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Heritage Bank’s “The Refinery,” CBN, 25 Others Receive CIBN’s Certificates of Accreditation

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The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) yesterday official presented Certificates of Accreditation to Heritage Bank Plc Academy known as “The Refinery” and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Learning Centre.

The Institute via a Zoom virtual platform also accredited more 25 Educational Training Service Providers (ETSP), which is in accordance with its role as the Accreditation Agency for the implementation of the Competency Framework released, as part of the strategy to redirect the banking industry towards the path of entrenching a sequenced competency development programme and build capacity for the stability of the financial system.

The Institutions include Crown Agent UK; B. Adedipe Associates Limited; Chartered Institute for Securities and Investments (CISI), United Kingdom; The Nigerian Stock Exchange X Academy; Mactay Consulting Limited; Knowledge Beyond Limited; Brideswell Consulting Limited; Ultravantage Solutions; EdgeEcution Global Resources Limited and Katalyst Consulting.

Others are Michael Stevens Consulting; NLP Nigeria Limited; Procept Associates Professional Services Limited; Don Mitchell & Co Limited; Bode Zakari Management Consultants; Success for ALL Limited; Edcof Educational Services Limited and Kloverharris Limited.

The Refinery supervised by the Bank’s Human Capital Management Group was accredited by CIBN after assessing and evaluating its syllabus, curriculum, and structure by a panel of technocrats and seasoned bankers set up by the Institute, which according to the chartered institute aligns with the Competency Framework of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the professional paper standard of CIBN.

Speaking during the presentation, the CIBN President, Bayo Olugbemi said the event marks yet another significant milestone in the annals of the Institute and our continuing quest for the strengthening of the intellectual resources and capabilities of the human capital in the banking and finance industry. He stressed that apart from efforts towards addressing competency challenges, thereby enthroning a minimum standard for practitioners in the banking industry.

He applauded Heritage Bank for setting a high standard of learning facility in which its structure and curriculum “is next to that of CBN’s training institute,” whilst stressing that the bank’s training school is the best in the Nigerian banking industry and at par with international best standard.

He equally informed the gathering that the Certificates of Accreditation presented to Two (2) Bank Academies and Twenty-Six (26) ETSPs bringing the total number of institutions under the Programme to Nineteen (19) Bank Academies; Seventy-Five (75) Educational Training Service Providers; Sixty-Nine (69) Solicited Accreditation; Six (6) Unsolicited Accreditation.

Ifie Sekibo, the MD/CEO of the bank, has described Heritage Bank as a forward-looking business whose strength lies in the ability to spot and mold talents into great professionals.

Sekibo, represented by the Executive Director, Jude Monye explained that the word “The Refinery” was chosen for the purpose of refining its employees to emerge as gold and harness the required skills to excel in their job functions.

He noted that the Refinery was established to train, nurture, and arm young employees with the right skills needed to fast-track development and enable teams to flourish.

“Just as the word Refinery connotes, the Heritage Bank Plc Refinery is a Facility where crude talents or abilities are converted or ‘refined’ into ‘finished’ jewels for optimal performance.

“The training program is designed to take each participant on an enriching, rigorous, and intellectually engaging learning journey to equip them with the fundamental competencies required of a professional banker. The Curriculums are structured to accommodate both Core and Non-Core Banking competencies such as finance, credit, and accounting, organizational and behavioral competencies to mention a few”, Sekibo stated.

Meanwhile, about 300 employees who are fresh from universities across and outside the country with diverse academic backgrounds and impressive academic records underwent rigorous training in an intensive 12-week academic (practical and theoretical) programme with over 30 courses in Port Harcourt.

The Refinery is a tailored learning experience Institute with the perfect blend of technologies, techniques, and methodologies to optimize training experiences, which will help employees, succeed in ensuring that the bank’s business stays ahead of the curve with the banking sector along with Heritage Bank’s target goals.

BIG STORY

Adron Homes Empowers Women And Advocates For Gender Equality On International Women’s Day 2024 [PHOTOS]

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In a grand and impactful celebration of International Women’s Day 2024, Adron Homes went above and beyond to champion the cause of women’s empowerment and advocate for gender equality. The day was marked by a series of events aimed at uplifting women and addressing pressing societal issues.

One of the highlights of the day was the comprehensive training sessions conducted for both Adron Homes’ staff and members of the general public. These sessions, designed to enhance skills and knowledge, served as a platform for fostering inclusivity and empowering individuals from all walks of life.

A highlight of the day was the heartwarming visit to Anike House, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), where the team from Adron Homes took proactive steps to alleviate the burdens of patients, especially women, by settling their hospital bills. Representing the Vice Chairman of Adron Homes, Olori Aderonke Emmanuelking, was Mrs. Ajobo Adenike, the Managing Director of Adron Homes (Southern Nigeria), who led the delegation with grace and compassion.

Accompanying Mrs. Adenike were key figures from Adron Homes, including Mrs. Aminat Olaniyan-Haastrup, the Director of Customer Service, and Mrs. Ihouma Azuru, the Director General of Sales and Marketing (Southern Nigeria), along with other esteemed directors. Their presence underscored the company’s commitment to women’s empowerment and social responsibility.

The visit also served as a poignant reminder of the importance of accelerating efforts towards gender equality. In line with the global theme of the day, Adron Homes reiterated the crucial role that women play in building nations, cities, communities, and homes. The company emphasized the need for their inclusion and investment, recognizing that empowering women is not only a moral imperative but also a catalyst for societal progress.

In commemorating International Women’s Day 2024, Adron Homes showcased not only its dedication to empowering women but also its firm belief in the transformative power of collective action. As trailblazers in the real estate industry, Adron Homes continues to inspire positive change and shape a more equitable future for generations to come.

Happy International Women’s Day.

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BIG STORY

Heirs Energies: Powering Nigeria’s Economy with Domestic Gas Supply

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  • Sole Gas Supplier to Geometric Power Plant

Heirs Energies, Africa’s leading integrated energy company, has announced a further expansion of its gas supply business, supplying the recently commissioned 188 MW power plant operated by Geometric Power Limited, located in Aba, Abia State.

Heirs Energies is a leading provider of gas to the Nigerian National Grid, and already supplies TransAfam Power Limited, with a capacity of 966MW, and First Independent Power Limited (FIPL), with a capacity of 541MW. Heirs Energies also supplies gas to local distribution companies, gas-based industries, and other industrial customers.

Founded in 2021, Heirs Energies operates OML17 and related infrastructure, with a mission to ensuring that Nigerian businesses and consumers derive direct and ongoing benefit from the country’s natural resources. All gas produced from OML 17 is supplied to the domestic gas industry.

Heirs Energies is pioneering a new era in Nigeria’s energy sector. With the operation of OML17 and its associated assets, the company has been pivotal in ensuring a reliable and sustainable gas supply, directly contributing to the nation’s industrial and economic growth.

Heirs Energies’ gas supplies to these critical power plants not only reinforce its major role in Nigeria’s energy sector, but also underscore its strategic vision in developing operational synergies throughout the energy value chain.

Creating a Nigerian champion in domestic gas supply represents a further example of Heirs Holdings role as a long-term strategic investor in the Nigerian energy sector, with interests in the recently listed Transcorp Power Limited, TransAfam, and Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc, and as an operator of oil-producing assets more than 50,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d). With a unique vision of ensuring Africa’s natural resources serve Africa’s interests, the Heirs Group is driven by founder Tony Elumelu’s Africapitalism philosophy of ensuring businesses deliver both economic and social benefits to stakeholders.

Osa Igiehon, CEO of Heirs Energies, praised the company’s growing impact: “Our ability to supply these three major power plants demonstrates Heirs Energies’ dedication to lighting up Nigeria and supporting our country’s journey towards economic and social prosperity.   We are not just participants in the energy sector; we are facilitators of growth and development, driven by a mission to ensure that Nigeria’s natural resources benefit its people.”

Heirs Energies’ gas plant in Agbada, Rivers State, produces over 80 MMSCFD (million standard cubic feet per day) of gas. 100 percent of this gas output is channelled into the domestic market to meet local demands, supporting Nigeria’s energy needs and exemplifying Heirs Energies’ commitment to powering thousands of homes, schools, hospitals, and industries, reinforcing its role in catalysing Nigeria’s industrialisation.

Heirs Energies Limited (formerly HeirsHoldings Oil & Gas Limited) is Africa’s largest indigenous-owned integrated energy company, committed to meeting Africa’s unique energy needs whilst aligning with global sustainability goals. With a strong focus on innovation, environmental responsibility, and community development, Heirs Energies leads the evolving energy landscape and contributes to a more prosperous Africa.

For more information about Heirs Energies and our projects, please visit www.heirsenergies.com.

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BIG STORY

BUSINESS: CBN Slashes Customs FX Duty Rate By 5.3% As Naira Stabilises

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Following the stability in the exchange rate of naira to the dollar, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has further slashed the exchange rate for computing Customs duties at the nation’s seaports by 5.3 percent.

The Customs FX duty rate was reviewed downward from N1630.159/$ to N1, 544.081/$ on Monday, March 04, 2024, according to information obtained from the official trade portal of the Nigeria Customs Service.

This represents a 5.3 percent reduction when compared to the old rate of N1630.159/$ used as of Friday, March 2, 2024, and a decrease of N86.078 on a dollar needed to clear goods from the port.

Reacting, Tony Anakebe, an industry analyst, said the CBN needs to stabilise the FX rate for Customs duty evaluation to reduce the economic impact of paying a high tariff on businesses.

According to him, there is a lull at the port as importers are no longer finding the business environment favourable due to high import duty and fluctuating FX rates for duty calculation.

It was gathered that the apex bank last week, issued a new directive to Customs to use the rate on the date of submitting Form M for calculating import duties.

With the slash, importers opening Form M today Monday, March 4, 2024, for import trade, will have a little relief in terms of the money that would be used to pay import duties compared to the importer who opened Form M last week.

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