Business
Bank Nutures Female Professionals
Group Head, Products and Segments of Access Bank Plc, Mrs Ope Wemi-Jones, says the bank is working with young female professionals with an objective of nurturing them as future executives.
Wemi-Jones made the remark in a statement signed by Head, ‘Corporate Affairs Department of the bank, Mr Abdul Imoyo, on Sunday in Lagos.
She said the opportunity would afford the young female entrepreneurs to be Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) in their chosen careers and business endeavours.
Wemi-Jones said it was a networking experience sharing and learning time as Access Bank celebrated the International Women’s Day (IWD) with over 250 high potential female professionals across 50 corporate organisations.
She said the effort was in line with the 2017 theme for the IWD, “Be bold for Change,” and the UN Women’s theme for the year, tagged “Women in the Changing World of Work: Planet 50-50 by 2030”.
According to her, the attendees have the opportunity to receive insightful advice on assertiveness, self-confidence and strategic positioning.
She also said that the young female professional was one of the segments under the ‘W’ initiative.
Weni-Jones said, “Planet 50-50 by 2030” requires everyone’s commitment to competing, based on skills and capacity; it is about sponsoring each other and not spiting one another.
She said: “It is about celebrating one another and not being indifferent about each other’s achievements.
“It is about a personal resolve to be bold and to seize the moment.
“Based on their special focus on women, Access Bank’s `W’ Initiative intends to grow the young female professional network into a global group that will stand for high performance, professionalism, leadership and results.”
Business
CBN Predicts 4.17% GDP Growth In 2025
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced that the 2025 economic indices indicate a positive outlook, with the nation’s GDP expected to accelerate to 4.17 per cent for faster economic growth.
Mr Muhammad Abdullahi, Deputy Governor, Economic Policy Directorate, CBN, revealed this on Tuesday during the 11th edition of the National Economic Outlook: Implications for Businesses in 2025.
The hybrid event, convened in Lagos, was organised by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) Centre for Financial Studies in collaboration with B. Adedipe Associates Ltd.
Abdullahi said the nation’s 2025 economic projections remained optimistic with fiscal and monetary reforms already paying off, resulting in the GDP anticipated rise from 3.36 per cent recorded in 2024.
According to him, the growth is anchored on sustained implementation of government reforms, stable crude oil prices, and improvements in domestic oil production.
Abdullahi also stated that stability in the exchange rate would play a crucial role in maintaining the positive trajectory, with the inflation rate projected to decline due to the impact of economic reforms.
“Achieving the targeted inflation rate of 15 per cent in 2025 will require effective collaboration between monetary and fiscal authorities, alongside private sector participation for a stable economic environment,” he said.
The keynote speaker said that the apex bank would prioritise price stability and strengthen the financial sector to support SMEs and critical sectors for businesses to thrive.
Abdullahi noted that the nation’s evolving policy landscape presented both challenges and opportunities for businesses to thrive.
“The government is making deliberate strides to diversify its revenue streams and reduce dependence on the volatile oil sector.
“Through ongoing tax reforms aimed at broadening the tax base and improving collection efficiency, the government is working to establish a more sustainable fiscal environment.
“While these reforms may present challenges in the short term, they are essential for building a more resilient and diversified economy in the long run.
“As businesses, it is crucial to adapt to these changes, understanding that they will ultimately strengthen the economic foundation for future growth.
“As we move forward on this path of exploration and collaboration, we must remain focused on the vast opportunities before us.
“Nigeria’s abundant resources, coupled with the current administration’s commitment to economic reform, offer a fertile ground for innovation, investment, and sustainable growth,” Abdullahi said.
Similarly, Prof. Pius Olanrewaju, President/Chairman of the Council, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), said 2024 presented both challenges and opportunities.
He noted that the GDP signalled gradual recovery amidst global and domestic pressures.
“As we move into 2025, we are presented with both the opportunity and responsibility to critically examine the economic landscape.
“This forum will help us identify the risks, harness the opportunities, and strategize for the future,” Olarenwaju noted.
He commended the collaboration of experts at the annual event, which included Dr Kabir Katata, Director, Research, Policy and International Relations, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation; and Dr Henrietta Onwuegbuzie of the Lagos Business School.
Others were Akinsola Akeredolu-Ale, CEO, Lagos Commodities and Fixtures Exchange; Mr Akeem Lawal, Managing Director Interswitch (Pure pay); and Chinwe Uzoho, Regional Managing Director, West and Central Africa Network International.
Business
Minister Inspects Nigeria/Benin Republic-owned Sugar Firm … Decries Decrepit Condition
Business
NGA Becomes Official Partner To 29th Gas Conference … As President Set To Address 2025 World Summit
-
News16 hours ago
Fubara Inaugurates Road Project To Celebrate Jackrich On Birthday
-
Featured16 hours ago
Nigeria, S/Arabia, Deepen Ties On Solid Mineral Exploration
-
Niger Delta16 hours ago
RSBOPP Moves To Review Procurement Processes
-
News16 hours ago
TUC Rejects VAT Hike, Urges Pro-people Tax Reforms
-
Business16 hours ago
CBN Predicts 4.17% GDP Growth In 2025
-
Rivers15 hours ago
100 Days: Omuma Council Boss Lists Achievements
-
Featured15 hours ago
Tinubu Pledges Peace, Justice, Development in Ogoniland….Fubara Lauds President on Peace Talks
-
Featured17 hours ago
FG, States, Local Govts Share N1.42trn In January