputation as a leader in Nigeria’s financial sector.

First Bank reiterated its focus on delivering reliable and trustworthy banking services, dismissing the report as misleading and lacking merit.

Business

UBA Group to Commence Full Banking Operations in France

Published

3 weeks ago

November 29, 2024

Eric

As part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to France, the Chairman of UBA Group, in the presence of President Tinubu and the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, signed a landmark business cooperation agreement with the French Finance Minister, Antoine Armand. The agreement is a significant indication of support by the French Government for the development of UBA’s full banking operations in France.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Tony Elumelu, the Chairman of UBA Group commented: ”This partnership reinforces our commitment to seamless international banking services for our customers, not just across the 11 Francophone African countries we serve, but Africa as a whole; and French and European customers transacting with Africa. Expanding into France is a natural progression, with Paris serving as our European Union hub, as we continue to bring Africa and the world together, through innovative financial solutions. Paris will join London, New York and Dubai, as a critical component of our unique global network.”

United Bank for Africa 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. Operating in 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.

Business

Built to Last: UBA Set to Empower MSMEs with Wealth Management Strategies

Published

4 weeks ago

November 20, 2024

Eric

As part of its commitment to deepen the growth and sustainability of micro, small and medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs) on the continent, Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, is set to host the last edition of its quarterly business series for the year.

This edition of the business series, “Profit with Purpose, Business Continuity,” will be held on Thursday, November 21st 2024, by 12 PM (noon) at the Tony Elumelu Amphitheatre, UBA House, Marina, Lagos and intending participants are expected to register via the Registration Link at https://ubagroup.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_UG0EUWSLTZqu91jSMSih5w

The UBA Business Series is a regular seminar/workshop organised by the bank as capacity-building initiatives for small businesses, where leading business leaders and professionals share well-researched insights on relevant topics and best practices for running successful businesses, especially in a challenging business environment.

This edition seeks to showcase businesses that are resilient and have done well through generations, adapting to political and economic changes.

Renowned leaders from diverse industries, including a prominent lawyer, award winning film director, and producer, Bolanle Austen-Peters whose work has significantly impacted Nigerian Cinema, and theatre will headline this last quarter’ series. Her recent film House of GA’A has achieved a major milestone, reaching Netflix’s Global 10 list for indigenous language films.

Other prominent entrepreneurs who will be on ground to give insightful tips are, Founder and Chief Executive of Asadtek Group Limited, Ghana; Dr. James Asare-Adjei; Award winning TV Personality & Multi Media Entrepreneur, Frank Edoho, Celebrated multimedia personality, Toke Makinwa and founder of Nigeria’s pioneering indigenous premium coffee brand, Happy Coffee, Princess Adeyinka Tekena.

UBA’s Group Head, Retail and Digital Banking, Shamsideen Fashola who spoke on the upcoming workshop, said the vast knowledge and experience of the panellists, will give business owners more insight towards the importance of personal finance, wealth management and most importantly how to navigate the frailties of the harsh economy to ensure business growth.

“We know small businesses are vital to the growth and advancement of every economy, that is why at UBA, we constantly look for ways of ensuring that these business owners and operators are well-equipped to grow their businesses successfully,” he said.

“This edition provides a platform for SMEs to learn from experienced entrepreneurs who have built and sustained businesses through the decades.

“Hearing their stories and strategies will be invaluable for any business owner looking to build a lasting enterprise,” Fashola said.

Also speaking ahead of the event, UBA’s Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, noted that the business series is an invaluable learning opportunity, targeted at helping young and aspiring entrepreneurs scale up their businesses.

Ladipo further said, “At UBA, we are committed to empowering businesses of all sizes, and this business series is one way we are fulfilling that commitment.

“To this end, we have assembled an esteemed panel of speakers who will share their wealth of experience and insights on building a generational business. This is a must-attend event for anyone serious about the long-term success of their enterprise,” she said.

United Bank for Africa Plc is a leading Pan-African financial institution, offering banking services to more than forty-five million customers, across 1,000 business offices and customer touch points in 20 African countries. With presence in New York, London, Paris and Dubai, UBA is connecting people and businesses across Africa through retail, commercial and corporate banking, innovative cross-border payments and remittances, trade finance and ancillary banking services.