Category: News

Financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to corporate social responsibility with the donation of food and essential items to the Old People’s Home in Yaba, Lagos.

The donation was made possible through the generosity of the bank’s Nexus Inductees Class, under its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative known as the Fidelity Helping Hands Programme (FHHP).

Through the FHHP, staff across Fidelity Bank branches nationwide identify crucial interventions needed in their immediate community and raise funds to execute them. The bank’s management then matches this contribution with an equal amount and disburses it for the selected project.

Commenting on the donation, Divisional Head, Brand and Communications, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr Meksley Nwagboh, emphasized the bank’s unwavering commitment to impacting its host communities positively noting that the community is an essential part of the bank success story.

“Today’s donation is a token of our appreciation for our incredible parents and guardians who have raised outstanding individuals that trust us with their banking needs. Our donation to the Old People’s Home reflects our deep commitment to supporting the well-being and dignity of our senior citizens. We are honored to contribute to a cause that ensures they receive the care, comfort, and respect they deserve.” Nwagboh stated.

Appreciating the gesture from the bank, the Director-in-Charge of the Home in Yaba, Adetutu Ipaye, said “Community support initiatives such as this from Fidelity Bank is vital to sustaining our mission and enhancing the quality of life for the elderly. We urge other organizations to follow in the Bank’s footsteps as this kind of support will go a long way to ensure that the elderly live with dignity and comfort”.

One of the beneficiaries from the home, Mr. Kamoru Adeyetu noted that, “Your presence today has brought us immense joy, and our greatest happiness lies in seeing the younger generation thrive. Beyond the gifts, your visit means the world to us and please remember to visit us regularly.”

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 the 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.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, OON, has encouraged women professionals to embrace continuous learning, courage, and collaboration as key habits for achieving long-term career success and breaking through professional barriers.

She gave the charge during a Women’s Roundtable hosted by the bank over the weekend at the Fidelity SME Hub in Gbagada, Lagos. Themed “Mentorship with Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe”, the event drew female professionals from various sectors and was held under the Recognition and Networking arm of the bank’s HerFidelity Proposition—a flagship initiative designed to empower women entrepreneurs and professionals across Nigeria.

Explaining the vision behind HerFidelity, Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe noted that the initiative was born out of a strong need to provide women with holistic support beyond access to finance.

“In my engagements with women across different industries, I’ve seen first-hand that while talent and ambition abound, many still lack access to capital, skills development, health support, and networks,” she said.

“HerFidelity was created to bridge that gap by focusing on four key pillars: access to capital, capacity building, wellness for work-life balance, and entrepreneurship support. It’s one of the initiatives I’m most proud of, because when women thrive, communities prosper and economies flourish.”

The interactive mentorship session, held in a Q&A format, offered participants an opportunity to learn directly from the trailblazing CEO, who shared personal experiences and career insights.

Advising young women aspiring to leadership, she said: “Believe in yourself, be ready to work hard, and never shy away from taking smart risks. Seek out mentors, invest in meaningful relationships, and above all, collaborate—because no one truly succeeds alone.”

The event also featured fun competitions and giveaways, with attendees winning exciting gifts courtesy of Fidelity Bank.

Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe’s session left participants inspired, reinforcing Fidelity Bank’s position as a champion for gender empowerment and a leading supporter of women’s advancement in business and leadership.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede NAM, marked a significant milestone in the Nigerian Army’s welfare agenda with the commissioning of the newly remodeled Nigerian Army Post Exchange (NAPEX) Supermarket at Ojo Cantonment, Lagos, on 19 June 2025. The facility, renovated by the Nigerian Army Welfare Limited by Guarantee (NAWLG), underscores the NA’s unwavering dedication to improving the lives of its personnel and their families.

Represented by General Officer Commanding 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, the COAS, emphasized that the operationalization of NAPEX represents a critical stride in enhancing troops’ welfare and promoting sound administration, a cornerstone of his Command Philosophy. He reiterated the NA’s commitment to prioritizing initiatives that foster the well-being of its personnel, recognizing the pivotal role they play in the nation’s security architecture.

Earlier in his welcome address, the GMD NAWLG Major General Ibrahim Taiwo, highlighted the paramount importance of welfare in effective troops management, noting that the COAS’ leadership has elevated the bar in this regard. He stated that the remodeled NAPEX supermarket aligns seamlessly with the COAS’ Command Philosophy, poised to positively impact the lives of troops, their families, and the broader barracks community.

While delivering his vote of thanks, the MD NAPEX, Brigadier General JB Adams, expressed profound gratitude to the GMD NAWLG for his visionary initiative, which promised to boost troops’ morale and fighting spirit across the nation. He acknowledged the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders in bringing the project to fruition.

The ceremony drew a distinguished gathering, including the Commander 9 Brigade, Executive Director of Operations NAWLG, Managing Director NADMACO, MD NAPEX, members of the Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA), and the Nigerian Army Soldiers Wives Association (NASWA), among others.

According to the press statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations 81 Division Nigerian Army “The event featured the cutting of the commissioning ribbon, unveiling of the commissioning plaque, presentation of souvenirs, and group photographs.

A total of 542 retiring personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces have successfully completed their pre-discharge training at the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), Lagos, as part of efforts to reintegrate servicemen and women into productive civilian life.

The Passing Out Ceremony, held on June 19, 2025, was attended by top military dignitaries, including the Special Guest of Honour, Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff, represented by Major General Kelvin Aligbe, Commander TRADOC. The Commandant of NAFRC, Air Vice Marshal BR Mamman, presided over the event.

Addressing the graduating participants, AVM Mamman highlighted the significance of the occasion as the first passing out for the year, commending the dedication and achievements of the course participants who had undergone six months of intensive vocational training.

“Today is a memorable day not only for the graduating personnel but for the entire NAFRC community. These senior citizens have demonstrated commitment and resilience in preparing for post-service life,” Mamman stated.

He noted that the Centre has trained over 53,000 personnel since inception and is committed to providing quality vocational training, research, and consultancy to support retiring personnel. Some recent achievements include infrastructural upgrades, acquisition of a Jet Mover ambulance, solar-powered streetlights, and the ongoing development of a 30-hectare agricultural land in Epe, Lagos.

The Centre also introduced lectures on business registration and entrepreneurship in collaboration with the Corporate Affairs Commission to prepare participants for economic self-reliance. Other innovations include the enhancement of e-learning platforms and skills training for widows and orphans of deceased personnel.

Speaking on the highlights of Course 1/2025, Brigadier General IO Olatunji, Director of Training, revealed that 585 personnel were initially enrolled, with 43 declared medically unfit. The final graduating strength includes 362 personnel from the Nigerian Army, 134 from the Navy, and 46 from the Air Force. Notably, 24 female personnel were among the graduates.

Participants were trained across 33 skill acquisition workshops, including welding, fine arts, ICT, agriculture, and security management. Their curriculum also included entrepreneurship, management, and behavioral studies. Each participant undertook industrial training in locations across Nigeria, aligning with their preferred post-retirement destinations.

“Graduands are now equipped to manage businesses, contribute to national development, and apply their skills in civilian contexts,” Olatunji affirmed.

In his keynote speech, the Special Guest of Honour commended the resilience of the participants and urged them to uphold military values in civilian life.

“As ambassadors of the Armed Forces, the society expects high ethical standards from you,” Oluyede said. “Let retirement mark the beginning of a new chapter filled with promise, not an end to your service.”

He advised the retirees to avoid extravagant lifestyles and remain vigilant against post-service pitfalls such as poor financial management and negative influences. He also emphasized their potential roles in supporting security within their communities.

Oluyede expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his continued support of military welfare, including increased starter packs, and infrastructural improvements at NAFRC. He also thanked the Chief of Defence Staff, General CG Musa, and other Service Chiefs for their strategic leadership.

The ceremony ended with the formal conferment of NAFRC Certificates to the graduates, many of whom showcased their final projects and products during an exhibition that followed the event.

The Nigerian Navy has successfully repelled a coordinated attack by Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgents on the Naval Base Lake Chad in Borno State.

The Terrorists commenced their attack at about 2am on Wednesday 18 June 2025, with the intention to destroy the newly acquired swamp buggies procured by the Borno State Government for waterways clearance in the Lake Chad Basin and other military equipment at the Naval Base.

However, they were effectively repelled by the swift and decisive response of Nigerian Navy personnel of Naval Base Lake Chad with reinforcement from Land and Air component of Operation HADIN KAI.

The superior tactical coordination and firepower of the Nigerian Navy personnel and the other components of Operation HADIN KAI foiled the terrorists’ plans, resulting in significant losses for the insurgents and many were neutralized.

The bravery and professionalism demonstrated by the Nigerian Navy personnel underscore the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity and neutralizing all threats to peace in the Northeast.

Our attention has been drawn to a publication on Sahara Reporters website titled, “Fidelity Bank MD Onyeali-Ikpe Confesses to Paying ₦5Billion To Avoid Police Detention Amid Over ₦19Billion Fraud Probe”.

We would like to categorically state this story is patently false and has been maliciously written to deceive the public into believing that a N5billion bail bond was payment to the Police to avoid detention.

While we are unable to comment on the substantive matter as it is before a competent court, we wish to state emphatically that there is no truth in the claims of the story.

The police invited the MD during their investigation of a matter reported by James Onyemenam against Mr. Ogo Whoba in respect of the management of the accounts of Woobs Resources Limited. After taking her statement, the police requested the MD to sign a N5 billion bail bond, which she signed on self-recognizance.

It is the N5billion bail bond that was signed by the MD that was referenced in her conversation with Mr. Ogo Whoba which was recorded without her consent. At no time did the MD pay N5bn to the Police to avoid detention but rather signed a bond as part of her bail requirements.

This mischievous allegation was presented to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) in a petition written by Victor Ukutt for himself and on behalf of Mr. Whoba. The IGP commissioned a detailed and independent investigation into the allegation and found same to be baseless.

As a leading financial institution with a long-standing commitment to strong corporate governance, we remain dedicated to adhering to the rule of law and maintaining the highest ethical standards in all our dealings.