Union Bank Unveils New Look Branches

Union Bank unveils ‘new look’ branches …Launches ‘UnionKorrect’ savings product AS part of efforts to make banking “simpler and smarter” for its teeming customers, the Union Bank Plc on Wednesday unveiled two of its upgraded branches in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. It also launched an innovative savings product, UnionKorrect, which it said was designed to assist customers “save small and win big.” The two upgraded branches of the bank unveiled on Wednesday were those on Bank Road, Dugbe, and the University College Hospital (UCH), in a transformation process the Transformation Manager, Joe Mbulu, described as “work in progress.” Speaking at the event, Joe Mbulu,Director Transformation Union Bank plc said the bank had in the past three years been working and improving on its physical infrastructure to provide customers more comfortable banking services.

“We’ve done a lot of work in the background such that when customers come into the new Union Bank, they can see it’s as good as (if not better than) any other bank in Nigeria. In fact, our goal is to make it better than any other bank in Nigeria,” he said. But beyond the physical infrastructure upgrade, Mbulu said the bank had improved on its operations, especially its technology. Customers can now walk into any of the branches and open an account (including processing of ATM/verve card) in less than 30 minutes. He said, “Our transformation transcends the physical branch. We used to have archaic technology, we admit. The old Union Bank was a bit difficult to work with; but we have currently the best in banking technology in Nigeria. “We have (also) built a world class data centre in Lagos; and we have a backup of that databank. So, the era of ‘system down’ in Union Bank is over. He said in the area of operations, the new Union Bank has centralized basic operations, services and processes, so that in all the branches across the nation, there will be “uniform processes” of simpler and smarter banking operations. Speaking with newsmen, the bank’s Head of Strategy Union Bank plc , Lola Cardoso, said the launch of the branches was an evidence of the transformation the bank had gone through in the last three years as well as the transformation that is yet to come. “As you can see, there is a difference between what you see today and what was here before. We present a simpler, smarter bank. Beside the ambience being more comfortable for our customers, it also demonstrates the fact that we’ve invested in technology. Customers can come in and come out in short time; get attended to with more improved services, and at the same time (we) have a brand identity that is more vibrant than we had before. “So, really this is about making banking simpler so that people can focus on the things that matter most,” she said. ‘We commenced with our people by optimizing our talent base. We hired the right people for the right roles and aligned our compensation with industry standard. We strengthened our technology by undertaking the task of rolling out a brand new banking platform and successfully implemented it. We built a state of the art datacentre. We also built the central processing centre to streamline and standardize operations across board. We restructured our business model to focus clearly on banking. We also re-enhanced our product and service offerings for our retail, commercial and corporate segments.’she noted Cardoso added that ‘Our goal remains singular, to enhance our customer experience. We have begun refurbishing and renovating our branches and today you will notice that our branches have modern aesthetics. We would ensure to maintain a minimum standard across our branches and to ensure they are located in the right areas serving the right kind of customers. The Osi Olubadan, High Chief Lekan Balogun, who represented the Olubadan Ibadan at the occasion, said after inspecting the new look Union Bank: “It promises to be as new technology in banking; one that we may never have seen before in this country. I’m impressed. It could be recalled that the product was originally launched in Lagos on Monday November 2, 2015 In 2012, the Union Bank Management created a clear strategy to turn Union Bank around and to make it a “highly respected provider of quality financial services”. We defined critical pillars for our success and we began the job of executing on each and every one of these pillars.

Foretaste Holds First Musical Concert Uzo Chikere Foretaste musical outreach inspired to reach out to widows, orphans and the girl child in the society has held its debut musical concert to give praises to God. The musical concert tagged: “Hope for tomorrow” still in the development stage took place at the Agip hall of the Museum Center, Lagos, was organized by Gospel singer Dupsy and other anointed singers who thrilled guests from all works of life with inspirational praises to God.

The concert featured gospel artists like Pastor Kunle Ajayi, Segun Obe, ife Akinpelu, Asseta and other gospel artists in Lagos. Speaking with the organizer of the concert Modupe Oyeneyin (stage name ‘Dupsy’), an indigene of Ogun state, she said that it was an event to set a conducive atmosphere for God to dwell in the lost ones. “ I gave my life to Christ in 1987 and since then I have a divine call to spread the gospel in various forms especially through music. I have always had a personal burden and passion to touch the lives of widows and the downtrodden children, especially the girl child within my immediate society, so I decided to fulfill my calling and passion through my natural God-given talent – music”. “If we must get God down to meet our respective needs, we must create an atmosphere conducive for Him to inhabit and dwell in. “In the midst of praises, God does wonders and everybody needs God, but creating that environment is where the challenge lies she said. “It is a forum to help people have that kind of atmosphere to encounter God and their miracle,” Dupsy said. . The multi-talented Gospel singer with a first degree in Microbiology from the University of Lagos and Master’s degree from the University of Liverpool, said, she has released two albums already and presently working on the third. Her first album titled, ‘No More Pain,’ was released in 2007 while the second album is titled, ‘No More Pain Reloaded’. ’ she said. The singer added that the concert was geared toward reaching out to souls, orphans, girl child and the less privileged both believers, non-believers alike to enable them become conscious of God’s goodness at all times. Her word, so many hearts has been hurt and no one cares to show love to them. the need to respond to this divine mandate to care for these ones continues to fuel my commitment to the music outreach arm which i christened ‘’FORETASTE’’ “People like dancing, praises, singing which is why the concert was organised in the hall as an avenue to reach out to different people and the nation at large.’’ Also speaking at the concert, Mr Olugbemi - Oyeneyin, the Coordinator of the Concert said, the event would encourage people to be close God. “In the presence of God, there is fullness of joy, people should understand that healing also comes from praising and worshiping God” Oyeneyin said. “ I believe there is need for us to come together to appreciate God as one body and care for those in need. “It was not ordinary considering that lives have been lost because no one cares to show love to the less privileged” he said. Speaking further he said, the musical concert would create a time of fellowship among God’s people and thereafter, people would be blessed and souls won to the kingdom of God. Segun Obe, a gospel artist at the event who also produced few songs said, that the musical concerts was an initiative of gospel singer who believes in change Obe said: “There is a place for music to reach out to souls and there is also the place of the word of God.’’ According to him, passion is the first thing that should cause one to do anything in life before involving it as business‎, that is why the concert was inspired by the passion to reach out to widows, orphans and the girl child in our society. .

Calabar Carnival Unveils Theme Sunday

Calabar Carnival Unveils Theme Sunday Africa’s largest street party carnival, Carnival Calabar, is unveiling its 2015 theme in Lagos this Sunday, coinciding with the opening day of the biggest travel exhibition in West Africa, Akwaaba African Travel Market. At the unveiling, Akwaaba delegates from all over the world will have a taste of what to expect in Calabar come December. The carnival unveiling in Lagos will be hosted by the Governor of Cross River State, Prof. Ben Ayade, supported by Sen. Florence Ita-Giwa, Chairman Carnival Calabar Band Associations. The event will bring delegates from all over the world to witness the unveiling which is part of the vision of the Governor to internationalise the carnival.

3 Dead, Several Injured As Rival Cult Groups, Gangs Clash

3 Dead, Several Injured As Rival Cult Groups, Gangs Clash in Osun Three people were feared dead while some others sustained degrees of injuries in separate clashes involving two rival cult groups in Osogbo, and two opposing gangs in Ile Ife, during the weekend, ThisDay reports. However, the remote cause of the clashes in Osogbo could not be ascertained, but security sources said two leading members of rival cult groups started the fight that later led to the death of one of their members at a popular pub located along Iwo/Osogbo road last week Thursday. A source, who witnessed the genesis of crisis at the said pub, noted that a member of a cult group that was believed to be holding the reins in Osogbo at the moment attacked a member of a rival cult group by beating him up, when he insisted on entering into the pub against the advice of those in the premises. "After managing to escape, the man that was beaten went to two neighboring higher institutions, names withheld, to recruit more hands to prosecute the fight. "He recognised the man that beat him and since the incident happened, they were on his trail and later caught up with him around Adenle, Sabo Area of Osogbo," he added.

Mambazo Is Still Strong, 55 Years On

Mambazo Is Still Strong, 55 Years On

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Despite the demise of its arrow head, Joseph Shabalala, Lady Smith Black Mambazo has continued to forge ahead, going to celebrate its 55^th anniversary this Thursday.   

Isicathaniya music which the group champions may not enjoy much airtime on television and radio, but the Grammy-award winning outfit maintains that the genre has a bright future.

Mambazo, as the group is affectionately known, is among the pioneers of isicathamiya music and has taken the sound to international stages.

Mambazo has also collaborated with international stars and won four Grammy Awards. It is for these reasons that the group will celebrate 55 years of existence with a performance at Gold Reef City on Thursday.

It's a pity the group will celebrate the milestone without the founder, Joseph Shabalala, due to health reasons.

According to Thulani Shabalala, one of the founder's sons in the current line-up of the group, his father is still recuperating from a back surgery.

"Due to the operation, my father cannot travel long distances sitting. He trie[d] when we performed in Durban, but he is not supposed to.

"But this does not mean he has retired," Thulani says. 

Thamsanqa, another one of Shabalala's sons who have replaced other original members, says the group is looking forward to performing in front of a home crowd.

"It is always a pleasure to perform at home. We know that South Africans love and support us. It is through this support that we won these accolades."

The group believes that isicathamiya music will never perish because young people are showing interest in it. Thulani says they have noticed that isicathamiya music is alive and well in schools.

"We are pleased to see that young people are keen to keep the genre alive," he says.

"Last week, we performed in Nigeria. We were welcomed by five young boys singing our songs.

"We get the same when we visit Europe."

Thulani says lack of television airplay negatively affects growth of the music genre. He says many people are not aware that isicathamiya genre is growing because groups are not seen on TV.

Looking beyond 55 years, the group plans to contribute to the growth of isicathamiya and to work harder to achieve more. Thulani says there is room for improvement, but the group is not willing to lose its originality.

The group says winning Grammy awards has put it under pressure to work harder and make sure it ups its game.

"Winning those awards compels us to work even harder and [to] always [be] on point. This has pushed us to forever rehearsing our music, whether the group has a performance or not."

Outfit Packages Nigerians For American Music Awards, Other Top Events

Outfit Packages Nigerians For America Music Awards, Other Top Events 

Lyxvara Concierge, a first class luxury concierge company headquartered in Lagos, has packaged a variety of tantalizing concierge programs and VIP solutions across the world for Nigerians between now and January next year. These include Personal concierge programs, Corporate concierge programs, Hotel/Residential Concierge support, Worldwide VIP Event  and Access and Luxury travel programs.

Top of the deal is the Formula One slated for Sao Paulo, Brazil on November 15, 2015. Formula One (also Formula 1 or F1) is the highest class of single-seat auto racing that is sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). The FIA Formula One World Championship has been the premier form of racing since the inaugural season in 1950, although other Formula One races were regularly held until 1983.  

Others are the 2015 America Music Awards, billed for November 22, 2015. The 43rd Annual American Music Award will be held at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles, California. It will be broadcast live on ABC. Jennifer Lopez was announced as the host on October 7, 2015. Taylor Swift leads the nominations with six.

Also packaged  especially for Nigerian fashion lovers is the British Fashion Awards billed for November 23, 2015. The British Fashion Awards celebrate the breadth and depth of talent in the British fashion industry from the emerging stars to the designer brands, models and style icons, from creatives through to awarding the ultimate accolade, Designer of the Year.

Pope Francis’ visit to Uganda is another great programme on the bill. As part of the Holy Father’s first trip to Africa in November, Pope Francis will travel to Uganda for a packed two-day visit. Pope Francis is expected to arrive in the East African nation on Nov. 27

While in Kampala the Argentine pontiff will meet separately with foreign diplomats and then will be received at Munyonyo Martyrs Shrine by a congregation of about 570 catechists, 220 teachers and more than 200 couples. In addition, a 150-strong ecumenical council, 30 bishops and 300 Munyonyo parishioners will travel to the shrine to welcome the Holy Father

Also on the package are Nov 10th: Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show; Nov 15th: 22nd Barclays ATP World Tour Finals; Nov 16th: Premiere: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2; Nov 19th: Latin Grammy Awards; Nov 25th: Pope Francis Africa visit – Uganda; Nov 26th: Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade; Nov 29th: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - Formula One; and Nov 30th: Gotham Independent Film Awards

Other future events billed for January and February 2016 include People's Choice Awards (Jan); Sundance Film Festival (Jan); Golden Globe Awards (Jan); Choice Movie Awards (Jan); Producer Guild Awards (Jan); Screen Actors Guild Awards (Jan); and Grammy Awards (Feb)

The company enjoins Nigerians to take advantage of the offer and experience the “courteous difference” with their highly trained staff. 

Outfit Packages Nigerians for America Music Awards, Other Top Events Lyxvara Concierge, a first class luxury concierge company headquartered in Lagos, has packaged a variety of tantalizing concierge programs and VIP solutions across the world for Nigerians between now and January next year. These include Personal concierge programs, Corporate concierge programs, Hotel/Residential Concierge support, Worldwide VIP Event and Access and Luxury travel programs. Top of the deal is the Formula One slated for Sao Paulo, Brazil on November 15, 2015. Formula One (also Formula 1 or F1) is the highest class of single-seat auto racing that is sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA).

Ibu, Bimbo Manuel Headline NOPA 2015

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Ibi, Bimbo Manuel Headline NOPA 2015

Organizers of the annual recognition award ceremony; Nollywood Outstanding personality Awards (NOPA) has unveiled the winners of award this year. Headlining this year’s edition, the eight in the series are top actors ,John Okafor, Mr. Ibu, Bimbo Manuel, Prolific writer, Mr. Tai Emeka Obasi amongst others.

    

A release emanating from the Ikeja Project Secretariat and signed by Stanley Uche Okoronkwo, founder of Nollywood Outsanding Personality Awards, revealed’, As usual, the list of 2015 awardees is outstanding. It cuts across ethnic divides and political leanings in Nollywood it faces art and professionalism. Bimbo Manuel is an actor of no mean repute. He has made his mark in the make believe world. John Okafor rose through the ranks. From production manager to the celebrated actor he is today. Those behind the camera are not equally left out. Tai Emeka Obasi is an accomplished script writer he wrote some of the movies that put Nollywood on the map. Victor Okhai the proprietor of international film and broadcast academy, another recipient is simply a maestro”.

Stanley  stated “former minister of information and culture and chairman board of Trustee, association of movie Journalists the principle partners of NOPA will be On hand to once more ensure and excellent outing’.

NOPA 2015 will return to the Lagos Island where it all started.

Said Okoronkwo’. The maiden edition of NOPA took place in2007 at the Muson Centre in the Island. The 2008 edition held at the National Theatre. Since 2009 has remained in the mainland but this year edition will hold at Piccadilly Hotels. The ambience of the hotel is tailor made for NOPA and other major events. After the red carpet and awards, an after awards party will take place at the same venue and awardees and invites will unwind there.

Said Stanley: “We are pulling all stunts to ensure a great event, though the award ceremony which started in 2007 is yet to attract a major sponsor, we are not giving up. Our conviction and passion for what we do have kept us afloat against all odds".