Takes

Collins Imoudu Andrew -    NIRSAL Microfinance Bank (NMFB) has launched a new credit facility christened NMFB Amazon Loan for women entrepreneurs to deepen its financial inclusion drive.   The news filtered into public space after the bank's media team sent out informative and educative posts across its social media platforms.    After a series of initial suspense posts heralding the big announcement, the first post reads thus, “Introducing NMFB AMAZON LOAN: The Amazon Loan is a set of concessions that grant easy access to the bank’s loan products to women and women-owned businesses who come together as groups.”   The second post listed four products the loan contains and itemised them as follows “(i) NMFB SME: For women groups who are micro to small scale entrepreneurs, the self-employed, and traders. (ii) NMFB Agriculture Finance Facility (AFF): For women groups who are subsistence-level farmers. (iii) NMFB Petty Cash Now-Now: for women gr...

  Collins Imoudu Andrew  | I must confess from the onset that like many people until I conducted research, I couldn't tell that differences existed between NIRSAL Microfinance Bank and NIRSAL PLC. However, I discovered that the entities have nothing in common as far as their core mandate, ownership, and management are concerned except for the acronym NIRSAL. It is a given that, in the realm of   financial institutions, acronyms often abound, and it's not uncommon for confusion to arise, especially when two entities share related names. Such is the case with NIRSAL MFB and NIRSAL PLC. They are prominent players in Nigeria's financial sector but serve different purposes, operate under distinct regulatory frameworks, and have different management. Whereas NIRSAL MFB is a licensed bank performing all functions of a financial institution including accepting deposits and creation of credit facilities, NIRSAL (The Nigeria Incentive-based Risk-sharing System for Agricultural Lend...

Collins Imoudu Andrew  When it comes to making important decisions, whether in business or personal life, due diligence is a crucial process that should never be overlooked. This investigative procedure involves gathering and assessing relevant information to make informed choices. Whether you are considering a new investment opportunity, hiring a new employee, or even buying a house, due diligence can help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure that your decisions are well-founded. Due diligence is essential because it minimizes risks and provides a solid foundation for decision-making. It allows you to: 1. Identify Red Flags: By researching and verifying information, you can spot potential issues or discrepancies. For example, in a business context, due diligence might uncover financial irregularities or legal problems that could significantly impact your investment. 2. Assess Value: In financial transactions, due diligence helps determine the true value of an asset or company. Thi...

Collins Imoudu Andrew 1. Control Your Thoughts Never harbour a Premonition, or a Superstition, nor allow yourself to be afraid of what is mysterious or unknown. By such bugaboos are the weak and ignorant driven. 2. Be Courageous There has never been any tribe discovered that did not look up to a brave man. 3. Make a Program and Follow It. Arrange your day. Get the twenty-four hours that are yours into companies and classes. It is amazing what you can accomplish in a day if you order your time; it is three hundred and sixty-five times as amazing as what you can get done in a year. 4. Find Out What You Want Take a day off, a few hours at least, examine yourself, look carefully over all the objects which you think would make you happy if you gained them, and select the thing most worthwhile. 5. Settle the Sex Problem Intelligently The sex drive is not wicked. It is natural. Sex feeling has its place and is a very wholesome and beautiful place. It means family life, the dear relationships ...

Collins Imoudu Andrew 1. "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry (United States): A heartwarming tale about a young couple who sacrifice their most prized possessions to buy gifts for each other on Christmas, only to discover the true value of their love and selflessness. 2. "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson (United States): A chilling story set in a seemingly idyllic village, where a yearly lottery takes a shocking and brutal turn, revealing the dark underbelly of conformity and tradition. 3. "The Tell-Tale Heart" by Edgar Allan Poe (United States): A classic psychological thriller narrated by a murderer who insists on their sanity while describing the intense paranoia and guilt that drives them to confess their crime. 4. "The Monkey's Paw" by W.W. Jacobs (United Kingdom): This cautionary tale revolves around a magical monkey's paw that grants its owner three wishes, but with unintended and tragic consequences that serve as a warning against m...

Collins Imoudu Andrew "The 50th Law" is a self-help book co-authored by Robert Greene and rapper 50 Cent (Curtis Jackson). The book blends historical examples, personal anecdotes, and practical advice to offer readers insights into fearlessness and success. It draws upon the life experiences of both authors to provide a unique perspective on overcoming challenges and achieving personal and professional growth. Key take-home lessons from "The 50th Law" include: Confront Fear: The central theme of the book is fearlessness. It emphasizes that fear is often a self-imposed limitation that holds people back from pursuing their goals. By confronting and embracing fear, individuals can tap into their full potential and find opportunities for growth. Self-Reliance: The authors stress the importance of self-reliance and taking full responsibility for one's life. This means not relying on others for validation or support, but rather developing a strong sense of independenc...

Collins Imoudu Andrew "Mastery" is a book written by Robert Greene, and published in 2012. The book explores the process of achieving mastery in various fields and endeavours. Drawing upon historical and contemporary examples of accomplished individuals, Greene outlines a roadmap to mastery through a combination of intense practice, discipline, and a deep understanding of one's chosen field. The book emphasizes the importance of apprenticeship and learning from mentors, the need to develop a growth mindset, and the willingness to embrace failures as part of the learning process. Greene's work encourages readers to embark on a lifelong journey of self-discovery and continuous improvement, ultimately leading to the attainment of mastery and success in their chosen pursuits. "Mastery" It examines the lives of historical figures and contemporary masters to distil the key principles and lessons that can help individuals reach their full potential. Some of the key...

Collins Imoudu Andrew Using AI as an assistant can significantly enhance productivity across various domains. Here are some ways you can leverage AI to boost productivity: Automating Routine Tasks:  AI can handle repetitive and time-consuming tasks, such as data entry, file organization, and email filtering. This frees up your time for more strategic and creative work. Scheduling and Time Management:  AI-powered tools can help you manage your schedule, set reminders, and prioritize tasks. They can also suggest optimal meeting times based on participants' availability. Virtual Meetings and Conferences:  AI-driven virtual assistants can schedule, join, and manage video conferences, transcribe meetings, and even generate meeting summaries, eliminating the need for manual note-taking. Natural Language Processing (NLP) for Communication:  NLP-powered AI tools can draft emails, respond to messages, and even engage in basic customer support conversations, saving time and im...

Collins Imoudu Andrew   In today's fast-paced and technology-driven world, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a game-changer in various industries, including finance. Leveraging AI to attain financial freedom has become a VIABLE STRATEGY for many individuals and businesses alike. With its ability to analyze vast amounts of data, identify patterns, and make data-driven decisions, AI offers unparalleled opportunities to optimize financial strategies and achieve long-term stability.   Using AI to attain financial freedom can be an exciting and rewarding venture, but it requires dedication, innovation, and a solid business plan. Here are some ideas to consider: ·       AI-driven product/service: Develop a unique product or service that utilizes AI technology to solve real-world problems more effectively and efficiently than existing solutions. This could be anything from AI-powered personal assistants, smart home devices, or niche-specifi...