Providus Bank Archives | Tech | Business | Economy https://techeconomy.ng/tag/providus-bank/ Tech | Business | Economy Fri, 01 May 2026 10:35:27 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 https://techeconomy.ng/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/cropped-256Px-32x32.png Providus Bank Archives | Tech | Business | Economy https://techeconomy.ng/tag/providus-bank/ 32 32 Nigeria’s CardForté Turns Five, Showcasing Impact on Domestic Payment Infrastructure https://techeconomy.ng/nigerias-cardforte-turns-five-showcasing-impact-on-domestic-payment-infrastructure/ https://techeconomy.ng/nigerias-cardforte-turns-five-showcasing-impact-on-domestic-payment-infrastructure/#respond Fri, 01 May 2026 10:35:27 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=180904 For Nigeria’s rapidly expanding financial sector, the true bottleneck to scaling has rarely been user acquisition; it has been the physical infrastructure of payments. On April 24, 2026, at the Lagos Polo Club in Ikoyi, CardForté Limited marked its 5th anniversary by gathering the titans of the Nigerian payments industry to address this reality. The […]

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For Nigeria’s rapidly expanding financial sector, the true bottleneck to scaling has rarely been user acquisition; it has been the physical infrastructure of payments.

On April 24, 2026, at the Lagos Polo Club in Ikoyi, CardForté Limited marked its 5th anniversary by gathering the titans of the Nigerian payments industry to address this reality.

The event underscored a critical shift in the ecosystem: local card manufacturing is no longer just a patriotic alternative. It is the strategic backbone of Nigeria’s digital economy.

The exclusive Leadership Breakfast, hosted by Gbenga Aborowa, convened executives from tier-1 banks, leading fintechs, domestic and regional card schemes.

The gathering moved beyond celebratory remarks to tackle the hard questions facing the industry through three high-impact panel sessions, a football tournament among industry teams, and an evening anniversary dinner.

The morning opened with the “Local vs. Global: The Battle for the Nigerian Wallet” panel, moderated by Unyime Tommy, Managing Partner at Assurdly.

The discussion tackled the tension between domestic schemes and international giants. Grace Adeniyi, Divisional Head of Governance and Regional Operations at Verve International, and Ugo Obasi, E.D/Chief Commercial Officer of AfriGOPay, articulated the strategic necessity of local schemes in mitigating foreign exchange exposure for issuing banks.

They were joined by Celestina Appeal, Head of Card Business and Solutions at Zenith Bank, who provided the issuer’s perspective on balancing the national mandate for domestic cards with the consumer demand for global acceptance. A key consensus emerged: with over 95 percent of transactions occurring domestically, the economic argument for local card issuance is undeniable.

The conversation then pivoted to the last mile of financial access in the “Financial Inclusion and Agency Banking” session, moderated by Dr. Stanley Jacob, CEO of Zest Payments and Chairman of FinTechNGR. Femi Davies, Senior Vice President of Cards at Moniepoint and Bode Oyegoke, General Manager of Payments and Ecosystems at MTN Group, debated the unit economics of agency banking and the evolution of the agent network from basic cash-in/cash-out services to comprehensive financial touchpoints.

Temitope AkinFadeyi joined the discussion, and the panelists explored how agency banking has brought millions of Nigerians into the financial system, while acknowledging the challenges of fraud prevention, agent liquidity, and consumer protection that come with rapid scale.

The final panel, “Beyond the Card,” moderated by Jimmy Banjoko, Head of Acquiring and Channels Management at GTBank, explored the future form factors of payments. Nnamdi Azodo, Group Head of Card Business at Sterling Bank, Lanre Ogundare, Head of Card Business and Solutions at Providus Bank, and Wale Sogeyinbo, Head of Payment Processing and Acquiring at Wema Bank, dissected the slow adoption of tokenization and TapToPay in Nigeria.

CardForté celebrates 5th anniversary

The panelists acknowledged that while digital and contactless payments are the future, the physical card remains an absolute imperative for the present, primarily driven by issuer costs and infrastructure readiness.

The celebration extended well beyond the panel sessions. Teams from Sterling Bank, Providus Bank, Verve International, PalmPay, and Card Centre Nigeria Limited (CCNL) participated in a competitive football tournament. PalmPay took home the trophy, reinforcing the spirit of partnership and camaraderie that has defined CardForté’s relationships across the industry.

Beyond the high-level discourse, the event highlighted CardForté’s quiet but massive impact on the sector. Tunde Aka-Bashorun, Executive Director at CardForté, revealed that since its inception in April 2021, the company has manufactured over 27 million cards for more than 150 clients, serving as the critical launch partner for numerous fintechs and first-time issuers.

“Our graduate trainee programme has seen us absorb approximately 45 percent of our personnel from the NYSC level to full staff. CardForté maintains 100 percent local staff. Rather than hire foreign talent, we send our people to acquire knowledge, return, and transmit it internally,” Aka-Bashorun stated.

Seun Lawal, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of CardForté, closed the event by framing the company’s mission within the broader context of national sovereignty.

“One of the biggest values we have created is local capability,” Lawal noted. “For a long time, there was a mindset that if something is high-value, technical, or security-sensitive, it must come from outside Nigeria. We have challenged that thinking by showing that local manufacturing, when done to the right standard, can deliver quality, reliability, and innovation. It means shorter turnaround times, less dependence on imports, and greater data sovereignty because critical parts of the card ecosystem are handled locally.”

The evening anniversary dinner brought together CardForté’s shareholders, including Deji Onyinlola, Olumide Soyombo (Co-Founder of Bluechip Technologies and Founder of Voltron Capital), and Gbenga Ajayi (Partner and Head of Africa and Middle East at QED Investors), alongside board members, staff and their families. Industry partners also joined the celebration, including representatives from Providus Bank, Moniepoint, Fidelity Bank, Taj Bank, Payaza, Watchdata, Kalabash, ECP (Aegis Cards), Stanbic IBTC, Zojatech, Winich Farms, and Greychapel Legal.

CardForté celebrates 5th anniversary

The breadth of attendance was a testament not only to CardForte’s relationships across banking, technology, agriculture, and professional services, but also to the strength of the family that has been built within the company over five years.

As Nigeria’s payment landscape continues to mature, CardForte’s five-year trajectory offers a powerful blueprint: sustainable scale requires indigenous infrastructure.

By replacing imported plastic with locally manufactured smart cards, CardForte is not just supplying the fintech boom. It is securing it.

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Recapitalisation: Providus Bank Exceeding CBN Threshold by 30% https://techeconomy.ng/recapitalisation-providus-bank-exceeding-cbn-threshold-by-30/ https://techeconomy.ng/recapitalisation-providus-bank-exceeding-cbn-threshold-by-30/#respond Sat, 21 Mar 2026 07:14:30 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=178232 Providus Bank Limited has formally dispelled market speculations regarding its regulatory standing, confirming that it has not only met but significantly exceeded the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) new minimum capital requirements. In a statement released on Friday, the bank clarified its position within the apex regulator’s 24-month recapitalisation framework. While regional commercial banks are […]

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Providus Bank Limited has formally dispelled market speculations regarding its regulatory standing, confirming that it has not only met but significantly exceeded the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) new minimum capital requirements.

In a statement released on Friday, the bank clarified its position within the apex regulator’s 24-month recapitalisation framework.

While regional commercial banks are mandated to maintain a minimum capital base of ₦50 billion, Providus Bank revealed that its current paid-up capital stands at ₦65 billion, providing a robust ₦15 billion buffer above the regulatory floor.

Early Compliance and Financial Fortitude

Breaking down the timeline of its capital ascent, the bank noted that it achieved the ₦50 billion benchmark as far back as January 2025. This early compliance places Providus Bank in a position of “strategic resilience” nearly 14 months ahead of the March 31, 2026, deadline set by the Olayemi Cardoso-led CBN.

“Providus Bank confirms that it had met its capital requirement since January 2025 and currently has a capital base of ₦65 billion, which is in excess of its capital requirement,” the bank stated.

“Accordingly, any suggestion that Providus Bank has not met the applicable recapitalisation threshold is not consistent with its current regulatory standing.”

The Macro View: A Strengthening Banking Sector

The CBN’s recapitalisation exercise, which commenced on April 1, 2024, was designed to bulletproof Nigerian banks against domestic and external shocks.

By requiring higher capital tiers, ₦500 billion for International, ₦200 billion for National, and ₦50 billion for Regional, the regulator aims to ensure banks have the capacity to fund large-scale infrastructure and industrial projects.

For Providus Bank, maintaining a capital position that is 30% higher than required signals a commitment to sound governance and aggressive growth.

The bank emphasized that this liquidity enables it to continue delivering value to stakeholders while aligning with the prudential guidelines of the apex regulator.

As the March 31, 2026, deadline nears, the recapitalisation race is the primary story in Nigerian finance. Providus Bank’s early and over-compliant status is a signal to the tech and business ecosystem that the bank is ready to support higher-risk ventures and long-term digital transformation projects.

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EFCC Grills Three Bank CEOs over N44.5bn Fraud in Humanitarian Ministry https://techeconomy.ng/efcc-grills-three-bank-ceos-over-n44-5bn-fraud-in-humanitarian-ministry/ https://techeconomy.ng/efcc-grills-three-bank-ceos-over-n44-5bn-fraud-in-humanitarian-ministry/#comments Tue, 09 Jan 2024 21:00:02 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=122248 The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Tuesday evening, interrogated Chief Executive Officers and Managing Directors of three banks in connection with the over N44 billion fraud allegedly uncovered in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. The senior bank executives were quizzed by EFCC interrogators at the commission’s headquarters, Jabi, Abuja as of 4.55 […]

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Tuesday evening, interrogated Chief Executive Officers and Managing Directors of three banks in connection with the over N44 billion fraud allegedly uncovered in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

The senior bank executives were quizzed by EFCC interrogators at the commission’s headquarters, Jabi, Abuja as of 4.55 pm on Tuesday.

The suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu, is currently being held and is undergoing interrogation by the EFCC over N585million scandal.

Also, Halima Shehu, the embattled Co-ordinator and Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) domiciled in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation is being probed by the EFCC over an alleged N44bn fraud.

Confirming the probe of the senior bank executives on Tuesday, an EFCC source revealed that the bank chies are being questioned over the N44.5bn fraud uncovered in the ministry involving Edu and Shehu.

The source said, “The CEOs and MDs of three banks are currently being grilled by our interrogators here at the headquarters.

“They were invited and are being probed in connection with the uncovered N44bn fraud and the N585million involving Halima Shehu and Betta Edu.

“The suspended minister and the coordinator have both made new revelations during their interrogations, and the investigation is still ongoing.”

Edu was suspended by President Bola Tinubu on Monday, over an alleged N585m cash transfer saga.

The suspended minister was invited by the anti-graft agency in compliance with Tinubu’s order that a comprehensive investigation encompassing her activities in the ministry be carried out, a top source in the anti-graft commission told reporters.

Edu’s predecessor, Sadiya Farouq, was queried by EFCC interrogators on Monday, over allegations that she laundered N37.1 billion while serving as a minister in former President Muhammadu Buhari’s cabinet.

Also, Shehu was earlier arrested in connection with an alleged N44billion money laundering and had been mandated to report to the EFCC every day following her release last Wednesday.

The NSIPA Coordinator was arrested and taken into EFCC custody Tuesday night following her suspension.

It was learnt that the N44bn was suspiciously moved from NSIPA’s accounts into private and corporate accounts linked to persons serving as fronts.

Confirming her release from EFCC custody in a telephone interview with our correspondent on Thursday, the spokesperson for the EFCC, Dele Oyewale said Shehu has been mandated to meet with EFCC interrogators every day as the investigation continues.

Oyewale said, “Halima Shehu has been released, but she is still answering to our interrogators, and she has been mandated to meet with investigators every day as the investigation is ongoing.

“Concerning reports on the N44bn and N30bn making the rounds, the commission is still tracing all the suspicious transactions, her agency was under the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs too.

“There’s a lot of money involved because the Ministry and agencies are focused on interventions. Hence, we can’t put a figure to all of the transactions now because the commission is still tracing the transactions.” (Source: The PUNCH).

As at the time of filling this report, names of the bank MDs were withheld, however, investigations continue to unravel the more details about the EFCC’s investigations.

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Vesti Introduces ‘Miai by Vesti’ and ‘Safelock by Vesti’ to Revolutionizes Migration Journey https://techeconomy.ng/vesti-introduces-miai-by-vesti-and-safelock-by-vesti-to-revolutionizes-migration-journey/ https://techeconomy.ng/vesti-introduces-miai-by-vesti-and-safelock-by-vesti-to-revolutionizes-migration-journey/#comments Mon, 29 Apr 2024 06:13:41 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=130060 Vesti, a leading migration fintech company dedicated to empowering immigrants, marked a pivotal moment for the future of migration, over the weekend, with the introduction of new features. The grand launch event held at The Wheatbaker, Lagos, witnessed the unveiling of Miai by Vesti and Safelock by Vesti – innovative features designed to transform the […]

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Vesti, a leading migration fintech company dedicated to empowering immigrants, marked a pivotal moment for the future of migration, over the weekend, with the introduction of new features.

The grand launch event held at The Wheatbaker, Lagos, witnessed the unveiling of Miai by Vesti and Safelock by Vesti – innovative features designed to transform the migration experience for millions.

In Q4 2023, the company announced its evolution to become an AI-first company, targeting the $36 billion global financial services market.

Vesti Introduces ‘Miai by Vesti’ and ‘Safelock by Vesti’
L-r: Paul Adegbokan, Engineering Lead, Vesti; Adefisola Bamisile, Product Manager, Vesti; Olusola Amusan, Co-founder and CEO, Vesti and Victoria Adegoroye, Human Resources Lead, Vesti during the launch of Miai by Vesti and Safelock by Vesti on Friday 26th April 2024 at The Wheatbaker, Lagos.

This was followed with a bold statement on Techcabal, the company announced that Miai will serve as an invaluable resource for immigrants, providing immigrants with personalized and comprehensive assistance throughout their migration journey, from planning their move to settling into their new home. These groundbreaking features represent a paradigm shift, simplifying and securing the migration experience for millions around the globe.

“Today marks a pivotal moment,” declared Olusola Amusan, Co-founder and CEO of Vesti. “We’re thrilled to unveil Miai and Safelock, features meticulously crafted to empower immigrants and make their journeys smoother, smarter, and more secure. This launch signifies a monumental step towards fulfilling our mission – becoming the go-to financial services platform for the next half a billion immigrants worldwide.”

Miai, the AI migration assistant developed by Vesti, operates as a chatbot on the company’s website, within the app, and serves as a copilot on the web app, supported by founders who have raised $1.2m to date.

Imagine having an expert by your side, readily available to answer your questions and guide you with personalized insights. Miai utilizes Machine Learning to understand your unique needs, delivering tailored answers to your specific queries.

Furthermore, Natural Language Processing empowers Miai to engage in natural, conversational interactions. Ask follow-up questions, delve deeper into topics, and feel like you’re talking to a human expert, not a rigid script.

In a powerful collaboration with Providus Bank, a leading provider of innovative financial solutions, Safelock offers a secure and empowering platform specifically tailored to the unique challenges faced by immigrants.

Real-time progress tracking ensures you stay motivated, witnessing your savings goals materialize. Effortless goal setting empowers you to define and adjust your savings plans as needed, offering control and flexibility.

Advanced security features, backed by Providus Bank’s expertise, guarantee the safety and security of your financial information and transactions.

With Safelock, achieving your financial goals and securing your future in your new home country becomes a reality.

“Providus Bank is honored to partner with Vesti on Safelock by Vesti,” said Olalekan Aderonmu, representing Lanre Ogundare, head, Card Business at Providus Bank. “This collaboration perfectly aligns with our mission to provide innovative financial solutions that empower individuals. We are confident that Safelock will be an invaluable tool for immigrants managing their finances during their migration journey.”

The launch event wasn’t just about unveiling features; it was a celebration of innovation and collaboration that will reshape the future of migration. A captivating Industry Stakeholder Panel discussion moderated by Mr. Oluwamuyemi Orimolade, marketing and communications lead – Microsoft ADC – West Africa, on “Simplifying Cross-Border Payments through Innovative Solutions” ignited the room. Leading industry figures like Ayobami Oyaleke (Co-founder and CEO, Mainstack), Moyosore Bolarinwa (Relationship Manager, Providus Bank), Paul Adegbokan, Engineering Lead, Vesti and Adebiyi Grillo (Growth Lead, Cowrywise) shared valuable insights and explored the boundless possibilities of innovative solutions for seamless cross-border payments within the migration landscape.

Guests were treated to a live demonstration, showcasing the unique capabilities of Miai by Vesti and Safelock by Vesti.

The audience witnessed firsthand how Miai’s intelligent support system empowers immigrants, while Safelock’s secure environment safeguards their financial future.

With the launch of Miai by Vesti and Safelock by Vesti, a new era unfolds for immigrants.

Vesti is no longer just a platform; it’s a torchbearer, illuminating the path towards a smoother, smarter, and more secure migration journey.

Individuals across the globe can now navigate the complexities of migration with greater confidence, armed with the knowledge and financial security to make their dreams a reality in their new homes.

Vesti‘s Background

vesti

  • Founded by two brothers who immigrated to the United States, the company is backed by both Africa and US-based investors and boasts of a thriving community of dreamers who represent the next generation of builders.
  • Vesti’s AI-powered copilot, Miai, is a key component of its comprehensive offering, providing personalized support and guidance to immigrants throughout their migration journey.
  • Through a set of tailored payment products, Vesti delivers hassle-free migration pathways and financial services to immigrants moving to the United States and other top destinations in North America and Europe.
  • Vesti’s vision is to be the go-to legal and financial services platform for the next 1 billion immigrants.
  • The company is on a mission to be the preferred platform for immigrants before they emigrate, providing information, community and ultimately a smooth transition to immigrants.

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OCP Africa, Black Country Farms Headline Brightest National Agric Science Contest 1.0 https://techeconomy.ng/ocp-africa-black-country-farms-headline-brightest-national-agric-science-contest-1-0/ https://techeconomy.ng/ocp-africa-black-country-farms-headline-brightest-national-agric-science-contest-1-0/#respond Tue, 26 Mar 2024 08:03:28 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=127842 OCP Africa and BlackCountry Farms have been unveiled as the headline sponsors for Brightest National Agric Science Quiz Competition which is about to debut across top TV stations in Nigeria and Africa from Saturday April 6, 2024. Brightest, themed the biggest and most engaging high school competition with special focus on food production, preservation, and […]

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OCP Africa and BlackCountry Farms have been unveiled as the headline sponsors for Brightest National Agric Science Quiz Competition which is about to debut across top TV stations in Nigeria and Africa from Saturday April 6, 2024.

Brightest, themed the biggest and most engaging high school competition with special focus on food production, preservation, and technology.

Agriculture is the foundation for civilization and a stable economy’. Industrial agricultural development in Africa has had very low offtake. For this to change positively, there is the need for Africa to start a deliberate agricultural revolution, which will invariably increase food production, processing and preservation using technology. This evolution brought about the Brightest National Agric Science Competition.

The Brightest National Agric Science Quiz Contest 1.0 started in October 2023, with 16,039 students from 2,559 schools involved and sitting for the National Qualifying Examination, an online series of tests conducted on the CruxCBT platform.

At the completion of the tests, 81 students from across the six geo-political zones made the cut for the second phase of the competition where various amounts of university scholarships will be won by each of these students depending on their performance in the competition.

To usher them in, these students attended a special Brightest Masterclass 1.0 where OCP Africa Group; Backcountry Farms and Providus Bank had an interaction with the students on technology in agriculture.

In his session, Dr Donald Madueke, head of Agronomy, Africa at OCP Group and Ms. Ifunanya Meka, Agronomy Service Officer took the students on an interactive journey of food production titled “From farm to table; the journey of our food”, where he analyzed the food chain process from planting to human consumption using technology.

He also emphasized on the symbiotic relationship between food, farmers and consumers. In his words, “knowing where our food comes from helps us appreciate the complex stages of food production and the need for agricultural knowledge by all. The students, in groups of 10, were given an exercise to choose their best food and give a five-minute talk on the process of planting and harvesting.

Ms. Alexis Udegbe, Head, Strategy & Growth, CoS, BlackCountry Holdings, engaged the students on different technology for different purposes and how it aids in farming both in plants and animal rearing.  Ms. Olajumoke Adetola of Providus Bank lectured the students on “Financial Responsibility”. At the end of the Brightest Masterclass 1.0, there were questions and answers, as well as photo session with the students and sponsors.

Kiki Omeili, the Brightest TV Host anchored the event to the delight of the students. The connect became glaring as she was able to connect with these students based on her science background; being a University of Lagos trained Medical Doctor.

Part of the highlight of this maiden season of Brightest National Agric Science Competition is to crowdfund and raise N100m from well-meaning individuals and corporate organizations for the University education of these top 81 students and some of their outstanding teachers.

Brightest National Agric Science Competition is a creation of JustMedia Production, Africa’s biggest school based-content aggregator with projects, such as InterswitchSPAK National Science Competition Nigeria and Kenya; Cowbellpedia National Math Contest; MathContest Nigeria; Cruxlearning Math Contest Africa and WordSmith.

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Trade Lenda Launches N10 billion Fund for Women, Shariah Complaint Businesses https://techeconomy.ng/trade-lenda-launches-n10-billion-fund-for-women-shariah-complaint-businesses/ https://techeconomy.ng/trade-lenda-launches-n10-billion-fund-for-women-shariah-complaint-businesses/#comments Mon, 25 Mar 2024 16:47:42 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=127824 Trade Lenda, a leading digital bank with a core mandate of empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) announces the official launch of its fund targeted at supporting women and shariah complaint businesses. Adeshina Adewumi, founder/CEO, Trade Lenda, “As you know, our core mandate is centered around empowering SMEs through strategic financing. Since May 2021, we […]

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Trade Lenda, a leading digital bank with a core mandate of empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) announces the official launch of its fund targeted at supporting women and shariah complaint businesses.

Adeshina Adewumi, founder/CEO, Trade Lenda, “As you know, our core mandate is centered around empowering SMEs through strategic financing. Since May 2021, we have facilitated over $5million to support businesses and built systems to remove the access-to-finance gaps associated with growing a thriving business in Nigeria and soon the focus will be across various African markets.

“After closing our Pre-Seed in January 2023, we took a further step in entrenching our footprint across the grassroots and getting to know our user demography better. We rolled out various initiatives to bridge the financial and digital literacy gaps of small business owners across major markets in Nigeria.

“One of those initiatives included the Trade Lenda SME Fair held in Lagos and had the Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, former president of Nigeria, as our Father of the Day and Guest Speaker.

Obasanjo at Trade Lenda SMEs Fair 2023
Tour Exhibition stands by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo at Trade Lenda Fair in 2023

The program which was held in partnership with financial and non-financial institutions like Providus Bank, Paystack, Eazipay, Credo, Baobab+ among others saw representation of SMEs from across various States in Nigeria coming to Lagos, left us with explorative data that we needed to do more for Women and Shariah Complaint Businesses.

For the records, 90% representation were women-led businesses and top 5 businesses who won grants award out of over 2,000 applicants were women.

A journey which started off with Trade Lenda getting fully certified by the Shari’ah Board of Marble Advisory Limited on 11th January 2024 as well as various discussions in line with the theme for the United Nations International Women’s Day 2024 “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress” has now seen us with a clear path with Marble Capital, FSDH Merchant Bank and Sterling Bank to support more women become financially included.

While I must say that we still have lots of other stakeholders in the pipeline, we are happy to launch today and commence tracking the dividends of empowering more women to grow and scale their businesses beyond Nigeria.

“While this specific fund announced is targeted specifically towards women and Shari’ah-Complaint businesses, we would continue to utilize our general pool from our ongoing Seed round to support businesses across gender agnostic lens.

“Over the last years, we have tracked the effect of empowering SMEs; Remarkably, new jobs have been created across our operators in Agriculture, Fast Consumer Moving Goods, Oil and Gas, Renewables and General Trading. One of our top customers recently rolled out their 4th Gas Plant in Plateau State Nigeria and we have lots of other success stories from across Nigeria. We believe this is just Day 1″, he said.

Find out more by emailing: info@tradelenda.com

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10 Security Checks for Your Mobile Banking App https://techeconomy.ng/10-security-checks-for-your-mobile-banking-app/ https://techeconomy.ng/10-security-checks-for-your-mobile-banking-app/#respond Wed, 18 Oct 2023 07:43:07 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=116047 The data provided by the Nigerian Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) clearly illustrates a notable surge in the adoption of mobile banking services. As of January 2023, the usage of mobile banking has seen a remarkable year-on-year growth of over 200%. This remarkable increase, however, brings along with it a pressing concern: the proliferation of mobile […]

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The data provided by the Nigerian Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) clearly illustrates a notable surge in the adoption of mobile banking services.

As of January 2023, the usage of mobile banking has seen a remarkable year-on-year growth of over 200%.

This remarkable increase, however, brings along with it a pressing concern: the proliferation of mobile fraud. According to a recent report from the Financial Institutions Training Center (FITC):

“Data from the total amount lost to frauds in the first quarter of 2023 reveal that mobile fraud accounts for 34.07 per cent at N161 million followed by Computer/web fraud accounting for 27.69 per cent at N130 million and Fraudulent withdrawals representing 24.72 per cent at N116 million.”

I had the opportunity to speak with banking and industry professionals from institutions including Zenith Bank, Providus Bank, Sterling Bank, Access Bank, First Bank, and Moniepoint.

Based on their recommendations, it’s essential to consider the following security checks when using mobile banking apps:

1. Enable Email Alerts:

One crucial step is to enroll with banks that offer email alerts for every login to your mobile app. This added layer of security helps in mitigating unauthorized log-ins, as each login attempt triggers an email alert.

Babatade Samson, a product manager with Providus Bank, emphasized the importance of requesting your bank to enable email alerts upon sign-in. This simple measure is one of the easiest and safest ways to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.

2. Use Strong and Unique Passwords: 

Avoid the temptation to use easily guessable passwords, such as milestone dates or common names. Instead, opt for a password that is both memorable for you and challenging for others to guess. Consider using a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters.

It’s essential to never use common sequences like ‘123’ and never store your personal banking details on your mobile device.

By following these security measures, you can significantly enhance the safety of your mobile banking experience and protect your financial information from potential threats.

3. It is very important to stay off public Wifi

Monzo, a digital bank in the UK, in a cautionary warning to its customers had this to say:

“You should avoid using public wifi to access mobile or online banking. The majority of public wifi networks are not securely encrypted and because of that, they’re not private.

This includes public wifi that prompts you to log in by entering an email address, like @pubname, @restaurantname or @gym. Although this may feel more official, it simply allows the business owner to use data analytics on customers and is no more secure than other public wifi. Public wifi makes it easy for someone to see your online activity. This can include capturing your PIN, and passwords and viewing sensitive email or financial transactions.”

4. Research the Banking App:

Exercise caution when downloading a banking app. Fraudsters have been known to create counterfeit bank apps to deceive unsuspecting customers.

Whether you are downloading from the Apple Store or Android Play Store, it’s essential to scrutinize the developer details and user reviews. A Forbes article wisely advises users to “investigate the app’s security policies and check for any past data breaches.”

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has also raised alarms about the rapid growth of fake banking apps in the world of smartphone fraud.

5. Activate Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):

Always enable 2FA for an added layer of security. Two-factor authentication may involve verifying your account through an automated phone call or text message. This extra step helps safeguard your mobile banking experience.

6. Beware of Phishing Emails:

Phishing, as defined by Wikipedia, is a form of social engineering where attackers deceive individuals into disclosing sensitive information or installing malicious software, such as ransomware. Avoid clicking on links received from unverified sources.

A report by PremiumTimes reveals a significant increase in adware detections, with statistics showing a rise in various regions. The report states there has been a 94% increase in adware detection in Nigeria.

7. Accessibility control:

It is important you check the apps that you use and their level of access. iPhone users have some level of privacy control provided by Apple. There has been instances where people unknowingly grant control to apps beyond their scope of function.

8. Set Transfer Limits:

Establish a transfer limit on your account to limit the amount of funds that can be withdrawn in cases of unauthorized access. Some financial institutions, like Sterling Bank, have incorporated a feature in their mobile apps that prompts a security check for first-time beneficiaries. Eduek Essienuobong, a banking officer with Sterling Bank, confirmed this safeguard.

9. Consider using a Hardware Token:

While it may be considered old-fashioned, some financial institutions offer mobile apps equipped with token generation capabilities for your convenience. This can provide an extra layer of security to your transactions.

10. Make sure you have an antivirus installed on your mobile phone.

This is perhaps one of the most often overlooked strategies to keep unwanted access to your funds.

By taking these precautions, you can significantly enhance the security of your mobile banking activities and safeguard your financial information from potential threats.

[Featured Image Credit]

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Meet Olanrewaju Alaka; a PR Expert Managing the Reputation of Nigerian Brands https://techeconomy.ng/meet-olanrewaju-alaka-a-pr-expert-managing-the-reputation-of-nigerian-brands/ https://techeconomy.ng/meet-olanrewaju-alaka-a-pr-expert-managing-the-reputation-of-nigerian-brands/#respond Thu, 12 Oct 2023 11:15:43 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=115615 Public relations is a constantly evolving field, and Olanrewaju Alaka – Laerryblue is at the forefront of this change. His innovative approach and dedication have made him a leader in the industry, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in public relations. His vision and expertise are shaping the future of the field, and his impact is undeniable. […]

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Public relations is a constantly evolving field, and Olanrewaju Alaka – Laerryblue is at the forefront of this change.

His innovative approach and dedication have made him a leader in the industry, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in public relations.

His vision and expertise are shaping the future of the field, and his impact is undeniable. Let’s explore the journey that led to his success.

Olanrewaju Alaka, also known as Laerryblue, is a seasoned professional with a background in public relations and brand management.

Boasting over 8 years of hands-on experience, he has earned widespread recognition and numerous awards in the industry, to date, he has penned and successfully published more than 3,000 press releases and orchestrated over 300 media campaigns.

Olanrewaju embarked on his journey at Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria, where he began organizing parties and promoting clubs.

It was there that he discovered his passion for solving communication problems in whichever industry he finds himself. He’s been able to effectively and strategically use PR to build mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their audiences.

With a diverse background that spans various industries, Olanrewaju has enriched his profile with an abundance of practical knowledge.

Olanrewaju Alaka, also known as Laerryblue
Olanrewaju Alaka -also known as Laerryblue

His portfolio includes leading high-profile projects with organizations such as Providus Bank, Keystone Bank, MTN, Veritasi Homes, Landwey Investment, Axon Analytics, Tenece Group, and Poshglowskincare.

Academically, he holds an MA in Public Relations from Sheffield Hallam University, United Kingdom, complemented by a BCS in Business Analysis.

Further enhancing his academic portfolio is a BA in German Language which he acquired from Obafemi Awolowo University and the Institute of International Communication in Berlin, Germany.

Equipped with expertise in public relations strategies, brand and talent management, Olanrewaju is primed to make significant contributions to company development in his forthcoming endeavors.

He has been featured on both local and international platforms, showcasing his expertise in the industry.

Olanrewaju specializes in public relations and brand management, offering tailored strategies for both B2B and B2C clients.

His impressive track record includes over 3,000 press releases and 300 media campaigns.

He is committed to delivering powerful strategies that enhance brand communication both online and offline, leveraging PR, content marketing, and social media to maximum effect.

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Eyowo 99% Ready to Resume Financial Services with PSSP Licence – Adedeji https://techeconomy.ng/eyowo-99-ready-to-resume-financial-services-with-pssp-licence-adedeji/ https://techeconomy.ng/eyowo-99-ready-to-resume-financial-services-with-pssp-licence-adedeji/#comments Tue, 13 Jun 2023 18:27:35 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=104370 By: Olivia Nnorom Today, Yomi Adedeji, the Co-CEO of Eyowo, said that the company would soon resume its financial services using its Payment Solution Service Providers (PSSP) licence, after the disruption caused by the revocation of its Microfinance licence by the Central Bank of Nigeria. Adedeji disclosed this in an update provided to its customers […]

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By: Olivia Nnorom

Today, Yomi Adedeji, the Co-CEO of Eyowo, said that the company would soon resume its financial services using its Payment Solution Service Providers (PSSP) licence, after the disruption caused by the revocation of its Microfinance licence by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Adedeji disclosed this in an update provided to its customers where he said that the bank is now 98.8 percent ready to resume its activities, stressing that as one of the 75 companies licensed by CBN as PSSPs, Eyowa will continue providing its payment services.

Yomi Adedeji, the Co-CEO of Eyowo
Yomi Adedeji, the Co-CEO of Eyowo

With the PSSP licence, the digital bank can provide financial services such as the operation of payment processing gateway and portals which are utilised by merchants to accept debit or credit card purchases from customers.

“Please bear in mind that with our PSSP licence, we are fully backed by the CBN to continue providing the services you enjoy on Eyowo.” Eyowa Co-CEO said.

Addressing the bank’s issue with its customers’ inability to withdraw or send money on its platform since the revocation of its MFB licence on May 23, Adedeji said the bank is now on the verge of allowing interbank transaction

According to him, the bank has partnered Providus bank to enable inter bank transactions, to which it has started connecting its tier 2 and 3 customers to new accounts, and has revealed that it would send emails on how they can resume transactions.

“We appreciate our partner, Providus Bank, for taking proactive steps to provide us with all the support we needed to get all Eyowo services back up for you and your business. They have been our proud partners of potential.”

“We have connected all Tier 2 and Tier 3 users to new accounts, Tier 1 customers would be upgraded as soon as your BVN is added. As we go live the next email you will receive will include all you need to know to resume interbank transactions”

– Adedeji said.

Acknowledging the financial dis comfort the bank’s situation must have caused to it customer, he empathised with them, noting that he understands because he relies completely on Eyowo and experienced first-hand the same challenges you faced.

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