L-R: Head, Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Union Bank, Olufisayo Adelekun; Chairman, Wonder Energy, Engr. Toju Koso; Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, Union Bank, Olufunmilola Aluko, Team Lead, External Communication, Union Bank, Favour Ayeni; Executive Asst, Corporate Communication and Marketing, Union Bank, Boluwatife Lawal; Products and Partnerships Specialist, Union Bank, Oghenemaro Ebrorhie; Team Lead, Digital Marketing, Union Bank, Abisola Oluyede; and Customer Service Partner, Union Bank, Eduvie Ejakpomewhe during the Award presentation to Union Bank for Best Company in Workplace Practice at the 2025 SERAS Awards held in Lagos recently.

Union Bank of Nigeria has secured another prestigious accolade, being named Best Company in Workplace Practice at the Sustainability, Enterprise and Responsibility Awards.

This significant achievement follows a comprehensive assessment by SERAS multinational independent judges who rigorously evaluated applicants’ Corporate Social Responsibility and sustainability initiatives.

Union Bank received nominations across four categories: SERAS Education Intervention of the Year, Best Company in Workplace Practice, Best in Gender Equity and Women Empowerment, and Best Company in Reporting and Transparency.

The Bank also achieved first runner up positions in both the Gender Equity and Women Empowerment and Educational Intervention categories, highlighting the strength of its commitment to these critical areas.

The Bank’s award-winning workplace practices reflect its holistic people-first philosophy that transcends conventional human resources functions. Union Bank has created an inclusive, rewarding and high performing work environment that establishes new benchmarks for Nigeria’s financial sector.

Key initiatives that distinguished Union Bank include the introduction of five months fully paid maternity leave exceeding statutory requirements, and the establishment of an onsite crèche at its head office to support work life balance and improve female retention.

The Bank also recorded its highest promotion rate in ten years with 24 per cent of employees advancing across departments, demonstrating a robust meritocratic culture. A significant 40 per cent salary increase further enhanced employee financial wellbeing, reduced economic pressures and boosted productivity.

Judges recognised Union Bank’s initiatives for generating substantial social value, particularly in advancing gender equality through comprehensive maternity benefits aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 5. Enhanced wellness programmes featuring mental health support and flexible working arrangements fostered a more inclusive workplace, improving overall staff wellbeing. The Bank’s prioritisation of employee and family needs created positive ripple effects throughout the broader community.

Commenting on the award, Olufunmilola Aluko, Chief Brand and Marketing Officer at Union Bank, stated:

“Our workplace initiatives are firmly anchored in our triple pillar model of Citizenship, Sustainability and Innovation, which underpins our commitment to responsible financial, environmental and socio-economic development. This framework empowers us to champion best practices across the sector. The measurable outcomes, including enhanced employee satisfaction, increased productivity and significant progress in gender inclusion, demonstrate the strength and adaptability of our approach. We are confident these efforts will continue driving positive social transformation across Nigeria. Union Bank is deeply honoured by this recognition from SERAS and all sustainability stakeholders, and we remain dedicated to advancing these vital initiatives.”

Now in its nineteenth year, SERAS has consistently established the benchmark for corporate social responsibility and sustainability excellence.

This year’s edition, themed “Sustainability 2.0: Innovating for Impact and Inclusive Growth”, celebrated corporate entities and leaders who pushed creative, technological and strategic boundaries to deliver measurable community and industry impact.

Union Bank’s workplace initiatives provide a robust model worthy of replication both within and beyond the financial sector, setting a new standard for responsible corporate citizenship in Nigeria.

About Union Bank of Nigeria Plc

Established in 1917, Union Bank is a leading provider of financial services in Nigeria, renowned for its “Simpler, Smarter Banking” philosophy. With a nationwide network and a strong focus on digital innovation, Union Bank continues to empower individuals, businesses, and the public sector to achieve lasting success.

The Bank is a trusted and recognisable brand with an extensive network of over 300 branches across Nigeria. The Bank offers a range of banking services to individual and corporate clients, including current, savings, and deposit account services, funds transfer, foreign currency domiciliation, loans, overdrafts, equipment leasing, and trade finance. The Bank also offers customers convenient electronic banking channels and products, including Online Banking, Mobile Banking, Debit Cards, ATMs, and POS Systems.

A five-member panel of the Supreme Court, led by Justice Lawal Garba recently ruled in favor of Fidelity Bank in its appeal against Sagecom Concepts Limited. Given previous rulings, this marks a significant victory for Fidelity Bank in a long-running legal dispute.

The judgment brings definitive closure to a legacy case that has attracted attention across the financial sector for more than two decades.

In a motion dated October 8, 2025, Fidelity Bank sought clarification from the Supreme Court, requesting a consequential order that the judgment debt be paid in Naira. The bank also asked that the interest rate be set at 19.5% per annum rather than 19.5% compounded daily.

Additionally, it prayed that the exchange rate used for conversion be the rate on the date of the High Court judgment, in line with the Supreme Court’s decision in Anibaba v. Dana Airlines.

Fidelity Bank further requested that the judgment debt be fixed at ₦30,197,286,603.13 and that interest on this amount be payable at 19.5% per annum until full settlement.

In a ruling delivered by Justice Adamu Jauro, the apex court granted the bank’s first three prayers but declined the fourth and fifth. As a result, the judgment sum will be paid in Naira at an annual interest rate of 19.5%, rather than the daily compounded rate previously awarded by the High Court.

The Supreme Court also affirmed that the applicable exchange rate should be that of the date of the High Court judgment, consistent with its earlier decision in Anibaba v. Dana Airlines.

The dispute originated from a legacy transaction involving the former FSB International Bank, which merged with Fidelity Bank in 2005. It stemmed from a 2002 credit facility extended to G. Cappa Plc and subsequent legal proceedings tied to the collateral.

This ruling provides finality to years of litigation and confirms a significantly lower liability than the ₦225 billion previously speculated in some quarters. It aligns with Fidelity Bank’s consistent computation and materially contradicts earlier estimates.

Throughout the case, Fidelity Bank’s share price remained stable, reflecting investor confidence in its strong governance framework, prudent risk management, and robust financial fundamentals. Industry experts believe the judgment reinforces the bank’s financial strength and commitment to transparent, responsible governance.

When approached for comment, Fidelity Bank representatives declined to speak on the matter but expressed gratitude to the Supreme Court for bringing clarity and closure to the case.

Polaris Bank, in partnership with Evolve Charity Trust, has successfully concluded its 2025 nationwide distribution of school essentials to 1,000 students across ten public secondary schools in five states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The initiative is part of the Bank’s sustained Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts to keep more children, especially the girl child, in school.

This year’s exercise adds to a growing intervention that has supported more than 24,000 students in public schools across 49 locations since 2021.

This year’s beneficiaries received a complete learning kit consisting of a school uniform, school bag, a pair of sandals, six exercise books and pens. According to school authorities, these materials continue to improve attendance, boost confidence and support academic performance.

In delivering the programme, Polaris Bank also stimulated the local economy by sourcing uniforms from local tailors, procuring books from bookshops and purchasing sandals and bags from community traders, thereby supporting small businesses across the beneficiary states.

Polaris Bank’s Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Kayode Lawal, reaffirmed the Bank’s five-year promise to champion the education of Nigeria’s girl child, noting that the materials are symbols of belief in the students’ potential to become scholars, innovators and future leaders.

School administrators across the country expressed gratitude for the timely support, noting that the essentials meet real and urgent needs, ease the burden on families and positively impact academic performance. Many students come from homes where parents cannot afford these items and the gesture has restored pride among beneficiaries.

Representatives of the Bank reiterated their commitment to improving access to education, championing access to quality learning, and encouraging students to make the best use of the materials and stay committed to success.

The 2025 distribution covered the following schools: Government Girls Secondary School, Kundila, Kano; Model Junior Secondary School, Maitama, Abuja; Government Junior Secondary School, Area 10, Garki, Abuja; Fortune Secondary School, Lokoja, Kogi State; National High School, Arondizuogu, Imo State; Iheme Memorial Secondary School, Iheme, Imo State; Akokwa High School, Akokwa, Imo State; Opebi Junior Grammar School, Opebi, Lagos; Gbaja Girls Junior Secondary School, Surulere, Lagos; and Gbaja Girls Senior Secondary School, Surulere, Lagos.

Expressing gratitude for the timely support, Hajiya Aisha Shehu Yakasai, Principal of Government Girls Secondary School in Kundila, Kano, said the essentials “meet real and urgent needs” and have eased the burden on families. Aso, Madam Maji-Abu Omanyo Esther, Principal of Fortune Secondary School, Lokoja, described the gesture as one that “brought joy and will positively impact academic performance.”

Commending the Bank for restoring pride among beneficiaries, Mrs. Erdoo Lortyom, Vice Principal at Model Junior Secondary School, Maitama, Abuja, noted that many students come from homes where parents cannot afford these items while Mrs. Dabiri Nwabuoku Adetoun Iyabo, Principal of Gbaja Girls Junior and Senior Secondary Schools, Surulere, thanked Polaris Bank for its “consistent yearly gesture,” assuring that the materials will be put to excellent use.

Representatives of the Bank reiterated their commitment to improving access to education.

In Kano, Branch Head, Mr. Madiebo Godwin, reaffirmed the Bank’s dedication to “championing access to quality learning,” while in Lokoja, Business Development Manager, David Ojonugwa, encouraged students to “make the best use of the materials and stay committed to success.”

Speaking in Imo State, the Bank’s Business Development Manager for Urualla Branch, Mr. Peter Nnamani, urged students to aim high, noting that every career dream “begins with dedication in school.”

Project Manager of Evolve Charity Trust, Mr. Godwin Ejeh, noted that investing in a child’s education “lights a candle that brightens entire communities,” noting the ripple effect witnessed across states visited during the distribution.

The initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 5: Gender Equality, by promoting inclusive access to education and reducing gender-based barriers that keep girls out of school.

Polaris Bank affirmed its continued commitment to partnering with credible development organisations to deliver sustainable educational impact across Nigeria.

Stanbic IBTC, a member of Standard Bank Group, has announced the return of FUZE Festival, one of Nigeria’s most exciting year-end celebrations, now in its fourth edition.

Holding on Saturday, 20 December 2025 at Tafawa Balewa Square, this year’s festival introduces an all-new outdoor format, offering guests an open-air experience with expanded activities, installations and immersive attractions.

Inspired by the magic and wonder of vintage circuses and carnivals, the 2025 edition adopts the theme “The Ultimate Show.” Think bold colours, thrilling performances, and whimsical moments. Attendees can expect magicians, parade performers, flash mobs, face painting, art displays, and other spectacular attractions that bring the festival theme to life.

This year also brings a significantly expanded marketplace, with a larger selection of vendors and shopping stalls. Guests will have even more opportunities to discover and shop from a broad mix of fashion, art, tech, food, and lifestyle brands, reinforcing FUZE Festival’s reputation as a vibrant hub for creativity, culture, and commerce.

Music lovers have a nostalgic treat ahead. Wande Coal and Pheelz, both beloved headliners from previous FUZE editions, will make a highly anticipated return to the FUZE stage, adding a sentimental ‘blast from the past’ element for long-time attendees.

Chike will join them, along with Ms DSF, a renowned DJ, all set to deliver electrifying performances that capture the energy and spirit of FUZE.

In addition to the entertainment, festival goers will have direct access to a range of on-site experiences, including rich display of wares from home-grown vendors, promoting made-in-Nigeria products at competitive prices, at the FUZE Marketplace; freebies from partners and offerings from across the Stanbic IBTC Holdings group.

This integration ensures a seamless, convenient experience for attendees while showcasing the institution’s commitment to inclusion, innovation and home-grown talent.

Speaking on the upcoming festival, Chuma Nwokocha, Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Holdings, said: “FUZE Festival has always been our way of creating a space where creativity can thrive, but this year we thought to push the boundaries even further. The outdoor format and circus-inspired theme allow us to design a more immersive experience that people can truly feel and participate in. It reflects our belief that innovation doesn’t happen only in offices; it happens in culture, in music, in art, and in the everyday interactions that inspire people to dream bigger. FUZE 4.0 captures that spirit.”

Since its inception, FUZE Festival has evolved into a dynamic platform that celebrates Nigerian creativity while promoting connection, collaboration, and community.

Powered by Stanbic IBTC’s commitment to supporting the nation’s creative economy, the festival continues to inspire young Nigerians to dream boldly and showcase their talent to the world.

Financial Services Innovators (FSI) has marked its sixth anniversary, celebrating six years of building Africa’s innovation ecosystem by inspiring technology talent within tertiary institutions and supporting startups through incubation, acceleration, and capacity-building programs.

Since its founding in 2019, FSI has remained committed to bridging the gap between innovation, practical skills, and enterprise growth, with a clear focus on addressing Africa’s socio-economic challenges through technology, entrepreneurship, and collaborative partnerships.

Over the past six years, FSI has:

• Inspired and trained thousands of students and young professionals across Nigerian tertiary institutions
• Supported early-stage startups through incubation, acceleration, mentorship, and market exposure
• Collaborated with partners, mentors, sponsors, donors, and ecosystem leaders to deliver impact-driven programs

Strengthened the link between talent development, innovation, and real-world problem-solving

Speaking on the milestone, the executive director, Dr. Aituaz Kola-Oladejo, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to deepening its impact:

“Six years on, we are proud of how far we have come, but even more excited about what lies ahead. Our journey has always been driven by the belief that Africa’s challenges can be solved by empowered talent and innovative enterprises. None of this would be possible without the trust and support of our partners, mentors, board members, sponsors, and donors,” she said

Looking ahead, FSI plans to expand its focus on scalable innovation programs, sector-focused accelerators, industry partnerships, and regional collaboration, while continuing to position young Africans as creators of solutions—not just beneficiaries of opportunity.

As FSI enters its next phase, the organisation remains committed to building future-ready talent, enabling sustainable startups, and strengthening Africa’s innovation economy.