Unlocking Nigeria's Clean Energy Potential

Sterling Bank Renewable Energy Colloquium Aims To Unlock Clean Energy

Sterling Bank Limited has brought together stakeholders in the renewable energy industry to explore ways to accelerate action in the sector. 

The premier colloquium which held in Lagos on Monday December 15, 2025 is aimed at identifying priority areas for action to increase energy access as well as drive economic growth in the quest to attain a one trillion-dollar economy.

Managing Director and CEO of Sterling Bank Limited, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman, gave the charge in his address at the colloquium organized with the theme: Beyond The Grid; Unlocking New Frontiers in Renewable Energy.

The   CEO,   who   was   represented   by   Dele   Faseemo,   Group   Executive, Corporate & Investment Banking, explained that Sterling Bank will be paying closer attention to policy actions in two or three key priority areas, especially regulation and financing.

He noted that focusing on these areas, the Bank can do more  to   drive   progress  and expand access to energy, which he described   as essential to support economic growth and overall development.

Students School Essentials Empowerment

 Polaris Bank, Evolve Charity Trust Empower 1,000 Students With School Essentials.

Polaris Bank, in partnership with Evolve Charity Trust, has successfully concluded its 2025 nationwide distribution of school essentials to 1,000 pupils 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 since 2021 supported more than 24,000 students in public schools across 49 locations.

The beneficiaries received complete learning kit consisting of a school uniform, school bag, a pair of sandals, six exercise books and pens. 

An empowerment the school authorities, said would to improve attendance, boost confidence and support academic performance.

Polaris Bank also stimulated the local economy 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 the Nigerian girl child, noting that the school 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.

Fidelity Bank Vs Sagecom Legal Tussel

Supreme Court Rules in Favour of Fidelity Bank

A five-member panel of the Supreme Court led by Justice Lawal Garba, has ruled in favour of Fidelity Bank in its appeal against Sagecom Concepts Limited.

 The apex bank's ruling marks a significant victory for Fidelity Bank in a long-running legal dispute.

It 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.

SERAS Awards

Union Bank Wins Best-In-Workplace Practice Award.

Union Bank of Nigeria has again proven its worth as a longstanding financial institution at the recently held Sustainability, Enterprise and Responsibility Awards(SERAS).

The bank secured yet another prestigious accolade as the Best Company in Workplace Practice at the awards. 

The ceremony held Saturday November 29, 2025 at the Grand Ballroom Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

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

Union Bank was nominated 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 won first runner up positions in the Gender Equity and Women Empowerment and Educational Intervention categories; a feat that highlighted the bank's strength and commitment to these critical areas.

The Bank's award-winning workplace practices reflected 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.

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 at Lagos Oriental Hotel, Lagos recently.

Certification Of Non-Oil Export Academy Graduates

Sterling Bank Partners Pan Atlantic University’s Enterprise Development Centre

Longstanding financial institution Sterling Bank Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Enterprise Development Centre(EDC) of the Pan-Atlantic University (PAU) to certify graduates of its Non-Oil Export Academy. 

This strategic partnership underscores the Bank's commitment to diversifying Nigeria's economy by supporting non-oil export growth. 

The landmark agreement follows the recent launch of the Sterling Bank Non-Oil Export Academy; an initiative designed to position Nigerian exporters for global competitiveness. 

The launch was preceded by a series of nationwide training programs in Lagos, Ondo, and Kano states, culminating in a grand finale themed “Excel in Non-Oil Export.” 

This partnership is aimed at equipping exporters with practical tools to thrive in international markets, thereby reducing Nigeria’s reliance on oil revenues. 

Speaking at the signing of the MoU ceremony in Lagos, Sterling Bank’s Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman, affirmed that the Bank is intentional about creating an ecosystem where non-oil exporters are well-informed and equipped to advance national interests. 

“We are not just training people to understand how to export; we want to train them to be competitive exporters of non-oil products,”. 

“Our goal is to build a community of knowledgeable, certified, and confident exporters who can collaborate to solve challenges beyond their immediate capacity. Our North Star is to reach a point where hundreds of people have completed this programme and are ready to compete on a global scale.” 

L-R: Kola Oluyemi, Group Head, Sterling Academy; Dr. Nneka Okekearu, Director, Enterprise Development Centre (EDC), Pan Atlantic University (PAU); Abubakar Suleiman, MD/CEO, Sterling Bank; Dr. Nnenna Ugwu, Head, Alumni Engagement and Support Services, EDC at PAU; and Akporee Idenedo, Divisional Head, Commercial Banking, Sterling Bank at the recent MoU signing to certify graduates of Sterling Bank’s Non-Oil Export Academy.

Reckless Driving

Lagos Police Arrest Nigerian TikToker Peller.

More trouble is looming for 20-year-old Lagos resident TikToker and social media influencer Habeeb Hazmat popularly called "Peller" following a reckless driving live streaming of himself; crashing his car.

Hence the Lagos State Police Command has arrested and detained Peller for his unruly behaviour.

Police Public Relations Officer SP Abimbola Adebisi in a statement issued on Tuesday December 16, 2025 said the online streamer’s actions on Sunday, December 14, 2025 posed serious threat to public safety which required urgent intervention.

Adebisi described the act as extremely dangerous, stressing that such behaviour could have resulted in fatal consequences for both the suspect and other motorists.

The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for detailed probe.

Recall on Monday December 15, 2025 the Federal Road Safety Corps(FRSC) directed the prosecution processes against the content creator and online streamer for reckless driving.

Road Safety Violation

 FRSC To Prosecute Online Streamer "Peller"

It appears Nigerian content creator and online streamer Habeeb Hazmat popularly known as "Peller" might have a case to answer following a viral self recorded live video of himself driving recklessly; an incident that resulted in a road traffic crash.

An act the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps(FRSC) Shehu Mohammed described as unlawful and dangerous noting that it could have led to loss of lives.

Mohammed expressed concern over what he said has become a growing pattern among some celebrities, content creators and social media influencers, warning that such conduct poses serious danger to lives and undermines national road safety efforts aimed at reducing road traffic crashes and fatalities.

He explained that live streaming, content creation, recording often distract a driver while in motion which violates established road traffic regulations as well as poses grave danger not only to the driver but to other road users.

The FRSC corps marshall said the incident served as a stern reminder that fame does not confer immunity from the law nor does it excuse dangerous behaviour on public roads.

Hence he has directed the Lagos State Sector Commander to begin the prosecution processes against the individual involved "Peller".

ECOWAS

State Of Emergency Declared In West Africa.

A state of emergency has been declared in the African region by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

President, ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, made the declaration on Tuesday December 9, 2025 during the opening ceremony of the 55th meeting of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council held in Abuja.

Touray said the development had become imperative due to serious introspection on regional future democracy; hence he called for urgent measures to address the security challenges in the community.

The meeting is convened following the string of coups and botched mutinies in the sub-region.

U.S Shooting

U.S National Guard Shooting Suspect Charged With Murder

Prosecutors have officially filed murder charges against the suspected shooter accused of killing a National Guard soldier as well injuring another in Washington DC last Wednesday.

Rahmanullah Lakanwal shouted "Allahu Akbar" as he fired shots and reloaded after a guard member shot and wounded him.

Lakanwal, who came to the U.S from Afghanistan in 2021 has pleaded not guilty during a virtual court appearance from his hospital bed.

 Charges against him included first-degree murder and assault with intent to kill.

The President Donald Trump administration has paused all asylum decisions following the shooting and has ordered a review of Afghan refugees in the United States.

National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom 20 years died from injuries she sustained while the other officer Andrew Wolfe 24 years who was critically injured has since been in hospital.

Hate Speech

Zambian-American influencer and political vlogger faces 18 months in prison.

A Zambian-American influencer and political vlogger has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for making insulting remarks about Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema.

Zambian-born Ethel Chisono Edwards popularly known as "One Boss Lady", who also holds a U.S citizenship and works as an estate agent in New York has a large following across various social media accounts has become renowned for her rants about the president over the last two years.

The 42-year-old was arrested at Zambia's main airport three months ago following her arrival to attend her grandmother's funeral.

She pleaded guilty in a magistrate's court in the capital, Lusaka and has apologised to the president for her hate speech comments.

Magistrate Webster Milumbe however said the court had a duty to send a strong warning, noting that hate speech had become increasingly common.

JOHESU Strike

NLC, TUC Give Nod To National Strike As FCT, States Join Action.

Members of the Joint Health Sector Union JOHESU in Hospitals and health institutions in the Federal Capital Territory and states across the country have joined their counterparts in the Federal health institutions to commence strike from 12 am Wednesday, December 4, 2025.

The National leadership of JOHESU had declared a strike in all federal health institutions on November 14, with a directive to states to issue a fifteen-day strike notice which expired today.

The Nigeria Labour Congress with 42 affiliates and the Trade Union Congress with over 33 affiliates have backed the JOHESU strike.

Meanwhile the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress Joe Ajaero in a statement said the NLC has declared total support for JOHESU strike.

His Trade Union Congress counterpart Festus Osifo described the delay in government implementation of CONHESS as a clear violation of workers rights.

 JOHESU has therefore deployed its members across the country to monitor compliance in the ongoing strike.

Party Expulsion

Peoples Democratic Party Issues Certificate of Expulsion to Nyesom Wike, Others 

The Kabiru Turaki-led National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party has issued certificates of expulsion to the Minister of the FCT Nyesom Wike Senator Samuel Anyanwu and other Members of the party who were expelled at the Party's National Convention in Oyo State.

Turaki who announced this at the NWC's six hundred and eleventh meeting in Abuja today also disclosed that the party is in the process of issuing disclaimers on the expelled members to alert the public on the risk of engaging with them in matters relating to the PDP.

The party seems unyielding as far as the decisions taken at its November 15, 2025 National Convention in Ibadan.

As a follow up that it announced the issuance of certificates of expulsion to the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and the other members of the party who were expelled during the PDP's National Elective convention. 

Nigerian Senate

Bill On Single Toll-Free National Emergency Number Scales 2nd Reading

A bill seeking to create a single toll-free national emergency number for all Nigerians has scaled second reading in the Senate.

The proposed legislation which was sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’adua (APC, Katsina Central) aims to establish 112 or any other three-digit code adopted during the public hearing as the unified emergency line accessible nationwide.

Presenting the bill Senator Yar’adua said a single emergency number would eliminate the current confusing multiplicity of hotlines operated by different agencies across states. 

He noted that a unified number would provide a fast reliable point of contact for reporting emergencies such as road crashes, fire incidents, burglary, medical crises, domestic violence, and other life-threatening situations.

Yar’adua explained that globally, emergency numbers are deliberately kept at three digits for easy memorization and quick dial. 

The new bill proposes that all calls and SMS to the national number be routed to the nearest control room or public safety answering point for immediate action. 

The lawmaker emphasised that a unified system would be beneficial to Nigerians in remote or underserved areas.

The bill has subsequently been referred to the Senate Committee on Communications to report back within four weeks.

Protection Of Opposition Candidate

PDP Tasks President Tinubu To Replicate The Guinea-Bissau Protection In Nigeria.

 

The Kabiru Turaki led Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has asked President Bola Tinubu to in Nigeria apply the same Democratic Principles of granting asylum and providing protection for Fernando Dia Da Costa, the opposition Candidate in the recently concluded Presidential Election in Guinea- Bissau for the sake of peace and Democracy.

The PDP who said this in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong urged President Tinubu to check and curtail the activities of anti-democratic forces within his cabinet and political mercenaries which it says openly orchestrate, fund and engineer crises in major opposition parties in Nigeria.

The PDP lauded the move taken to shield Da Costa from imminent threats to his life, safeguard the Democratic aspirations of the people of Guinea-Bissau, and reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to regional peace, stability, and conflict de-escalation in the sub-region.

The PDP said that although President Tinubu is not expected to assist opposition parties but has a constitutional duty to ensure that Nigeria’s Political space remains free, open, and competitive.

 It explained that the space is presently being constricted through coercion of elected officials to defect to the Ruling Party and sponsorship of crises in opposition pch rties.

The PDP urged President Tinubu to promptly act in defence of Democracy in Nigeria as he cannot present himself as a defender of democracy in the sub-region while enabling anti-democratic practices at home which undermines democratic institutions and processes.

Army Emblem

 President Tinubu Unveils 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Emblem.

President Bola Tinubu today formally launched the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem at the State House Abuja.

President Tinubu used the occasion to honour the fallen heroes; commending serving troops on the frontline while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to improving military welfare and national security. 

Tinubu also made a 200 million naira donation to the emblem appeal fund urging Nigerians to reject divisive rhetoric and embrace respect and tolerance.

Resignation

Nigeria's Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar Resigns

Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar has resigned his position with immediate effect citing health reasons.

In his resignation letter dated Monday December 1, 2025 which was addressed to President Bola Tinubu; the former Governor of Jigawa State said he could no longer forge ahead in that capacity due to medical reasons.

A statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga President Tinubu has accepted Abubakar's resignation and expressed appreciation to him for his unwavering service to the nation while in office.

The 63 year old Mohammed Badaru Abubakar served as the Governor of Jigawa State for two terms from 2015 to 2023 before his appointment as the Minister of Defence on August 21, 2023.

His resignation is coming at a critical moment when Nigeria is faced with security threats in parts of the country; even as President Tinubu recently called for a national security emergency with further details on its implementation expected in the coming days.

President Tinubu is expected to transmit the name of a successor Defence Minister to the Senate later this week.