New INEC Head

National Council of State Approves Professor Joash Amupitan as New INEC Chairman

The appointment of 58-year-old Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been given a unanimous nod by the National Council of State following the expiration of Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure as the head of the electoral body.

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday October 9, 2025 presented Amupitan’s nomination to the Council during its meeting held at the State House Abuja. 

The National Council of State, which is the highest advisory body established under Section 153 of the 1999 Constitution gave its approval of the President’s choice.

President Tinubu described the nominee as an apolitical individual of integrity and competence, noting that Amupitan is the first person from Kogi State in the North-Central zone to be nominated for the position.

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State, who attended the meeting lauded the choice describing Amupitan as a man of integrity and deep intellect who would bring credibility and discipline to the nation’s electoral system.

In line with constitutional provisions President Tinubu would transmit Amupitan’s name to the Senate for screening and confirmation.

Born on April 25, 1967, in Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Amupitan is a distinguished Professor of Law at the University of Jos (UNIJOS), where he currently serves as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration). 

Amupitan is also the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Osun State.

A seasoned scholar and legal practitioner, Amupitan was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988 after earning his LL.B from UNIJOS. He later obtained his LL.M (1993) and PhD (2007) from the same institution. He became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2014.

Over his distinguished academic career, he has served as Dean of the Faculty of Law (2008–2014), Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors (2012–2014), and Head of Public Law (2006–2008) at UNIJOS.

Outside academia, Professor Amupitan has served on several boards and professional bodies, including the Council of Legal Education, the Governing Council of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, and Integrated Dairies Limited, Vom.

He has authored several influential law texts, including Corporate Governance: Models and Principles (2008) and Evidence Law: Theory and Practice in Nigeria (2013).

Dr Christopher Kolade(1932- 2025)

Nigerian Elder Statesman, Doyen of Boardroom, Broadcaster, Teacher Dies At 92

Nigeria has lost a great icon, scholar, diplomat, broadcaster and boardroom doyen Dr Christopher Kolade.

The elder statesman in a statement by his family was said to have died peacefully on Wednesday October 8, 2025 aged 92.

Born December 28 1932 in Erin-Oke, Osun State, Dr Christopher Olusola Kolade was the son of an Anglican missionary who completed his secondary school education at the Government College, Ibadan; after which he proceeded to study at the Fourah Bay College, Freetown, Sierra Leone.

He worked as a broadcaster and was the Director General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation.

The late diplomat was the Chief Executive and Chairman of Cadbury Nigeria Plc and a former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. 

He was a colonial-era education officer in Nigeria who taught Corporate Governance and Human Resources Management at the Lagos Business School (LBS) as well as Leadership and Conflict Management at the School of Media and Communication(SMC). 

The late Kolade also served as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Pan-Atlantic University. 

He was also the Chancellor of McPherson University, Ogun, Nigeria.

Dr Christopher Kolade in his lifetime promoted business integrity in Nigeria through his chairmanship of organisations such as Integrity Organisation Ltd GTE and The Convention on Business Integrity Ltd GTE.

Hence outpour of condolences have continued to go out to the family of the late boardroom doyen.

President Bola Tinubu described the late diplomat, broadcaster, and corporate leader as “one of Nigeria’s intellectual treasures” and “a symbol of integrity and service.”

In a heartfelt tribute issued by the State House on Thursday, the President said he received the news of Dr. Kolade’s death with “profound sadness,” noting that the 92-year-old lived an extraordinary life defined by excellence, patriotism and moral strength.

 “Dr. Kolade was among the finest of men, exceptionally brilliant, state manly, diligent, and with unimpeachable integrity,” 

Tinubu lauded the late elder statesman for his immense contributions to corporate Nigeria, especially his pioneering role in corporate governance and human resource management, describing him as “a custodian of Nigeria's enterprise history.”

President Tinubu also eulogised Dr. Kolade’s sterling career, which spanned public service, diplomacy and the private sector.

Fitness Walk

Union Bank Champions Employee Wellness With Stay Recharged Health Walk

One of Nigeria's age-long financial institution Union Bank of Nigeria has held its first-ever Stay Recharged Health Walk, a dynamic event that affirms the bank’s steadfast commitment to employee well-being and sustainable workplace development.

The walk which kicked off at the Stallion Plaza, Union Bank’s Head Office in Marina and climaxed at the Bank’s Sports Complex, The Stable, on Bode Thomas Street, Surulere, tracing an energising 7.5km route through Lagos’ vibrant streets.

The overwhelming participation and enthusiasm from employees from diverse departments and locations made it a celebration of physical fitness, mental health, and the power of community spirit.

Stay Recharged is a featured event drawn from a cornerstone of Union Bank’s employee value proposition: employee wellness, thoughtfully crafted to foster a culture where health, happiness, and productivity flourish. 

The initiative responds directly to the urgent need for purposeful wellness programmes that nurture both physical and mental health at work. It reflects the Bank’s recognition that employee wellbeing is fundamental to sustained productivity, engagement, and organisational excellence.

Omayuli Wale-Ajayi, Chief Talent Officer, emphasised the significance of the milestone event: “At Union Bank, well-being is not an afterthought; it is part of how we work. Our inaugural Stay Recharged Health Walk reflects our commitment to building a culture where our people are energised, supported, and thriving. When we take care of ourselves, we build stronger teams and stronger institutions.”

The Stay Recharged Health Walk aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. This initiative reflects Union Bank’s commitment to fostering a workplace culture that prioritises employee wellness, supports decent and productive work, and contributes to long-term organisational sustainability.

By investing in wellness experiences, Union Bank not only strengthens its internal community but also reinforces its reputation as an employer of choice. 

Union Bank remains dedicated to developing innovative, health-focused programmes that inspire employees to adopt healthier lifestyles, supporting long-term growth for both individuals and the organisation.

Customer Service Week

Polaris Bank Reaffirms Commitment to Service Excellence To Celebrate Customer Service Week

It's good news to customers of Polaris Bank as the bank has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to deepening the delivery of exceptional customer experiences as it joins institutions across the world to celebrate the 2025 Customer Service Week, themed “Mission: Possible.”

The annual global event, which runs from Monday, October 6 to Friday, October 10, is dedicated to recognising the vital role of customer service professionals and the value they bring to customers and businesses alike.

Speaking to customers and staff, the Managing Director/CEO of Polaris Bank, Kayode Lawal, emphasised that excellent service remains central to the Bank’s culture and success.

 Lawal noted that while great service can sometimes seem like a challenge, it is always worth the effort.

The CEO says Polaris Bank’s approach to service is anchored on consistency, thoughtfulness, and excellence, ensuring that customers experience genuine care and responsiveness in every interaction.

 Lawal expressed appreciation to customers for their trust and feedback, describing them as the reason Polaris Bank has continued to push boundaries and as well innovate.

He reaffirmed Polaris Bank’s commitment to stand by its customers to deliver the kind of service they truly deserve every step of the way.

Throughout the week, Polaris Bank would host a variety of engaging activities across its branches and digital platforms to appreciate customers and recognise service champions within the Bank. 

These will include staff recognition events, customer appreciation sessions, and internal learning engagements aimed at deepening service excellence.

Customer Service Week is celebrated globally in the first full week of October to honour the importance of service excellence and the professionals who make it possible. For Polaris Bank, it represents yet another opportunity to celebrate its people and customers, while reinforcing that with dedication and teamwork, great service is always a Mission Possible.

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.