The attention of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has been drawn to the activities of an entity operating under the name Zuldal Microfinance Bank Limited, which reportedly has branches in Lagos, Abuja, Kaduna, and Kano, and claims to be licensed by the CBN to carry out microfinance banking in Nigeria.

The said Zuldal Microfinance Bank Limited is not a licensed Microfinance Bank and has no authorisation from the Central Bank of Nigeria to operate or carry out any form of banking or microfinance business in Nigeria.

For the avoidance of doubt, Section 2(1) of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020 stipulates that “no person shall carry on any banking business in Nigeria except it is a company duly incorporated in Nigeria and holds a valid banking licence issued by the CBN.”

The general public is therefore strongly advised to disregard any claims of licensing or approval by Zuldal Microfinance Bank Limited and to refrain from engaging in any financial transactions with the said entity, as such dealings are undertaken at the individual’s own risk.

The CBN remains committed to safeguarding the financial system and protecting members of the public from unlicensed and fraudulent institutions.

L – R: Oge Kasie – Nwachukwu, Acting Group Head, Retail Marketing and Communications, Access Bank Plc; Modinat Tijani, Chief Executive Officer, Inclusive Development Consult Ltd; Olalekan Ajibade, Managing Director, Kaizen Paints; Abiodun Olubitan, Group Head, SME Banking, Access Bank Plc; Kemi Balogun, CEO, Anikky and Belles; and Chinonso Mbaike, Managing Director, Mummyzee Collections, during the presentation of certificates to participants of the Access Bank SME Academy 3-Day Free Training which ended in Lagos recently.

More than 100 small business owners who participated in Access Bank’s maiden SME Academy have commended the programme for demystifying tax compliance, improving their understanding of business structuring, and strengthening their financial management skills.

Participants described the three-day training as timely and transformative, particularly the sessions on taxation and business planning, which addressed long-standing gaps that have hindered the growth of many small enterprises. They noted that the academy helped dispel widespread misinformation following recent tax policy changes that had created anxiety among SME operators.

Gbenga Agoye of Grandmade Limited, a logistics and export company, said the tax module provided clarity on issues that previously stalled aspects of his operations.

“I’ve been struggling with that, so I quite had an impressive knowledge about what it is and how to go about it,” he said. He added that the classes on leadership and customer service were equally valuable in strengthening his service delivery and operational discipline.

Another participant, Mosebolatan Ladi-Lawal of M2M Stores, noted that she entered the academy with limited understanding of both old and new tax requirements.

“I didn’t know so much about the new tax, even the old tax, but we were really taught about it in this training and I believe it will help me scale better,” she said. She highlighted modules on VAT, business planning and the Pro-Max tax system as particularly impactful. According to her, learning the importance of structuring her business was a major takeaway: “Before, I was doing this one-man business. I have learnt now that I need to structure so that when I’m structured, I can diversify while this business can be managed effectively even in my absence.

The Academy focused on the most pressing challenges faced by early-stage enterprises, including valuation, proper record keeping, customer retention, and navigating evolving government policies.

According to Abiodun Olubitan, Group Head for SME Banking Products at Access Bank, these concerns were deliberately prioritised when developing the curriculum. She explained that the academy was designed for SMEs that have operated for at least two to five years and are now experiencing the complexities of scaling. “Valuation is a problem, taxation is another key thing, finance management. Then we had to delve into customer service so they are able to build their customer base and retain them,” she said.

Olubitan added that confusion triggered by the recent tax policy changes was a key reason for incorporating detailed tax education into the programme. “The most recent is the tax policy that just came out. It caused a lot of confusion. People are like, ‘Do I still need to run my business account?’” she said. She noted that the academy created space to simplify the rules and show SMEs how the new requirements directly affect their businesses.

She emphasised that Access Bank does not view government policies as harsh; rather, compliance feels burdensome because many small business owners lack the right guidance. She acknowledged that policymakers’ engagement with stakeholders, including SMEs and financial institutions, has improved in recent years. She also highlighted the availability of government-backed financing opportunities, such as those channeled through the Bank of Industry (BOI, even though access remains a challenge for many SMEs.

Olubitan further noted that Access Bank is extending support to unregistered businesses by recognizing consistent cash flow on personal accounts as a basis for credit qualification.

“We know that they are running their businesses. We can see you even at your state as an individual. We’ve also put together facilities to support them using that cash flow so that we can give them financial support, grow with them, even give them opportunities to now register their business and start identifying as an SME,” she explained.

She encouraged entrepreneurs to remain informed, leverage available support channels including social media and capacity-building programmes, and remain committed to the long journey of building a sustainable business. “Entrepreneurship is not a sprint, it’s a marathon,” she said.

Stanbic IBTC Holdings’ subsidiaries have been honoured for their outstanding performance in the Nigerian financial markets, receiving seven prestigious awards at the FMDQ Gold Awards. These accolades recognise the resilience and adaptability of participants in Nigeria’s financial sector and were presented to Stanbic IBTC Capital, Stanbic IBTC Bank, and Stanbic IBTC Asset Management across various categories.

Stanbic IBTC Capital received awards for Bond Listings, CP Quotations, and the Capital Markets Securities Origination – Primary Market Champion Award. Stanbic IBTC Bank was acknowledged as the Fixed Income Market Liquidity Provider, FX Market Liquidity Provider, and Dealing Member of the Year. Stanbic IBTC Asset Management was honoured as the Most Active Buy Side Participant in the Fixed Income Market.

These distinctions highlight Stanbic IBTC’s commitment to leadership and innovation in the financial sector. Each award demonstrates the team’s dedication and expertise, reinforcing its role as a facilitator of capital access for clients.

Commenting on the awards, Chuma Nwokocha, Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Holdings, said:

“At Stanbic IBTC, we are immensely proud to receive these prestigious accolades at the FMDQ Gold Awards. This recognition underscores our steadfast commitment to excellence and innovation in Nigeria’s financial markets. Our team’s dedication and resilience have played a vital role in achieving these milestones, and we remain focused on providing our clients with exceptional access to capital. Together, we will continue to lead and adapt in an ever-evolving financial landscape.”

The FMDQ GOLD Awards celebrate the resilience and agility of Nigerian financial market participants. Based on FMDQ’s ‘GOLD’ Agenda (Global Competitiveness, Operational Excellence, Liquidity, and Diversity), the awards recognise the significant contributions of stakeholders in shaping the markets and advancing the Nigerian economy across FMDQ’s Securities Exchange, Central Counterparty, and Depository.

Adding to this momentous occasion, Presco PLC, a valued client of Stanbic IBTC Capital, received the award for the Largest Corporate Bond Listing on FMDQ. This achievement further emphasises the positive impact of Stanbic IBTC Capital’s initiatives in the marketplace, showcasing the collaborative efforts that drive success in the financial sector.

Oladele Sotubo, Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Capital, stated, “We feel truly gratified to be hailed for our relentless efforts and dedication to excellence in our field. This award is not only proof of our hard work but also reflects the deep trust and confidence our clients place in us. Each recognition motivates us further to uphold our commitment to exceptional service while fostering meaningful partnerships. As we move forward, we remain passionate about enhancing our standards and providing committed support to our clients in all their pursuits.”

The recognitions received underscore Stanbic IBTC’s strengths and showcase broader advancements in Nigeria’s financial markets. The firm is dedicated to offering innovative financial solutions that drive economic growth and stability.

As the company celebrates this notable achievement, it looks forward to building on this momentum and continuing to strengthen relationships with its clients, ensuring sustained success and growth in the financial landscape.

Ecobank Nigeria has reaffirmed its dedication to driving social impact, empowering young people, and promoting Pan-African creativity through strategic initiatives, partnerships, and community-focused programmes.

This was emphasised ahead of the Lineage of Masters’ tour of the ongoing Lagos Pop-Up Museum, scheduled to hold at the Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC) as part of the exhibition’s Reminisce Day activities.

A major highlight of the museum tour is the participation of the Lineage of Masters, a collective of contemporary Nigerian artists deeply influenced by the legendary Yusuf Grillo.

These artists continue to uphold and expand Grillo’s legacy through distinctive creative expressions across diverse media.

Artists exhibiting at the event include Kunle Adeyemi, Ato Arinze, Duke Asidere, Adeola Balogun, Samuel Ebohon, and Lara Ige-Jacks. Other members of the group expected at the tour are Ben Nwosa, Edosa Ogiugo, Lekan Onabanjo, Odun Orimolade, Sam Ovraiti, and Kehinde Sanwo.

According to Omoboye Odu, Head, SME, Ecobank Nigeria, the bank remains deeply invested in initiatives that strengthen communities, unlock youth potential, and celebrate Africa’s rich artistic heritage. “Our commitment to social impact, youth empowerment, and Pan-African creativity remains unwavering. We will continue to leverage our platforms, partnerships, and resources to positively shape lives and support the next generation of African leaders and creators,” she said.

Ecobank has been at the forefront of promoting African art and culture through exhibitions, pop-up museums, and collaborations with leading institutions.

The Lagos Pop-Up Museum—implemented in partnership with Yaba College of Technology—provides a dynamic platform for emerging and established artists to showcase their work, while offering the public an immersive experience in African artistic heritage.

In recent months, the bank has hosted and supported several high-profile cultural exhibitions, including:

• Enduring Legacies: A Collector’s Tribute to Masters – a showcase of timeless African artworks from renowned private collections, celebrating creativity, culture, and continuity.
• Duality of Time – a solo exhibition by Uchay Joel Chima, curated by Ayo Oshodi for ART FORM.
• “The Crown and the Legacy”, a memorial exhibition honouring the late Oba Sijuwade, former Ooni of Ife (1980–2015).
• The ongoing “Fela Kuti: Afrobeat Rebellion” exhibition, which reflects the bank’s belief in the power of art, music, and culture to inspire social transformation across Africa.

Beyond the arts, Ecobank continues to drive youth empowerment through entrepreneurship programmes, skills development initiatives, and support for MSMEs and start-ups. The bank also invests in community development and Pan-African innovation platforms designed to uplift underserved communities and create cross-border opportunities for young Africans.

Odu reiterated that these efforts align with Ecobank’s broader mission to promote sustainable development and champion Africa’s cultural and economic renaissance. “Our investments in the creative sector, youth development, and community impact projects are expressions of our belief in Africa’s future,” she added.

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.