Unlike the proverbial rattlesnake that crawls through the rocky path without its presence recorded, Ambassador Sowemimo Abiodun has crested his indelible footprints as a highly cerebral computer programmer, financial technologist, diplomat, internet entrepreneur, domain broker, computer media applications and online reputation management expert with an estimated net worth running into millions of Dollars. The billionaire business mogul does not give in to mediocrity.

Those close to the Head honcho of iNet Telecommunications, CapitalMetriQ Swift Bank and InfoMetriQ Data Network disclosed that he is a man destined for greatness because of his ferocious approach to work and his doggedness. While many of his peers were busy investing in frivolities, the Rome Business School Alumni was busy building a business empire that would outlive him.

Today, in the list of youths putting Nigeria on the world map globally, Sowemimo has distinguished himself with his uncommon and outstanding demeanour with numerous laurels and awards to show for it both locally and internationally. For his contribution to the African continent, he was awarded by the Egyptian President Abdel Fatth El-Sisi at the World Youth Forum as the most promising youth in Africa.

On September 25, 2019, at the 74th UN General Assembly, the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the United Nations, in collaboration with the World Award Foundation and Silicon Valley Nigeria Economic Development (SV-NED), he was also awarded the 2019 SDGs #9 honours in industry, innovations & infrastructure alongside Alicia Keys. Meanwhile, on January 26, 2019, he was conferred with an honorary Doctorate Degree (Honoris Causa) in Information Technology Management, from the Prestigious ICON University of Management Science & Technology.

 

The President & Chairperson of the African Chamber of Innovation Internet Governance & Digital Inclusion has indeed hit a milestone as all his silent prayers to his creator are being answered with the resounding success recorded by his CapitalMetriQ Swift Bank as it has changed stereotypes woven around modern technology banking as it put customers in the Centre of every transaction. Sources say the Bank is now popular for its swift service delivery and its usage of technology as a tool to drive access to mobile banking and access to soft loans. “Sowemimo is a big player in the industry who understands the use of technology in ensuring the bank provides innovative financial solutions to improve quality of life by empowering the economically underprivileged people to become self-reliant and also gain the needed skill to loom large in the financial market.” A source disclosed

It was a great spectacle to behold as the Christmas and Yuletide season came to life at the 2022 Zenith Bank Christmas Light-Up Ceremony, which was held at the Ajose Adeogun Street Roundabout, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Saturday, November 19, 2022. The official lighting ceremony, which was performed by the Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu, supported by Executive Management, was witnessed by many of the bank’s staff and customers, with others joining virtually.

With the theme “Let There Be Light”, this year marks the 16th edition of the Light-up Ceremony at the Ajose Adeogun Roundabout. The Light-Up event is an annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative by the bank to herald the yuletide season through the beautification of Ajose Adeogun Street – home to Zenith Bank’s Corporate Headquarters – which has come to be recognised as an iconic place, attracting people from all walks of life who visit with their families and friends to take pictures and make videos of the wonderful spectacle, especially at night and enjoy the ambience of the street and season.

Speaking during the ceremony, Onyeagwu expressed his delight in heralding the yuletide season of 2022through the iconic Ajose Adeogun Street lighting up. In his words, “today is a unique day. It is unique in the sense that we are going to turn on the Christmas light and activate the spirit of Christmas, which we usually have annually. It is also unique in the sense that we are honoured and delighted to have in our midst the wife of our Founder and Chairman, Mrs. Kay Ovia”.  

He praised Quantum Markets, the company responsible for the annual decorations, for the outstanding, very creative and extremely beautiful work that they have done. According to him, “when you look at the Christmas set-up we have every year, it looks completely different, and there is no repetition of themes. And when we think we have seen it all, by the time a new one comes, it is something completely different and massively so. The one for this year, as I entered here, I was wondering if this is a theme park”.

Whilst urging everyone to imbibe the message and spirit of Christmas, which is about peace, love, forgiveness and above all, respect for humanity, Onyeagwu prayed for peace in every home, business and in the country and that this year’s celebration would be like no other that we have seen.

Zenith Bank has clearly distinguished itself in the Nigerian financial services industry as an institution committed to building a more sustainable and inclusive economy and promoting responsible business practices in Nigeria through integrating sustainability principles in its business operations.

The bank’s sustainability and CSR initiatives are hinged on the belief that today’s business performance is not all about the financial numbers – the bank believes that an institution’s social investments, contributions to inclusive economic growth and development as well as improvements in the condition of the physical environment, all constitute a balanced scorecard.

Through its CSR initiatives, Zenith Bank has embodied the overarching objective of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which provide a framework for addressing the major challenges confronting society. Its social investments are targeted at health, education, women and youth empowerment, sports development and public infrastructure enhancement. Overall, Zenith Bank’s total CSR investment in 2021 was NGN4.37 billion, representing 1.79% of its Profit After Tax (PAT) and 33.1% increase from 2020.

The bank remains committed to furthering the economic, cultural and social development of host communities, particularly through community-based initiatives and philanthropy. As a good corporate citizen, it continues to deliver projects that have long-term social and economic benefits for the communities because it believes that its business is only as strong as the communities in which it operates.

To demonstrate its commitment to creating and expanding opportunities, the bank regularly makes donations towards setting up ultramodern ICT centresin several educational institutions and cities across the country. It also supports various developmental projects, and healthcare delivery causes in Nigeria and contributes to the development of sports in Nigeria through its sponsorship of the Zenith Women Basketball League and the Zenith Bank Delta State Principal’s and Headmaster’s Football Competitions, amongst others.

In recognition of its contributions and social investments to its host communities and the society at large, the bank was recognised at the Sustainability, Enterprise, and Responsibility (SERAS) Awards 2021 as the “Most Responsible Organisation in Africa”.

 

It was chaotic yesterday at the remembrance soiree of Mrs Fausat Balogun known as Madam Shaje’s parent at the popular Yard 158 in Oregun, Lagos. The party that had attendance of top socialites, business men and women; Nollywood stars had Fuji exponent, Pasuma Wonder who thrilled invited guests with his musical rendition.

Those who attended the event had surplus meals and drinks to savor tastes buds while the party was going on with several side attraction until the unimaginable happened. An over enthusiastic tip-seeking bouncer assaulted and harassed popular socialite and chairman of Lagos State Park and Garage M.C Musiliu Oluomo by punching him on his chest.

 

According to eye witness who divulged to CITYSPY that, after MC Oluomo and his entourage were set to leave the venue of the event, a bouncer approached Oluomo blocking his way asking for Tip. In Oluomo’s usual nature of always giving them tips, the bouncer instilled authority which made MC oluomo wondered how he was talking with so much authority “The bouncer blocked Oluomo’s way and demanded that he must give him some tip. We all know Oluomo is a generous giver but the bouncer demanded the tip like it was his birthright. Oluomo politely pleaded with the bouncer to allow him leave the place as he was about to move out of the hall, the guy hit Oluomo on his chest. It was a ugly sight to behold as boys loyal to MC taught the deterrent bouncer a lesson of his life. MC’s entourage ensured that he paid heavily for his misdeeds as he was given a beating of his life. MC was just looking surreal and wondered what would have given the bouncer such effrontery to assault him.”

Another source added that, it took the intervention of Madam Shaje who pleaded with MC to order his his to leave the culprit so as to make peace reign and promised to bring the bouncer to MC,s office for proper apology.“Madam Shaje the host was running from pillar to post pleading with MC and his entourage to release the bouncer for him to avert any complications or causality.”

A source further divulged that, the begging pattern of bouncers and security men at public function this days is becoming alarming and Agencies who supplies bouncer and security men for events should pay their bouncers well to avert this kind of ugly situation. “You can hardly go to any party without bouncers running after you for tip harassing you. In Lagos, this is the new trend. You see people who are supposed to secure you event begging like a street begger. What will they secure when some of them will leave their duty post just to beg party guests for tips. This act needs to stop and these bouncers needs to be reorientated and taught the act of professionalism.”