GTBank and Etisalat Partner to Offer New Retail Banking Service

PRESS RELEASE
Lagos Nigeria – May, 2015.


Guaranty Trust Bank plc, a foremost financial institution in Africa and Etisalat, one of Nigeria’s most innovative and fastest growing telecommunications company have partnered to introduce GTEasySavers, a savings account that is easy to open and easy to save; designed to enable under-banked and unbanked individuals achieve their financial goals while operating a regular bank account via their mobile phones. This strategic alliance which will enhance the service delivery of both brands, will offer customers, unparalleled lifestyle and loyalty benefits.

Registered subscribers of Etisalat network can conveniently open a GTEasySavers account by simply dialing a USSD short code – “737*0#” via their mobile phones, and a ten digit GTBank account number is sent via SMS immediately. Funding of the account can be done by Cash deposits at Etisalat Experience Centers and GTBank branches; electronic transfers from other bank accounts; Cash Deposit ATMs at GTBank branches and GT Express Agent locations.

Speaking on the partnership, the Managing Director and CEO of Guaranty Trust Bank plc, Mr. Segun Agbaje stated that “we are passionate about driving the CBN’s financial inclusion strategy in ensuring the under banked and unbanked, begin to find the propositions of banking services more attractive and convenient and then take the bold step of patronizing our numerous bank products and offerings, a passion which we fully share with Etisalat Nigeria”.

The GTEasySavers account operates like a regular bank account and is in line with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s financial inclusion strategy for the country. Transaction limits on the account is pegged at CBN’s Tier 1 KYC status limits of N20,000 for single deposits and maximum cumulative of N200,000 account balance at any point in time. Benefits for account holders include free airtime, higher interest rates on savings and quarterly rewards.

GTBank launches *737* Transfers ….The smartest way to transfer funds in Nigeria

Press Release
Lagos, Nigeria: May 2015

Guaranty Trust Bank plc has launched another innovative mobile channel which enables GTBank customers conveniently perform third party transfers to both GTBank and other bank account holders in Nigeria, via their mobile phones, by simply dialing the USSD short code *737 with details of the amount and account number (NUBAN) of the beneficiary.

The *737* transfer service is another novel offering pioneered by GTBank in the Nigerian Financial Industry, that is safe, simple and convenient. To initiate transfers to a GTBank account, simply dial *737*1*Amount*NUBAN Account No# e.g. *737*1*1000*1234567890# from the mobile number registered with the Bank. For transfers to beneficiaries in other Bank’s, customers should simply dial *737*2*Amount*NUBAN Account No# e.g. *737*2*1000*1234567890#. Customers will then require the last four digits of their GTBank Naira MasterCard to authenticate each transaction.

The 737 transfer service has been introduced to build on the success of the Bank’s One Click Top –up service; which offers GTBank customers an efficient and easy way to buy airtime on their mobile phones directly from their GTBank account by simply dialing a short USSD code (*737*AMOUNT#).

Mr Segun Agbaje
MD of GTBank
According to Mr. Segun Agbaje, Managing Director/CEO of the Bank, “we will continue to leverage technology to make banking, especially payments and transfers, faster, safer and more convenient for all our customers. He further stated that, “this service addresses the electronic banking requirements of our customers, irrespective of their phone type”.

The *737* Transfer service is only available to GTBank customers via their mobile phone numbers registered with the Bank and has minimum transfer limit of N1,000 and a daily transfer limit of N20,000.

Guaranty Trust Bank plc was established in 1990 and has within the last 25 years come to be recognized as one of the most profitable, innovative, service focused and well managed banks in the Nigerian financial market space. The Bank has a record of “Industry First” innovations such as “GTBank Mobile App”, a mobile application that merges internet banking and mobile money service offerings to allow customers enjoy more flexible banking such as Check account balance, Transfer Funds to family and friends, Stop and confirm cheques, Bill payments, FX transfers, Flight Bookings, Airtime Recharge, Online Shopping, Purchase cinema tickets e.t.c. Other Industry Firsts include; Internet Banking, GTConnect; our 24/7 interactive contact centre, Social Banking on Facebook, FastTrack, SME MarketHub, an online e-commerce platform and the first Naira MasterCard.

For further enquires, complaints and suggestions, customers can contact GTConnect on 01-4480000, 0700-482666328, 08029002900 and 08039003900 for prompt resolution. Alternatively, they can also send an email to enquiries@gtbank.com, follow the Bank on Facebook at www.facebook.com/gtbank, Twitter at twitter@gtbank, add our BBM channel pin C004389F2 or simply walk into any of its branches nationwide.

Communication & External Affairs
Tel: 234-1-2715227

Ariel Automatic partners with the country’s leading fashion designer and international fashion fabric producer for a “Perfect Match” launch

P&G’s Ariel Automatic Arrives in Nigeria

Ariel Automatic partners with the country’s leading fashion designer and international fashion fabric producer for a “Perfect Match” launch

Lagos, Nigeria. 10 May 2015. P&G’s flagship laundry brand, Ariel – a world-class brand with an innovative pedigree – has announced the launch of Ariel Automatic powder to help Nigerians experience brilliant stain removal in 1 Wash with their automatic washing machines.

Ariel has decades of experience in the research and development of washing machine detergents and the new product is recommended by LG, the number one washing machine manufacturer in Nigeria. Ariel Automatic has been specifically formulated for automatic washing machines, with 2X more stain-fighting ingredients than traditional hand wash detergent.

Exclusive Designs by Tiffany Amber inspired by Ariel Automatic and Vibrant Fabrics by Vlisco

Partnering with leading fashion designer, FolakeFolarin-Coker, the launch of NEW Ariel Automatic unveiled an exclusive, cutting-edge washable line under her Tiffany Amber label, inspired by Ariel and the Perfect Match concept.

“I am proud to be associated with a global, leading brand that is also conscious of trends in African fashion. My designs have always reflected an eclectic mix of European and African influences, and with this line, these are combined in an expression of ‘the perfect match.’ Thanks to Ariel, I can also be confident that these garmentswill stay beautiful for longer, even as they are washed and cared for at home,” said Folarin-Coker.

Ariel has also partnered with the Vlisco Group’s Woodin brand to understand trends in African fabrics and thereby deliver cleaning that also protects and enhances the continent’s unique style.

“The Woodin brand is inspired by African culture and it is constantly evolving to define a new African fashion identity. We are excited to partner with Ariel to deliver our fans a cleaning solution that can keep their treasured Vlisco fabrics beautiful,” said AdaezeAlilonu, Marketing Manager, Vlisco Fabrics.

Emirates Sweeps Four Titles at the Business Traveller Awards Best Airline Worldwide, Best First Class, Best Economy Class, and Airline with the Best Cabin ‎Staff

Emirates Sweeps Four Titles at the Business Traveller Awards

Best Airline Worldwide, Best First Class, Best Economy Class, and Airline with the Best Cabin ‎Staff

Monday, May 4, 2015 — DUBAI, U.A.E., 4th  May 2015: Emirates’ innovation, investments in product, and customer service were recognised last night with an array of accolades at the ‎Business Traveller Middle East 2015 Awards.

At the ceremony attended by over 350 industry executives, Emirates was crowned “Best Airline Worldwide”. It was also named “Airline with the Best First Class”, “Airline with the Best Economy Class” and “Airline with the Best Cabin Staff”.

Thierry Antinori, Emirates’ Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, who attended the ceremony said: “We are always in pursuit of excellence when it comes to delivering the Emirates experience, and providing value to our customers. That is why w‎e continually invest in developing innovative and high quality products on board, and our cosmopolitan cabin crew put in every effort to deliver exceptional service within a permanently growing network. We are honoured to be recognised for our efforts by Business Traveller Middle East’s discerning readers.” 

Thierry Antinori, Emirates' Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, received the awards last night on behalf of Emirates.

These prestigious accolades are a testament to Emirates’ on-going commitment to excellence and innovation across its different areas of business. During the last year,

Emirates A380 first class suite

 Emirates worked hard to deliver a high level of service across its ground and flight operations, even as it continued to expand its fleet and operations. In 2014, the airline added services to over 30 cities, and launched eight new routes to Kiev, Taipei, Boston, Abuja, Chicago, Oslo, Brussels, and Budapest. In 2015, Emirates will start flights to Bali on 3 June, and Orlando will follow on 1 September. 

Emirates’ fleet of modern aircraft has now grown to 233 aircraft flying to 144 destinations, including the world’s largest Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 fleet.

 

OLASHORE DEMONSTRATES BLEND OF TECHNOLOGY AND EDUCATION

In its quest to be one of the most technologically advanced schools in Africa and prepare its students for the new competitive knowledge economy, Olashore International School is integrating technology fully into its curriculum in a renewed and unique blend of technology and education. 

In one of the biggest ever  technology roll out in the school system in Nigeria, Olashore is entering into a strategic partnership with Apple through Core Group Africa, the authorized exclusive distributor for Apple in Nigeria and Sub Saharan Africa. 

When this plan is fully implemented, the students and the teachers will be solving complex problems and discovering latest research information simultaneously with the teachers in real time. This will be powered by the Apple iPad and a full educational technology back up from Core Group Africa- ‘the home of everything Apple in Nigeria’

This new and unique technology enhanced teacher-student connection for fast track learning was announced today at an Executive Briefing session in Lagos, under the theme: Blending Technology & Education for World Class Learning. Speaking at the unveiling of the initiative,  Prince Bimbo Olashore, the Chairman, Board of Governors of Olashore International School, stated that “Nigeria can no longer wait and be playing catch up with technology or keep waiting for technology transfer. We have to leapfrog to catch up and get our young Nigerians prepared for the new technology driven world. We are pleased to be making substantial investment in this direction.” 

The new comprehensive Technology in Classrooms program  is expected to be achieved by setting up LAN Network Distribution in Classrooms and Hostels, Proper Wireless Distribution in the classroom (one per class), indoor wireless device with high frequency, Firewalls to manage internet access on the iPad, Proper audio and visual multimedia systems in the classrooms that will support the iPad integration, Learning Management System that will not use the Internet, and a Mac Server for Mobile Device Management that will be used to manage the iPads. 

At the launch program, the School Principal, Mr Derek Smith stated that “Olashore International will also review its overall technology framework, through a curriculum mapping program, faster internet connection, a new mobile device management (MDM) to check unproductive online presence. It will also make professional development for teachers mandatory, constant and purposeful, and finally, reinforce Students’ responsibility in taking charge of their lives.”

Olashore School represented Nigeria at the recent  Apple Summit in Johannesburg. The Summit was aimed at running a successful students’ centered classroom, integrating technology in the class for differentiation, putting learning at the center of the class not the technology, enabling a successful flipping of classroom, maximizing the learning time rather than the teaching time, encouraging collaborative learning system as well as making learning more experiential and interactive for the students. The Summit also looked at how the Substitution Augmentation Modification Redefinition Model (SAMR model) in which a progression of the adopters of education technology often follow as they progress through teaching and learning can be adopted. 

All the learnings will be adapted in the new technology and Education initiative of Olashore School. Mr Derek Smith restated the commitment of Olashore International to remain the pride of Africa in secondary school education. The Chairman, Board of Governors, Prince Bimbo Olashore, stated that "Olashore International School is a leading academic institution where leaders are made by providing our students with life skills, leadership training, arts, sports and global exposure while preserving our core Nigerian culture and societal values."

Established in 1994, on 60 acres of land,  Olashore International School is a co-educational school  which offers high caliber education in a wide range of subjects at Junior Secondary, Senior Secondary and a University Foundation Programme in partnership with Lancaster University. Over the past 20 years, the school has succeeded in creating a community of world class services around the school including a first class hotel, a golf course and Leadership training centre that all combine to give the school a unique identity. The school is particularly appealing to discerning Nigerians at home and abroad, as well as expatriates residing in Nigeria, who desire a school with a strong value system, demonstrable track record and a clear sense of purpose.