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BIG STORY

Cash Shortage Persists As Banks, Businesses Comply With CBN’s Directive On Old Naira Notes

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Commercial banks in Lagos have started disbursing the old naira notes to customers at their various automated teller machines (ATMs) terminals and over the counter.

The banks were also observed to be accepting deposits of the notes — a development which is in compliance with the latest directive of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on the naira redesign policy.

Yielding to pressure to obey a the supreme court judgement, the CBN had said the old N200, N500, and N1,000 notes remain legal tender until December 31, 2023.

It also directed banks to comply with the court order by issuing and accepting the old notes.

“…consequently, all concerned are directed to conform accordingly,” the apex bank had said.

Checks by TheCable on Wednesday show that some commercial banks in Lagos have started to comply with the directives from both the court and the regulator.

It was observed that an Access Bank branch in Marina area of Lagos dispensed and collected the old notes from customers.

A visit to branches of Access Bank and Wema Bank in Ebute Metta, Lagos, also showed that the banks had started dispensing the old notes over the counter and via ATMs.

At Stanbic IBTC in Abule Ado, customers were paid over the counter, with a cap of N20,000; while Zenith Bank, in the same location, allowed a withdrawal of only N2,000 per transaction via ATM.

More so, customers thronged ATMs at branches of Sterling Bank, Zenith Bank, and the United Bank for Africa (UBA) in the Ikorodu axis of Lagos, to withdraw cash.

“They are dispensing,” a customer said, tersely.

CODES FOR DEPOSITS

While banks were seen to be dispensing the notes, deposits of the old N200, N500, and N1,000 were also accepted from customers.

However, TheCable observed that for deposits to be made, customers are still required to generate a CBN reference code — a process launched in February for the apex bank’s currency redemption exercise.

At all the bank branches visited by TheCable reporters, customers were mandated to generate the reference code before they could deposit their old naira notes.

TRADERS ACCEPTING OLD NOTES GRADUALLY

When it comes to the theatrics of the naira redesign policy, one major problem the CBN’s fresh directive seems to be addressing is the rejection of the old notes by traders and business owners, as the TheCable’s findings show.

Narrating his experience, Musa Ciroma, a businessman who had collected the old notes from the Access Bank branch ATM at Marina, said he had bought petrol with the money and it was accepted.

Motorists and traders in the vicinity also accepted the currency notes. Most businesses in Ikorodu have also started transacting with the old notes.

“Everyone is accepting the old notes. Traders started accept since yesterday [Tuesday],” a tomato seller in Ikorodu, said.

In Alaba Suru market, several traders were also willing to accept the new notes at the time of visit.

A grocery store owner in Satellite Town, who simply identified as Mama Twins, said she started accepting the notes since the apex bank had told them that they could transact with it.

“Since CBN has announced that we could collect the amount, I have started collecting it,” she said.

THE SCEPTICS

But some traders are still sceptical about collecting the old naira notes in spite of the CBN’s directive.

A student, who simply identified as Kunle, said some traders in Fagba, Lagos, were yet to fully embrace the acceptance of the old notes as legal tender.

“I was able to buy pepper from an ‘aboki’ seller. But other traders that sell petty items in the area did not collect the old notes,” Kunle told TheCable.

Similarly, some traders in various markets in the satellite towns of the federal capital territory (FCT) are also unsure about accepting the old naira notes.

According to NAN, some of the traders at Karu, Nyanya, and Mararaba Markets on Tuesday, said they would not accept the notes for any transaction until further notice.

“I am scared of collecting the old notes because I feel it will be rejected by the people I buy my goods from,” Beatrice Ibe, a tomatoes dealer at Nyanya Market, said.

“Yes, I heard that the CBN has directed that we should start to spend and accept the old notes but what about the people in the villages?

“Have they also heard about it? I doubt it.

“I am waiting for other traders in the market to start collecting or accepting the old notes before I will collect from my customers.”

Alphonsus Iguru, another trader at Mararaba Market, said he had some of the old N500 and N1,000 notes but yet to spend them.

Iguru appealed to the CBN to improve its sensitisation on the directive; saying that many people were yet to come to terms with the news.

“I have some of the old notes before but nobody agreed to collect them from me,” he said.

“We do not know what the CBN will say again tomorrow, I don’t want to collect from people now and tomorrow, it will be another story.”

CASH SHORTAGE — A PERSISTING CHALLENGE

Meanwhile, some banks at the time of visit were not dispensing the currency notes due to lack of cash.

An Access Bank branch in the Abule Ado area of Lagos, did not pay customers, citing unavailability of cash.

Yesterday, customers were able to withdraw N20,000, from the bank’s ATM. But they said the bank stopped issuing the old notes over the counter at about 1pm.

A report by The Punch on Thursday, suggested that several banks had run low on old notes as the scarcity of the new ones persist.

Quoting “a top industry executive close to the CBN” the report said the apex bank may not return the old notes to banks because it would reverse gains on its cashless policy.

“We don’t know if the CBN has destroyed the old notes in its custody or not. As we speak, we don’t also know if it will release the old notes to banks again but the truth is banks don’t have much of these old notes in their vaults. Sadly, customers are not depositing much again,” the managing director of a tier-2 bank was quoted as saying.

 

Credit: TheCable

BIG STORY

Adron Homes Welcomes New Executive, Emphasizing Commitment To Professional Excellence

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In a strategic move to foster growth and elevate the quality of service delivery, the Management of Adron Homes and Properties is thrilled to announce the appointment of exceptional staff members who have exemplified remarkable professionalism and have significantly contributed to the advancement of the Adron brand. We proudly introduce our newly appointed leaders: Adenike Ajobo as Managing Director, Olubunmi Akinfe as Deputy Managing Director, Ihuoma Azuru as Assistant Managing Director of Sales and Marketing (Lagos Nigeria), Barbie Ette as Assistant Managing Director of Sales and Marketing (Northern Nigeria), Odunola Ogundapo as Assistant Managing Director of Sales and Marketing (Western Nigeria), Olasumbo Oguntoye as Assistant Managing Director of Housing Nigeria, and Haastrup as Director General of Customer Service. Together, they will drive our mission forward and ensure continued excellence at Adron Homes.

Aare Adetola Emmanuel King, the Chairman and Group Managing Director of Adron Homes, has issued an important directive to the newly appointed directors of the company. He emphasized the critical need for quality delivery in all aspects of their work. Aare King highlighted that each director must align their actions and decisions with the overarching vision and mission of the organization. He urged them to remain committed to the company’s goals and to foster a culture of excellence, ensuring that their contributions not only meet but exceed the expectations set forth by Adron Homes.

Adenike Abosede Ajobo stands out as a highly regarded authority in the fields of corporate branding, public relations, business repositioning, and organizational strategy. She holds a degree in Linguistics from the prestigious University of Ibadan and has further enhanced her expertise with an Ordinary National Diploma (OND) in Marketing from The Polytechnic of Ibadan.

Her dedication to professional growth is reflected in her memberships with esteemed organizations, including the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (MNIMN), the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), and the Nigeria Institute of Personality Development and Customer Relationship Management (NIPD-CRM-dsgnt). These affiliations illustrate her unwavering commitment to continuous learning and excellence within her industry.

Adenike’s professional journey with Adron Homes commenced in January 2024 when she took on the role of Group Company Secretary. Her exceptional leadership skills and strategic vision quickly propelled her up the ranks, and she soon became the Deputy Managing Director of Southern Nigeria. Her impressive performance has now garnered her a well-deserved promotion to the position of Managing Director at Adron Homes, where she is set to steer the company toward a promising future, leveraging her insights and experience to craft innovative strategies for growth and development.

Akinfe Olubunmi Omolara is an esteemed leader and achiever, recognized for her dedication to maximizing her potential in every role she undertakes. She is a graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University, lle-Ife, Osun State, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology. Her career journey at Adron Homes and Properties, reflects her remarkable growth and commitment to excellence. She has progressed through a range of pivotal roles, from Deputy Group Sales Manager, District Sales Manager, and Deputy District Sales Manager to Deputy Group Customer Relations Officer, Regional Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Operating Officer. Her leadership and strategic acumen continued to shine through her promotions as the Director of Sales and Marketer and later promoted as the Director General of Sales and Marketing. She has now been promoted to the position of Deputy Managing Director , where she will drive growth and operational efficiency for Adron Homes.

Ihuoma Udodirim Azuru’s journey is a testament to exceptional leadership and dedication. Her academic prowess shines through with a B.Sc in Accounting, M.Sc in Business Management, MBA in Human Resources and currently studying Law at the Leadership City University, underscoring her commitment to ongoing personal and professional development. Her career with the company began as Group Head Admin and HR, where she showcased her adaptive leadership style. Subsequently, she transitioned to the role of Director of Sales and Marketing (Southwest). Moreover, she was promoted to the prestigious role of Director General for Sales and Marketing at Adron Homes. Her exceptional leadership, dedication, and strategic vision within the organization leads to her appointment as the Assistant Managing Director Lagos Nigeria.

Odunola Ogundapo is a highly regarded sales and marketing professional, celebrated for her steadfast dedication and strategic insight, which have contributed to her impressive track record of success in the industry. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from Olabisi Onabanjo University, where she developed a strong foundational knowledge of earth sciences. Further enhancing her expertise, she earned a Master’s degree in Sedimentary and Petroleum Geology from the prestigious University of Lagos, a program renowned for its rigorous approach and focus on the energy sector. This combination of academic credentials allows Odunola to meld deep scientific understanding with strategic business acumen, enabling her to deliver exceptional results in her professional endeavors.

Odunola embarked on her career in 2017 at Adron Homes and Properties Ltd, starting as a Business Executive. In this role, she quickly demonstrated her innate talents and passion for sales and marketing, employing a goal-driven approach that not only set her apart but also paved the way for her rapid advancement within the company. Her commitment to excellence and her ability to forge strong relationships with clients and stakeholders led to her recognition as a rising star in the organization.

Currently serving as the Assistant Managing Director, Odunola plays a pivotal role in shaping and executing innovative strategies aimed at driving growth and enhancing the company’s market position. Her forward-thinking mindset and comprehensive understanding of market dynamics allow her to identify and seize new opportunities effectively. Under her leadership, the team is not only motivated but also encouraged to think creatively and push boundaries, resulting in increased productivity and morale.

Odunola’s leadership style is characterized by a unique blend of optimism and resilience, which fosters a collaborative and inclusive work environment. She prioritizes the development of her team members, nurturing their potential and empowering them to become future leaders in the organization. This commitment to mentorship and professional growth among her staff has created a culture of excellence that thrives on teamwork and innovation, ensuring that everyone is aligned with the company’s vision and goals. Through her unwavering dedication to her work and her ability to inspire those around her, Odunola Ogundapo continues to make a significant impact in the sales and marketing realm.

Aminat Olaniyan Haastrup is an inspirational customer service specialist, deeply committed to creating exceptional service experiences. With a strong educational background in Estate Management and Customer Experience, she earned her degree from Yaba College of Technology. An Associate Member of The Association of Business Practitioners (ABP) in the UK and a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Customer Relationship Management, Aminat’s journey began as the Director of Customer Services. Renowned for her dedication to customer-centric strategies, she passionately pursues unparalleled service excellence. Through transformative initiatives across the company’s customer relations landscape, Aminat has inspired those around her and achieved her new role as the Director General of Customer Service.

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BIG STORY

EFCC Probes Viral Video Of Chinese Allegedly Tearing Naira Note

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed it is investigating an incident involving a Chinese national who tore Naira notes in Lagos.

EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, provided confirmation of this development to our correspondent on Friday.

Reports indicate that the incident took place at a Chinese-owned company along the Lekki-Epe Expressway, when Lagos State Government officials arrived to seal the premises over alleged regulatory violations.

A viral video captured the Chinese national resisting the officials’ attempts to shut down the company. During the confrontation, he pulled Naira notes from his bag and tore them, igniting widespread outrage on social media.

At the scene, some individuals believed to be Nigerian workers at the company appeared to shield the man from being apprehended by the Lagos State officials.

The incident has sparked significant reactions, with many Nigerians calling for the immediate arrest of the individual involved.

Social media users have expressed their anger, urging the authorities to take swift action.

Controversial social media influencer Daniel Regha posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account, “The EFCC should arrest this man and charge him to court for committing a punishable offense. However, my concern is how selectively justice is applied in Nigeria. If this were a high-ranking politician or their associates, the case would likely go nowhere.”

Another user, @Qladele, wrote, “The Chinese man who disrespected Nigerian currency should be arrested. The company involved should also be permanently shut down. Disrespecting your host country should have consequences. Those who obstructed justice should also face the law.”

Similarly, @Dele93748586 shared a similar sentiment, stating, “The person who insulted the Nigerian currency should be arrested, and the location sealed permanently. There must be consequences for this disrespect, and the security personnel who hindered justice should be detained.”

“Imagine if a Nigerian went to China and tore the Chinese Yuan after the Chinese government sealed his business. This is a huge blow to Nigeria. Even though I don’t support the Tinubu-led government, this is an insult to our country and government!” said @PureStanley1.

Another user, @OyinAtiBode, remarked, “Those protecting this man should face consequences, and the disrespectful foreigner should be severely punished—arrested, jailed, deported, and permanently banned from returning to Nigeria.”

Legal practitioner Tolu Babaleye, speaking (with Saturday Punch), stated that the Chinese national should be subjected to Nigerian law, as long as he was not a diplomat.

“He can be arrested, tried, and if convicted, sentenced for mutilating Naira notes, as this is an offense under Nigerian law,” Babaleye said.

Asked if the EFCC had taken action on the matter, Oyewale, the spokesperson for the commission, responded in a message (to Saturday Punch), saying, “The EFCC is looking into the issue, please.”

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BIG STORY

BON Awards Release Line-Up Of Activities Ahead Of November 24

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  • Kwara First Lady To Join Segun Arinze, Wole Ojo Others For Book-Reading

As the Nigerian film industry gets set for the annual pan-Nigerian Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards, scheduled to be held on Sunday, November 24, at the Sugar Factory in Ilorin, Kwara State, the organisers of the travelling awards have released a line-up of activities, alongside other highlights of the 16th edition.

This year’s event is shaping up to be an unforgettable experience, featuring a variety of engaging activities, including a book reading session and the unveiling of new award categories.

A key highlight of the pre-award festivities will be the welcome party scheduled for Saturday, November 23rd in Ilorin. This will be followed by the Book of the Year reading on the morning of November 24, showcasing “Do As You Are Told, Bani” by the acclaimed author Lola Shoneyin.

Esteemed personalities, including the First Lady of Kwara State and well-known Nollywood actors like Segun Arinze, Wole Ojo, Kemi Adekomi, Cynthia Clarke, and Chioma Okafor, will participate in the reading. This session aims to inspire and engage the youths, specifically a select number of school children from Ilorin, Kwara State.

Also, the 2024 BON Awards has been revealed that four of its major award categories have been endowed by notable figures and organisations. The endowed categories include:

Best Indigenous Movie – Endowed by Oba Saheed Eleguishi, a distinguished traditional ruler and arts patron. Best Use of Food – Endowed by Abundish Limited, an agricultural product wholesaler cum grocery market in Lekki, Lagos.

The Best Actress category is also endowed by the Deputy Speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly, Hon. Moji Ojora, a well-known philanthropist and public servant dedicated to women’s empowerment. While the movie with the Best Social Message is endowed by Hon. Toke Benson, the Lagos Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, and a prominent advocate for social issues.

According to the founder of the Best of Nollywood Awards, these new endowments promise to enhance the awards’ prestige by taking it to the next level and also offer greater recognition for excellence in these fields.

As the seven-day countdown to the 2024 BON Awards begins, and the excitement is building, Feranmi Olaoye, the Executive Director of the awards has promised that this year is not just another gala night but a getaway weekend for hardworking Nollywood practitioners, and others within the Nollywood community.

With the awards’ unique blend of celebrity-filled events and meaningful high-impact initiatives, this year’s ceremony is poised to leave a significant mark on the entertainment industry and the wider Nigerian cultural scene.

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