Mr. William Odigie in a photo session with some of the students after the training.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Unity Bank Plc, Mr. Ebenezer Kolawole, has renewed the Bank’s call for young Nigerians to embrace a savings culture, urging them to see savings as a lifelong discipline for creating stability and financial resilience.

Mr. Kolawole gave the charge while addressing students of Alvana Model Secondary School, Owerri, Imo State, as part of the financial literacy training organised by the Bank to mark this year’s World Savings Day.

Represented by Mr. William Odigie, Unity Bank’s Zonal Head, South East/South South, Mr. Kolawole reaffirmed Unity Bank’s commitment to deepening financial inclusion among young Nigerians as it joined global institutions to commemorate this year’s World Savings Day, themed “Beyond Savings – Building Financial Resilience.”

The Bank participated in nationwide Financial Literacy Training sessions held simultaneously across the country, an initiative led by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Bankers’ Committee, Deposit Money Banks and Junior Achievement Nigeria, aimed at improving financial inclusion and equipping young people with essential money management skills.

Speaking during the training, Mr. Kolawole stressed that “savings is foundational to financial planning, financial management and investment, and therefore the Youth must imbibe the culture of savings not just as mere financial activity, but to enable them to create financial security and independence in the long run”.

He noted that Unity Bank continues to prioritise financial literacy initiatives because early exposure to money management helps young people mitigate uncertainties and economic shocks that may hinder their ability to meeting goals.

The training sessions, facilitated by Unity Bank staff across multiple states, exposed students to practical lessons on budgeting, financial goals and seminar classes and workshops.

World Savings Day, celebrated annually on October 31, promotes the importance of savings as a cornerstone of economic resilience. In Nigeria, Deposit Money Banks collaborate with the CBN and partner organisations to deliver training programmes that equip students with lifelong financial skills.

Unity Bank’s participation reflects its ongoing dedication to supporting youth development and strengthening the financial literacy ecosystem across the country.

L-R: Head Coach, Tee Tumblers Gymnastics Club & Lagos State Gymnastics Club, Patrick Umoh; CEO, Tee Tumblers Gymnastics Club and Co-founder, Gymfest Championship 2.0, Yoyin Akpose; Creative Coach, Gymfest Championship 2.0, Oyegbata Chinedu; and Gymfest Program Coordinator, Faith Oaikhiena; flanked by some participants during the Gymfest Championship 2.0 sponsored by Fidelity Bank Plc and held in Lagos, recently.

Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc has reiterated its commitment to youth empowerment by serving as the headline sponsor of Gymfest Championship 2.0.

The competition, which held in Lagos over the weekend, drew remarkable participation from children aged 3 to 12years who competed across levels 1 through 7., Gymfest 2.0 brought together gymnasts, parents, clubs, schools, and sponsors, all united by a shared vision to nurture young gymnastic talent across the country.

Speaking at the event, Divisional Head, Brand and Communications, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Meksley Nwagboh, explained that the support for gymnastics is part of the bank’s broader vision to invest in platforms that empower young Nigerians to unlock their full potential and pursue greatness with intention.

“At Fidelity Bank, we believe sports are a powerful tool for transformation. They instill discipline, sharpen focus, and foster teamwork; qualities that shape character and build strong communities. These same values drive innovation, leadership, and national development.

“As headline sponsor of Gymfest, we are proud to support an initiative that promotes physical excellence, strengthens community bonds, and inspires national pride. Gymfest is more than a competition; it motivates children to set ambitious goals and pursue them with dedication and effort,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, Founder, Tee Tumblers Gymnastics Club and Co-founder, Gymfest Championship, Yoyin Akpose, outlined the long-term vision of the initiative as one that seeks to build a thriving community of children, parents, schools, clubs, and sponsors united by a shared passion for gymnastics.

Akpose stated that, “Our aim is to make gymnastics accessible to every child with a dream, creating fully equipped centers that provide training opportunities for all levels, from Surulere to Ikorodu, Ikeja, Apapa, and beyond.”

“GYMFEST is changing the narrative by offering a structured platform for talent development, international exposure, and professional training,” Akpose added.

One of the event’s highlights was the impressive performance of Oluwatoni Pitan, who emerged as the winner and overall best gymnast in the Level 2 Vault category.

Expressing her excitement, she said: “I feel very excited because I didn’t even expect this at all. This is my first Level 2 competition, and it took me three weeks of preparation. I encourage other female gymnasts to work hard and be consistent, you never know when your opportunity will come.”

Oluwatoni also expressed her gratitude to Fidelity Bank, the organisers, and her parents for the opportunity to showcase her talents and pursue her dreams as a young athlete.

Through strategic partnerships for initiatives like GYMFEST, Fidelity Bank continues to demonstrate its dedication to empowering the next generation, driving positive change, and fostering excellence through sports development in Nigeria.

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 recognised 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.

L-R: Bukola Oluyadi, GH, Customer Expweience & Value management, Polaris Bank; Ebunola Anozie, Founder/CEO, C.O.P.E; Sandra Okoli, Sector Lead, Telecomms, Power and Infrastructure, Polaris Bank at the C.O.P.E’s 30th Anniversary Celebration in Lagos recently.

The Care. Organisation. Public. Enlightenment (C.O.P.E) has marked three decades of pioneering work in breast cancer awareness, early detection, and survivor support with a commemorative event held in Lagos.

The ceremony brought together healthcare professionals, survivors, donors, and corporate partners, led by Polaris Bank, the organisation’s longstanding partner and lead sponsor.

Speaking at the event, Emeritus Professor Osato Giwa Osagie, Chairman of C.O.P.E’s Board of Trustees, recounted his first meeting with the Founder, Mrs. Ebunola Anozie, describing her as “a persuasive and passionate woman whose vision has changed the narrative of breast health in Nigeria.” He noted that COPE has become a national force for awareness and care, providing free monthly breast screenings, prosthetic bras, and financial assistance to women in need.

“In the last ten years, we have witnessed remarkable progress in breast cancer survival in Nigeria, thanks to early detection and consistent education,” Professor Giwa Osagie said. “We have also begun importing breast supplements specifically for women who have undergone mastectomy, available right here at the C.O.P.E Centre, to help them regain confidence and comfort.”

He emphasised that the organisation’s next milestone would be the establishment of a permanent C.O.P.E Centre, complete with a screening unit, conference hall, and residential facility for women undergoing treatment or recovery.

In her remarks, Mrs. Ebunola Anozie, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of C.O.P.E, reflected on how personal loss birthed a purpose that has endured for 30 years. “C.O.P.E was born out of grief, but it became my way of transforming pain into purpose,” she said. “From a modest awareness campaign in 1995, we have grown into a national movement that has educated millions and provided life-saving early detection services for thousands of women. Yet, our work is far from done. We need a permanent home where every woman can find hope, healing, and care.”

She expressed gratitude to Polaris Bank and other corporate partners whose support, she said, “has kept C.O.P.E’s mission alive and expanding through every economic season.”

A highlight of the evening was the moving testimony of Mrs. Agatha Obi, a breast cancer survivor who discovered C.O.P.E during her treatment. “In 2011, I was told I had breast cancer and would need a mastectomy. It was devastating,” she recalled. “But through C.O.P.E, I found courage, community, and hope. Thirteen years later, I am alive, thriving, and grateful for this organisation that stood by me when I needed it most.”

Representing the Managing Director of Polaris Bank, Mrs. Bukola Oluyadi delivered a goodwill message reaffirming the Bank’s partnership with C.O.P.E. She noted that Polaris Bank is “deeply proud to stand beside an organisation whose work embodies compassion, resilience, and impact.” In her address, she said:

“Reaching three decades of dedicated service and advocacy is no small feat. C.O.P.E has been a beacon of hope, empowerment, and positive change in our society. At Polaris Bank, we remain committed to advancing the fight against breast cancer through awareness, early detection, and sustained care. Together, we will continue to empower women, strengthen families, and transform communities.”

Mrs. Oluyadi commended the C.O.P.E team for their enduring commitment to public enlightenment and healthcare access, assuring that Polaris Bank will remain a steadfast partner in driving initiatives that touch lives and promote national well-being.

The 30th anniversary celebration concluded with renewed pledges from partners and donors to support the organisation’s vision of building a permanent COPE Centre, a symbol of hope for women across Nigeria.

L-R: Olusanya Olakunle, Director, Fanmilk (Danone); Uhabia Ojike, Guillaume Niarfeix, President Franco-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Denis Martin, Managing Director, CFAO Mobility Nigeria; Muyiwa Akinyemi, Deputy Managing Director, United Bank of Africa; Laurent Favier, Consul General of France in Lagos; Adobi Nwapa, Executive Director, Zenith Bank; and Innocent C. Ike, Group Chief Executive Officer, Access Holdings, at the French Week 2025 Business Forum at Access Towers in Lagos.

The French Week Economic Summit 2025, which   held recently convened senior government officials, business leaders, diplomats, and industry stakeholders with a unified call for stronger bilateral cooperation to advance sustainable economic growth across both nations.

Delivering the welcome remarks, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, President, France–Nigeria Business Council (FNBC) and Chairman, Access Holdings Plc, stressed the importance of reinforcing commercial ties between France and Nigeria through practical partnerships, strategic investment, and private-sector leadership.

The Summit, now in its third consecutive year at Access Towers, head office of Access Bank, was convened under the theme: “France–Nigeria Commercial Relations: Leveraging Partnership for Growth.”

Represented by Innocent Ike, Group Chief Executive Officer, Access Holdings, Aig-Imoukhuede, noted that the Summit reflected the progress envisioned when President Emmanuel Macron inaugurated the France–Nigeria Business Council in 2019 to foster practical, private-sector–led cooperation.

According to him, the FNBC has since evolved into a key platform for deepening partnerships across energy, infrastructure, finance, and culture, driven by shared values of innovation, sustainability, and inclusion.

Aig-Imoukhuede highlighted major ongoing bilateral projects, including the AGORA Project, a joint France–Africa initiative aimed at reimagining urban sustainability through green mobility, environmentally conscious infrastructure, and digital ecosystem integration.

He also presented updates on the Omi Eko Initiative, a collaboration between the Lagos State Government, French technical partners, and Nigerian private-sector institutions designed to restore and sustainably manage the Lagos Lagoon.

The initiative is projected to cut carbon emissions by 31,000 tons of CO₂ annually, mobilise over €60 million (₦100 billion) in green-infrastructure investments, and create more than 2,000 jobs across recycling, renewable energy, and sustainable tourism. He noted that Omi Eko illustrates how environmental restoration can serve as a catalyst for broad-based economic opportunity.

In her remarks, the Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment, Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, announced a major development for the state’s economic landscape: The emergence of the Lagos International Financial Centre (LIFC).

Designed to attract global financial institutions, drive foreign investment, and promote financial innovation, the Commissioner described the LIFC as a transformative platform.

“It will serve as a strong platform for global investors, innovators, and businesses to converge,” Ambrose-Medebem said. “Watch this space: by the time you return next year, I hope to share more about its formal launch and milestones achieved.”

She explained that the Summit provides a robust avenue for high-level dialogue, reinforcing the commitment of both nations to fostering cross-investment, creating bankable projects, and driving shared, sustainable growth.

This commitment is reflected in recent initiatives such as the Omi Eko Project, a €410 million Lagos State effort to modernise the city’s water transportation system through a network of safe, environmentally friendly, and efficient electric ferries.

Aig-Imoukhuede also underscored the potential of the creative sector as a strategic growth industry for France and Nigeria. He referenced ongoing cultural collaborations, including Creation Africa and the Tate Modern “Nigeria Modernism” Exhibition, that continue to elevate Nigerian creativity on the global stage. He urged investors and financial institutions to view the creative economy as both a viable export industry and a key driver of national identity and influence.

Addressing global climate transitions, Aig-Imoukhuede emphasised the need for expanded collaboration in renewable energy. He noted that France’s leadership in green technology, paired with Nigeria’s abundant natural resources, positions both nations for impactful joint investments in solar, hydro, wind, and cleaner gas solutions.

He encouraged Summit participants to move beyond dialogue and deliver measurable milestones and sustainable outcomes that benefit both countries.

Aig-Imoukhuede reaffirmed the commitment of the FNBC, the Franco–Nigerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Access Holdings Plc to fostering deeper commercial ties and long-term economic cooperation between France and Nigeria.

He expressed confidence that the Summit would catalyse stronger partnerships, increased investments, and shared prosperity.

Across Africa, women are fast becoming the heartbeat of economic transformation. From bustling open-air markets to high-tech boardrooms, women-led enterprises are redefining what is possible for the continent’s future.

Whether as market traders expanding their reach through digital platforms, tech founders scaling innovations across borders, or artisans turning local crafts into global brands, women’s contributions are now central to Africa’s economic resurgence.

Even as they break new ground, many still face formidable barriers. Access to finance, mentorship, business education, and supportive networks remains limited.

Structural issues such as weak property rights, gender bias, and inadequate legal protections often hinder women from securing loans or expanding their businesses. Consequently, many women-owned ventures remain small, informal, and vulnerable to economic shocks.

Recognising both the promise and the obstacles, Access Bank has positioned itself at the forefront of empowering women across the continent. Recently named Africa’s Best Financier for Female Entrepreneurs by the EMEA Finance Awards, the Bank has earned global recognition for its commitment to inclusion, innovation, and sustainable impact.

At the centre of this effort is the W Initiative, one of Africa’s most comprehensive women-focused banking programmes. Unlike conventional banking, it combines finance with mentorship, training, and community support, acknowledging that true empowerment requires more than access to capital.

The initiative meets women wherever they are on their entrepreneurial journey, from start-ups to growing enterprises and corporate leadership.

The W Power Loan offers affordable credit with flexible terms, enabling women to invest in expansion, inventory, or technology.

The W Academy provides leadership and business training on financial literacy, marketing, and regulatory compliance, while the W Community connects women to peers, mentors, and role models across industries.

Importantly, these offerings extend beyond urban centres. From microloans sustaining traders in rural markets to leadership programmes developing female executives in multinational firms, Access Bank’s approach is deliberately inclusive.

By partnering NGOs, business associations, and government agencies, it reaches women in underserved communities, ensuring participation in Africa’s economic rise.

The results are evident. Thousands of women have accessed credit, training, and networks through the Bank’s initiatives, enabling them to launch and scale businesses, create jobs, and uplift their communities. The ripple effects are far-reaching: increased household income, improved family wellbeing, and greater economic resilience. Women who once faced daunting barriers now serve as role models and change-makers, inspiring others to follow their path.

Studies show that when women thrive, societies prosper. The World Bank and African Development Bank note that empowering women fuels GDP growth, improves health outcomes, and enhances social stability. By directly addressing structural gaps in access to finance and information, Access Bank helps to unlock this transformative potential.

Apart from supporting entrepreneurs, Access Bank promotes gender inclusion within its own organisation. Its leadership pipeline identifies and advances talented women, while mentorship and wellness programmes help female professionals thrive.

The Bank also uses public platforms, from conferences to policy dialogues, to share success stories and advocate for gender diversity across sectors.

The EMEA Finance recognition thus goes beyond trophies and titles; it affirms that profitability and purpose can coexist. For Access Bank, supporting women’s advancement is smart economics. By embedding inclusion into its DNA, the Bank is shaping a financial ecosystem that views women as equal partners in progress.

Access Bank’s influence also extends into advocacy. Through forums, roundtables, and research collaborations, the Bank engages policymakers, civil society, and business leaders to identify and dismantle barriers facing women entrepreneurs. Its campaigns amplify women’s voices, spotlighting their achievements and driving conversations around inclusive growth.

Fidelity Bank Plc has announced its audited financial results for the half-year ended 30 June 2025, demonstrating resilience and sustained growth across key performance indicators.

Highlights of the financial results which was uploaded on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) portal on Thursday, November 13, 2025 shows that the bank delivered robust results across key financial metrics including Gross Earnings, which stood at ₦748.7 billion, up from ₦512.9 billion in H1 2024; Net Interest Income, which rose to ₦420.4 billion, compared to ₦326.4 billion in H1 2024; and Customer Deposits, which grew to ₦7.2 trillion, from ₦5.9 trillion in FY 2024.

Similarly, the bank’s Net Revenue increased to ₦444.4 billion, compared to ₦396.8 billion in H1 2024.

Fidelity Bank continued to expand its digital banking footprint, enhance customer experience, and support key sectors of the economy.

The bank’s loan book grew, with Net Loans and Advances expanding to ₦4.9 trillion, up from ₦4.4 trillion in FY 2024, reflecting increased support for businesses and individuals. Asset quality remained stable, with non-performing loans well within acceptable limits.

The bank’s capital raising initiatives have further strengthened its financial position, ensuring readiness to meet new regulatory requirements and pursue growth opportunities. Fidelity Bank’s strong liquidity profile and robust governance framework provide a solid foundation for continued success.

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 recognised 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.

L-R: Ladi Ene Garba, Head, Commercial Banking, Polaris Bank; Njideka Nwabueze, Head, Retail Banking, Polaris Bank; Abubakar Usman Bello, the Executive Director, North & Public Sector, Keystone Bank and Mathew Oji, Product Strategy, Polaris Bank at the MSME Digital Bank award ceremony in Lagos recently.

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, organised by the Africa Global Economic Forum BBBin partnership with PROSHARE, recognised 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 revolutionised 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.

L-R: Proprietor, Part of Solution School, Makoko, Prince Shemede Taiwo; Team Lead, CSR, Fidelity Bank Plc, Victoria Abuka; Traditional Leader of Makoko Community, Shemede Emmanuel Ajaka; Head, HR Business Partnerships & Communication, Fidelity Bank Plc, Nwamaka Kalu; and Class Governor, Achievers’ Inductees Class, Fidelity Bank Plc, Oluwabusayo Obagunwa, during the Fidelity Helping Hands Program (FHHP) outreach and donation of food items and other relief materials to residents of Makoko, Lagos.

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 recognised 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.