The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, at the Vanguard Personality Awards, last weekend took time to explain why interest rate is still high.

Before I proceed, let me specially thank the organizers of this event, for the recognition and distinction they have accorded me. No one really deserves these awards because we are all working for and on behalf of the masses but I gladly accept it on their behalf and assure us all that this recognition will encourage me to keep doing my best in the future.

There were indications this week that the foreign exchange market may witness another round of sustained appreciation of the local currency, Naira, against world’s major currencies at the parallel market segment, while narrowing the premium.

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Coronation Merchant Bank, Mr. Abubakar Jimoh in this interview spoke on how the bank came into existence; its corporate ambition; financial performance; the capital market operations; how the merchant banking services can spur economic development, the future outlook, among others.

Sterling Bank Plc, the one-customer bank has launched a new proposition known as, ‘One Woman’ to commemorate the International Women’s Day in Nigeria with the theme ‘Be Bold for Change.’ The product was launched by Mrs. Ifeyinwa Ighodalo, the Chief Executive Officer of DO.II Designs Limited and the wife of the Chairman of Sterling Bank Plc, Mr Asue Ighodalo, at a well -attended ceremony in Lagos.

Another set of customers of Fidelity Bank Plc have emerged winners of N16 million cash prize in the 6th monthly and second quarterly draw of the bank’s on-going customers loyalty campaign, tagged: “Get Alert in Millions Promo”.

There have been a lot of predictions on the economic outlook for 2017. Many experts predicted about 1.0 per cent to 1.1 per cent growth in GDP. The World Bank also predicted 1.0 per cent rise in the economic outlook. These are outlooks that Mutual Benefits have used in benchmarking what we want to do for the year. It is on that premise that we are looking at the current year. However in absolute terms, we also need to look at those things that the government has put in place that will cushion or sort of arrest the recession at hand.

In an effort to address the current lacuna on unclaimed dividend in the Nigerian capital market, the Committee set up by the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC has recommended for the establishment of Unclaimed Dividend Trust Fund, UDTF.

Determined to increase its market share and compete effectively for growth, Linkage Assurance Plc has moved to strengthen its relationship with insurance brokers. Brokers according to industry statistics control over 70 percent of the market share, particularly in the corporate private and public sector business.

Activities of illegal operators are on the increase because despite repeated warnings they are still being patronized by people who believe that it is only shorter means to wealth creation.

Positive investors’ disposition towards shares of companies in the consumer goods industry, particularly Nestle Nigeria Plc and Unilever Plc, last week pushed activity in the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, to a positive close as investors recorded N72 billion gains.

Heritage Bank Limited, is promoting the country’s rich cultural heritage to the global community through the on-going Big Brother Naija.

To further boost financial inclusion in the country, Ecobank Nigeria Limited, penultimate week, entered into partnership with Accion Microfinance Bank (AMfB) to introduce Western Union Money Transfer Remittance services in some of its locations.

My personal experience has been that of a highly contented man after service in the industry. I have more time for those who matter in my life and I enjoy peace. I am also able to serve my community better.

Google and three telecommunication companies have partnered to deepen insurance penetration leveraging Information and Communications Technology (ICT) tools to boost insurance growth. The Managing Director of MTN Nigeria Communication Limited, Mr. Ferdi Moolman will address a large number of participants on “The Imperatives of Adequate Internet Connectivity in a Modern Insurance Sector” alongside the Managing Director of VDT communications, Biodun Omoniyi, while the Country Manager, Google Nigeria, Mrs Juliet Ehimuan-Chiazor will speak on the “Expectations of Insurance Consumers in the Information Age”.