Connect with us

News

CBA Foundation at the forefront of restoring hope to suffering widows

Published

3 years ago

on

Harsh, Extremely difficult, Gut-wrenching. These are not very palatable words to read at the beginning of an article, especially early in a new year. But maybe they aptly describe the economic situation and life in general that a special group in Nigeria is experiencing at the moment.
If economic conditions are tough for you with a spouse, family or network of other people you can turn to, consider underprivileged widows. Left to their fate by the families of their late husbands after being stripped of everything except the children that they now have to care for all by themselves, these widows and their vulnerable children are at the bottom of the food chain.

Imagine what life is like to them at these most trying of times when even the most optimistic of us have their hope buffeted left, right and centre. How do these underprivileged widows manage to cope? How are they even able to survive? These are the constant questions in the heart of the president / founder of CBA Foundation – Chinwe Bode-Akinwande

These concerns and putting oneself in the shoes of such widows have inspired public-spirited individuals and organisations, which have made it their business to try to support underprivileged widows. In spite of limited resources, these individuals and organisations have never wavered in their commitment to ensuring that underprivileged widows and their children receive help and a fair chance to get their lives back on an upward trajectory.

In December 2022, one such organisation that has been in the trenches supporting underprivileged widows since 2015, embarked on massive interventions across three states in Nigeria in their bid to bring succour to widows. Over 360 widows across Lagos and Ogun States in the South West as well as Anambra State in the South East experienced the touch of kindness of the Chinwe Bode-Akinwande Foundation (CBA Foundation).

Ogun State witnessed the first of the interventions. With the help and coordination of the Baales and Olota of Ota, as many as 160 widows were assembled from far and near on 10th December. They were hosted and catered for at Sango-Ota.

Whatever may have been their story before that day, being gathered with people in similar situations and hosted by people who were determined to help as much as they could, would have planted in the widows hope and a sense that their story could change. The joy that flowed as the widows received the support the Foundation distributed freely is the kind you would want captured by a cinematic camera for continuous display in our mind’s eye.

Badore, Ajah was the location for the intervention in Lagos State which followed on 17th December. The 102 widows who were supported came from six different communities around the location. The Lagos intervention also delivered in terms of giving the widows hope.

On 22nd December, Anambra State took its turn. St Cletus Catholic Church, Otolo, Nnewi was the location where the 100 underprivileged widows from five different communities converged to receive much-needed support. From the choice of location to the support distributed among the widows, everything spoke of hope and the possibility of a better tomorrow.

Announced a month ahead, in November 2022, by the President and Founder of CBA Foundation, Mrs Chinwe Bode-Akinwande, the interventions were designed to “support Nigerian widows and put smiles on their faces ahead of the 2022 Christmas and the 2023 New Year…celebrations.” And that is what the interventions delivered, restoring hope in the widows to boot.

In all the three states the interventions delivered free medical outreach, provision of free clothing and free food distribution. Other lines of support extended to the widows included one-on-one counselling and business support.

The ecstatic joy on the faces of the women at the intervention locations may have made people who were around to witness the events forget, albeit temporarily, the biting economic hardship in Nigeria. For even people in government and those with access to people in government would readily admit that things are very tough for most people in Nigeria.

But while the challenging economic environment has made living very difficult for most Nigerians with many going to bed hungry every night, it has created a Nigeria-based hell for many an underprivileged widow and their vulnerable children. And so, many of such widows, given the hell they go through, would have quit trying to survive and given up living but for interventions by individuals and organisations such as CBA Foundation.

For many of these widows, CBA Foundation has been the hope that has kept them going. The Foundation, along with others which share the same goal as it, has been the only support structure these widows know. This support structure has been critical in making the widows will to remain on this side of the life and death divide each time things move from downhill to that state of hopelessness where ending it all is the only message that rings in their heads.

It is gratifying that Mrs Bode-Akinwande understands this crucial role her Foundation and others like it play. Theirs is a mission that not only caters to the welfare of vulnerable widows but could also save lives or pull such widows back from that place where taking their lives is all that they think about.

As important as this mission is, Mrs Bode-Akinwande does not let the work of restoring hope and saving lives that her Foundation is involved in go to her head. She is very humble about it and modest about their achievements.

If anything, she is immensely grateful for the opportunity to even be involved in the mission. She would have felt a strong sense of fulfilment if she were to be invited to volunteer on such a mission. But to be the one driving it is more than fulfilment and reward to her.

Fully sold out to the mission, Mrs Bode-Akinwande used the Sango-Ota event to restate her commitment to the noble cause of supporting vulnerable widows. She promised that her Foundation would continue to assist such widows across Nigeria as much as the Foundation is able to, with the kind support of donors.

The beneficiaries were equally grateful. Expressing gladness and appreciation for the multifaceted support the Foundation extended to them in their hundreds, the widows stated that they were deeply touched by the magnitude of the Foundation’s kindness. They observed that the support received would go a long way in helping them care for themselves and their children during and long after the yuletide.

Thanks to CBA Foundation, the 362 widows that were beneficiaries during the Foundation’s December interventions will not be describing their lives or situations with any of the unsavoury descriptive terms this article opened with, any time soon. With hope restored, the widows would now be eagerly looking to the future with optimism, believing the best about humanity, looking on the bright side of life and more confident that it would all end in praise even if it does not seem like that at the moment.

Today, the widows may not be where they should or could be. But they are not and will not, with the generous donations that public-spirited and kind people (like you reading) to give to the CBA Foundation to continue to support such widows, be allowed to descend back to where their lives could still be described as: Harsh. Extremely difficult. Gut-wrenching.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

FIRSTBANK FILES APPEAL

Published

9 months ago

on

March 26, 2025

By

  • INJUNCTION AND STAY OF EXECUTION
  • CARGO REMAINS UNDER ARREST

In a surprising twist of events, its decision delivered today, the Federal High Court in a surprising shift from the true nature of FirstBank ’s claim held that the matter is not a maritime claim but rather, a simple case of debt recovery. This is quite surprising considering the fact that the order sought is to prevent further fraudulent sale of crude on the FPSO.

Shockingly, the court also held that the Arrest Order against the cargo, because it was exparte in nature, expired by effluxion of time within 14 days of its issuance.

Aggrieved by the decision, FirstBank lodged an appeal against the decision of the FHC. Also, FirstBank filed an application for an injunction of the court against GHL, pending the determination of the appeal. The Cargoes of Crude Oil on the FPSO TAMARA TOKONI remain arrested.

While FirstBank has great respect for the courts, it strongly disagrees with the ruling, which, in our view, constitutes a miscarriage of justice.

FirstBank remains committed to protecting and securing the interest of its members and will relentlessly pursue justice against mischievous debtors seeking to use the machinery of the law to perpetuate mischief and evade their responsibility to offset outstanding obligations.

About FirstBank

First Bank of Nigeria Limited “FirstBank”, established in 1894, is the premier bank in West Africa, a leading financial inclusion services provider in Africa, and a digital banking giant. 

FirstBank’s international footprints cut across three continents ─ Africa, Europe and Asia, with FirstBank UK Limited in London and Paris; FirstBank in The Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, The Gambia, Guinea and Sierra Leone; FBNBank in Senegal; and a FirstBank Representative Office in Beijing, China. All the subsidiary banks are fully registered by their respective Central Banks to provide full banking services.

Besides providing domestic banking services, the subsidiaries also engage in international cross-border transactions with FirstBank’s non-Nigerian subsidiaries, and the representative offices in Paris and China facilitate trade flows from Asia and Europe into Nigeria and other African countries.

For 130 years, FirstBank has built an outstanding reputation for solid relationships, good corporate governance, and a strong liquidity position, and has been at the forefront of promoting digital payment in the country with over 13 million cards issued to customers (the first bank to achieve such a milestone in Nigeria). FirstBank has continued to make significant investments in technology, innovation and transformation, and its cashless transaction drive has been steadily accentuated with virtually 23 million active FirstBank customers signed up on digital channels including the USSD Quick Banking service through the nationally renowned *894# Banking code.

With over 42 million customer accounts (including digital wallets) spread across Nigeria, UK and sub-Saharan Africa, the Bank provides a comprehensive range of retail and wholesale financial services through more than 820 business offices and over 233,500 agent locations spread across 772 out of the 774 Local Government Areas in Nigeria.

In addition to banking solutions and services, FirstBank provides pension fund custody services in Nigeria through First Pension Custodian Nigeria Limited and nominee and associated services through First Nominees Nigeria Limited.

FirstBank’s commitment to Diversity is shown in its policies, partnerships and initiatives such as its employees’ ratio of female to male (about 39%:61%; and 32% women in management) as well as the FirstBank Women Network, an initiative that seeks to address the gender gap and increase the participation of women at all levels within the organisation.  In addition, the Bank’s membership of the UN Women is an affirmation of a deliberate policy that is consistent with UN Women’s Women Empowerment’s Principles (WEPs) ─ Equal Opportunity, Inclusion, and Nondiscrimination.

For six consecutive years (2011 – 2016), FirstBank was named “Most Valuable Bank Brand in Nigeria” by the globally renowned The Banker Magazine of the Financial Times Group and “Best Retail Bank in Nigeria” eight times in a row, 2011 – 2018, by the Asian Banker International Excellence in Retail Financial Services Awards.

In 2022, the Top 100 African Bank rankings released by The Banker Magazine ranked FirstBank as number one in Nigeria in terms of Overall Performance, Profitability, Efficiency and Return on Risk. Also in 2022, the Bank received the “Most Innovative Retail Banking Product in Nigeria (FastTrack ATM)” and “Best Retail Bank in Nigeria” awards from International Finance Magazine. FirstBank was also awarded “Best Corporate Banking Western Africa, 2022” and “Best CSR Bank Western Africa, 2022’’ by Global Banking and Finance Magazine.

Other notable awards in FirstBank coffers include: “Best Bank in Nigeria” by Global Finance magazine – fifteen times in a row; “Best Private Bank in Nigeria-2021” awarded by Global Finance magazine; “Best Internet Banking Nigeria” and ‘’Best CSR Bank Africa’’ by International Business Magazine.

In 2023, FirstBank received notable awards including “Best Private Bank for Sustainable Investing in Africa 2023” by Global Finance Awards; “Best Sustainable Bank in Nigeria 2023” by International Investors Awards; “Best Bespoke Banking Services in Nigeria 2023” by International Investors Awards; “Best Financial Inclusion Service Provider in Nigeria 2023” by Digital Banker Africa; and “African Bank of the Year” by African Leadership Magazine; ’’Best Corporate Bank in Nigeria 2023’’ by Euromoney Awards and ‘’Most Innovative Banking Brand – Nigeria 2023’’ by Global Brands Award.

Other laudable feats in 2023 include FirstBank’s international recognitions on major indices by Euromoney Market Leaders, an independent global assessment of the leading financial service providers where FirstBank was crowned:

Market Leader: (tier-1 recognition) in Corporate Banking,

Market Leader: (tier -1 recognition) in Digital Solutions,

Highly Regarded: Corporate and Social Responsibility (CSR),

Highly Regarded: Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), Notable: in SME Banking.

Significantly, FirstBank’s Global Credit Rating was A+ with a positive outlook while ratings by Fitch and Standard & Poor’s were A (nga) and ngBBB+ respectively both with Stable outlooks as at September 2023. FirstBank maintained the same level of international credit ratings as the sovereign; a milestone that was achieved in 2022 for the first time since 2015.

Our vision is ‘To be Africa’s Bank of first choice’ and our mission is ‘To remain true to our name by providing the best financial services possible. This commitment is anchored on our core values of EPIC – Entrepreneurship, Professionalism, Innovation and Customer-Centricity. Our strategic ambition is ‘To deliver accelerated growth in profitability through customer-led innovation and disciplined execution and our brand promise is always to deliver the ultimate “gold standard” of value and excellence to position You First in every respect.

Olayinka Ijabiyi

Ag. Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications

First Bank of Nigeria Limited 

Continue Reading

News

FirstBank holds groundbreaking ceremony for new 40-storey eco-friendly HQs in Lagos

Published

10 months ago

on

March 5, 2025

By

FirstBank of Nigeria Limited, West Africa’s premier bank and a key player in financial inclusion, will today (Wednesday) host the groundbreaking ceremony for its new, green-certified headquarters in Eko Atlantic City, Lagos.

The 40-storey building, set to become the tallest structure in Nigeria, promises to be a technological and environmental marvel, with advanced, eco-friendly construction designed to set new benchmarks in Africa’s financial services sector.

A statement on Wednesday signed by Olayinka Ijabiyi, Ag. Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications, First Bank said the ceremony marks the beginning of a transformative journey that highlights commitment to innovation, excellence, and customer satisfaction.

“The new headquarters will feature a sustainable, green-certified design aimed at reducing operational costs while positioning FirstBank as a leader in sustainable banking practices,” it said.

Olusegun Alebiosu, CEO of FirstBank Group, stated, “We are thrilled to reach this important milestone in our pursuit of excellence. Our new head office will be a world-class structure that reflects our dedication to innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. We believe this development will play a key role in driving economic growth and long-term value for all our stakeholders across Africa.”

With a legacy of over 130 years, FirstBank has consistently been a trailblazer in innovation, customer service, and sustainable business practices. The bank operates across nine countries on three continents, reinforcing its international presence.

Femi Otedola, Chairman of FirstHoldCo, remarked, “Today’s ceremony underscores the importance of collaboration and the unwavering support from various sectors in realizing our vision for the new headquarters. We are deeply grateful for the continued support from our customers and stakeholders as we bring this vision to life.”

The groundbreaking event will be attended by distinguished guests, including the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, as well as senators, lawmakers, state governors, federal ministers, and key figures from various industries. This event marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in FirstBank’s rich history, cementing its position as a leader in Africa’s financial landscape.

Continue Reading

News

‘No Disparity,’ NUPRC Confirmed 1.8m bopd NNPC Ltd Oil Production Figures At NAPE Conference’

Published

1 year ago

on

November 25, 2024

By

1.54m bopd production figure (quoted by THISDAY for October) is for September, not October,’ What NUPRC boss told highest body of petroleum explorationists and stakeholders in Lagos.

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) confirmed the 1.8 million barrels of per day (bopd) production figures earlier released by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Limited) at the conference organised by the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) in Lagos.

This newspaper, which reported the Commission boss, Gbenga Komolafe, to have said this to stakeholders, maintained that the development is contrary to a report making the round that the NUPRC contradicted the NNPC Ltd figures.

Speaking at the 42nd Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists Annual International Conference & Exhibition in Lagos, Komolafe said that Nigeria’s crude oil output, including condensate, increased by 16.56 per cent to 1.8 million barrels per day, bpd in October 2024, from 1.54 million bpd in September 2024.

He said that as a result of this feat, Nigeria has exceeded the 1.5 million bpd quota of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC.”This represents an increase of 253,710,bpd to reach 1.8 million bpd in October, up from 1.54 million bpd in September 2024, representing 16.56 per cent month-on-month rise,” he said.

Represented by Enorense Amadasu, Executive Commissioner for Development and Production at NUPRC, the NUPRC boss declared that efforts were underway to further increase oil output to two million bpd by December 2024.

Highlighting the theme of the conference, “Resolving the Nigerian Energy Trilemma: Energy Security, Sustainable Growth and Affordability”, Komolafe, said the organization is committed to expanding Nigeria’s oil production capacity.

Checks by this newspaper showed that this is the same position of the NNPC Ltd, which said it and its partners have revved up crude oil and gas production to 1.8 million barrels per day (mbpd) and 7.4billion standard cubic feet (bscf) per day.

The company announced this at a press briefing, maintaining that the feat was achieved in compliance with the mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.This newspaper gathered that these figures are, contrary to misconstrued report, the same with the ones announced by the NUPRC.

Disparity Where There Is None A THISDAY review of the delayed October production figures by the NUPRC, which is the oil and gas sector upstream regulator, claimed that Nigeria produced 1.538 million bpd of crude oil and condensate.

The three-month low production data released by the NUPRC, the report claimed, contradicted the report announced by the national oil company and the Ministry of Petroleum Resources (Oil), which specifically put production at 1.808 million bpd.

Looking Beyond 1.8m bopd, Speaking on the development, the Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mele Kyari, who reiterated that the Company revved up oroduction to 1.8 m bopd, declared the target to even increase the production to 2 million bopd.

Kyari congratulated the Production War Room Team that anchored the production recovery process.“The team has done a great job in driving this project of not just production recovery but also escalating production to expected levels that are in the short and long terms acceptable to our shareholders based on the mandates that we have from the President, the Honourable Minister, and the Board,” Kyari explained. Giving details of the efforts of the Production War Room, the Chief War Room Coordinator, and Senior Business Adviser to the Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Lawal Musa disclosed that the feat was achieved through the collaborative efforts of Joint Venture and Production Sharing Contract partners, the Office of the National Security Adviser, as well as government and private security agencies.

He said the interventions led to the recovery of production cut across every segment of the production chain with security agencies closely monitoring the pipelines. He stressed that when the Production War Room team was inaugurated on the 25th June 2024, production was at 1.430mbpd, but the team swung into action, culminating into it sustaining the production recovery to 1.7mbpd in August and hitting the current 1.808mbpd in November.

“We are confident that with this same momentum and with the active collaboration of all stakeholders, especially on the security front, we can see the possibility of getting to 2mbpd by the end of the year,” he stated.

Also speaking on the development, Chairman of the NNPC Ltd Board of Directors, Chief Pius Akinyelure, who also congratulated the team, said he was happy to be part of the production recovery process, adding: “today, I will leave this place with my heart full of joy”.

He charged the Company’s Management to come up with a cashflow projection based on the new production figures to facilitate planning, stressing that he was looking forward to further production increase to 3mbpd.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2017 Zox News Theme. Theme by MVP Themes, powered by WordPress.