Category: Banking Sector

In a strategic move to sustain its impressive performance, leading financial institution Fidelity Bank Plc has announced significant changes to its Board of Directors, effective January 14, 2025.

According to a regulatory filing on the corporate disclosure portal of NGX Regulation Limited, the Bank has received the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) approval to appoint Alhaji Abdullahi Sarki Mohammed as an Independent Non-Executive Director, Ms. Obiaku Augusta Okam as a Non-Executive Director, and Mr. Sufiyanu Ibrahim Garba as an Executive Director, all effective January 14, 2025.

Alhaji Mohammed brings over 36 years of experience in financial services, public administration, and human resources development, having held key leadership and executive roles at prestigious institutions including First Bank of Nigeria Plc and Polaris Bank Limited. His extensive expertise encompasses banking, public service, and business advisory.

Ms. Okam boasts more than 30 years of impressive experience across banking, financial services, real estate, and retail sectors. Currently the Managing Director/CEO of Skycurve Nigeria Limited, she has held leadership positions at Zenith Bank Plc and Nigeria International Bank Limited (Citibank).

Mr. Garba has over 30 years of multifunctional and cross-border experience at leading financial institutions in Nigeria and the United Kingdom including executive and leadership roles at prestigious financial and non-financial institutions such as Access Bank Plc, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc and Keystone Bank Limited. His career background spans banking, financial services, public service, general management and business origination across a broad range of segments.

Commenting on the appointment, Mustafa Chike-Obi, Chairman of Fidelity Bank Plc stated that “The Board welcomes these distinguished individuals and looks forward to leveraging their extensive experience to drive the Bank’s strategic objectives and further its growth trajectory.”

In a separate regulatory filing on January 16, 2025, the Bank announced the meritorious retirement of Alhaji Isa Mohammed Inuwa, a former Independent Non-Executive Director, and Mr. Chidi Agbapu, a former Non-Executive Director, following the completion of their tenures in line with the Bank’s policies whilst expressing sincere appreciation for their service and wishing them the very best in their future endeavours.

Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank is a full-fledged customer commercial bank serving over 8.3 million customers through its 251 business offices in Nigeria and the United Kingdom, as well as through digital banking channels. The bank has garnered multiple local and international awards, including the Export Finance Bank of the Year at the 2023 BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards, Best Payment Solution Provider Nigeria 2023, and Best SME Bank Nigeria 2022 by the Global Banking and Finance Awards. It was also recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2023 and the Best Domestic Private Bank in Nigeria by the Euromoney Global Private Banking Awards 2023.

Lagos, Nigeria – In its determination to produce the next generation of young designers who will go on to capture the imagination of the world in fashion, Polaris Bank partnered, with Amtis Skills Place, a body dedicated to producing contemporary vocational skills to young Nigerians to identify, train and mentor young designers through the 2024 Amtis Fashion Competition.

Since its inception in 2015, Amtis Skills Place has been committed to equipping young Nigerians with vocational skills, bridging the gap between traditional education and the evolving job market.

This year’s event, proudly sponsored by Polaris Bank brought together emerging designers aged 18 to 35 gathered to design garments inspired by vintage styles. Teams include; fashion designers, makeup artists, and models working collaboratively. Participants were judged on creativity, craftsmanship, teamwork, and adherence to the vintage theme, celebrating classic fashion eras; while empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs.

The competition, organized by Amtis Skills Place, culminated in an awards ceremony where three finalists emerged as winners. Wuraola Robert clinched the top prize of ₦500,000, while the second and third-place winners were awarded ₦300,000 and ₦200,000, respectively.

In an address to the participants delivered on behalf of Polaris Bank’s Managing Director/CEO, Kayode Lawal remarked: “Polaris Bank ensures that you achieve your dreams in the right perspective, which is why we partnered with Amtis Vintage Fashion. We can assure you that there will be bigger things in the coming year: a more expanded event, more content, more giveaways, and greater empowerment for the business sector.”

The Managing Director of Amtis Skills Place, Omotunde Adebusola, commended Polaris Bank for their pivotal role in supporting entrepreneurship in the country especially, the competition saying: “We are deeply grateful to Polaris Bank for believing in our vision to nurture young talents. Their partnership made this year’s event a resounding success, and we look forward to even greater collaborations in the future.”

The overall winner, Wuraola Robert, expressed her gratitude after receiving the grand prize saying: “I am overwhelmed with joy and gratitude to Polaris Bank for this incredible opportunity. This competition has transformed my career, and I’m excited to invest this prize into growing my brand.”

The Amtis Vintage Fashion Competition exemplifies the mission of Polaris Bank and Amtis Skills Place by empowering participants to translate their creativity into viable careers.

Polaris Bank was adjudged Nigeria’s Best Bank for MSMEs of the Year in Business Day’s Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards & Nigeria’s Best Bank in MSME Lending in the maiden MSME Awards organized by Nairametrics & The Economic Forum.

The Managing Director/CEO of Unity Bank Plc, Mrs. Tomi Somefun has commended the lender’s frontline staff for effectively translating its Customer Service Charter thereby forging a culture of responsiveness and exceptional partnership to demonstrate unwavering commitment to customers.

In a message commemorating this year’s Customer Service Week, Mrs. Somefun celebrated with staff in customer service roles and expressed deep appreciation to the bank’s clients for their continued trust and loyalty, which have propelled the bank’s growth and success.

“This year’s theme “Above and Beyond” supports our mission at Unity Bank which enables us to reflect on our collective journey so far where our customers are at the centre of our business,” she said.

Somefun further stated that the Bank is continually investing in innovation as well as revamping existing systems, noting that new tools and strategies would be rolled out in the coming months to further enrich customer experiences. “Whether it’s through improved digital platforms or personalized services, we are committed to enhancing the way you bank with us,” she added.

While acknowledging the essential role frontline staff play in creating lasting relationships with customers, Somefun said that through dedication, resilience, and professionalism, Unity Bank Customer Service has demonstrated that it embodies the “Above and Beyond” theme of this year’s celebration.

“Day after day, our staff go beyond the call of duty, ensuring that every customer interaction is handled with care and excellence. They are the reason our customers continue to choose Unity Bank.”

Also speaking, the Bank’s Chief Customer Service Officer, Elfrida Igebu said that, “Throughout the week, we have seen firsthand what it means to go the extra mile. Our commitment to exceeding expectations, personalizing experiences, and showing genuine empathy has set us apart and created lasting connections with our customers.”

She noted that the different activities lined up to celebrate the customer service week “have strengthened the team’s professional capabilities and reinforced the bonds that make us a united team.”

From October 7 – 11, the Bank lined up several activities to celebrate customers and the exceptional teams in its over 200 branches nationwide, rewarding outstanding staff members, while reflecting on the theme of this year’s event – Above and Beyond.

The Bank has continued to prioritize the customer over the past few years through its increased focus on digital strategy. For instance, over the past four years, it has maintained its commitment to customer service excellence by introducing innovative digital products such as the multilingual USSD banking *7799#, and mobile banking solution, UniFi which have boosted customers’ access to the Bank’s services, while facilitating convenience.

These electronic banking channels are constantly updated with new and exciting features to put the customers first and make their banking experiences top-notch in the industry.

The Governing Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has announced the appointment of Rasheed Bolarinwa, President of the Association of Communication and Marketing Professionals in Banks (ACAMB), as the Chairman of its newly established FinanceHub Committee. This committee, which encompasses the banking, insurance, and pensions sectors, aims to advance sustainable Public Relations practices within the finance industry.

Bolarinwa, who currently serves as the Head of Brand Management and Corporate Communication at Polaris Bank, brings a wealth of experience from journalism, public relations, and the financial sector. His appointment is expected to significantly enhance the committee’s efforts to promote robust PR practices in the finance sector.

The FinanceHub Committee is part of a broader initiative by NIPR to create specialized sectoral hubs. Other key appointments include Mrs. Thelma Okoh for the Maritime Hub, Dr. Jossy Nkwocha for the Energy Hub, and Mr. Basil Agboarumi for the Aviation Hub. Additionally, Dr. Ahmad Sajoh will lead the Anti-Corruption and Consumer Protection Hub, while Miss Chimdi Neliaku will head the Young Practitioners Hub.

The nomination letters for these positions were signed by Uzoma Onyegbadue, the Registrar/Secretary to the NIPR Governing Council. The establishment of these sectoral hubs is aimed at fostering sustainable and effective public relations practices across various sectors.

During the inauguration of the chairpersons and committee members, Dr. Ike Neliaku, National President of NIPR, expressed his satisfaction with the appointments. He emphasized that the selection of the nominees reflects the trust and confidence the NIPR council has in their expertise and dedication. Neliaku, alongside other governing council members, pledged support for the new sectoral hubs and expressed enthusiasm for the collaborative efforts ahead.

“We look forward to working with you all to make a positive impact on public relations practices within your respective sectors,” Neliaku stated.

The new committee and sectoral hub chairpersons are expected to play a crucial role in enhancing PR practices and contributing to the development of their respective industries in Nigeria.

Polaris Bank Limited, in collaboration with the Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF), has taken its tree planting initiative aimed at promoting land restoration and environmental sustainability to Kano State. The commemorative tree planting event took place on Friday, August 30, 2024, at the Ajingi Community Reserve, Kunkurawa, Kano.

This initiative is part of the Bank’s ongoing efforts to support environmental preservation, having launched the scheme in June 2024 to commemorate World Environment Day. The global theme for 2024—”Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience”—guides the project, which began at the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijagun, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.

Mahmud Kawu, Polaris Bank’s Divisional Head for the North, representing the Bank’s Managing Director/CEO, emphasized the importance of sustainability to the organization’s mission. In his message, Kawu stated, “At Polaris Bank, sustainability is more than a catchphrase; it’s the core of who we are. Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in every aspect of our operations, from promoting responsible banking and empowering communities to tackling environmental challenges and driving economic growth.”

Kawu highlighted that the Bank’s partnership with the NCF aligns with its commitment to supporting sustainable economic growth and the importance of environmental preservation. He encouraged residents of Kano to actively participate in the tree-planting initiative to ensure the long-term success of environmental conservation efforts.

The event further underscored the significance of the project in promoting a greener future, reducing carbon footprints, and raising public awareness about environmental sustainability. “The benefits of our tree-planting initiative cannot be overemphasized. It contributes significantly to the restoration of degraded areas, prevention of soil erosion, and enhancement of biodiversity,” Kawu explained.

He concluded by reaffirming Polaris Bank’s dedication to environmental stewardship through corporate responsibility, highlighting the Bank’s role in supporting a sustainable and eco-friendly future for all.