OPPO Officially Releases A Series 2020 in Nigeria, Combining High Quality and Affordability (Photos)

September 25, 2019, Lagos - Global smartphone brand OPPO today proudly launched the new OPPO A Series 2020 in Nigeria. The OPPO A Series 2020, which includes the OPPO A9 2020 and OPPO A5 2020 smartphones. They are the brand’s latest offering for the mid-level smartphone market segment. With its combination of high quality and affordability, as well as superb photography, gorgeous design and a long-lasting battery, OPPO emphasizes that the A-series will continue to be the essential handset to generation Z youth.

“We named this two handsets the OPPO A Series 2020 in celebration of the beginning of the new decade, also to commemorate the success of A series over the past ten years while welcoming a whole new generation of mobile users,” said Nengi Akinola, OPPO Marketing Manager. “This new name also reflects our vision for the coming ten years. It highlights the brand’s latest technologies, stunning design, superb photography, powerful performance and perfect tuning to the needs of young people.” Now, with these two latest handsets, the OPPO A Series 2020 offers more possibilities than ever before!

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The OPPO A Series 2020 inspires users to “Play”, with its all-purpose 48MP quad-camera that pushes the bounds of creativity, and a 5,000mAh Ultra Battery that provides even longer use. It provides outstanding entertainment to users, helping them ease the stress of daily life while inspiring them to be more positive and explore more of life’s possibilities. Tailor-made and well equipped, it’s an exciting phone for young, motivated consumers who are eager to connect with the world, discover more fun and explore their curiosity. Its impressively versatile camera technology broadens users’ creative horizons, and the whole smartphone offers an immersive entertainment experience and powerful performance. 

Versatile Camera Tech Brings Users Even More Photography & Videography Options

The OPPO A9 2020 comes with a multipurpose Quad Camera setup, including a 48MP Main Camera + 8MP Ultra-Wide Lens + 2MP Mono Lens + 2MP Portrait Lens, while the OPPO A5 2020 also comes with a multipurpose Quad Camera setup but with a 12MP Main Camera. These offer all-around use that can satisfy users’ needs for all shooting angles and scenarios, including the Ultra Night Mode 2.0 and a whole host of artistic portrait styles.

The A9 2020 is equipped with 16MP selfie camera while A5 2020 with 8MP selfie camera, both using AI Beautification technology for tailor-made selfies to better cater to different markets and beauty trends. This technology automatically identifies skin tone, age, gender, and skin colour. It differentiates users for customized beautification. An all-new algorithm for smoothing out blemishes on the skin and sharper features create a make-up free look, allowing users to embrace a better version of themselves.

OPPO’s latest stabilization technology also meets consumers’ growing demand for high-quality action videos, with a built-in gyroscope on these two handsets. This creates more stable shooting while running, walking, cycling and more, along with improved video filters that allow users to create their own movies with the press of a button, ideal for creating eye-catching content in the era of short video apps.

Intelligent Design That’s Both Attractive and User-Friendly

The OPPO A Series 2020 also comes equipped with a brand new and more compact Waterdrop screen, with a 31.4% decrease in all area compared to the previous generation, for a better look and user experience. A 6.5” full screen has an 89% screen-to-body ratio, which also uses toughened Corning^® Gorilla^® Glass 3+ that is twice harder than the third generation and offers better resistance to scratches. A Sunlight Screen improves screen readability under strong direct light and ensures true colours shine through in dim or dark environments, while a blue light filter relieves eye fatigue and better protects users’ eyesight in low light.

The OPPO A9 2020 also features 3D gradient designs for a more vibrant, eye-catching look, with each handset made from four curved 3D sheets, which look thinner and fits comfortably into the hand. These feature Nano-scale patterns that create multi-toned, radiant colouring from different angles and under different lighting.

Outstanding Hardware and Software for Exceptional Experience and Performance

Battery: A large capacity 5000mAh battery enables all-day use, capable of supporting 19 hours of continuous operation. The battery is also able to handle reverse charging, freeing active, on-the-go users from the worries of rapid battery drain.

Dolby Atmos^® Sound: In terms of audio, the OPPO A Series 2020 come with dual stereo speakers that offer higher volumes and improved sound quality, even at high volumes. The sound feels full-bodied and clearer, with an immersive surround sound effect. Dolby Atmos^®sound effects are used for the most immersive, thrilling sounds, videos and gaming experiences anytime, anywhere. It’s also received Hi-Res Audio certification, ensuring superb sound quality, as well as directional technologies that create a more thrilling, realistic and immersive audio experience.

Performance: The OPPO A Series 2020 packs an ultra-powerful performance, thanks to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 platform, with an 8-core 64-bit processor. Especially for the gaming experience, Game Boost 2.0 accelerator technology offers improved Frame Boost and Touch Boost, which both provide lightning-fast gameplay response, by reducing touch screen latency and lag, delivering the all better user experience.

OS: The smartphones run ColorOS 6.1, based on Android 9.0, providing a fresh visual experience that’s more sleek, refined and comfortable even after prolonged use. As well as offering fingerprint and facial unlock features, this operating system comes with a whole host of smart functions such as Smart Assistant, Riding Mode, Music Party and Gesture Navigation which improve user convenience, safety and the phone’s overall versatility.

Pricing and Availability

The OPPO A9 2020 in Marine Green or Space Purple with 8GB RAM and 128GB ROM will be available on the 15th of October, 2019 in Nigeria, to retail at N89,900.

The price and availability of the OPPO A5 2020 in Mirror Black or Dazzling White with 3GB RAM/64GB ROM and 4GB RAM/123GB will be announced later.

OPPO is an innovative smartphone brand ranked No 3 in the world according to IHS Markit. As of today, OPPO provides cutting edge smartphones to over 200 million people all over the world.

OPPO operates in more than 40 countries of the world, with 6 research centres worldwide and an international design centre in London. OPPO has more than 40,000 employees are dedicated to creating new experiences and greater value for customers around the world.

OPPO is popular for its stylish smartphone designs, quality photography experience and the status symbol it provides to its users.

Specifications	OPPO A9 2020
Dimensions	163.6mm x 75.6mm x 9.1mm
Screen	New 6.5” Waterdrop Screen Sunlight screen Corning® Gorilla® Glass 3+ Blue Shield
Colour	Marine Green or Space Purple
CPU Platform	Qualcomm Snapdragon 665
Rear Cameras	48MP Main Camera + 8MP Ultra Wide Angle Lens (119°) + 2MP Portrait Lens + 2MP Mono Lens Ultra Night Mode 2.0 4K Video shooting Video Stability
Front Camera	16MP (79°) AI Beautification
Storage	8GB RAM + 128GB Storage[L5] LPDDR 4x UFS 2.1
Networks	GSM，WCDMA，TD-LTE，LTE FDD
Audio	Dolby Atmos® Sound Effects Dual Stereo Speakers Ultra-Linear Speaker
Connection	Bluetooth 5.0, NFC[L6]
OS	ColorOS 6 (Based on Android 9.0)
Other	Battery: 5000mAh Ultra Battery, supporting Reverse Charging SIM: Three-Card Slot (Dual Sim + MicroSD) Sensors: magnetic sensor, light sensor, distance sensor, gyroscope, and gravity sensor. USB Jack: Type-C Headphone Jack: 3.5 mm

HOW TO GET FUNDS FOR YOUR SMALL BUSINESS

No doubt, startups can be very exciting, but the challenge of raising capital for it to get some footing can be discouraging as building a real business requires capital. But for most startups, what they have is only an idea they feel is marketable. 

For some, they have designed a business model already and just cannot stop dreaming about this idea of theirs and how it will blossom into something big. Another thing is, not all businesses are a great fit for angel investors or venture capital funding. Sometimes your startup is really good, but getting to convince investors is another hurdle, because like it or not, looking for investors is an investment in itself, and your first thought afterwards is to get some money to build your idea into reality, and what is on your mind is… Crowdfunding!?

Photo by Unsplash on Unsplash

Okay… That works, but it is not always smooth. It may happen that you actually got funds, but only a fraction of it. This is not to say there are way better options; rather, it is to offer other alternatives to go alongside your crowdfunding, or to just ignore it totally and face the ones we will be listing, for there are a couple of ways of actually getting funds for your small business that you may never have considered, or even heard of, like…:

1.   NETWORKING

Networking should really be the first option people with a startup should consider before any other, and the reasons are these: it will allow you to put out your business in a less formal and a very organic fashion. Going out and meeting people within the local startup and community of investors can be a great way of stumbling into someone who will pick interest in your idea or what you have already set up but are lacking funds to grow. Gatherings like these are good for promoting your business. An example is the Startup Grind – a global community of entrepreneurs, designed to educate, inspire, and connect with one another. Superficially, it may seem quite off, but at the end of the day, you are selling your business without losing a dime. Another thing is, if they seem to be interested in your startup, they will keep the conversation going. It is now left for you to market yourself the best way you can. While this is an art in itself, when done right, investors will be more likely to consider your business.

The best way to go about this is not to meet them and start talking about your business and begging them to invest in it; you should consider playing with their psyche instead, like first asking them for some advice. This way, you are able to build a relationship with them which will grow into a more willingness to invest in your startup. Asking for advice gives them a chance to point out some visible flaws in your business and also shows that you value their thoughts.

You just cannot do without networking, because in the long run, you will be doing it without even knowing. Flopping here is not the end, there are still other options.

2.   PRIVATE FOUNDATIONS/CONTESTS

There are a few contests out there where winners get funds for their businesses. These contests allow entrants to submit a business plan and the best plan(s) submitted to get to win some prizes, which among other things include funding their startup. Also, most private foundations do not fund startups that are profit-oriented; some do offer a grant if a startup is targeted to empower women and youths. If your startup is one which engages in social activism, your chance of getting funded by these foundations will be greater. A leading private foundation offering grants yearly to startups and entrepreneurs is the Tony Elumelu Foundation which was founded in 2010 by an entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist called Tony Elumelu. This organization is very passionate about Africa’s economic development. So far, over 7000 entrepreneurs and businesses have been empowered through their grants.

3.   THE GOVERNMENT

You are probably asking yourself why the government is listed. It is because governments at various levels put in capital into growing businesses. No doubt, if the system was transparent, more people would see this as a viable option. Nevertheless, we do not have to count it out. Truth is, it is pretty hard for a startup to secure funds through the government, and it is still as tougher for establishments which have stood the test of time.

Before picking this option, it is important you ask yourself if the startup is one that will create jobs and grow the economy, and if it is very clear it will, the government will be more likely to consider it.

4.   CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE

Members of Chambers of Commerce get to enjoy loans given to them at a very low-interest rate. You can take advantage of it to grow your startup. These chambers are made up of business owners, and to benefit from these grants, one must be an active member. In Lagos, there is the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry which has been promoting and protecting the interests of members and the business community at large. They have also created and facilitated commercial and industrial opportunities in Lagos State. Becoming a member is quite tasking and demanding as requirements are a provision of Certificate of Incorporation, a valid office address, and financers among other things.

5.   ONLINE LOAN SERVICES

As much as there are many platforms to get loans from, none is as transparent and fully secured with friendly rates as Fundall – a platform of investors for investors. In fact, and with the exception of Fundall and a few others, online loan platforms are centred on personal grants than for business development. And even when they support Micro-Businesses, the procedure is not as smooth as they put out.

In the digital world, we have lots of opportunities right in our palms. Startups that have founders that are young and smart will be the biggest winners, as access to loans to fund their businesses and goals will be available for them all day, all week and all year round.

On Fundall, there is a specific loan for startups (Small and Medium Enterprises to be precise), but it is important you know about the other options like ‘AgileCash’ and ‘Payday Loan’ as well. AgileCash lets you borrow money (up to ₦30,000) within a few minutes, and without collateral. Payday Loan is, particularly for salary earners. They can access loans to the tune of ₦2,000,000, still without collateral, and at a very low-interest rate.

Our concern, however, is on loans for startups, and that is covered by ‘SME Loans’. Fundall allows Small and Medium Enterprises access to loans to as high as ₦2,000,000 – an opportunity for them to kickoff, sustain and grow their business while still generating more income. If your target as a startup is simply to get financial support to achieve your business goals, then Fundall will be your best bet.

In the meantime, you have to thoroughly investigate these five alternative sources of business capital. Each has its own unique challenges, but succeeding will be well worth the effort.

By the way, for most investors (it will do you well to get this right before going on an exploit for the above options) it is better if you approach them with your results before they consider your startup. Getting to show results first can be quite difficult, because as a growing business, you first need money to get customers, and it is through your customers that you get money. Therefore, it is worth every effort to first acquire customers or users before you approach an investor, instead of seeking funds first before getting customers. This is very important as it is far easier getting investments on good terms (particularly from non-institutional investors) if your startup has some traction and customer base first. Most investors like to see some proof that your idea or business has potential, and the best proof is having customers that are real and also paying. Because actually demonstrating that people like and are even patronizing your business is going to be one of your biggest assets when it comes to attracting investors.

ALL-NEW HYUNDAI I10: MAKING A BIG STATEMENT IN THE A-SEGMENT

Hyundai Motor has unveiled the All-New i10 at the 2019 Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA). The newest model in the company’s i-range features a new dynamic design, as well as comprehensive connectivity and advanced safety package.

Since its introduction in 2008, the i10 has been a success story for Hyundai in Europe. Like the previous generation of the model, the All-New i10 is designed, developed and made in Europe. Its exterior body reflects its young spirit while ensuring uncompromised accessibility and comfort to support its diversified users in their everyday activities. In combination with one of the most comprehensive safety equipment offers in its class, the All-New Hyundai i10 offers the complete package.

“The i10 has consistently been one of our sales drivers and the historic base of growth for Hyundai in Europe, and we stay committed to our customers looking for an A-segment car by introducing this all-new model,” says Andreas-Christoph Hofmann, Vice President Marketing and Product at Hyundai Motor Europe HQ. “The All-New Hyundai i10 is the latest example of our democratisation of new technologies for our customers. We are launching it with the tagline “Go Big.” to emphasise the feeling that customers will get from this uncompromised city car – it might seem like a small car, but it makes a big statement!”

A dynamic and stylish exterior design

The All-New i10’s dynamic and sleek design offers a contrast between its soft surfaces and sharp lines. Compared to its predecessor, the All-New i10 has enhanced proportions. Its visual stance is improved by its lowered roof (20 mm) and its wider body (20 mm). These enhancements can be complemented by newly-designed optional 16-inch alloy wheels, resulting in an energetic and agile look.

The All-New i10 has a young and dynamic design that stands out in the A-segment. Its wide front grille expresses a sporty character and incorporates the round LED Daytime Running Lights showing a refined honeycomb structure inside, thus continuing this feature of the i10’s heritage. At the rear, two horizontal crease lines break up the soft surfaces of the boot and run into the taillight graphics.

The All-New i10’s side view is characterised by the clean, smoothly muscled main body, which has been shaped to provide maximum inner space. Unique triangular volumes visually emphasise the width of the car and highlight the position of the wheels at the four corners. The X-shaped C-Pillar, visible from far away, clearly identifies the car and draws the eye to the pillar-mounted logo.

Customers can choose from 10 exterior base colours, including three new ones: Dragon Red, Brass and Aqua Turquoise. The other exterior colour choices are Phantom Black, Polar White, Star Dust, Sleek Silver, Champion Blue, Tomato Red and Slate Blue. The option of a two-tone roof – in either Black or Red – further increases customers’ customization options and brings out the All-New i10’s playful side. Overall, 22 exterior colour combinations are available.

“The design of the All-New i10 combines opposing elements of softness and sharpness in both the interior as well as the exterior,” says Thomas Bürkle, Chief Designer at Hyundai Design Center Europe. “Our designers found inspiration in the technical clothes of athletes, which contrast the natural shapes of the human muscles with sharp and technical graphics.”

The interior also features a fully new design

The interior offers a youthful impression through the overall theme of the design of the All-New i10 without compromising usability. One of the important elements of the interior is the extra width created by the air-vents protruding the door trim to support the horizontality of the architecture. The large décor panel on the dashboard shows the ‘honeycomb’ 3D pattern that is carried as well into the door panels. This brings visual value to the whole interior.

With the youthful style and practical solutions of the interior without compromising comfort the much appreciated larger segment character of the previous generation is continued. The door trim is designed to visually extend the dashboard while also guiding the eye towards the large storage compartments in the door. Additional to the glovebox storage, the designers of the All-New i10 integrated an extra open storage compartment above the glove box on the passenger side.

Four different interior colour combinations offer customers even more scope for personalisation.

Roominess and convenience

The All-New i10 is available as a four- or five-seater model. Thanks to the increased wheelbase the roominess for the passengers has been enhanced.

The All-New i10’s reduced beltline at the front (-11mm) and rear of the vehicle (-13mm) provides drivers with a better view of the road on both sides, as well as a sleeker design. In combination with less C-pillar obscuration, now 11.9º and down from 13.1º, drivers have better visibility when performing parking manoeuvers.

With a volume of 252 litres, its versatile luggage space is among the best in the segment. Meanwhile, the lift-in height is -29mm lower, making it easier for drivers to load luggage into the trunk. The two-stage luggage board and one-hand folding rear seats are additional features adding on to the model’s convenience.

The All-New i10 is available with a rear-view camera, which is designed to assist drivers while parking. When reverse is selected, drivers can see where they are going on the screen in the centre dashboard.

Class-leading connectivity

The All-New i10 also features a range of new connectivity features, making it a leader in its class. All of the advanced technology functions are integrated into the eight-inch colour touchscreen, which is the largest in the A-segment. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto guarantee seamless integration, safe operation and mirrored functionality of mobile devices that are based on the iOS or Android operating systems. Wireless charging means drivers never have to worry that their smartphone’s battery will run out on a long journey.

Hyundai is making its Connected Car platform available as an option for All-New i10 customers. With connectivity playing an essential part in modern mobility, the company’s full-featured Bluelink telematics provides significant benefits to drivers regarding safety and security, control and connectivity via an app. It allows users to search for points of interest (POI) and send the search results directly to the car’s satellite navigation, which means it is set up even before they get into the car. Other features include ‘Find My Car’, which allows drivers to locate their vehicle easily in an unfamiliar setting, as well as parking space and fuel station search, which offer live prices and availability.

Customers who choose navigation receive a subscription to Hyundai LIVE Services, which offer real-time traffic and weather conditions as well as the position of speed cameras in countries where this is permitted by law.

A comprehensive safety package

The All-New i10 has one of the most comprehensive safety packages in its class and is equipped with the latest Hyundai SmartSense active safety and driving assistance features to comply with the highest European safety standards.

Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) utilises a multi-function camera to detect not just cars, but also pedestrians in front of the vehicle. Meanwhile, High Beam Assist (HBA) is designed to automatically switch between high and low beams and provides optimal illumination of the road ahead to help drivers detect lights from oncoming vehicles at night.

Other safety features available in the All-New i10 include the Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Driver Attention Warning (DAW) and the Intelligent Speed Limit Warning (ISLW).

Fun driving performance and eco-friendly powertrains

The All-New i10 will be available at launch with two engines: a 1.0-litre MPi 3-cylinder with 67 PS and 96 Nm torque, as well as a 1.2-litre MPi 4-cylinder with 84 PS and 118 Nm torque. Both engines are available with two transmission choices, which consist of a five-gear manual transmission and a five-gear automated manual transmission (AMT). Compared to a traditional automatic transmission, the AMT increases efficiency thanks to its lighter weight and reduced friction.

The Idle Stop and Go (ISG) is a standard feature for all powertrains, which contributes to lower fuel consumption, lower CO2 emissions and higher efficiency. The fuel savings of using the ISG are especially apparent when driving in urban areas, as the ISG automatically switches off the engine when the car comes to a halt. In order to further enhance aerodynamics, the drag coefficient of the car was lowered from 0.32 to 0.31.

The All-New i10 is also available with an ECO-Pack, which includes an adjusted gear ratio, four seats and 14-inch wheels for optimised efficiency.

The All-New i10 N Line

At the Frankfurt International Motor Show, Hyundai is also introducing the All-New i10 N Line, the fourth Hyundai model to be equipped with its dynamic trim level. This new model combines the design of the All-New i10 with the sportiness and attitude of N Line. As well as featuring an exclusive 1.0-litre TDGi engine, which offers increased driving performance, the All-New i10 N Line also has a range of design enhancements. These include redesigned bumpers, Daytime Running Lights and grille, 16-inch alloy wheels as well as a motorsport-inspired interior that arrives with an N-branded steering wheel and gear knob and sporty dark seats. The All-New i10 N Line will be available in Europe in summer 2020.

Technical specifications*

1.0 MPi engine
Architecture	3-cylinder MPi
Power (PS)	67
Torque (Nm)	96
Transmission	5MT / 5AMT
	5 seater (5MT / 5AMT)	4 seater (Standard / Eco Pack)
Maximum speed (km/h)	156 / 156	156 / 147
0-to-100 km/h acceleration (sec)	14.6 / 17.3	15.0 / 16.6
Fuel consumption combined NEDC 2.0 (l/100 km)	4.5 / 4.5	4.5 / 4.3
Fuel consumption combined WLTP (l/100 km)	5.1 / 5.3	5.0 / 4.9
CO2 target NEDC 2.0 (g/km)	103 / 103	102 / 97
CO2 target WLTP (g/km)	116 / 121	115 / 112

1.2 MPi engine
Architecture	4-cylinder MPi
Power (PS)	84
Torque (Nm)	118
Transmission	5MT / 5AMT
Maximum speed (km/h)	171 / 171
0-to-100 km/h acceleration (sec)	12.6 / 15.8
Fuel consumption combined NEDC 2.0 (l/100 km)	4.7 / 4.7
Fuel consumption combined WLTP (l/100 km)	5.3 / 5.5
CO2 target NEDC 2.0 (g/km)	107 / 107
CO2 target WLTP (g/km)	121 / 126

1.0 T-GDi engine (i10 N Line)
Architecture	3-cylinder T-GDi
Power (PS)	100
Torque (Nm)	172
Transmission	5MT
CO2 target NEDC 2.0 (g/km)	TBC
CO2 target WLTP (g/km)	TBC

Gear ratios
	1.0 MPi				1.2 MPi			1.0 T-GDi
	4 seater CO2 special	4 seater	5 seater		4 seater	5 seater		4/5 seater
	5MT	5MT	5MT	5AMT	5MT	5MT	5AMT	5MT
1st	3.545	3.545	3.727	3.727	3.545	3.545	3.545	3.615
2nd	1.895	1.895	2.056	2.056	1.895	1.895	1.895	1.955
3rd	1.192	1.241	1.269	1.269	1.241	1.192	1.192	1.207
4th	0.906	0.906	0.906	0.906	0.906	0.853	0.853	0.893
5th	0.744	0.744	0.744	0.744	0.744	0.697	0.697	0.688
Reverse	3.636	3.636	3.636	3.636	3.636	3.636	3.636	3.545
Final drive	4.056	4.438	4.438	4.438	4.235	4.438	4.438	3.647

Suspension
Suspension	Front	McPherson Strut
	Rear	Coupled Torsion Beam Axle
Shock absorber	Front	Gas & Coil Spring
	Rear	Gas & Coil Spring

Steering
Type	MDPS
Gearing	2.64 turns lock to lock
Turning radius (m)	5.0 (minimum)
Overall Steering Gear Ratio	14.0

Brakes (mm)
Front (Diameter)	252
Rear (Diameter)	234

Wheel type	Tires
14-inch steel wheels	175/65R14
15-inch alloy wheels	185/55R15
16-inch alloy wheels	195/45R16

 

Exterior (mm)
	All-New i10	N Line
Overall length	3,670	3,675
Overall width	1,680	1,680
Overall height	1,480	1,483
Wheelbase	2,425	2,425
Ground clearance	149	152
Front overhang	705	710
Rear overhang	540	540
Wheel tread (front)	1,479 / 1,467 / 1,467	1,467
Wheel tread (rear)	1,490 / 1,478 / 1,478	1,478

Interior (mm)
	First row	Second row
Headroom	996	956
Legroom	1,070	865
Shoulder room	1,326	1,328
Hip room	1,260	1,230

Capacities (litres)
Fuel tank	36
Trunk volume	252

Weight (Values for 1.2 MPi 4 seater)
Curb weight (kg) (in running order without driver)	935
Maximum Payload	415
Gross Vehicle Weight (kg)	1,350

Access Bank’s First Post-Merger H1 PAT Hits N63.01bn, Declares 25k Interim Dividend

According to its H1’19 financial report released on Friday, 6th September 2019, Access Bank Plc., one of Nigeria’s tier-1 lenders grew its Gross Earnings and PAT for H1’19 by 28% and 59% to ₦324.4bn and ₦63.0bn respectively, compared to the corresponding period of 2018.

The Bank delivered a Profit before Tax (PBT) of N74.1 billion, a 62% increase from N45.8 billion recorded during the same period in 2018.

Similarly, the Bank posted a 34% growth in Operating Income to N202.3 billion from N151.4 billion in 2018. Total Asset was up 31% at ₦6.48 trillion as at June 2019 in comparison to ₦4.95 trillion in December 2018.

Access Bank’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) remained solid at 20.8%, well above the regulatory minimum.

Commenting on the result, Group Managing Director/CEO, Herbert Wigwe said, “Access Bank’s performance in the first half of the year reflects a sustainable business model coupled with effective execution as we make solid gains towards the achievement of our strategic goals”.

The increase in the group’s Profit within the period under review was jointly driven by an 93% increase in Net Interest Income After Impairment Charges to ₦150.3 billion, 25% growth in Net fees and commission income to ₦37.5 billion, 138% growth in Other operating income to ₦24.4 billion and a 44% reduction in Foreign exchange losses from ₦33.8 billion to ₦18.9 billion.

Following the release of the half-year results, the Bank also declared an interim dividend of 25k to its shareholders.

“Our focus on retail gained momentum during the period, as continued investments in our channels platform resulted in a 29% contribution to gross fee and commission income, up 92% from the corresponding period in 2018. The strong retail contribution demonstrates the effectiveness of our continued drive around low-cost deposits, on the back of an innovative digital platform. Asset quality improved as guided, to 6.4% on the bank of a robust risk management approach. This is expected to trend into the future as we strive to hit and surpass the standard we had built in the industry prior to the merger. Similarly, liquidity ratio improved year on year to 49.7%, reflecting deliberate steps to optimise our balance sheet in order to ensure the group’s liquidity position remains robust.” Wigwe added.

As a consequence of the merger, total assets went up by 31% YTD from ₦4.95trn in December 2018 to ₦6.49trn in June 2019. The groups' Loans and Advances to customers rose by 33% YTD to ₦2.65 trillion as at June 2019 while Deposits from customers expanded 63% YTD to ₦4.18 trillion.

Conclusively, the group’s EPS for H1’19 rose by 40% to ₦1.93 as against ₦1.38 in H1’18.

“Going into the second half of the year, our focus is on consolidating the momentum and driving access to financial inclusion through our various agency initiatives. Additionally, we will remain disciplined in our efforts to deliver enhanced shareholder value, as we continue to realise the synergies from our newly expanded franchise” he noted.