Entrepreneur's Top 10 Posts From Richard Branson in 2014

When it comes to launching a business, serial entrepreneur Richard Branson has “been there, done that” several times over. Starting with the student magazine he co-created at 16, Branson has founded many, many enterprises, most notably the Virgin Group. Luckily for the next generation of entrepreneurs, he's eager to open up about the lessons he's learned along the way.

From his top 10 tips to succeeding at business, to the importance of building a support system, to the necessity of finding your passion project, here are the most popular columns Branson shared with readers this past year. 

NCRIB Withdraws Bill seeking its transformation into a Regulator in the Insurance Industry

The Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB) has withdrawn the bill seeking its transformation into a regulator in the insurance industry.The withdrawal letter dated December 18, 2014 was signed by Ayodapo Shoderu, the President of the association. 

The bill was earlier pushed for to be made an Act by the National Assembly in order to create an Institute of Chartered Insurance Brokers, hence transforming it from its current status of market association.

Amaka Onwughalu appointed as Interim Managing Director of Mainstreet Bank

Skye Bank Plc in a notice sent to the Nigeria Stock Exchange has appointed Ms Amaka Onwughalu as the Interim Managing Director of the newly acquired Mainstreet Bank Limited. She will be carrying out this function with a newly constituted interim management board.

The Nine Worst Questions Your Parents Will Ask You This Week, And What To Reply Them With

I saw this very interesting and funny write-up on Bloomberg Business Week, and will like to share it with you my friends in the spirit of Christmas. Read, Enjoy and Laugh!!!!!

If your sweet, loving family passes judgment only on criminals or ne’er-do-wells, close this tab now. Go spend unlimited time with your gentle relatives without having to answer questions about "what your plan is." Everyone else, happy holidays—and welcome to a fresh referendum on your performance as an adult. Unless you're a surgeon or renowned pianist, chances are your family uses your annual visit to make helpful queries about what exactly you're doing with your life. You're doing fine. Here is a step-by-step guide for responding in a factual, chill manner when anyone asks you one of these nine inevitable, soul-sucking questions.

Wishing you all a Joyful and Merry Christmas

Jesus Christ is the reason for the season, and I pray that the joy that goes with this season will not elude any of us.

Wishing you all a Merry Chrsitmas and a Happy 2015 in advance!!!!!!!!

10 Quotes From Entrepreneurial Icons That Will Inspire You to Crush 2015

With 2015 right around the corner, that means new goals, new challenges, new opportunities and new milestones await. Here are 10 great quotes from successful entrepreneurs to inspire you to come out swinging in 2015, whether that involves growing a current business or starting a new venture.

1. I like thinking big. If you’re going to be thinking anything, you might as well think big. -- Donald Trump

No successful entrepreneur starts something with the goal of being mildly successful, especially not Donald Trump. If you truly believe that you have an amazing idea or think you can expand your business, then go for it. The “go big or go home” mentality has worked very well for many -- will you be next?

Skye Bank Plc completes the acquisition of Mainstreet Bank Limited

Skye Bank Plc has taken over the control of Mainstreet Bank Limited following the completion of the acquisition process.

According to the Head, Corporate Communications, Skye Bank, Mr. Rasheed Bolarinwa, “AMCON formally handed over ownership and commended Skye Bank for emerging the preferred bidder out of over 29 bidders in the highly competitive and transparent process that took over a year to complete.”

SAHAM Finances acquires 40% Equity Stake in Unitrust Insurance

The Insurance industry in Nigeria seems to be in a phase that will possibly position her in the global market. SAHAM Finances S. A., the insurance arm of the SAHAM Group, has acquired a 40 percent equity stake in Unitrust Insurance Company Limited.

According to Managing Director of SAHAM Finances, Raymond Farhat;

Nigeria's Prosperity ranked 125th in the World

Nigeria's prosperity was ranked 125th out of 142 countries surveyed world wide (ranked 26th in Africa) by the Legatum Institute, United Kingdom. Detailed below is  Nigeria’s rank based on the eight sub-indexes used in arriving at the 2014 Prosperity Index .

Quote of the day: It's only God that can guide you to take the rightful decision - President Goodluck Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan speaking at the 2014 Christmas Carol organised by the Aso Villa Chapel at the old Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja have this to say;

I don't agree that there should be subsidy on anything - Pat Utomi

I culled this from an interview Pat Utomi granted to Business Day on recent happenings in the economy. All I can say is......... God help Nigeria!!!!!!!!

For so many years, we have been talking about petroleum subsidy, who is subsidising who
I don’t agree that there should be subsidy on anything except the government is trying to use it as a strategy to achieve growth in the economy.

Nigeria Banks barred from holding Own Funds in Dollars

The CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele in his statement barred banks from holding their own funds in dollars in a bid to end speculative pressure on the Naira.

According to Emefiele, It is believe that the current Naira band was appropriately priced at this time, and that speculators are no longer needed in the market.

The Naira currently trades at 188.85 to a dollar.

Good Pay Package Vs Designations

This is really trending in the corporate world and a lot of young professionals are really falling for it. Don't let me talk much oooooo, will rather like to have you guys view..... *wink*

Future - proof your Career in 2015

Everyone knows that the workplace is full of pitfalls and challenges. But when you let everyday issues go unresolved, you stop getting good work done, lose sight of the things that inspire you and can become disengaged.
Facing too many challenges for too long can cause chronic stress and erode health and well-being.

Based on this stark reality, here are three questions to consider as you take stock of 2014:

Okonjo Iweala presents a proposed budget of N4.3 trillion to the National Assembly

The Cordinating Minister of the economy and Minister of Finance today, Wednesday 17, 2014 presented a proposed budget of N4.3 trillion to the National Assembly.

Here are the highpoints of the proposed budget;

The Government is not reducing Fuel Pump Price anytime soon - Okonjo Iweala

Nigerians have been clamouring for removal of subsidy since crude oil prices have fallen in the international market. This literary means without subsidy fuel pump price should be lower than what it is presently.

Here is what the Cordinating Minister of the Economy, Okonjo Iweala has to say;

Career Choices you will regret in twenty (20) years by Brenard Marr

Every day we are faced with choices in our careers that will affect us over the long term. Should I volunteer for that new project? Should I ask for a raise? Should I take a sabbatical? Should I say yes to overtime?
But sometimes we miss the biggest choices that will cause us to look back on our careers 20 years from now with pride and contentment — or regret.


Here are some of the career choices we often make but will regret deeply in 20 years’ time:

Another feat! Diezani Alison-Madueke emerges President of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF)

Our very own Minister of Petroleum, Dieziani Alison-Madueke, was appointed as the President of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) at the 16th Ministerial meeting of the forum in Doha, Qatar. The Minister was however absent at the meeting due to the ongoing oil workers’ strike in Nigeria which she is trying to resolve.

FIRS launches Electronic Filing e-filing platform

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has launched the electronic filing (e-filing) platform with a view to simplifying and easing tax payment process in the country.

According to the the acting Executive Chairman of the service, Alhaji Kabir Mashi,  “e-filing access application form is now available and can be downloaded from FIRS website or can be obtained from any FIRS office nearest to you.”

Problems and Opportunities........ #Deep

Every day, we are told that there are so many opportunities surrounding us, most especially because of the new interconnectivity of the world via internet.
 
We are told that our neighbors of today are not just the people living on our streets, but those who are also in faraway Australia or China.

Greenoaks Global Holdings Limited acquires 92.8% stake in Union Assurance Company Plc

Greenoaks Global Holdings Limited has completed the acquisition of a 92.8 per cent stake of the Union Assurance Company Plc, a former associate company of Union Bank Plc.

Tips to Optmise your Time as an Entreprenuer

As 2015 quickly approaches, entrepreneurs should aim to set intentions for each and every day to fully optimize your time throughout the year.

Here is my approach to optimizing time in 2015:

It's the Season!!! MRS Group holds her End of Year Party on December 12, 2014

It is the season and we all got to enjoy it. MRS Group 'End of Year' party holds at the Intercontinental Hotel VI, Lagos today. Party to start at 6pm till mama calls.

But I heard it is strictly for their staff (They were even asked not to come with there spouse). You didn't hear it from me oooo *wink*

FCMB's 'End of Year' Western Party Holds December 12, 2014 #Turnup

Here is another #turnup gist for you guys. FCMB's end of year party tagged the 'Western Party' holds today at the Harbour Point, VI, Lagos. Davido and Dj Xclusive will be in the house to bring the roof down.

Don't tell your FCMB friends you got the info from me oooo *Smile*

The Ten (10) biggest Energy Company Bankruptcies

I personally feel this is worth sharing, at least in letting the young ones know about big organisations that went bankrupt due to various factors, in which mismanagement is one of them. I hope you read and enjoy it.

Lafarge Nigeria takes complete control of United Cement

Lafarge Nigeria enters into an agreement with Flour Mills of Nigeria to purchase a 30 percent stake in United Cement Company of Nigeria. The deal will give Lafarge's Nigerian Cement Holdings complete control of the country's third-largest cement manufacturer.

Access Bank wins PETAN's award for the Best Financial Institution in 2014

Access Bank emerges winner of the 2014 Financial Institution Award, organised by the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN). The award was given at the PETAN 2014 Annual Oil Industry Award Dinner, which held recently in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Gtbank wins 2014 EFInA Award

The Season for getting rewards for hardwork put in during the year is here, as GTbank emerges winner of the 2014 EFInA Award.

First Bank & FBN Insurance awarded best Private Bank and Life Insurance Company in Nigeria by the World Finance Awards

First Bank and FBN Insurance, both subsidiaries of the FBN Holdings Plc have being declared as the Best Private Bank in Nigeria and Best Life Insurance Company for the Nigeria market respectively by the World Finance Awards.

The Institute of Directors conferred Fellowship on four (4) eminent Nigerians

The Institute of Directors (IoD) has conferred its fellowship on four (4) eminent Nigerians for their contributions to the Nigerian economy. Those awarded are;

Clarion Call!!! Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala's reasons why the Insurance Industry seem not to be growing.

Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, speaking at the opening of the National Insurance Summit 2014, in Abuja, yesterday highlighted some factors impeding the growth of the Insurance Industry in Nigeria. Below are the factors;

Ten (10) reasons not to believe everything you are told about the budget or falling oil prices By Taiwo Oyedele

Taiwo Oyedele is the Partner in charge of Tax and Corporate Advisory with PWC, and here, he gives us ten (10) cogent reasons not to believe everything we are told about the budget or falling oil prices. Read and Share your thoughts........

Twenty (20) Reasons to Start your Business.......

If you’re an entrepreneur you have heard the million reasons not to go into business: It’s too risky, you might go into debt, you’ll probably lose sleep, your social life is kaput, and the list goes on. But even with all these uncertainties, people are still attracted to the startup world. There are just as many, if not more reasons to take the leap and go start your own business.  Here are just a few:

First of it kind...... Four major Travel Firms come together to form a Consortium

Quantum Travels Limited, Touchdown Travels, Finchglow Travels Limited and Dees Travels forms Travel Investments Company Limited (TICO).

PZ Wilmar JV to Invest $650 million on Palm Estate situated in Cross River State

The PZ Wilmar Joint Venture formed by PZ Cusson and Wilmar International Limited in 2010, will be investing a whooping sum of $650 million on farms and associated business.

Gtbank & Proshare wins First Nigerian Dotcom Awards

This first of its kind award was organized by American Internet Business School in collaboration with Afrinet Business Solutions. The Annual Awards was inspired by the recognition of the tremendous explosion of internet use as a tool for business and every-day tasks and interaction.

See full details of the categories and their respective winners;

Mansard & Wapic End of Year Party Holds December 19, 2014 #FinancialServiceTurnups

As promised in one of the previous posts to give updates on the End of Year Party #turnups of your favourite organisations in the Financial Service Industry, one of such is Wapic Insurance Plc.

Custodian and Allied Insurance Limited wins PEARL Awards

Custodian and Allied Insurance Limited (CAI) a member of the Custodian Group has emerged winner of the PEARL Awards for sectoral leadership.

NSE becomes a Full Member of the World Federation of Exchanges

 Our very own Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) became a full member of the World Federation of Exchanges on Tuesday. 

Nigeria ranked 136th Most Corrupt Nation.....

Based on the Transparency International survey, Nigeria has been ranked the 136th most corrupt nation out of 174 countries surveyed.

To many, it was surprising seeing Nigeria below African countries like Botswana, Cape Verde, Mauritius, Namibia, Rwanda, Ghana and Tunisia among others.

APC donates N5 million to Kano Central Mosque Bomb Blast Victims

Kano –  The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday donated five million naira to victims of Friday’s bomb blast at the Kano Central Mosque.
The APC National Chairman, Chief John Oyegun, announced the donation when he paid a condolence visit to Gov. Rabi’u Kwankwaso at the Government House, Kano.
Oyegun said the party deemed it necessary to donate the token in order to support the victims of the most unfortunate incident.
“I want, to on behalf of the APC, to convey a truly heartfelt condolence and sympathy to the government and people of Kano State over the sad incident.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/12/apc-donates-n5m-kano-bomb-blast-victims/#sthash.3gC6adFl.dpuf

The All Progressive Congress (APC) donated N5 milliom to victims of the friday's bomb blast at the Kano Central Mosque.

This was announced by the APC National Chairman, Chief John Oyegun, when he paid a condolence visit to Gov Kwankwaso at the Governement house in Kano today.

Kano –  The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday donated five million naira to victims of Friday’s bomb blast at the Kano Central Mosque.
The APC National Chairman, Chief John Oyegun, announced the donation when he paid a condolence visit to Gov. Rabi’u Kwankwaso at the Government House, Kano.
Oyegun said the party deemed it necessary to donate the token in order to support the victims of the most unfortunate incident.
“I want, to on behalf of the APC, to convey a truly heartfelt condolence and sympathy to the government and people of Kano State over the sad incident.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/12/apc-donates-n5m-kano-bomb-blast-victims/#sthash.3gC6adFl.dpuf

Kano –  The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday donated five million naira to victims of Friday’s bomb blast at the Kano Central Mosque.
The APC National Chairman, Chief John Oyegun, announced the donation when he paid a condolence visit to Gov. Rabi’u Kwankwaso at the Government House, Kano.
Oyegun said the party deemed it necessary to donate the token in order to support the victims of the most unfortunate incident.
“I want, to on behalf of the APC, to convey a truly heartfelt condolence and sympathy to the government and people of Kano State over the sad incident.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/12/apc-donates-n5m-kano-bomb-blast-victims/#sthash.3gC6adFl.dpuf

AU raised $34 million to help fight against EVD...... MTN & ADB donating $10 million each

The African Union (AU) have been able to raise $34 million to help fight against the Ebola Virus Disease.  According to the Chairperson of the AU, Dr. Dlamini Zuma, who  disclosed the donations at the inauguration of the  Africa Against Ebola Fund in Lagos on Thursday, the Africa Development Bank (ADB) and telecommunications giant,  MTN donated $10 million each to the fund.

Alameiseigha's Wife Tax Evasion Mess........

Earlier today, MegLams Hotel owned by the wife of the Former Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, Mrs. Margaret Alameiseigha was one of the seven hotels & bars raided by Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Officials for alleged tax evasion.

MegLams Hotel is one of the best hotels in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa state capital.

A.M. Best placed Mansard's ratings under review with developing implications.

We reported it here that French Insurer, AXA will own Mansard Insurance Plc,  after entering into an agreement to acquire 100% of Assur Africa Holdings Limited (AAH), which currently holds a 75% stake in Mansard.

African Press Organisation extends her Contract with the Nigerian Export-Import Bank

The African Press Organization (APO), the sole press release news-wire in Africa and the global leader in media relations relating to Africa, today announced its renewed and extended contract as exclusive supplier for press release wire distribution in Africa with the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM).

House of Representative to Resume December 16

The House of Representatives through her Clerk, Mohammed Sani-Omolori announced that the House will now resume on December 16 as against December 3 earlier agreed.

Azura-Edo Independent Power Project gets $80 million boost from the IFC

The World Bank through a member of her group, the Internationsl Finance Corporation (IFC), already signed an agreement to provide an $80 million debt facility to Azura Power West Africa limited, to finance the 450 Mega Watts gas-fired Azura-Edo Independent Power Project in Nigeria.

Diezani Alison-Madueke....... Another name for Jinx breaking?

The feat Honorable Minister of Petroleum, Diezani Alison-Madueke, recently achieved by being the First Female President of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries will not be her first record breaking appointment. Below are other records she has broken in her career;

You want to start your business? Then Read this..............

Entrepreneurship is treacherous ground. You’ll face great risks, from the inception of your company through the growth stage, and even as you stabilize and gain momentum. If you’re going to be successful as a business owner, you need to be prepared for those risks, and address your fears proactively.

Access Bank recovers N3 billion from selling Erastus Akingbola's Properties

Access Bank Plc has confirmed the sales of some properties belonging to former Managing Director of the defunct Intercontinental Bank Plc, Erastus Akingbola, in there bid to recover the sum of N164 billion which he owes.