Category: News

Polaris Bank has once again reaffirmed its leadership in digital innovation and inclusive banking, emerging as the MSME Digital Bank of the Year (Inclusive Growth) at the second edition of the MSME Finance & CEO Awards held recently in Lagos.

The event, organized by the Africa Global Economic Forum BBBin partnership with PROSHARE, recognized outstanding institutions and other notable stakeholders driving MSME development and financial inclusion across Nigeria.

The award celebrates Polaris Bank’s unwavering commitment to empowering small and medium-scale enterprises through technology-driven financial solutions, notably its flagship digital banking platform, VULTe.

In the last few years, VULTe has revolutionized how MSMEs access finance by providing seamless, self-service banking and loan solutions — a reflection of the Bank’s mission to bridge financial access gaps and foster entrepreneurship nationwide.

This latest honour comes on the heels of VULTe’s recent win as “Digital Bank of the Year” and the Best MSME support Bank for the record fifth consecutive time at the 2025 BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards, underscoring Polaris Bank’s consistent digital excellence and customer-centric innovation.

Speaking on the award, Polaris Bank’s Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Kayode Lawal, noted that the recognition reinforces the Bank’s strategic focus on inclusive growth and digital transformation.

“We are committed to building a future where technology and innovation empower businesses and individuals, particularly MSMEs, to thrive in the digital economy,” he said.

With a growing footprint in digital banking and sustainable finance, Polaris Bank continues to demonstrate leadership in enabling access to financial services that drive entrepreneurship, job creation, and national economic growth.

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has called for greater decorum, restraint, and respect among public officials in the discharge of their duties, warning that uncivil behaviour by government functionaries sends a wrong signal about Nigeria’s governance culture to the international community.

In a statement signed by Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), Executive Director of CISLAC and Head of Transparency International (TI) Nigeria, the organisation said public officials are expected to be “civil, disciplined, and guided by the principles of public service and respect for the rule of law.”

“Public officials are supposed to be civil and civilised in carrying out their responsibilities and must understand the code of conduct that guides public office,” Rafsanjani said. “The idea of public officials attacking security personnel is unacceptable and passes a wrong message about the nation. They must be role models, not symbols of impunity.”

CISLAC expressed concern that the recent public altercation involving the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, and a military officer represents “gross indiscipline and recklessness unbecoming of a public officer,” adding that government “should not be run with such impunity and arrogance.”

“The character and conduct exhibited by the FCT Minister, from his time as a governor to his current role, show a pattern of recklessness and poor emotional control. Governance demands humility, restraint, and respect for institutional boundaries,” the statement added.

CISLAC recalled that just recently, a network of over 52 Nigerian civil society organisations working on anti-corruption, transparency, and accountability called for an immediate and impartial investigation into the FCT Minister over serious allegations of asset concealment, illicit enrichment, and potential violations of Nigeria’s asset declaration laws.

The organisation described Wike’s recent verbal assault on a military officer as “reckless, disrespectful, and dangerous to national security,” especially at a time when Nigeria faces multiple security challenges and increasing international scrutiny.

“The Nigerian Armed Forces remain one of the nation’s most respected institutions, both at home and abroad,” the statement continued. “To ridicule such a vital national body when the country is under immense internal and external pressure is irresponsible and unacceptable.”

CISLAC commended the officer involved for maintaining discipline and professionalism despite provocation, saying his composure reflected “the integrity and command ethics that define Nigeria’s military.”

Rafsanjani urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take firm action, stating that “people who lack humility, self-control, and respect for institutional order should not be entrusted with public office.”

“This is the first time in recent years that a minister has engaged in such open disrespect towards the Armed Forces, and it should not be tolerated,” he warned.

CISLAC also cautioned that Wike’s frequent outbursts and militarised approach to governance “reflect a worrying lack of emotional intelligence and discipline in public service.”

“There is a pressing need for the FCT Minister to demonstrate self-control and discipline in governance,” the statement read. “His pattern of reckless public statements and actions must serve as a wake-up call. Managing emotions, desires, and behaviour responsibly is the hallmark of true leadership.”

CISLAC called on the FCT Minister to publicly apologise to the officer involved, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and President Tinubu, reiterating that “national security must always come first.”

“It is time for leadership that strengthens, not weakens, public trust in institutions. The integrity of our Armed Forces and Nigeria’s international image demand nothing less,” the statement concluded.

Respected journalist and unionist, Seun Odunlami, has officially declared his intention to contest for the position of Internal Auditor in the forthcoming Ogun State Council elections of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

Odunlami made the declaration on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, shortly after obtaining his nomination form at the NUJ Secretariat in Abeokuta, marking his formal entry into the race for the council’s executive positions.

A passionate advocate for ethical journalism and accountability, Odunlami said his decision to contest stemmed from a deep desire to strengthen financial transparency and restore members’ confidence in the union’s internal management systems.

“I am offering myself to serve because I believe Ogun NUJ deserves a leadership that is financially responsible, transparent, and committed to the highest standards of integrity,” he said.

The aspirant emphasized that the office of the Internal Auditor plays a pivotal role in ensuring accountability, protecting members’ interests, and upholding the financial health of the union.

If elected, Odunlami pledged to introduce routine financial audits, publish periodic reports, and ensure that all expenditures are duly verified and justified.

He also promised to collaborate closely with chapel leaders to promote financial literacy and encourage responsible fiscal management across the union’s structures.

“My candidacy is about reform, transparency, and a renewed sense of purpose. I believe Ogun NUJ can set a new standard for financial discipline and accountability,” he added.

Odunlami’s declaration has already begun to resonate among journalists who see his aspiration as a fresh call for reform-oriented leadership within the Ogun NUJ.

The Ogun NUJ election is expected to attract strong contenders across various positions, with observers anticipating a keenly contested yet issue-driven campaign.

Seun’s Team, Rebuild for Accountability is ably led by Prince Rasaq Ayinla as Chairman, Comrade Modupe Salabiu as Secretary, Comrade Folake Ade Adeniji as Treasurer and Comrade Ibikunle as Financial Secretary.

A civil society group, the Hope Alive Initiative (HAI), has expressed great concern over the recent United States Government classification of Nigeria as a ‘Country of Particular Concern ‘ (CPC).

The group, in a statement by its Director of Media and Communications, Ernest Omoarelojie, noted that the attached threat of military intervention significantly undermines the country’s security and diplomatic efforts to address its complex security issues effectively.

While acknowledging that activities of extremist groups resulted in the tragic loss of lives, HAI noted, however, that the outcome is better classified as a manifestation of a complex and multi-dimensional crisis that affects every Nigerian irrespective of faith.

“While we acknowledge with profound sorrow the murderous killings by extremist groups and the tragic loss of innocent lives, we must categorically state that the victims cut across all religious and ethnic divides. This is not a one-dimensional religious conflict but a complex, multidimensional security crisis affecting Christians, Muslims, and adherents of all faiths alike,” the group said.

Rather than being confrontational, the group urged President Donald Trump and the US government to pursue a collaborative posture in line with its stance on the abuse of human rights across the world, adding that the well-informed stance is better achieved through collaboration to enhance regional stability and strengthen the war on terrorism.

“We therefore urge President Donald Trump and the US government to pursue collaboration rather than confrontation working jointly with Nigeria to enhance regional stability, strengthen counter-terrorism efforts, and ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians.”

Highlighting Nigeria’s strategic importance as Africa’s most populous nation that has always lived up to its enormous responsibilities in terms of the sacrifices it has made over the years, which include being in the forefront in the continent’s decolonisation efforts, and peace keeping operations across the world, the group pleaded that the country needs the understanding and cooperation of the global community in its determination to sort out its challenging security issues.

It added that the country’s demonstrable efforts, including enhanced intelligence and inter-agency collaboration, community based security initiatives that prioritise early warnings and local resilience, implementation of the National Counter-Terrorism Strategy, and expansion of the Interfaith Dialogue Platform, while at the same time upping the ante on its kinetic approach, are enough for it be treated with the respect that it rightly deserves among the committee of nations.

“Nigeria stands as Africa’s most populous nation. It has made enormous sacrifices in blood and treasure for African decolonisation, the emancipation of the black race, and peacekeeping operations in Sierra Leone, Liberia, and across the world. We deserve to be treated with respect and accorded our rightful place among the nations.

Contrary to claims that Nigeria has been sitting idle, the government has committed substantial resources and implemented comprehensive initiatives. These include increased year-on-year security and defence budgets, various military and security operations across the country, and multi-pronged non-kinetic measures that demonstrate our unwavering commitment to protecting all Nigerians, irrespective of religion or ethnicity, through action, not rhetoric,” the group explained

HAI therefore called for global support for Nigeria in its intensified diplomatic engagements with its allies, including the US, UK, China, the EU, African Union and the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, with a view to garnering the much-needed collaboration in the area of intelligence sharing, border and capacity building.

HAI is a pro-good-governance and development advocacy group in Nigeria.

The Assistant Controller General of Corrections (ACG) in charge of Zone A Headquarters, Lagos and Ogun States, ACG Jude Agboje, paid a courtesy visit to Headquarters 81 Division Nigerian Army, Victoria Island, Lagos, on 11 November 2025.

According to a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 81 Division, Nigerian Army, the visit was primarily aimed at strengthening institutional collaboration between the Nigerian Correctional Service and the Nigerian Army, with particular emphasis on supporting the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates within correctional facilities under Zone A.
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During the visit, ACG Agboje emphasized the importance of continuous cooperation and support from the Division to effectively achieve the Service’s mandate. He solicited the Division’s assistance in areas such as vocational training, manpower development, and provision of facilities that could enhance the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates back into society.

In response, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, assured ACG Agboje that the Division remains committed to supporting all security agencies, including the Nigeria Correctional Service, within its Area of Responsibility (AOR). He commended officers and men of the Nigeria Correctional Service for their professionalism and resilience in carrying out their duties despite various operational challenges.

The GOC further emphasized that 81 Division would continue to play its part in promoting inter-agency collaboration and ensuring the security of correctional facilities within its AOR. He directed commanders within the Division to liaise closely with correctional facilities in their respective areas to foster greater cooperation.

The visit was marked by the exchange of souvenirs, signing of the visitors’ book, and group photographs.

In a demonstration of its commitment to corporate social responsibility, leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, has extended support to residents of the Makoko waterfront community in Lagos with the donation of boats, educational materials, food items and other essential relief items.

The donation was championed by the Achievers Inductees Class of 2025 under the Fidelity Helping Hands Programme (FHHP), the bank’s staff-led CSR initiative where members of staff identify areas of critical interventions in their communities, raise funds and receive matching support from the bank’s management to execute the projects.

Speaking on the donation, Divisional Head, Brand and Communications, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Meksley Nwagboh, reaffirmed the bank’s dedication to supporting communities and fostering sustainable development.

“At Fidelity Bank, we believe that when communities thrive, businesses prosper. Our commitment goes beyond banking, it is about improving lives, supporting education, and creating opportunities for growth. This donation reflects our dedication to nurturing the next generation and contributing to a better, more sustainable future,” He stated.

Expressing appreciation on behalf of the community, the traditional leader of Makoko, Baale Shemede Emmanuel Ajakaekun, commended Fidelity Bank for its compassionate donation.

“We are grateful that Fidelity Bank came down here to support us. May their work continue to flourish, and may God lift them higher. We hope they will not forget us but come back again to support our people,” he said.

Similarly, the Proprietor, Part of Solution Orphanage, Nursery and Primary School, Shemede Taiwo, described the donation as life-changing for the children and residents.

“Many children here struggle to attend school because boats are expensive to build or hire. Fidelity Bank’s donation will make a huge difference in ensuring our children get to school safely and in ensuring the improved welfare of the residents of this community. We truly appreciate this gesture,” Shemede Taiwo said.

Through the Fidelity Helping Hands Programme (FHHP), the bank continues to empower communities across Nigeria by addressing key social issues in education, health, and welfare. The Makoko outreach comes off the back of a similar FHHP outreach to Old People’s Home in Yaba, Lagos, reaffirming Fidelity Bank’s commitment to the sustainable development that begins with genuine care for people and their environment.

Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.

The Bank is a recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.

The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN) wishes to formally dissociate itself from any virtual meeting, notice, or invitation being circulated in the name of the Association without the authorization or endorsement of the National Secretariat.

Let it be categorically stated that no such meeting has been approved, scheduled, or sanctioned by the NEC. Any attempt to convene or promote such gatherings is unauthorized, misleading, and a deliberate act of impersonation aimed at creating confusion within the industry and tarnishing the image of ATPN.

According to the signed statement by Prince Femi Fadina, JP
President, ATPN, For and on behalf of the National Executive Council (NEC) “The Association operates by structure, not sentiment by constitution, not conjecture. Those behind these phantom meetings seek relevance through disruption, but ATPN remains focused on reform, professionalism, and accountability not propaganda.

We therefore urge all members, partners, and stakeholders to disregard any virtual invitations or communications not issued directly from the Office of the President or through ATPN’s official communication channels.

The leadership of ATPN remains united, active, and committed to the ongoing transformation of Nigeria’s tourism industry. Any individual or group attempting to hijack the Association’s identity or mislead the public will face the full weight of disciplinary and legal action.

For the avoidance of doubt, all official ATPN communications shall bear the signature and seal of the National Secretariat for authenticity.

The Headquarters 82 Division of the Nigerian Army has refuted viral claims circulating on social media suggesting that its personnel were involved in electoral activities during a rescue operation at Ukwu Oji Umubele, Awka Ward 5, in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

In a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Ayeni, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, the Division described the circulating video as “misleading and taken out of context,” emphasizing that the soldiers’ presence at the scene was purely for a humanitarian and security response, not political engagement.

According to the statement, the incident occurred on 8 November 2025 when a distress call was received at about 8:20 p.m. from officials of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) staff. The distress message reported that corps members and INEC personnel were being held hostage by suspected political thugs, following the unexplained disappearance of a collation officer assigned to the area.

“In line with the Nigerian Army’s constitutional mandate to assist civil authorities and protect citizens, a rapid response team comprising two officers and twelve soldiers from the 302 Artillery Regiment (General Support) was immediately dispatched to the scene,” the statement read.

Upon arrival, the troops encountered a tense and volatile environment involving several political stakeholders, including the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, who reportedly questioned the presence of the military at the location. Despite provocations and mounting tension, the soldiers maintained maximum professionalism and restraint, successfully rescuing the NYSC and INEC officials without incident.

The rescued personnel were later escorted safely to the INEC office, where collation activities resumed and continued peacefully.

Lieutenant Colonel Ayeni stressed that the viral video misrepresents the Army’s action, as it excludes the vital context that the troops were responding to an emergency to save civilian lives and ensure the integrity of the electoral process.

“The Nigerian Army’s intervention was purely humanitarian and in support of civil authorities. Any contrary interpretation is baseless, misleading, and regrettable,” he stated.

The 82 Division also noted the conduct of some political actors during the operation and announced plans to engage with the Anambra State Government to strengthen mutual understanding and cooperation in future security operations.

Reaffirming its stance, the Nigerian Army reiterated its unwavering commitment to neutrality, professionalism, and the protection of democratic institutions. The statement further urged the public to disregard false narratives and continue supporting the military and other security agencies in their collective efforts to maintain peace and security during elections.

The Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) is set to curate and showcase the best of Nigeria’s rich cultural tourism offerings at the Africa Market Place, an emerging global tourism trade exhibition holding in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from November 12th to 15th, 2025.

In partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, NATOP will present a vibrant display of Nigeria’s music, fashion, destinations, and cultural heritage. The initiative is strategically designed to provide global tourism investors and enthusiasts with authentic insights into Nigeria’s tourism potential, while also addressing perceptions and safety concerns surrounding the country.

Lagos State, under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has consistently hosted top-rated global tourism events and is leveraging this new trade platform with NATOP to reinforce its status as Nigeria’s most sought-after cultural tourism destination. The partnership will also highlight Lagos’ ambitious tourism master plan, investment opportunities, and growing stakeholder collaborations.

The Africa Market Place is curated by the Ibukun Awosika Leadership Academy and aims to bring together over 250,000 African and Caribbean cultural and tourism products, spanning fashion, food, technology, culture, and beauty for global visibility and access to the international tourism market in Dubai.

Speaking ahead of the exhibition, NATOP President, Bolaji Mustapha, who will lead the Lagos and Nigerian delegation, emphasized that the participation is not only about promoting Nigeria and Lagos State but also about restoring confidence in Nigeria as a safe and attractive tourism destination.

“Perception is key to global tourism marketing. NATOP is committed to projecting Nigeria’s true image and showcasing the immense potential of our destinations to the world. We are grateful to the Lagos State Government for trusting NATOP to market its cultural and tourism opportunities in Dubai,” Mustapha stated.

The Nigerian Navy has once again proven its swift response capability and dedication to saving lives at sea. On Friday, 7 November 2025, personnel of Forward Operating Base IBAKA rescued ten crew members from a distressed vessel, MV SEMA III, which was enroute Calabar from Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.

According to the press statement signed by the Director of Information, Commodore
A ADAMS-ALIU “Acting on a distress call received around 2000 hours, a naval gunboat equipped with a submersible pump was immediately deployed. On arrival, the team discovered the vessel taking in water and promptly evacuated all occupants comprising one Cameroonian, one Equatorial Guinean and eight Nigerians, who were later received, debriefed, and catered for at FOB IBAKA until Saturday 8 November 2025.

The Master of MV SEMA III expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Nigerian Navy for its the timely intervention and exceptional professionalism.

The successful rescue operation underscores the Nigerian Navy’s renewed efforts under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas (Admiralty Medal), to ensure maritime safety, protection of critical national assets, and promotion of lawful economic activities within Nigeria’s maritime domain.