Quick Takes
NDIC Boss Harps on Financial Literacy
The Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim has emphasised the need for improved financial literacy.
Ibrahim said this at the Chartered Institute of Bankers’ (CIBNs’) graduates induction and prize award day in Lagos recently.
The NDIC boss pointed out that the banking environment was witnessing rapid changes, including the forces of globalisation of banking; economic uncertainties; advances in information and Communication technology (ICT), such as block chain technology and virtual currency which bankers must grapple with.
He also noted that the current economic situation which most developing countries, including Nigeria were facing underscored the need to pay greater attention to issues such as financial literacy, consumer protection, sustainability and innovative financial services solutions. He gave instances such as mobile money, agency banking, virtual currency, which must be harnessed and integrated into the nation’s financial services industry to enhance the role of banking system towards economic growth and development.
In all, 46 members of staff of the NDIC graduated from the Chartered Banker/Master in Business Administration (CB/MBA) Programme at Bangor University, Scotland.
The graduates also earned themselves triple qualifications of MBA, Bangor University; Associate, Chartered Institute of Bankers, Scotland the oldest professional banking institute in the world) and Associate, The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (ACIB).
Samsung Unveils Galaxy Note 8
Samsung Electronics has unveiled the latest addition to its Galaxy Note family, the Galaxy Note 8. The device was formally unveiled at the company’s unpacked event, which held on the 23rd of August, 2017 in New York, USA.
Blending an advanced S Pen with superior viewing experience, the Galaxy Note 8 provides users with a unique and powerful mobile experience.
According to the Managing Director of Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr. Changwook Lee, the new Galaxy Note 8 introduces the most refined Note experience to-date by combining the latest technology that users expect from Samsung’s Galaxy series.
“In 2011, we introduced the original Galaxy Note and launched a whole new smart device category. Its larger screen size and iconic S Pen technology initiated a new standard in smartphone culture,” Lee said.
The undeniable success of the category strengthened our conviction that consumers want higher quality features on their devices and they want those new features to positively impact their quality of life, Lee added.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 enables its users to tell the stories of their lives through dynamic and seamless expressions of their passions across work, play and life experiences.
Lafarge Trains Bricklayers, Technicians
In furtherance of its commitment to provide sustainable housing solutions to stakeholders and curb the increasing incidences of building collapse in Nigeria, Lafarge Africa Plc, a member of the LafargeHolcim Group, has organised a training workshop for bricklayers and technicians in the construction and building industry. The training, which was flagged off in Shagamu, Ogun State, was aimed at ensuring that construction workers and artisans, are empowered with latest building techniques.
The constant training of bricklayers and artisans is an integral part of Lafarge Africa Plc’s operations in Nigeria. In 2013, Lafarge began training of block makers and artisans in 2013, setting a record as the first cement manufacturer in Nigeria. Presently, it has also leveraged on a comprehensive research on building collapse from the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON). The SON report revealed that poor quality building materials and incompetent workers account for most collapsed building in the country.
Speaking at the event, the Technical Service Manager Bukola Adebisi, said there was need to constantly improve the knowledge of the trainees with modern trends as well as safety precautions. He added that most individual home builders in Nigeria rely on bricklayers for most of the construction decisions.