E-banking: FG, Ndume trains, empower 350 Southern Borno IDPs on POS operations

By: Salihu Inusa

The Federal Government through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, in collaboration with Mbeva Investment Nigeria Limited (MINL) and support from Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume have trained about 350 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to empower them on the Point of Sales (POS) operations.

Flagging off the empowerment initiative on Thursday at FORSHAMS Event Centre in Maiduguri, Borno state, the Sponsor, Senator Ndume applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his fulfilment of the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’, and as well, partnering with Mbeva Investment Nigeria ltd, which he said, had better the lives of the vulnerable ones in the society.

The former Senator Leader and Chief Whip disclosed that the over decade Boko Haram crisis, epileptic telecommunication network and power supply have economically affected the people in the nine (9) local government areas of the constituency, as there are virtually no existing Bank in each of the councils, except Biu with little functional banks.

He noted that, the cashless policy and the ongoing electronic banking system has also forced many people in Southern Borno facing difficulty in their daily transactions and businesses.

His words: ” I am very happy to be part of this training and empowerment initiative.
We have a total of 350 people drawn from each Wards of Southern Borno, most of the beneficiaries are IDPs.

“This Training and Empowerment programme will not only improve the financial inclusion of our community but
also create employment opportunities for our youth.

” Let me use this opportunity to applaud President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in fulfilment of the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’, and as well, partnering with Mbeva Investment Nigeria ltd towards the betterment of the lives of the vulnerable ones in the society.

“As you are aware, the over decade Boko Haram crisis, coupled with epileptic network and power supply have economically affected the people in my constituency, as there are virtually no existing Bank in each of the councils, except Biu with little functional banks.

” The situation has even worsened with the cashless policy and the ongoing electronic banking system. Many people in Southern Borno are facing difficulty in their daily transactions and businesses. But with this exercise, there is going to be light at the end of the tunnel”. Ndume stated.

He therefore enjoined all the participants to take good use of the gesture and the kits given to each of them for POS operations, so as to make them economically self -reliant and contribute to the development of the society.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Managing Director of Mbeva Investment Nigeria Limited, Hon. Musa Ali single out Miss Rhoda Chibok who had to travel all the way from Chibok local government to Mubi in Adamawa state, just to obtain her BVN and other needed accreditation that qualified her to be part of the beneficiaries.

“I am delighted to welcome you to this POS machine training, proudly
sponsored by the visionary leader, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume.

“Today, we gather to empower our youth with the skills necessary to excel in the
digital economy. This initiative would have not been possible without Senator
Ndume’s unwavering commitment to the development of our community.

“Senator Ndume’s remarkable leadership has earned him a reputation as a senator who tirelessly advocates for the welfare of all Nigerians, not just those from his native Borno south senatorial district.

” Through this partnership with Mbeva Investment Nig. Ltd, a renowned contract
company, we are equipping our trainees with: Comprehensive POS machine operation knowledge, Efficient transaction processing skills and Enhanced financial management expertise.

” I therefore urge you (participants) to take full advantage of this opportunity and acquire the skills necessary to succeed and become ambassadors of financial literacy”. Hon. Ali stated.

Miss Rhoda Chibok who got additional cash from Senator Ndume and other stakeholders for her commitment in the POS training and Empowerment exercise commended the organisers on behalf of other beneficiaries.

She said they would all utilize the opportunity transparently and judiciously to ensure they scale up the empowerment initiative to other people in the constituency, and to become economically self -reliant, and have ease of doing businesses.

E-banking: FG, Ndume trains, empower 350 Southern Borno IDPs on POS operations

VC BOSU VISITS CUSTOMS HOUSE-ASSURES OF COLLABORATION

By: Our Reporter

The Vice Chancellor Borno State University Professor Babagana Gutti, has called for collaboration between BOSU and the Customs Borno/Yobe Command to serve humanity.

He made the call when he paid a courtesy call on the Controller Customs Borno/Yobe Command, Muhammad Danja Mala. Professor Gutti said, the visit was to familiarize himself as well as explore ways of collaboration between the two important institutions as, they can tap from each others functions and experiences.

In his response, the Controller Customs Borno/Yobe Command Muhammad Danja Mala congratulated the VC on his appointment and assured of readiness of the Customs Borno/Yobe Command to collaborate with BOSU for the progress of the two organizations. Alh. MD Mala assured the VC that his doors are always open for any collaboration adding that, the Customs is ready to assist BOSU in anyway possible.

He then presented a plaque to the VC in appreciation of the visit.

VC BOSU VISITS CUSTOMS HOUSE-ASSURES OF COLLABORATION

Nigeria, Rwanda Sign MOU to Strengthen Economic Partnership

By: Michael Mike

Rwanda and Nigeria have strengthened their economic partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Lagos International Trade Fair between the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and the Private Sector Federation (PSF) Rwanda.

The signing ceremony took place on the sidelines of the 2024 Lagos International Trade Fair, further underscoring the commitment to enhancing trade and investment ties between the two nations.

The MoU was signed between the LCCI and the PSF, represented by their respective leaders: Mr. Gabriel Idahosa, President of the LCCI, and Mr. Kanamugire Callixte, Deputy CEO of the PSF Rwanda.

This strategic partnership between the LCCI and PSF Rwanda, according to a statement by the Hugh Commission of Rwanda on Thursday, aims to foster collaboration and create new avenues for businesses in both countries. The MoU provides a comprehensive framework for cooperation in key areas such as trade facilitation, investment promotion, information sharing, capacity building, and joint events organization.

High Commissioner of Rwanda to Nigeria, Ambassador Christophe Bazivamo, said:
“This MOU is a testament to our shared vision—a vision of a vibrant and interconnected African business landscape where Rwanda and Nigeria stand as beacons of economic collaboration and mutual growth”. “The Rwandan government is fully committed to supporting this endeavor. We have implemented policies to streamline business procedures, enhance infrastructure, and promote a conducive investment climate.”

The LCCI representative outlined the objectives of the partnership, including enhancing business relationships, exploring investment opportunities, and sharing best practices between Nigerian and Rwandan businesses. Specific sectors identified for collaboration include agriculture (with a particular interest in Rwandan coffee and tea production), energy, manufacturing, technology, and creative industries.

Both parties discussed future plans, including organising trade missions, business-to-business meetings, and participating in each other’s international trade fairs. They agreed to start activities as soon as possible, with plans for virtual meetings and potential visits in the first half of the following year.

Under this MoU, the LCCI and PSF Rwanda will work together to: Facilitate Trade by streamlining trade procedures, reduce barriers, and promote the exchange of goods and services between Nigeria and Rwanda; Promote Investment by identifying and promoting investment opportunities in both countries, organize trade missions, and facilitate business partnerships; Share Information by exchanging information on market trends, trade regulations, and investment incentives to support business decision-making; Build Capacity by organising joint workshops, training programmes, and knowledge-sharing initiatives to enhance the competitiveness of businesses in both countries; and Host Events by collaborating on organising trade fairs, exhibitions, and business forums to foster networking and facilitate partnerships.
 
According to the statement: This partnership is expected to generate significant benefits for businesses in Rwanda and Nigeria, including: Increased Trade as the MoU will facilitate greater trade flows between the two countries, opening up new markets and expanding business opportunities; Investment Growth as the collaboration will attract investment in key sectors, contributing to economic growth and job creation; Enhanced Competitiveness as businesses will benefit from knowledge sharing and capacity building initiatives, improving their competitiveness in regional and global markets; Stronger Networks as the MoU will foster stronger business networks and partnerships, facilitating collaboration and innovation.

The Rwanda High Commission said it encourages businesses in both countries to explore the opportunities created by this partnership.

Nigeria, Rwanda Sign MOU to Strengthen Economic Partnership