Black-Tie Gala

Fidelity Bank Hosts Black-Tie Gala In Honour Of Afreximbank President Prof. Benedict Oramah.

In recognition of his unwavering commitment to Africa’s development, Fidelity Bank Plc recently hosted a grand black-tie dinner to celebrate the retirement of Professor Benedict Okechukwu Oramah, outgoing President and Chairman of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), after ten years of transformative leadership.

The ceremony which held at the Lagos Continental Hotel on 2nd October 2025, with the theme “Celebrating a Titan” drew a distinguished gathering of dignitaries, captains of industry and international guests who had cime together in celebration of a man widely regarded as one of Africa’s most influential financial leaders.

Welcoming guests to the event, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, described Prof. Oramah as “a towering figure in Africa’s economic renaissance.” She noted that his tenure at Afreximbank was defined by bold ideas, strategic foresight and a relentless pursuit of inclusive growth. “From Cairo to Kigali, Lagos to Lusaka, his influence has touched lives, empowered businesses and strengthened the very fabric of African integration,” she said. She also highlighted his role in pioneering initiatives such as the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System and his advocacy for intra-African trade and creative industries.

Among the guests in attendance were the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Ms. Hannatu Musawa; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; and Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite.

Special recognition was given to Mrs. Chinelo Oramah, whose steadfast support was acknowledged as instrumental to her husband’s success. “Her dedication to maintaining the home front has been pivotal,” said Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe, “as Prof. Oramah pursued the transformational initiatives that have distinguished his tenure.”

The evening featured tributes from several guests including Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Chairman of Vista Group Holding, Mr. Simon Tiemtore; and Chairman of Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Mustafa Chike-Obi, who described Prof. Oramah as “the most consequential African person in the last 10 years.”

In his remarks, Prof. Oramah expressed deep appreciation for the honour. “I want to thank the board and management of Fidelity Bank for this honour. It is not always that when a leader of an institution gets to the twilight of his tenure that those he works with deem it important to say we appreciate you. I really cherish this event. On behalf of my family and wife as well as the Afreximbank family, I say thank you.”

He also reflected on the longstanding relationship between Afreximbank and Fidelity Bank. “Our relationship with Fidelity Bank dates back to the 1990s and it has grown from year to year. Fidelity Bank is one of the trusted partners that we have. Fidelity Bank has helped us to achieve some of the things we have achieved here in Nigeria. When my dear sister, Nneka, took over, she did more than everyone expected. The transformation that we continue to see in Fidelity Bank is something that makes all of us proud. With all of the activities that you do that complement what we do at Afreximbank and the type of financing that supports what we do at Afreximbank, I believe that the partnership in the years ahead will grow even stronger.”

The evening was anchored by broadcast journalist Ojinika ‘Ojy’ Okpe and comedian and actor Okechukwu Anthony Onyegbule, popularly known as Okey Bakassi. 

The celebration reached its climax with a musical performance by Nigerian highlife singer Chinedu Okoli, professionally known as Flavour N'abania.

Union Bank Informal Mixer Event

Bank Reaffirms Commitment To Strengthening Media Collaboration 

Leading financial institution Union Bank of Nigeria recently hosted an informal and engaging meet-and-greet session with select media professionals at its Stallion Plaza headquarters Marina, Lagos. 

The event, which held at SpaceNXT, the Bank’s purpose-designed co-creation hub for innovators and creators was conceived as a relaxed platform to foster personal connections and deepen mutual understanding between the Bank and media partners.

Rather than a formal media briefing, the gathering offered a convivial atmosphere for open conversation, reinforcing Union Bank’s recognition of the media’s essential role in shaping public discourse and amplifying the Bank’s mission.

In attendance were senior members of Union Bank’s leadership team, including Taiwo Shote, Executive Director, Corporate Banking, Lagos and West, Olufunmilola Aluko, Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, and Tosin Ibikunle, Head of Strategy and Planning. Olufunmilola and Tosin reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to transparent and collaborative engagement with the press, while underscoring Union Bank’s strong operational footing and readiness to meet all regulatory obligations.

Speaking at the event, Mrs Olufunmilola Aluko, Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, said the gathering was about people.

 Union Bank has been around for 108 years, and we’ve seen it all – from telegram banking to digital wallets; from handwritten ledgers to AI-driven analytics. But through all that change, one constant has remained: the media.

We wanted to create a space that is unhurried and human, where we can meet without the weight of deadlines or the formality of press statements, because behind those exchanges are real people who share a deep commitment to storytelling, to truth, and to impact. So today, we wanted this session to simply be about reconnecting; banker to journalist, human to human.”

Echoing this spirit of partnership as the Bank looks ahead, Mr Tosin Ibikunle, Head of Strategy and Planning, added that 

“Union Bank has diligently enhanced its systems and service experience in preparation for the next phase of growth. As we roll out new initiatives, we look forward to partnering with the media to tell our story with clarity, accuracy, and impact.”

The event also featured a tour of Stallion Plaza and a networking session, reflecting the Bank’s intention to create a warm, human connection beyond the usual formalities of corporate communication.

Union Bank remains steadfast in its commitment to building trust through open dialogue and meaningful partnerships with the media and all stakeholders, as it continues to serve customers and contribute positively to Nigeria’s economic landscape.

MSME Financing

Plans Underway By Fidelity Bank To Disburse NCGC N5bn Credit Fund

Tier one lender Fidelity Bank Plc, has announced its readiness to begin the disbursement of N5 billion Credit Intervention Scheme funds under the National Credit Guarantee Company (NCGC).

The initiative is designed to expand access to finance for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), as well as businesses owned by women and youths across Nigeria.

This was made known by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the bank and NCGC.

Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe said the partnership with NCGC represents a significant step in the bank’s ongoing efforts to enhance financial inclusion and stimulate economic growth through increased access to credit.

This Ikpe said would enable the bank further expand financing opportunities for those who need it most, while strengthening its capacity to support businesses across key sectors of the Nigerian economy.

The funds would cover critical sectors including food processing, secondary agriculture (such as fish and poultry processing), fashion, green energy, light manufacturing, the agricultural value chain (feed mills and equipment fabrication), export-oriented businesses, and education.

Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe also highlighted that Fidelity Bank has consistently supported diverse sectors through targeted initiatives such as the Green Energy Financing Programme for renewable energy entrepreneurs, the Fidelity SME Hub for small businesses with a special arm – Creativerse, dedicated to the creative industry and the Fidelity Bank Education Support Scheme which provides affordable financing for educational infrastructure and technology upgrades.

“With the backing of the NCGC credit guarantee, we can now extend financing to businesses that have traditionally been excluded from formal credit systems—without compromising our risk standards or operational efficiency,”.

 “While we have supported MSMEs with short-term facilities in the past, this partnership allows us to provide long-term credit facilities that empower businesses to expand sustainably.”

Over the past five years, Fidelity Bank has disbursed over N500 billion in loans to MSMEs, empowering thousands of entrepreneurs and creating sustainable livelihoods.

Also speaking at the event, Managing Director of NCGC, Mr. Bonaventure Okhaimo, emphasized that the organization was established to bridge the financing gap faced by MSMEs in Nigeria by mitigating lender risks through credit guarantees.

“Although MSMEs are key contributors to Nigeria’s economic development, many of them struggle to secure funding from financial institutions due to perceived high risks,” he said. “Through the credit guarantee scheme, NCGC shares this risk with banks, making it easier for MSMEs to access much-needed capital.”

Mr. Okhaimo added that NCGC and Fidelity Bank would also collaborate to provide financial literacy and business management training to MSME beneficiaries, ensuring they have the knowledge and skills to effectively manage their loans and achieve sustainable growth.

L-R: Executive Director, South Directorate, Fidelity Bank Plc, Pamela Shodipo; Executive Director, Lagos & South West, Fidelity Bank, Dr. Ken Opara; Executive Director, Strategy and Operations, National Credit Guarantee Company Limited (NCGC), Mrs. Tinuola Aigwedo; Executive Director/Chief Risk Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Kevin Ugwuoke; MD/CEO, NCGC, Mr. Bonaventure Okhaimo; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe; Executive Director/Chief Operations and Information Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Stanley Amuchie; and Executive Director, Risk Management, NCGC, Prof Ezekiel Oseni, during the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Signing Ceremony between Fidelity Bank and NCGC in Lagos.

The Fidelity Bank–NCGC partnership reinforces both institutions shared commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, strengthening MSMEs, and driving inclusive economic development across Nigeria.

President Tinubu Relaxes Emergency Rule In Rivers State

 STATEMENT BY HIS EXCELLENCY, BOLA AHMED TINUBU, PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, ON THE CESSATION OF THE STATE OF EMERGENCY IN RIVERS STATE

My Fellow countrymen and, in particular, the good people of Rivers State.

I am happy to address you today on the state of emergency declaration in Rivers State. You will recall that on 18th March, 2025, I proclaimed a state of emergency in the state. In my proclamation address, I highlighted the reasons for the declaration. The summary of it for context is that there was a total paralysis of governance in Rivers State, which had led to the Governor of Rivers State and the House of Assembly being unable to work together. 

Critical economic assets of the State, including oil pipelines, were being vandalised. The State House of Assembly was crisis-ridden, such that members of the House were divided into two groups. Four members worked with the Governor, while 27 members opposed the Governor. The latter group supported the Speaker. 

As a result, the Governor could not present any Appropriation Bill to the House, to enable him to access funds to run Rivers State's affairs. 

That serious constitutional impasse brought governance in the State to a standstill. Even the Supreme Court, in one of its judgments in a series of cases filed by the Executive and the Legislative arms of Rivers State against each other, held that there was no government in Rivers State. 

My intervention and that of other well-meaning Nigerians to resolve the conflict proved abortive as both sides stuck rigidly to their positions to the detriment of peace and development of the State.

It therefore became painfully inevitable that to arrest the drift towards anarchy in Rivers State, I was obligated to invoke the powers conferred on me by Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, to proclaim the state of emergency. 

The Offices of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and elected members of the State House of Assembly were suspended for six months in the first instance. The six months expire today, September 17th, 2025. 

I thank the National Assembly, which, after critically evaluating the justification for the proclamation, took steps immediately, as required by the Constitution, to approve the declaration in the interest of peace and order in Rivers State. I also thank our traditional rulers and the good people of Rivers State for their support from the date of the declaration of the state of emergency until now. 

I am not unaware that there were a few voices of dissent against the proclamation, which led to their instituting over 40 cases in the courts in Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Yenagoa, to invalidate the declaration. That is the way it should be in a democratic setting.

 Some cases are still pending in the courts as of today. 

But what needs to be said is that the power to declare a state of emergency is an inbuilt constitutional tool to address situations of actual or threatened breakdown of public order and public safety, which require extraordinary measures to return the State to peace, order and security. 

Considered objectively, we had reached that situation of total breakdown of public order and public safety in Rivers State, as shown in the judgment of the Supreme Court on the disputes between the Executive and the Legislative arm of Rivers State.

 It would have been a colossal failure on my part as President not to have made that proclamation.

As a stakeholder in democratic governance, I believe that the need for a harmonious existence and relationship between the executive and the legislature is key to a successful government, whether at the state or national level. The people who voted us into power expect to reap the fruits of democracy. 

However, that expectation will remain unrealizable in an atmosphere of violence, anarchy, and insecurity borne by misguided political activism and Machiavellian manipulations among the stakeholders.

I am happy today that, from the intelligence available to me, there is a groundswell of a new spirit of understanding, a robust readiness, and potent enthusiasm on the part of all the stakeholders in Rivers State for an immediate return to democratic governance. 

This is undoubtedly a welcome development for me and a remarkable achievement for us. I therefore do not see why the state of emergency should exist a day longer than the six months I had pronounced at the beginning of it.

It therefore gives me great pleasure to declare that the emergency in Rivers State of Nigeria shall end with effect from midnight today. The Governor, His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara, the deputy governor, Her Excellency Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and the speaker, Martins Amaewhule, will resume work in their offices from 18 September 2025. 

I take this opportunity to remind the Governors and the Houses of Assembly of all the States of our country to continue to appreciate that it is only in an atmosphere of peace, order, and good government that we can deliver the dividends of democracy to our people. I implore all of you to let this realisation drive your actions at all times. 

I thank you all. 

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

 UNGA 80

CEO Sterling One Foundation Olapeju Ibekwe 

Joins Board of UN Global Compact Network Nigeria 

The Chief Executive Officer of Sterling One Foundation Olapeju Ibekwe, has been appointed to the Board of the United Nations Global Compact Network Nigeria (UNGCNN) an appointment which underscores her contributions to shaping Africa’s sustainable development agenda.

The announcement made via UN Global Compact Network Nigeria’s official channels, comes ahead of the 80th United Nations General Assembly UNGA high-level general debate where Olapeju Ibekwe is expected to engage with thought leaders from the government, private sector and civil society to further help forge more effective partnerships that accelerate Africa’s progress towards Agenda 2030.

Her appointment, highlights Olapeju Ibekwe’s track record in advancing sustainable solutions across education, health access and women and youth empowerment.

 Under her leadership, Sterling One Foundation has built global affiliations and local impact, reaching thousands of beneficiaries while influencing policy and partnerships across Africa.

Experts noted that the appointment comes at a critical time with only 15% of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on track globally. 

Africa faces a $200 billion annual financing gap. The challenges extend beyond funding — requiring political will, intentional private sector engagements, courage to execute decisions, and effective cross-sector collaboration.

Commenting on the appointment, she described it as an opportunity to further strengthen the localisation of the SDGs, a cause she has championed through the Sterling One Foundation. 

The development also strengthens ties to the UN Global Compact Principles, as well as the African Union’s Women and Youth Financial and Economic Inclusion (WYFEI) 2030 initiative — both of which emphasize inclusive growth and responsible private sector engagement.

Observers say the appointment underscores the importance of convenings like the Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS), where Olapeju Ibekwe plays a central role in mobilizing governments, businesses, and civil society to forge partnerships that unlock Africa’s potential.

With this new role, Olapeju Ibekwe is poised to bring grassroots experience and continental insights into global conversations, reinforcing the view that Africa is not just a recipient of aid but a driver of innovation and solutions for sustainable development.

The UN Global Compact Network Nigeria is a local chapter of the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative, mobilising businesses and organisations to align their strategies and operations with universal principles and to take action to advance the SDGs.

 Food Bank Warm Gesture

Fidelity Bank PLC Donates Food Items To  Residents Of Ilaje Ondo State

Leading banking institution Fidelity Bank PLC has extended its warm gesture to the people of Ilaje and Ese-Odo Local Government Areas of Ondo State; as part of the bank's commitment to improving lives and supporting communities. 

The Regional Bank Head, Southwest 1, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Folaranmi Jemirin while speaking during the donation exercise which took place at Igbokoda, Headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area, emphasised that the Fidelity Food Bank initiative was launched as part of the bank’s commitment to reducing hunger and providing relief for disadvantaged communities across Nigeria.

L-R: Branch Leader, Akure, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs. Angela Akeju; Team Lead, CSR, Fidelity Bank Plc, Victoria Abuka; Regional Bank Head, Southwest 1, Fidelity Bank Plc, Folaranmi Jemirin; and Chairman, Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), Prince Biyi Poroye, at the Fidelity Food Bank distribution event recently held in Igbokoda Community, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.

L-R: Branch Leader, Akure, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs. Angela Akeju; Team Lead, CSR, Fidelity Bank Plc, Victoria Abuka; Regional Bank Head, Southwest 1, Fidelity Bank Plc, Folaranmi Jemirin; and Chairman, Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), Prince Biyi Poroye, at the Fidelity Food Bank distribution event held in Igbokoda Community, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, recently.

“We are honored to be in Ondo State to continue this impactful initiative,

 and we hope that today’s donation brings the much-needed relief and comfort to the beneficiaries”.

 

In her appreciation the Vice Chairman of Ilaje Local Government Area, Mrs. Olurantimi Esejuwon, praised Fidelity Bank for its generosity, especially towards the aged and people living with disabilities.

 She described the gesture by the bank as a lifeline for many people in the communities who are struggling with daily basic needs; adding that it shows the bank truly cares about people’s welfare beyond banking services. 

 

Also the Chairman, Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) Hon. Biyi Poroye, lauded Fidelity Bank for its generosity and encouraged the bank to establish a branch in Ilaje Local Government, citing the region’s vast economic potential.

 

One of the beneficiaries, Pastor Ikudehinbu Ademola, expressed gratitude on behalf of the communities.

 

“We sincerely appreciate Fidelity Bank for remembering us at this time. Many families here will sleep with joy tonight because of this kind gesture. I also appeal to the bank to consider establishing a branch in Ilaje so we can enjoy closer access to their services,”.

 

The Fidelity Food Bank distribution in Ondo State is the most recent of its ongoing outreaches to make a difference in the lives of Nigerians. 

INEC: Continuous Voter Registration

4.45m Nigerians Register In One Month As Osun, Lagos, Borno Take Lead In Exercise

The electoral umpire the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC says over 4.45 million Nigerians have pre-registered online in the first month of the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration, CVR exercise.

In a Statement by INEC as signed by its National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, the exercise which commenced on August 18, 2025 and now in its fifth week indicated that Osun, Lagos and Borno States are taking the lead in the registration exercise. 

The breakdown shows that women constituted 51.83 per cent of registrants while men accounted for 48.17 per cent.

Young people between ages 18 and 34 years make up the majority with 2,924,643.

By occupation, students represented the single largest bloc with 1,112,344.

Osun State led the register with 552,045, followed closely by Lagos with 488,523 and Borno with 439,426.

Other top-performing states include Ogun (396,799), Kebbi (287,059), Kaduna (240,357), Kogi (218,397), Federal Capital Territory (213,732) and Yobe (212,840).

At the lower end, Adamawa (12,474), Enugu (1,839), Edo (8,615), Abia (3,532), and Ebonyi (4,024) posted some of the weakest numbers.

While over 4.4 million Nigerians have begun the process online, Olumekun clarified that only 509,929 registrations have been fully completed.

He said this is combining both online pre-registration and in-person capture.

Of this number, he disclosed that 280,171 are female and 229,758 are male.

Olumekun also noted that the on-line voter pre-registration in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT ends Monday September 15, 2025 and for the next two weeks the physical (in-person) option would be at the designated venues.

 Thereafter, the commission would devolve the registration to all the 62 Wards in the FCT from September 29 to October 8, 2025.