A group photograph of the staff of Veritas Kapital Assurance Plc at the 2025 CIIN Insurance Week celebration at the National Stadium in Lagos.
KBL Insurance at the 2025 CIIN Insurance Week
A group photograph of KBL Insurance Limited staff and Executive Director, Mr. Temitope Afuwape at the 2025 CIIN Insurance Week celebration at the National Stadium in Lagos.
Sovereign Trust Insurance at the 2025 CIIN Insurance Week
Members of staff of Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc flanked by the Deputy General Manager/Head, Corporate Communications and Investor Relations at the 2025 Insurance Walk to Mark the beginning of the Insurance Week.
CIIN Insurance Week 2025: Industry Professionals March through Lagos for Insurance Awareness Walk
A cross-section of CIIN council members at the 2025 insurance week last Saturday at the National Stadium in Lagos.
In a colorful and energetic display of unity, advocacy, and industry pride, Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) hosted its Insurance Awareness Walk to flag off the Year 2025 Insurance Week, bringing together a broad spectrum of professionals from across the Insurance and financial service sectors.
The awareness walk — a flagship tradition of Insurance Week — kicked off promptly at 7:00 am at the Lagos office of NEM Insurance Plc where participants from many Insurance institutions gathered in branded T-shirts and caps, waving banners with messages promoting insurance education and inclusion. Led by a lively fitness instructor, the morning began with aerobics and warm-up exercises, creating an atmosphere of excitement and engagement.
The walk followed a carefully mapped-out route through key parts of the city, attracting attention from commuters and onlookers as the procession moved with music, branded floats, and distribution of flyers educating the public on the benefits of Insurance. After nearly two hours, the energetic crowd arrived at the National Stadium, Surulere, where a well-organised funfair and mini carnival awaited.
Welcoming participants at the stadium, Mrs. Yetunde Ilori, President/Chairman of Council, CIIN, delivered a warm and heartfelt address, commending the impressive turnout and passion shown by industry stakeholders. She noted:
“This awareness walk is more than just a tradition it is a movement. A movement that reflects our commitment to demystify Insurance, promote trust in the industry, and connect with the public in relatable ways. This year’s Insurance Week is themed around deepening professionalism, fostering education, and empowering the next generation, and this walk is a powerful start to those conversations.”
She further unveiled the week-long agenda, which includes school outreach programs, a career fair, a public lecture, health screenings, a mentorship roundtable for young professionals, and the highly anticipated Insurance Industry Gala Night.
The day transitioned into a lively carnival of games and contests. Among the featured activities were:
Tug of War Competition saw intense but friendly battles among industry giants such as NEM Insurance, Tangerine Insurance, STACO Insurance, and others. Teams cheered passionately as they pulled with determination and unity. The competitions provided moments of thrilling excitement, with each company showcasing strength and teamwork, and bragging rights rotating from match to match.
The Egg Race added a lighthearted flair, drawing laughter from the crowd as participants carefully balanced eggs on spoons in a test of coordination and focus. Staff from various organizations enthusiastically joined in, making the game a crowd favorite.
While the day was primarily focused on awareness and exercise, the sense of industry-wide community and healthy competition was unmistakable, with each event contributing to a spirit of inclusion, wellness, and professional bonding.
The atmosphere was further enlivened with a live DJ, Nescafe Tea Stand, and branded merchandise booths sponsored by key Insurance brands, and canopies of different Insurance institutions.
In a symbolic moment of appreciation, awards and certificates of participation were presented to outstanding teams and contributors. The presentations were made by female members of the CIIN Governing Council, who emphasized the importance of inclusivity and excellence in industry advocacy.
The day was rounded off with a resounding vote of thanks by Mr. Jide Orimolade, a senior insurance executive, who praised the organising committee, participating firms and partners for their dedication and spirited participation.
He noted:
“Today has proven once again that when we come together, we can achieve more — not just within the industry, but for the public we serve. This walk has worked the talk, and the message is clear: Insurance is for everyone.”
As the crowd dispersed with smiles, gifts, and memories, one thing was certain — the Year 2025 Insurance Awareness Walk had successfully deepened public engagement, strengthened professional bonds, and laid a vibrant foundation for the rest of the week’s activities.
Ecobank Nigeria Unveils New Premier Branch on Victoria Island, Lagos
Ecobank Nigeria has announced the opening of a new branch dedicated solely to Premier Banking clients. This branch located at No 25. Akin Adesola Street in Victoria Island is dedicated to serving high-net-worth individuals, providing personalised world-class banking services and amenities.
This location offers a bouquet of carefully curated premium banking services enjoyed in the comfort of an exclusive VIP Lounge staffed with dedicated team of relationship managers and supported by a 24X7 contact centre.
Announcing this in Lagos, Adeola Ogunyemi, Head, Distribution Channels/Sales, Consumer & Commercial Banking at Ecobank said “in Nigeria, Ecobank’s mission is to deliver on its promise as the preferred platform for accessible, affordable, and instant banking services to customers. Ecobank remains the go-to bank for pan-African trade and payments.
“Our medium-term goal is to establish ourselves as the leading gateway for facilitating pan-African banking services to our customers in Nigeria. This new premier branch is designed to provide our high-net-worth customers with a suit of exclusive benefits and privileges. This is part of Ecobank’s strategy to cater to the evolving needs of its affluent clientele, offering them a tailored banking solution with enhanced features and privileges.”
Ecobank Nigeria Limited is a subsidiary of the Ecobank Group, the leading pan-African banking group with operations in 35 African countries and an international presence in four locations (London, Paris, Beijing, and Dubai). Ecobank’s unique pan-African platform is designed to help unlock the opportunities of the continent, for the continent, facilitating regional integration, trade, and investment across borders.
Ecobank utilises a broad range of digital platforms such as the Ecobank Mobile App, USSD *326#, Ecobank Online, Ecobank OmniPlus, Ecobank Omnilite, EcobankPay, Ecobank RapidTransfer, ATMs, POS terminals, and a vast distribution network with over 250 branches and approximately 50,000 agency banking locations.
NGX Group Chair: Dangote Refinery is a Blessing to Nigeria
REMARKS DELIVERED BY THE CHAIRMAN, NGX GROUP, ALHAJI (DR.) UMARU KWAIRANGA AT THE COURTESY VISIT TO DANGOTE REFINERY
On behalf of the capital market community, especially the management and trading licence holders of the Nigerian Exchange, I wish to express our joy to be given this opportunity to see what our mentor and father has established for the betterment of our great country.
We are already very impressed with what we have seen on our way here and look forward to a deeper look at the intricate and complex operations of the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Complex.
Let me also say that we are not only hear to see and listen but to also offer our services as financial advisers for the next stage of this project which I believe will involve a sale of a stake and a listing on Africa’s foremost exchange, the Nigerian Exchange.
Thank you once again for your love for country and for granting us an inside look at this magnificent edifice.
Stanbic IBTC Bank Strengthens Regulatory, Customer Relations with Strategic Trade Forum
Stanbic IBTC Bank’s Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) division has concluded its CIB Trade Customer Forum, bringing together industry leaders, key clients, and regulatory stakeholders for a day of strategic discussions and networking focused on advancing Nigeria’s trade finance sector.
The exclusive forum themed, “Trade Policy and Regulatory Framework in Nigeria: Recent Development and Implications,” held on 20 June 2025. The forum marked a significant milestone in Stanbic IBTC Bank’s commitment to fostering collaborative platforms that drive industry growth and innovation.
The event successfully united top CIB Trade clients with senior executives from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), creating opportunities for cross-sectoral dialogue.
Through a carefully curated panel session featuring both Stanbic IBTC leadership and notable industry speakers, participants engaged in robust discussions on topical developments shaping Nigeria’s trade landscape.
Eric Fajemisin, Executive Director, Corporate and Investment Banking, Stanbic IBTC Bank, emphasised, “This forum represents our unwavering commitment to being at the forefront of industry thought leadership. By bringing together regulators, clients, and industry experts under one roof, we’ve created a unique ecosystem for knowledge sharing and strategic partnership development.”
The forum delivered exceptional results across multiple strategic objectives. The event successfully fostered stronger relationships between Stanbic IBTC Bank and its key clients, providing opportunities to address industry challenges collaboratively.
With delegates from CBN, SON, and Nigeria Customs Service in attendance, the forum created valuable opportunities for private sector-regulatory alignment, contributing to more effective trade finance practices. Participants gained access to valuable insights on emerging trends, regulatory updates, and best practices in trade finance, enhancing their strategic decision-making capabilities. The networking sessions generated multiple opportunities for new partnerships and business development, positioning Stanbic IBTC Bank for expanded market engagement.
Jesuseun Fatoyinbo, Head, Transaction Banking, Stanbic IBTC Bank, stated: “Today’s forum exemplifies our dedication to fostering meaningful partnerships within the trade finance sector. By creating a platform for open dialogue between industry leaders and regulators, we are empowering our clients to navigate the evolving landscape with confidence. At Stanbic IBTC Bank, we remain committed to driving innovation and collaboration that not only enhances our services but also strengthens the entire ecosystem for sustainable growth in Nigeria.”
The forum’s success has positioned Stanbic IBTC Bank as the definitive thought leader in Nigeria’s trade finance sector, demonstrating the bank’s commitment to creating top-of-mind experiences that drive client loyalty and industry advancement. The collaborative approach shown during the event has set a new standard for industry engagement and stakeholder collaboration.
Building on the overwhelming success of this inaugural forum, Stanbic IBTC Bank plans to make this an annual flagship event, continuing to provide platforms for industry leaders to collaborate, learn, and drive sustainable growth in Nigeria’s trade finance ecosystem.
The forum reinforced Stanbic IBTC Bank’s position as a leader in creating strategic platforms where clients can network, collaborate, and drive mutual growth.
NNPCL Alleges Co-ordinated Sabotage Campaign Against its Leadership
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has uncovered an emerging co-ordinated sabotage campaign being waged by a syndicate of known and faceless actors, both outside and within various levels of the organisation.
This group is actively spreading lies and misinformation simply to discredit NNPC Ltd’s leadership and derail the organisation’s ongoing transformation into a corruption-free, performance-driven energy company, in line with the mandate of His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Their tactics include planting scandalous and fabricated reports, curated to distract leadership, mislead the public, and undermine the commitment of our dedicated workforce and reform-minded Nigerians.
These are calculated efforts by those who feel threatened by reform, transparency, accountability, and change—clear evidence of the lengths to which they will go to obstruct the transformation of Nigeria’s foremost energy institution.
We expect a surge of defamatory content in the days and weeks ahead. NNPC Ltd. remains undeterred. The transformation is underway, and no amount of sabotage will stop it.
We urge our dedicated staff, stakeholders, and all patriotic Nigerians to stay focused, ignore the noise and not be discouraged. We remain on mission.
NNPCL Alleges Co-ordinated Sabotage Campaign Against its Leadership
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has uncovered an emerging co-ordinated sabotage campaign being waged by a syndicate of known and faceless actors, both outside and within various levels of the organisation.
This group is actively spreading lies and misinformation simply to discredit NNPC Ltd’s leadership and derail the organisation’s ongoing transformation into a corruption-free, performance-driven energy company, in line with the mandate of His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Their tactics include planting scandalous and fabricated reports, curated to distract leadership, mislead the public, and undermine the commitment of our dedicated workforce and reform-minded Nigerians.
These are calculated efforts by those who feel threatened by reform, transparency, accountability, and change—clear evidence of the lengths to which they will go to obstruct the transformation of Nigeria’s foremost energy institution.
We expect a surge of defamatory content in the days and weeks ahead. NNPC Ltd. remains undeterred. The transformation is underway, and no amount of sabotage will stop it.
We urge our dedicated staff, stakeholders, and all patriotic Nigerians to stay focused, ignore the noise and not be discouraged. We remain on mission.
Fidelity Bank Promotes 12% of Workforce, Increases Salaries by 20%
Fidelity Bank Plc, one of Nigeria’s top-tier financial institutions, has promoted 376 employees following its recently concluded annual performance review exercise.
This represents approximately 12% of the bank’s workforce, underscoring its management’s deep appreciation for the pivotal role played by staff in recoding the highest growth by percentage volumes in the banking industry with 210% increase in its Profit Before Tax (PBT) which grew from N124.3 billion in 2023 to N385.2 billion in 2024.
The announcement, which was recently communicated internally, comes on the heels of a 20% across-the-board salary increase implemented in June 2025—a gesture that reflects the bank’s commitment to staff welfare. It is worth noting that this follows a similar salary adjustment carried out in November 2024.
Under the leadership of Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Fidelity Bank has consistently outperformed market expectations. In 2024, the bank recorded the highest share price growth of 116% in the industry following the completion of its Public Offer which was over-subscribed by 238%.
In recognition of the banks stellar performance, global rating agency, Fitch Ratings recently upgraded Fidelity Bank’s National Long-Term Rating from ‘A(nga)’ to ‘A+(nga)’ in a further endorsement of the bank’s financial strength and prudent management.
The upgraded rating reflects improved profitability metrics and robust capital buffers, reinforcing the bank’s sustained upward trajectory.
Fidelity Bank MD Not Part of Woobs Case
Reports published by Sahara Reporters on June 25 claimed that Fidelity Bank’s MD, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe was a party to an ongoing case involving fraud on Woobs Resources account with the bank.
This is however not true. The charge sheet dated 12 May 2025 (sighted by this reporter) stated that the Defendants in the suit were Victor Ukutt, Esq, Fidelity Bank Plc, Whoba Ugwunna Ogo and Safiya Whoba.
It will be recalled that the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice issued a press release on 9 June 2025 explaining that Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe’s name was struck off the charge as she was neither the account officer nor the Managing Director of the Bank when the account used in the alleged scheme of fraud was opened.
NCDMB, Dangote Refinery Inaugurate Joint Committee to Deepen Local Content
The Executive Secretary NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe presenting the certificate of the Nigerian Content Downstream Operator of the Year Award won by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemical Company at the inaugural Champions of Nigerian Content Awards to President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote on Tuesday.
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemical Company on Tuesday inaugurated a Joint Technical Committee (JTC) aimed at advancing local content implementation during the operational phase of the 650,000 barrels per day refinery plant.
The inauguration ceremony which took place on Tuesday at the Dangote Free Trade Zone, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State marks a pivotal moment in fostering strategic collaboration between both institutions and is a significant move to reinforce local content development in the oil and gas sector.
The ceremony presided over by the Executive Secretary of the Board, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, and the Group Vice President, Oil and Gas, Dangote Group, Chief Edwin Devakumar featured the formal sign-off of the Committee’s Terms of Reference (ToR), a guided tour of the refinery, other critical facilities, and the official commencement of the JTC’s responsibilities.
The visit also featured the presentation of the certificate of the Nigerian Content Downstream Operator of the Year Award won by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemical Company at the inaugural Champions of Nigerian Content Awards held recently in May.
The Executive Secretary NCDMB made the presentation to the President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who expressed delight at the recognition, noting that he would display the certificate proudly at his office.
Engr. Ogbe congratulated the Dangote Group on the successful development and commissioning of the largest single train refinery in the world, as well as petrochemical and fertiliser plants, describing the projects as a “historic milestone” not only for Nigeria but for the entire continent.
He emphasised that the Dangote Refinery stands as a testament to the success of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act of 2010 and the transformative potential of Nigerian-led industrial projects.
“At an optimal daily production capacity of 650,000 barrels, this refinery will significantly enhance Nigeria’s energy security and contribute to the supply of refined petroleum products across West Africa,” the Executive Secretary stated. “Nigerians, have to own the plant, we have to make sure that the plant works well. We have to secure it, we have to maintain it,” he said.
NCDMB, he said, would continue to collaborate with Dangote Petroleum Refinery, while highlighting the need to ensure more value retention in the sector, as mandated by the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act (NOGICD) 2010.
He demanded compliance with Sections 32 and 33 of the NOGICD Act, with particular reference to local manpower utilisation and requirements for NCDMB’s approval prior to the engagement of expatriates.
“The NOGICD Act stipulates that no expatriate can be employed in any organization in the oil and gas industry without the prior approval of the NCDMB. We will work with you. We have to protect jobs for Nigerians,” he said, while commending the company for training and employing Nigerian engineers.
“This collaboration must ensure qualified Nigerians are given opportunities across all operational roles. It is critical to job creation, skills development, and national capacity building in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he added.
The NCDMB boss also urged Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals to support its initiative aimed at developing oil and gas industrial parks across the country to foster local content and manufacturing in the oil and gas sector.
He explained that the Nigerian Oil and Gas Parks Scheme (NOGaPS) seeks to create an enabling environment for Small and Medium Enterprises in the sector. NOGaPS was conceived by the Board to develop facilities close to oil fields where manufacturing of oil and gas components, as well as research and development, can be carried out.
“We would like Dangote to support one of our major activities, which is the oil and gas industrial parks scheme. The parks are aimed at creating an enabling environment for SMEs in the industry to do fabrication, among others, and create more jobs for Nigerians,” Ogbe said.
In his welcome address, Chief Edwin Devakumar highlighted that the Dangote refinery project and NCDMB have been working together, promoting local content development during the construction stages of the project. “We can’t say we have achieved everything, but there is opportunity to do more,” he said.
“We are grateful to the NCDMB for all their support and advice. As entrepreneurs, we are trying to optimise costs. It is a Nigerian company; it is also an entrepreneur-driven company. As a Nigerian company, the focus will be on Nigerian content. As an entrepreneur-driven company, it will be cost-focused.
He underscored the long-standing commitment of the Dangote Group to national development and capacity building, remarking that the Group’s vision is to grow Nigeria’s industrial landscape.
The high point of the visit was the inauguration of the Committee’s members.
The Committee is tasked with ensuring the implementation of local content in refinery operations. Its core objectives include promoting the use of Nigerian skilled manpower, services, and locally sourced materials in compliance with Section 3 of the NOGICD Act. They will also support Dangote Refinery in aligning its operational procedures with the Act’s requirements.
In his acceptance remarks, Director of Corporate Services at NCDMB and chair of the Committee, Mr. Abdulmalik Halilu, expressed gratitude to the leadership of both organisations. He reiterated the Committee’s dedication to upholding the highest standards of local content enforcement and fostering measurable outcomes that will benefit the Nigerian economy.
NIMC Trains Corps Members for Nationwide NIN Ward Enrolment
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), in partnership with the Ministry of Youth Development and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has commenced the training of selected Youth Corps members to drive National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment to all the wards in the Federation.
This initiative is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda of enrolling and issuing the NIN to all Nigerians and legal residents within the shortest time possible.
NIMC has enrolled and issued the NIN to over 120 million Nigerians and legal residents and, therefore, intends to cover hitherto unreachable areas through the Ward Enrolment initiative. The Corps members selected are currently undergoing intensive training in preparation for the kick-off of the ward enrollment.
Consequently, Nigerians, most especially children below the age of 16 years are by this initiative encouraged to enrol for the NIN in their respective wards. This initiative aims to take NIN enrolment closer to the people.
The NIMC DG/CEO, Engr (Dr) Abisoye Coker-Odusote lauded the immeasurable support of President Tinubu towards the achievements of the NIMC mandate.
She also appreciated the commendable efforts of the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande and the DG, NYSC, Brigade-General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu.
NAICOM Hosts Gambia Central Bank Delegation for Strategic Knowledge Exchange
L-R: Nyang Madeleine Gomez, Leader of Gambia Central Bank delegation, Dr. Usman Jankara, NAICOM Deputy Commissioner, Technical, Drammeh Alieu, Mr. Ekerete Ola Gam-Ikon, Deputy Commissioner, Finance and Administration.
The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) recently welcomed a high-powered delegation from the Central Bank of The Gambia, led by Mr. Nyang Medeleine Gomez, on a strategic working visit aimed at fostering regulatory collaboration and exchanging knowledge in key areas of insurance supervision.
The primary focus of the visit was to study Nigeria’s regulatory approach in three critical areas:
*Risk-Based Supervision
*Prudential Frameworks
*Inclusive Insurance
Receiving the delegation on behalf of the Commissioner for Insurance, Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, the Deputy Commissioner for Technical, Dr. Usman Jankara, alongside the Deputy Commissioner, Finance and Administration, Mr. Ekerete Ola Gam-Ikon expressed NAICOM’s readiness for collaboration and mutual learning.
He described the engagement as a “knowledge-sharing visit,” noting that “no one regulator has all the answers,” and emphasised the importance of peer-to-peer learning in enhancing regulatory capacity across Africa.
In his remarks, Mr. Gomez explained that the visit was intended to:
* Understanding NAICOM’s implementation of a risk-based supervisory system to ensure a stable and resilient insurance sector
* Exploring strategies for expanding insurance access to underserved and low-income populations through inclusive insurance frameworks; and
* Learn best practices in prudential regulation to safeguard policyholders’ interests and uphold public confidence in the insurance market.
In a detailed response, Dr. Jankara reaffirmed NAICOM’s commitment to supporting the Gambian delegation across all areas of interest.
He emphasised that Nigeria’s regulatory framework has evolved significantly, especially in corporate governance, where the Commission has moved from basic compliance to robust enforcement mechanisms.
He further noted that the newly passed Insurance Regulatory Bill, once it receives presidential assent, will contribute meaningfully to the current administration’s goal of achieving a one-trillion-dollar economy.
Jankara also highlighted NAICOM’s progress in promoting financial inclusion, citing the successful licensing of 15 microinsurance companies and 6 Takaful insurance providers, milestones that reflect growing insurance penetration.
He assured the visiting delegation that NAICOM would share its operational templates and regulatory manuals through the appropriate directorates, while continuing engagement with key departments, including Inspectorate, Supervision, and Innovation & Regulation.
Fidelity Bank Partners Ashoka Africa to Empower Young Innovators
L-R: Co-President, Ashoka Africa, Angelou Ezeilo; Divisional Head, Product Development, Fidelity Bank Plc, Osita Ede; Team Lead, Retail Banking, Fidelity Bank Plc, Onyeka Kurume; Winners, Changemaker Idea Pitch-A-Thon, Abule-Eko Community Junior Grammar School Pupils, District 2, Ikorodu Lagos; their Teacher, Alabi Felix; Project Coach, Opeoluwa Jamiu; Branch Leader, Fidelity Bank Plc, Festac, Ethel Genesis; and Regional Director, Ashoka Anglophone, West Africa, Josephine Nzerem; at the Ashoka Young Changemakers Festival in Lagos recently.
As part of its commitment to youth empowerment and social impact, leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc has partnered with Ashoka, a global network of social entrepreneurs, to provide financial support and mentorship to young innovators across Nigeria.
Speaking at the 2025 Ashoka Young Changemakers Festival in Lagos, the Divisional Head, Product Development at Fidelity Bank, Osita Ede, reaffirmed the Bank’s dedication to youth empowerment, emphasising its place as a pillar of the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy.
“Empowerment is at the core of everything Fidelity Bank stands for,” Ede said. “Creativity and innovation are fundamental to our brand essence and that is why we are excited to support these young changemakers. Listening to their ideas today just validates the investments we have made to foster entrepreneurship and creativity.”
Ede confirmed the bank’s willingness to continue funding and supporting the dreams of young people, adding that the bank plans to offer innovators access to its SME Hub’s resources and specialized master classes designed to nurture their growth.
“We are not just funding initiatives; we are creating an enabling environment where these young innovators can thrive. Our SME Hub will serve as a platform to guide and mentor these changemakers, helping them develop the right mindset and business acumen to succeed,” Ede stated.
On her part, Josephine Nzerem, Regional Director, Ashoka Anglophone West Africa & Director, Venture and Talent, Ashoka Africa, expressed her appreciation for the partnership.
“We are excited to move beyond being just Fidelity Bank’s clients to becoming true partners in the change making movement,” Nzerem stated. “Their continuous support which includes funding for awards and gift packs for young innovators, is vital for sustaining this journey. We celebrate not only the Changemakers but also the process of empowering young people to scale their impact and inspire others.”
The Ashoka Young Changemakers Festival celebrates bold ideas, youth leadership, and innovation. The 2025 edition unveiled nine remarkable changemakers poised to transform Nigeria’s future. Together, Fidelity Bank and Ashoka are creating opportunities for young innovators to turn their ideas into solutions that can transform their communities and the world.
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.