Beautiful Hostess Turned Day Into Night & Other Gists From Launch Of Vulte, The Polaris Bank APP That Is Reigning On Social Media

Vulte is trending. Vulte is the latest offering from Polaris Bank. It is adjudged the Digital Bank that offers what others do not. It caters for both customers and non customers of the bank with Innocent C Ike as Managing Director.

The product of over two years of toil was launched earlier today, Tuesday, May 18, 2021 and Societynow.ng brings you snippets from the launch of the talk of town that is soaring Polaris bank’s rating like never before.

It started with a strong show of patriotism. The chairs – with adequate spacing according to the dictates of Covid-19 protocol – were about 90% filled. There was light chatter. Suddenly beats of the national anthem filled the hall (Abora Mozonia Suits,  Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island Lagos). Chairman of Polaris Bank A.K Ahmad sprang up like a military general and everybody in the hall followed suit.

Movements stood still. The chatter ceased. There was no entry or exit. The situation remained the same until the National Anthem ended.

“Please be seated” the Hostess stated as she waltzed on stage in cool faltering dress of the cool calm colors of the brand, Polaris Bank (Purple and slash of yellow )  and made very short introduction of herself, Seyitan (completeness) – an apt name for what the product about to be launched, Vulte is all about. A product that offers a complete banking experience which suits the realities of today and tomorrow’s digital world.

The “miss beautiful” stated the obvious – the launch is a Covid-19 protocol compliant event. And for emphasis she pointed out the spacing of chairs, wearing of masks and “use of Sanitizer”.

Safety measures in case of an emergency followed next – the hall as a single entrance. Don’t use the elevator if there is an emergency and convergence point outside the hall. Thankfully, there was no need to follow the instructions all through the event. And after.

The crystal clear voice hostess spent barely three minutes on stage on her first appearance before she welcomed Polaris Bank Chairman A.K Ahmad (OON) who named the “Big Masquerade” and provided a bit of background in his welcome address on stage.

…Chairman Ahmad (OON) attired in an all white native wear provided deep insight into what the event is all about with the words “Good morning ladies and gentlemen, I welcome you all to this grand event which is the launch of our new Digital Bank– VULTe.

This is a milestone in our pursuit of a strong and digitally led retail brand. When we started the Polaris journey about three years ago, we were very clear on the type of Bank we MUST build and the direction we MUST (go) head. This was largely informed by the fast pace of change in financial service provisioning and the apparent technology-defined outlook of our business

“To date, we have taken many giant strides towards our overriding corporate objectives and our young brand is fast gaining the attention of the market. As a clear expression of our corporate intent and plans to not only remain competitive, but count among the very best in the industry.

We are therefore bringing Vulte (VULTe) to the market place today. This is not another mobile App, but one with a world of difference, a mobile digital bank. This is your bank in your hand, affording you total Control of your financial service needs. With Vulte (VULTe), you serve yourself the way you want to be served.

Ladies and gentlemen, I once again welcome you to the formal launch of our Digital Bank, VULTe. Today, we will be rewriting the story of financial service, by giving our teeming customers a new and delightful banking experience. I am optimistic that none of you will be left out.
 
Thank you all for honouring us with your presence”

 The time conscious Chairman spent four minutes on stage but not without assuring all that Vulte remains one of the best if not the best Digital Bank App around.

….The exit of Chairman Ahmad on stage saw the return of Seyitan, the hostess.

She went on another narration on the need to stick to Covid-19 protocols. And, the safety measures to be observed in case there is an emergency.

…Next on stage was the youngish looking Managing Director, Innocent C. Ike.

Beaming with smiles (it’s a big day for the bank he heads afterall) he mounted the stage and intoned “Good Morning”.

Looking very fit – like someone who takes his exercises extremely seriously and is very disciplined with all the cakes and sweet things that help pack weight – , Managing Director Ike provided deeper insight into how revolutionary Vulte is.

“Are you opening an account, setting limits on your account, verifying your identity documents, registering your biometrics, making inquiries, taking an instant loan? You are in total CONTROL – you do it at your time, at your convenience, and on your terms – you determine how delightful your banking experience will be.” The Managing Director who displayed exemplary humility when he arrived at the venue of the launch stated.

The Polaris Bank boss arrived ahead of the 10.am take off time and….he went greeting those that came before him, including staff of the bank.

On stage, Mr Ike further explained that Vulte, the name of Polaris Bank’s latest product that offers what others do not, is a play on the Vault synonymous with traditional banking service and adoption of the safety and trust associated with it.

“VULTe represents our bold declaration to hand over CONTROL of banking services to our customers and allow them to serve themselves as they would want to be served.

As a Polaris bank customer, you are at liberty to determine your banking experience since we have put the Bank in your hand 24/7. You now have total CONTROL to serve yourself; it’s no more customer service but customer self-service.” The bank boss asserted while also explaining that “the launch of VULTe today affirm Polaris Bank’s commitment to accelerating financial inclusion and promoting a contactless lifestyle, especially in the era of the COVID-19 Pandemic.  We believe that with the possibilities offered by VULTe, the digital natives and immigrants, will find Polaris Bank their new home for making transactions. As we say, even if you are yet to become a customer of Polaris Bank, you can still use VULTe.” he stated.

Before the Bank M.D left the stage, he rained “thanks” on all those that contributed to making Vulte a reality.

He enthused, with what appeared to be his trademark the – future – is – very – bright of a smile “Finally, I want to especially thank our regulators, notably the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), for providing a friendly regulatory environment to make this undertaking successful. I also thank our partners in the Fintech and software development community. Indeed, all those who have played various roles in making this plan come through, including our staff and thousands of customers, most of whom joined us virtually from across the world to be part of history.

I thank you all for being part of this historic launch of VULTe by Polaris Bank even as I assure you of our commitment to innovation and continuous improvement.”

…And you guess right, “And the moment we have all been wanting for” erupted from the lungs of the “branded hostess” at exactly 10.21 a.m as the screens lit up with images, videos of Vulte outlook in the midst of fireworks and related effects.

…The Chairman and the management team led by M.D Innocent Ike took a picture against this background within 3 minutes and the Hostess took charge. And turned Day to Night.

“In the house with us this evening are” – she slipped and quickly corrected herself, “This morning” and then wondered why she said “this evening”. Guess she is a very passionate nocturnal being!.

The unintended joke heralded in a round of recognitions of dignitaries and stakeholders who came for the launch.  Goodwill messages which expressed strong optimism on Vulte.   And, more recognitions of those at the event, especially people that contributed to making it happen.

… “Alhaji Alhaji” rented the air from the back benchers (staff of Polaris Bank who worked in the shadows to ensure there was no hitch, especially as regard provision of technical support and logistics.)

Executive Director in charge of Abuja and Northern Region Abdullahi Muhammed took to the stage beaming with smiles, he has been handed a task that fits his status.

Obviously popular amongst staff based on the hailing that heralded the announcement of his name, he has been given a task that would make him popular with the external public.

He is the man that announced the goodies that came with being the first set of people to log-in to Vulte, make use of it as well as do transactions on it.

For the first 30days it is free of charge for all users. First 800 people to buy airtime on Vulte will get double the value of their purchase and

“..please note that the first 2000 persons who download VULTe from Appstore or PlayStore and make a transaction on the platform will get corporate gifts to be delivered at the nearest branch of Polaris Bank (a decision later changed to addresses provided by the winners.)

So let the download of VULTe commence in earnest.” He encouraged all to be a part of the big dream birthed by Polaris Bank..

…Polaris Bank Chairman Ahmad proved he has a wealth of experience in providing customer satisfaction.

After the announcement that corporate gifts for some of the first set of people to make use of Vulte would be picked at the nearest branch to them (winners).

The Chairman intervened and made a recommendation – which was immediately adopted.

“The gift should be sent to the addresses of the winners. We should be able to do that” Chairman Ahmad said to the applause of all and nods of approval from the Managing Director and the rest of the Management team.

…Segun Opeke, the Executive Director of Lagos Business for Polaris Bank was given the honor of doing the vote of thanks.

He was dressed like a banker – sombre suit. Neat and Tidy. And collected. Same as the speech he made.

Hear him “Our most valued invited guests, ladies and gentlemen, it’s my privilege to have been asked to propose a vote of thanks on this occasion.

On behalf of the Board, Executive Management and all staff of Polaris Bank, I extend a very hearty vote of thanks to all of you for your time that you have shared with us today.

“And special thanks to our media friends for your questions, comments and contributions.
I want to express special thanks to our Managing Director/CEO for his visionary and qualitative leadership, which gave birth to this innovative banking platform, VULTe.

And, to our team and all those persons who worked for the development of VULTe, and those that were involved in the organisation of this launch event, I say thanks.

“As you may be already well acquainted with our vision, which is to become Nigeria’s No.1 Retail Bank. I use this opportunity to reaffirm that Polaris Bank will continue to delight our customers across board with innovative services and products that will make banking more fun, convenient and faster.

This is just the beginning. There’s more to come for our SME and Retail customers. Be on the watch, we are making the space wider for more of our innovative products, because we must serve you satisfactorily.

Thank you for journeying with us.

Once again, I say big thanks.”
.
…Wait, before Director Opeke’s outing on the stage, even before Director Abdullahi Muhammed  came with the bag of goodies, there was a demonstration of how Vulte operates by Chief Digital Officer Dele Adeyinka who is responsible for E-business and Digital Banking.

“Dele” dressed “techish”, Jersey on Jean – a turn out that attracted recommendation from Chairman Ahmad because it connects with where the targeted business is, the young people (who are in the majority in the nation’s population spread).

Chief Digital Officer Dele (that sounds like a bit of a complicated rhyme right?..more like Digital Officer Dele or Digital Dele, Digital Dele sounds better)  demonstrated how Vulte works using different examples including making multiple transfers at once.
 

…Also before Director Opeke’s Vote of Thanks was also the “tasting” of a video (advertisement) that should be watched out for. It should resonate with all, especially the youths and take a life of its own by inspiring different challenges with its infectious beats and two fingers gesture.

…And interestingly, after Director Opeke’s “Thanks”, other things came up. Stakeholders Demola Aladekomo and Tunde Coker came on stage for their goodwill messages.

…And according to the hostess with a name that defines Vulte (Seyitan – Completeness) “last opportunity to take pictures with the Chairman, M.D and other dignitaries” was granted.

….Of course there were ‘’small chops” to start the guests off – after the event – on such a great day.

…And members of the image management team were in attendance. The usually relaxed and seemingly never under pressure Group Head Brand and Marketing Communications Nduneche Ezurike was “ruffled” clutching files and working in the shadows to ensure “nothing goes amiss”  while Head Corporate Communication Rasheed Bolarinwa did the a “journey of a thousand miles” with his movements up and down complementing Nduneche’s efforts, including transforming Photo Director.

Some of the dignitariesat the historic event include: Prof. Olayinka David-West, Dean, Information Systems, Lagos Business School (LBS); Chief Demola Aladekomo, Chairman, Chams, Plc; Agada Apochi, Managing Director, Unified Payment Systems; Babatunde Okeniyi Managing Director, PayAttitude.

Others are: AyoTunde Coker, MD Rack Center; Funke Opeke, MD Main-One; Jimi Awosika Group Vice Chairman Troyka/Insight; Akin Banuso, County General Manager, Microsoft; Dr. Ken Ikpe, Group CEO Insight Redefini; Paul Mosimabale Upperlink Co-founder; Obi Emetarom, Appzone Limited MD and Mrs Abiola Laseinde, MD Edniesal Consulting.