Opmion/Features
A Heritage Of Performance
By James Ume
THE story of the spirit of Heritage Bank varies in a positive way just as the conclusion by a vast majority of its customers and those in the financial and business sector is one that not only keeps evolving but is getting better and more pragmatic.
Two years on, the words at the maiden edition of the Investors Forum in Lagos, still rings rich and deep: “We have a story, how we started and where we are going. All that defines us! Whatever our purpose, we all desire to succeed; we all desire to leave a legacy of success. Welcome to history in the making.”
Nigeria’s Finance Minister kemi Adeosun
When Heritage Bank Ltd took over the ownership of Enterprise Bank from the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON, in 2014 it was a strategic move embedded in the bank’s policy of broadening its base to bring in more Nigerians to benefit from its pool of exciting services.
In two years and despite the harsh economic environment, the bank has continued to stay the course due, mainly, to the managerial direction of the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Mr Ifie Sekibo, and the management team. If anyone were to be in doubt as to the long term objective of Heritage Bank, those fears were doused when he was named as Banker of the Year for 2015 by Nigeria’s longest running newspaper, Daily Times.
Explaining the award to Sekibo, Daily Times said, He is a tenacious entrepreneur, passionate game changer and a result-oriented professional with a proven track record in turn-around management. These attributes consistently drive his vision to lead tenacious teams which mobilize strategic investments and capital injection to resuscitate and restructure moribund companies to the path of sustained profitability.”
When Heritage Bank emerged from the ashes of Societe Generale Bank of Nigeria Plc, SGBN, to acquire 100 percent shareholding of Enterprise Bank Limited, only a few gave it any chance. But the situation on ground shows that it inherited over 160 branches of its new acquisition nationwide. It is heart-warming to note that in taking over Enterprise Bank, Heritage had to pay N56.1 billion to the Assets Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON). It is a given that anybody that is ready to muscle out such a princely sum must know his onions and what is required to turn the bank around for profitability, and that is exactly the Heritage story.
It is to the credit and guidance of the chairman of the bank, Akinsola Akinfemiwa, and Sekibo, that the bank has been able to successfully return 100 percent of existing SGBN account holders’ funds to their owners as well as fulfilling and exceeding all required criteria for operations.
Today, the bank is living up to its moniker of preserving a heritage of consistency by creating, preserving and transferring wealth across generations through exciting products.
One of such products is the bank’s Youth Entrepreneurship Development Programme, YEDP, in collaboration with the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC. As a bank that knows that the empowerment of the youths holds great potential for growth and development, the synergy with the NYSC led to the empowering of 310 young entrepreneurs with N93 million in October this year.
The special grant which is backed by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, is geared towards inspiring and harvesting the entrepreneurial abilities of young Nigerians toward creating over one million direct jobs by 2020. It is a given that one major hindrance to accessing loans and intervention schemes in the country is the issue of collateral. Aware of this challenge, all the beneficiaries need to do is to make available their academic and NYSC certificates as well as third party guarantees and movable assets and they are in. It is no wonder that the first disbursement was such a huge success with the 310 beneficiaries presented with a cheque of N3million each.
Speaking at the event, Sekibo, urged the CBN to expand the programme to accommodate more qualified youth entrepreneurs and pointed out that the bank has over 7,000 business proposals which needs to be funded.
As a corporate, socially responsible enterprise, the bank keeps investing in the future of young Nigerians so as to inspire them to become responsible citizens and contribute their quota to the nation’s growth and development. It is this spirit that informed its Skoolympics project, which was promptly endorsed by the Lagos State government.
The Heritage Bank Skoolympics project is aimed at building champions through youth sports competition at the secondary school level
At the endorsement of the project, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Government on Sports, Mr Ayodeji Tinubu, said, “We are very excited at the project because it will help to develop youths in the state in a disciplined manner,” andadded, “we have mobilised and created awareness among students in the state for the project and they are looking forward to it.”
Tinubu described it as “very fantastic idea” and stressed that the state was interested in the “pre, during and post event activities because it intended to expose the beneficiary students to proper mentoring and counselling.”
Rewarding customers is part of the Heritage way. One of such experiences is the ‘Happy Days Promo’ aimed at empowering and rewarding its teeming loyal customers.
Besides the matrix of reward, it was also designed to encourage savings at a period of tight economic situation. A winner of the promo will become a proud owner of a brand new car while others are billed to become millionaires from across the country, with yet others on monthly basis, smiling home with exciting prizes.
The bank captured aptly when it stated: “The ‘Happy Days’ promo, underscores our determination to improve the standard of living and lifestyle of our customers who deserve the reward for their unflinching loyalty to the brand since the bank berthed three years ago.”
Fully aware that it needs to get the proper regulatory approval and ratings, it opened its books to world rating agency, Moody’s and Augusto, and the verdict was of good cheer.
The rating agency not only affirmed that Heritage Bank’s capitalisation remains sound in relation to its low asset risk model, but also said it has the capacity to generate income from its core business to settle its obligation as at when due.
According to Moody, under the new methodology, the bank’s credit metrics’ ratings remain consistent with an a3 Baseline Credit Assessment (BCA), when measured against Australia’s macro profile.
“The bank’s BCA, which encapsulates its stand-alone financial profile, and its adjusted BCA were also confirmed at a3. The outlook for all ratings is stable,” the agency stated.
“The international and local ratings investment metrics is a welcome development to the bank and, in light of this sterling achievement, we swiftly need to improve on our performances in order to boost our subsequent ratings,” a statement from the bank noted.
Moody’s and Augusto’s rating is in sync with the commendable results posted by the bank in the past financial year and the last three quarters of 2016, resulting in shareholder approvals to list its shares on the Nigerian Stock Exchange within one year of its business combination with the erstwhile Enterprise Bank Limited.
The phenomenal and steady growth of the bank can only be appreciated from the fact that from just 11 branches in 2013, it currently boasts of a physical network of over 160 experience centres (branches); 418 automated teller machines (ATMs) and over 1,630 points of sales (POS) devices all over the country.
It presently holds the enviable record of being the first bank in Nigeria to be ISO certified in less than two years of operation and holds the record of introducing ATM machines nationwide. The first also extends to it being one of the first financial institutions in the country to commence the SME Clinic initiative; and in the process has established itself as the bank of choice for its customers’ needs and prospects.
One cannot but agree with Seibo, who said: “We hold firmly to the belief that the capacity for immense wealth lies in you,” while stressing that, “the changing dynamics of banking across the globe had necessitated the need for the country to move along the direction of e-banking to bring about innovation in the banking sector.”
That pull of innovation has seen Heritage Bank continually pursuing distinctive innovations, which has seen it receive the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard, PCI DSS certification, in addition to the ISO/IEC 27001:2013 award.
The certification was in recognition of the bank’s commitment to effective and secured financial system which has put the bank in the league of big players in the industry and confer internationally-recognised standard on its operations.
With these and many more of its work ethics of serving Nigerians and the sub-region, one can safely conclude that the legacy of Heritage Bank Ltd, is as enduring as the cultures of the different tribes and peoples it serves.
Ume is the Managing Consultant, Channelkoos Media Consult Ltd
Electronic Health Records (EHRs) have revolutionized the healthcare industry, streamlining processes, improving patient care, and enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of medical diagnostics. This article explores the critical role EHRs play in diagnostics, with a specific focus on examples from SYNLAB Nigeria, a leading medical diagnostics company.
Electronic Health Records (EHRs) are digital versions of patients’ paper charts. They contain comprehensive and real-time records of patients’ medical histories, including diagnoses, medications, treatment plans, immunization dates, allergies, radiology images, and laboratory test results. EHRs facilitate the sharing of patient information across various healthcare settings, ensuring that doctors, specialists, and other healthcare providers have access to the most accurate and up-to-date information.
The implementation of EHRs at SYNLAB Nigeria has provided significant benefits to their customers, enhancing their overall healthcare experience. As part of efforts in promoting excellent patient care and in line with SYNLAB’s mission of providing actionable diagnostic information for a healthier life, let’s explore some applications of EHRs in the field of medical diagnostics.
1. EHRs ensure that patient data is accurately recorded and easily accessible. This reduces the risk of errors associated with manual data entry and ensures that patient information is readily available to healthcare providers at any time, facilitating faster and more accurate diagnoses. This means that customers receive their test results quickly and accurately. With all patient data digitally recorded and integrated, the risk of errors is minimized, and results are processed and delivered faster at SYNLAB Nigeria. This timely access to information allows for prompt medical decisions and interventions.
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2. EHRs enable seamless sharing of patient information among different healthcare providers. This ensures that all relevant medical history and test results are available to doctors and specialists, leading to more informed decision-making and better patient outcomes. Improved coordination of care also means that EHRs facilitate better communication among healthcare providers. When patients visit SYNLAB for diagnostic tests, their healthcare providers can access the results directly through the patients’ portal, made possible because of EHR. This ensures that doctors have all necessary information to provide accurate diagnoses and appropriate treatments.
3. Because of EHRs patients have better access to their health information. Patients can view their test results online, schedule appointments, and communicate with their healthcare providers. This increased engagement empowers patients to take a more active role in their health management. SYNLAB Nigeria’s EHR system allows customers to access their personal health records online. Patients can log in to a secure portal to view their test results, track their medical history, and download reports. This convenience empowers patients to stay informed about their health and make more educated decisions.
4. EHRs at SYNLAB Nigeria ensure that patient information is securely stored and protected. Robust encryption and security protocols are in place to safeguard sensitive health data, giving customers peace of mind regarding the privacy and security of their medical information.
5. Aggregated data from EHRs can be used for research and analysis, identifying trends and patterns in patient health. This data-driven approach supports ongoing improvements in diagnostic accuracy and the development of new diagnostic tools and procedures.
The integration of Electronic Health Records at SYNLAB Nigeria exemplifies the transformative impact of EHRs on medical diagnostics. By improving data accuracy, streamlining workflows, enhancing patient engagement, and facilitating better coordination of care, EHRs would continue to play a vital role in advancing the quality and efficiency of healthcare services. As technology continues to evolve, the importance of EHRs in medical diagnostics will only grow, paving the way for more innovative and effective healthcare solutions.
About SYNLAB
• SYNLAB Nigeria is a member of the SYNLAB group, with presence in over 30 countries in four continents. The organization has over 30 active locations across Nigeria and has been ISO 15189 certified since 2006.
• SYNLAB Group is the leader in medical diagnostic services and specialty testing in Europe. The Group offers a full range of innovative and reliable medical diagnostics to patients, practicing doctors, hospitals and clinics, governments and corporates.
• Providing the leading level of service within the industry, SYNLAB is the partner of choice for routine and specialty diagnostics in human and veterinary medicine. The Group continuously innovates medical diagnostic services for the benefit of patients and customers.
• SYNLAB holds leading positions in most markets, regularly reinforcing the strength of its network through a proven acquisition strategy.
• More information can be found on www.synlab.com,
Ilebaye Precious Odiniya, a former Big Brother Naija housemate, emerged victorious in the All Stars edition of the reality TV competition, earning herself a grand prize of N120,000,000 and various other rewards. To shed light on her background, here are key facts:
Ilebaye’s birthdate is May 9, 2001, and she was born in Lokoja, Kogi State.
She proudly belongs to the Igala tribe and hails from Olamaboro local government area within Kogi State.
Her educational journey took her to the Federal Government Girls’ College in Kabba, where she completed her secondary schooling.
Academically, Ilebaye holds a degree in Criminology and Security Studies from Salem University in Lokoja.
In her early years, she ventured into the world of entertainment and graced popular movie productions such as “Papa Ajasco” by Wale Adenuga Productions.
Ilebaye boasts a career as a professional fashion model and is actively involved in entrepreneurship.
Her first attempt at the BBNaija platform was during Season 7, themed “Level Up,” although she faced eviction after just three weeks.
Among the All Stars housemates, Ilebaye stands out as the youngest participant.
Her family background includes being the daughter of Hon. Emmanuel Godson Odiniya and Mrs. Odiniya, with her father being a politician based in Abuja.
Notably, she serves as the CEO of O.I. Clothing, an emerging fashion brand making waves in Nigeria.
Most Times Love Is Not Forever
Life is a journey full of unexpected twists and turns, and sometimes, we find ourselves separated from our loved ones by the cruel hand of fate.
This separation can be one of the most challenging and heart-wrenching experiences we face in our lives. In this article, we will explore the various ways in which fate can pull us apart from those we care about, and how we can cope with such separations.
The Unpredictability of Life
Life is inherently unpredictable. We make plans, set goals, and build connections with people, but we cannot control the future. Fate often throws unexpected challenges and obstacles in our path, leading to separations that we never saw coming. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a sudden job relocation, or the end of a relationship, these moments can be devastating.
Distance Separations
One of the most common ways in which fate separates us from loved ones is through physical distance. A career opportunity in a different city or country, family obligations, or educational pursuits can lead to geographical separation. Being far away from those we care about can be emotionally challenging, as we yearn for their presence and companionship.
The Loss of Loved Ones
Perhaps the most heart-wrenching separation is the loss of a loved one due to illness, accidents, or old age. Death is an inevitable part of life, but it is also one of the cruelest ways fate can tear us apart from those we hold dear. Coping with the grief and emptiness that follows the loss of a loved one is a profound challenge that many of us face at some point in our lives.
Relationship Breakdowns
Romantic relationships are another area where fate can intervene and lead to separations. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, relationships don’t work out. Whether it’s due to differences, external circumstances, or other factors, the end of a meaningful relationship can feel like a cruel twist of fate.
COPING WITH SEPARATION
While the cruel hand of fate can indeed separate us from our loved ones, it’s essential to remember that we have the power to cope and heal. Here are some ways to navigate these difficult moments:
Acceptance: Accept that life is unpredictable and that separations are a part of the human experience. Acknowledging this reality can help you start the healing process.
Stay Connected: If physical distance separates you from loved ones, make an effort to stay connected through calls, messages, and video chats. Technology has made it easier than ever to bridge the gap.
Grieve and Seek Support: If you’ve experienced the loss of a loved one, allow yourself to grieve. Seek support from friends, family, or a therapist to help you navigate the emotional pain.
Self-Care: Take care of your physical and emotional well-being. Engage in activities that bring you joy, and practice self-compassion during challenging times.
Focus on the Present: While it’s natural to miss those who are no longer with us or far away, try to focus on the present moment. Cherish the memories you have and look for new opportunities for growth and connection.
The cruel hand of fate can separate us from the people we love in various ways, but it’s essential to remember that we have the resilience to endure and overcome these challenges. Life may be unpredictable, but our capacity to adapt, connect, and heal is what makes us truly remarkable. Embrace the support of others and the strength within yourself as you navigate the trials of life, and remember that even in separation, the bonds of love and connection endure.
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