LAGOS, Nigeria –

Sterling Alternative Finance has announced the launch of Nigeria’s first ethical Investment platform, Altinvest. This announcement was made known during a media parley held by the bank recently to launch its investment platform.

The non-interest arm of Sterling bank plc, Sterling Alternative Finance disclosed that AltInvest is aimed at changing the investment world, with key focus on real sectors in the economy by helping its partners create impact in the economy even as they build wealth without compromising their ethics. 

The numerous investment options listed on the App are centered on diverse and real sectors such as Agriculture, Real Estate, among others, all of which are focused on wealth creation, capital appreciation for investors, and supporting economic activities directed toward inclusion, growth, and development. The investment app also boasts of the digitization and automation of investment advisory services, real-time portfolio monitoring, and seamless investment placement in a variety of asset classes.

Speaking on the uniqueness of the App, Mohammed Yunusa, Director of Digital Products and Innovations, Sterling Alternative Finance reiterated that users on the digital investment platform invest in the financial market through the real sector and are assured personal wealth growth. He said ‘We do investments differently on AltInvest. We ensure we bring your investment’s vision to life by providing the backstory of what our users, whom we consider partners, are investing in, as well as providing a certificate of ownership on that particular investment opportunity, which secures investment.”

Speaking further about the Altinvest App, Olatunji Olabisi, Chief Information Officer, Sterling Alternative Finance in his remarks described the app as being equipped with the best technology and assured of its efficiency and top-notch security. In his comments, he said ‘ The app has gone through rigorous testing to ensure users’ investments are well-secure. The app also prides itself on having a user-friendly interface which makes investing easier and more accessible for the user. The app also has generous educational resources with details on each of your investment choices. This way, prospective users do not have to know the A-Z on investment before signing up on  Altinvest”

Furthermore, when speaking on how the bank mitigates against risks for retail investors, Lukman Adekola, Group Head, Corporate and Investments Banking Solutions, Sterling Alternative Finance explained that due diligence has been carried out to hedge against volatility. He said ‘We have conducted our due diligence by identifying the risk associated with investments and we have put in place strategies to mitigate these risks. So, be rest assured that we are making available only secure investments listings for our partners. As an organization, we firmly believe trust and transparency are critical.’

In his remarks, Abubakar Sulieman, Managing Director, Sterling Bank Plc, said “We are extremely excited about our latest product offering, Altinvest.  For us as a brand, we are committed to constantly creating value for our partners and stakeholders and I am optimistic that our new offering, Altinvest, will aid in our drive to expand financial inclusion by ensuring that more people have access to finance and investment solutions.” He added that ‘We become our partners’ representatives at the table where wealth is being created’

About Altinvest:

AltInvest is the first ethical investment platform with focus on investments in the real sector, to aid with financing economic activities geared towards inclusion, growth and development. This product aims to solve the problem of investors who are averse to investing in conventional financial instruments, due to beliefs and values. AltInvest is available for download on the Google Play Store and Apple Store. 

Click this link to download- https://linktr.ee/altinvest.

AltInvest is Social

Instagram – @altinvestng

Website – www.altinvest.ng

Twitter – @AltInvestng

Sterling Alternative Finance:

Sterling Alternative Finance is the non-interest arm of Sterling Bank Plc that allows customers to bank and transact at 0% interest. Sterling Alternative Finance boasts of various product offerings and solutions such as Alt Mall, Alt Drive, Alt Power, amongst other various diverse and innovative solutions. www.saf.ng

SBA Group, leading provider of Technical Services, Sales, Spare Parts and After Sales Service for manufacturing companies last week officially unveiled the opening of its new office in Lagos, Nigeria, to accommodate its growing workforce, make room for more spacious workspaces, as well as its warehouse.  

The organization is an African leader in packaging of water, beverages, liquid food, cosmetics, and dairy ranging from packaging machines, to automated filling systems, to water treatment, industrial printers, etc. They have been in operation since 1998 when they first established presence in West Africa. Since then, they have successfully secured multiple partnerships and opened additional offices across West Africa, East Africa, and Central Africa.  

It was a truly remarkable day for the Group as they welcomed over 100 Customers and Strategic Partners from all over. 

The office launch, hosted by Yomi Owope, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor, Ogun State Governor’s Office, is part of the Group’s strategic decision to enhance effectiveness and the impact of its operations, while facilitating the growing activities in the Manufacturing sector in Nigeria.

The grand opening commenced with a ribbon cutting ceremony performed by Claude Bosson, Chairman, SBA Group and George Sakalis, Managing Director, SBA Group. 

Thereafter, there was a building tour of all four floors, leading to a rooftop, where the group entertained guests in a small business party to mark the significant milestone. Special performances by Award Winning Nigerian Guitarist, Femi Leye, 12 year old Nigerian Saxophonist prodigy, Temilayo Abodunrin and South African singer, Noel Mio gave invited guests and employees a chance to relax and socialize while having drinks and canapes.

The promise of the brand new building with its ultra modern working environment was certainly a cause for celebration. 

Speaking on surmounting challenges along the way, Mr. Sakalis in his welcome address expressed gratitude to various respective stakeholders saying “because of a growing team, it was not an easy task to buy land and build during the pandemic. But this happened because of our great customers, partners and a very determined contractor that pushed it through, despite all odds, despite all the difficulties in sourcing materials. We also thank our Chairman for his trust and for constantly supporting us to make this happen”.

The new head office is a tangible asset that will become an integral part of SBA’s devotion to pioneer more innovative ideas in West Africa. With extensive facilities for partnerships and collaboration efforts with local and international clients, the management says the building will be a landmark for catalyzing intellectual productivity. Given SBA’s track record, this project will also further enhance the momentum towards becoming a highly reputable brand. 

Mr. Sakalis affirms the group’s commitment to being “the best at delivering value”. The mission has been the same for the last 24 years. In the next coming years, SBA Group is looking forward to taking great new steps and thinking ahead to a future of achievement and success, with a training facility within the structure, designed to train employees, customers, and machine operators. 

SBA Group will continue to work closely with a broad range of partners in the widest possible range of sectors and areas. Its world-class services and provision of quality infrastructure are a reflection of the Group’s concerted commitments not only to the future growth of its establishment but more importantly, for the future development of Nigeria. 

To know more about SBA Group, visit: www.sba-group.org

Lagos Talks on Thursday, May 12th, 2022 hosted its first Town Hall Meeting at Muson Centre, Lagos.

The forum, led by the station’s Founding group – Megalectrics, is a movement towards setting a new agenda for local government leaders in Nigeria and increasing transparency and trust between government representatives and citizens. 

The event began at 9:00 a.m with the opening address of Megalectric MD/CEO, Chris Ubosi who explained the intention behind the initiative, saying it was critical for them to create a platform for honest exchange of ideas, unbiased conversations  and feedback.  

The Registration Desk: Lagos Town Hall Meeting 

Speaking on the existing relationship with leaders of the Ikoyi/Obalende local government area, he said “They have hosted us for the last six ( 6) years. They have been gracious to us and have been listening to us. So we thought that we should naturally start this series with them”.

L-R: Hon. Fuad Atanda-Lawal, Executive Chairman, Ikoyi-Obalende Local Council Development Area, Chris Ubosi, MD/CEO, Lagos Talks, Hon. Fuad Atanda-Lawal, Executive Chairman, Ikoyi-Obalende Local Council Development Area.

Ms. Dede Kadiri, Executive Secretary and Director, the Lagos State Civil Society Partnership took the stage afterwards. In her address, she spoke passionately about the importance of Lagos state in the context of change and national development and urged all to get involved in conversations on politics and governance, particularly as elections are closing in. 

“Lagos state is critical because Lagos has the strongest economy in Nigeria and in most countries in Africa. So getting us here to talk about the challenges in education, health, environment, in Infrastructure etc., needs to happen”.

In a speech which turned out to be a reference point on some critical issues raised during the course of the event , Ms. Yemisi Ransome-Kuti, Founder, Nigeria Network of NGOs delivered an inspiring presentation on leadership and responsibility. She began by stating that “the cycle of life happens in our local government”, as she gave an insightful narration into the various human activities that occur in our local governments, proposing therefore that governance at this level should be strengthened to deliver the needs of citizens in that domain. She further added that transparency, efficiency and accountability are the cornerstone of effective service delivery. 

“Local government is the veritable foundation for national building. Without that strong foundation, anything  that we erect on it is like building on quicksand and doomed to collapse”.

Challenging the audience to actions certain to bring transformative change, she implored Nigerians to embrace good practices, good ethics and values and to hold each other accountable, noting that the African culture is not individualistic but collective.

Prior to the long awaited panel session with Honourable Fuad Atanda-Lawal, Executive Chairman, Ikoyi/Obalende Local Council Development Area, Honourable     Gbolahan Olusegun Yishawa, Eti-osa, Kunle Lawal, Executive Director Electoral College, Nigeria and Country Rep, Wardchat NG, moderated by Kayode Iposu, Assistant Programmes Director, Lagos Talks, the three (3) invited speakers were given a few minutes to introduce themselves and to speak briefly on the issues they cared the most about.

The Panel Discussion: L-R Hon. Fuad Atanda-Lawal, Executive Chairman, Ikoyi-Obalende Local Council Development Area, Mr. Kunle Lawal, Executive Director Electoral College, Nigeria, Hon. Gbolahan Olusegun Yishawu, Member Lagos State House of Assembly, Rep. Eti Osa Il Constituency, Kayode Iposu, Moderator/Assistant Programmes Director, Lagos Talk

Kayode Iposu, Moderator/Assistant Programmes Director, Lagos Talks

Honourable Fuad Fola-Lawal, began his introduction by outlining his goals and achievements since he was elected in 2017. Having served his constituency twice, he identified health care, education, gender equality and some other Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) crafted by the United Nation, as what underscores the priorities of the LCDA, saying though they cannot touch all the goals, they have aligned their objectives to suit that purpose.

Hon. Fuad Atanda-Lawal, Executive Chairman, Ikoyi-Obalende Local Council Development Area

Mr. Kunle Lawal in his own address, worked participants through the system of what the local government is within the smallest unit of politics; how elected offices function, while also correcting certain misconceptions and the wrong use of political terminologies. He also admonished Nigerians to read their constitution in order to engage the system from a place of understanding.

Mr. Kunle Lawal, Executive Director Electoral College, Nigeria

Speaking on the Town Hall theme, Honourable Yishawa, considered “closing the gap between citizens and their representatives” mis-normal, suggesting that the government must serve and stand with the governed at all times. “Why should there be a gap?”, he says “why is it separated, why should we even need to be closing a gap, when as a government, we are not there because of our desire, you put us there as your representatives. So each time we speak, we should be talking about your needs and your desires. It’s mis-normal for there to be a gap between the governed and the government”.

He also emphasized that the duty of the government is to respond to the needs of their representatives.

Hon. Gbolahan Olusegun Yishawu, Member Lagos State House of Assembly, Rep. Eti Osa Il constituency

It was an interactive session of question and answers for the three panelists. There were a range of issues raised such as the need for leaders to build confidence in the citizens by using facilities they provide, enhancing security and forestalling crime, road management concerns caused by local transport drivers, poor drainage problems, building youth centres and recreational hubs for learning and development, among others. 

Q&A Session during the Lagos Talks Town Hall Meeting 

Q&A Session during the Lagos Talks Town Hall Meeting 

Perhaps, one of the most interesting highlights of the event was the instant employment of a man who had been unemployed for eleven (11) years, after he spoke up on the high concentration of youth empowerment programs in Ward A and the seeming neglect of Ward E. Honorable Fuad who offered the graduate of Chemical Engineering the job at the LCDA created a loud cheerful atmosphere for his spontaneous decision, as he tried to address this concern.

The guest appearance of Rapper and Actor, Folarin Falana, popularly known as “Falz” also created some more excitement. He participated during the interactive session. 

Falz at Lagos Talks Town Hall Meeting

Invited Secondary School Students at Lagos Town Hall Meeting

Being the first of many, there was a united call for an institutionalized process for engaging citizens, where residents are given access to communicate with respected officers when challenges arise, some even recommending that town-halls should occur monthly in the LCDA.

Although Lagos Talks Town Hall Meetings will be held quarterly, Ifunanya Igwe, Program Director, Lagos Talks, who gave the closing remarks, advised participants to keep the conversations going with a focus on building better, safer communities in Nigeria.

Lagos Talks is Social

Instagram – @lagostalks913

Twitter – @lagostalks913

Website – https://lagostalks.com/

Lagos Talks is leading the conversations on governance and democracy on the 12th  May with a Town Hall.

The station of over 17 million listeners will be hosting a series of town hall meetings with local government officials and other political leaders at the grassroot to address issues within one local government area at a time. 

The first edition of the scheduled meeting, which will be held at Muson Center, Lagos is themed “CLOSING THE GAP BETWEEN THE GOVERNED AND THE GOVERNMENT” with Sub-theme “Violence. Youth engagement. Revenue generation. Law and order”.

Invited speakers that will be participating in the town hall meetings are: 

• Hon. Gbolahan Olusegun Yishawu, member Lagos State House of Assembly, Eti-Osa constituency 
• Hon. Fuad Atanda-Lawal, Chairman, Ikoyi-Obalende Local Council Development Area
• Kunle Lawal – Executive Director, Electoral College, Nigeria and Country Rep.

In an effort to assess the performance of local governments in consolidating Nigeria’s democracy, the broadcast station is reminding political stakeholders of the sacred duties they are tasked to perform by the Constitution on behalf of the citizens.

Watch Video: https://www.instagram.com/tv/CdODhaWDf6z/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y

Through this gathering, political leaders will get an unbiased and mutually beneficial platform where they can give account of their stewardship, while community members engage them in a question-and-answer session. 

According to the Program Director, Lagos Talks, Ms. Ifunanya (Ify) Igwe, “The Town Hall Meetings are also designed to support both government and citizens in building a new Nigeria and bridge the gap between the people and politicians. The topics discussed will vary as they will address burning issues within each local government area”. Ms. Ifunanya Igwe, Programme Director, Lagos Talks

Ms. Igwe was recently appointed the Programme Director to oversee the entire operations of the radio station. She is a highly celebrated radio and television presenter, voice over artiste and compère popularly known for hosting “The Midday Show With Ify” on Lagos Talks. As a visionary, Ify plans to make Lagos Talks a household name known for bringing the world to the doorsteps of the audience through exceptional and unparalleled content, which will define the new sound of radio.

The town hall meetings are a significant milestone for the radio brand and Ms. Igwe says “the subject of discussion is key to the sustainability plan of the nation and one we cannot do without in a democratic setting”. 

She further stated that good governance entails efficiency, accountability, equitability, inclusivity, responsiveness and political leaders are saddled with the responsibility of producing a leadership that should empower and inspire. With this movement, Lagos Talks is optimistic that this experience will inspire a wide variety of stakeholders, particularly students from various learning institutions, as they become more critically aware of their roles in shaping and building the civil society of the future.  

Others who will be in attendance are residents of specific local government areas, members of civil society organizations and representatives of the radio station and the Media.  

This event is FREE but registration is required. Call Lagos Talks on 0809 2222 913 or send an email with your name, age and profession to events@lagostalks.com to reserve your seat.

Lagos Talks is Social

Instagram – @lagostalks913

Twitter – @lagostalks913

Website – https://lagostalks.com/

The key question most people will have is “how do I start off”?

1. Create a strategy

This first step is very important. Without a strategy there is no goal and without a goal there’s a high chance of failure. Set out the things you want to achieve from this launch party and how exactly you want to achieve them.

2. Set goals

Your main goal for the event should be to introduce people to your products and services in a unique way and in the long run make sales or win business. Another goal could be introducing your products/services to new clientele. Plan key activations to make yourself stand out, have product testers available, etc.

3. Identify your audience

Every business should have a target market. You need the right people to attend in order for this launch party to make sense and for you to make an impact. It is these people that will become your returning clients and brand ambassadors after they have tested or experienced your products/services (And of course are satisfied).

4. Source media

What is the point of having a launch party that nobody knows about? You need to connect with key media houses involved in order for your message to be spread to the right audience. Pulse.ng is usually a good one to connect with as they cut across every target market. From business to fashion to music to food, they’ve got you.

5. Invite guests

What’s an event without its distinguished guests? Make sure you invite influencers in your niche to your event, if they like your stuff, they will be automatic ambassadors. If influencers like what you’re offering, you will have free advertising – an easy way to get new customers.

6. Provide samples of your products/service at the event

I mean, why not? What’s the point of coming to a launch party and we can’t see your products or experience the services you offer? Give people something to take home, something to remember.

7. Collect data

Get the email addresses and phone numbers of everyone who attends your event. You might want to send an announcement of new products/services or invite them to your next event.

8. Thank your guests for attending

You should never skip this step. People always need to feel important. A little thank you can go a long way. Always appreciate people for taking time out to come and support you.

Bonus step – If you don’t want to go through the hassle of doing all these things, hire a PR person/company. Notice I said PR company and not Event planner.

The average event planner will only plan your event, however a PR person/company will invite the right people to your event as well as plan. They not only invite, they will create all the buzz for your event. If you’re a start-up, you definitely need this!

You could also hire both. Most people do, so each party can focus on their key strengths.

Here are some of our most recent launch parties:

Sweet Kiwi celebrates new Victoria Island store in style

HVS Beauty Debuts Pop Up Beauty Concept Event Make Up, Music & Moscato In Lagos, NG

Written by Towsyn Omowole