Statutory Oversight Visit

LASAA Hosts Legislative Delegation Promises Commitment To Regulatory Adherence

The Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Environment led by its Chairman Honourable Rasheed Adekola Shabi recently paid a courtesy visit to the 

Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) as part of its statutory oversight function providing a critical platform for detailed engagement on the agency's performance and regulatory adherence.

The LASAA management team, headed by its Managing Director Prince Fatiu Akiolu, engaged the Committee in extensive discussions that spanned the agency’s activities, its performance metrics and compliance with regulatory responsibilities. 

L-R: The Chairman, Committee on Information, Security and Strategy, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Ogundipe Stephen Olukayode; Chairman, Committee on Energy and Mineral Resources, LAHA, Hon. Sobur Akanbi Oluwa; MD/CEO, Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA), Prince Fatiu Akiolu; Chairman, Committee on the Environment (Parastatals), LAHA, Hon. (Engr.) Shabi Adebola; Chairman, Committee on Procurement, LAHA, Hon. Apata Samuel; and the Committee Clerk, LAHA, Mr. Olaosebikan Ebenezer during the Committee's oversight function at LASAA in Lagos.

The meeting fostered productive conversations with focus on strategic policies and ongoing projects aimed at developing an organised, safe and visually appealing outdoor advertising space across the state.

Akiolu seized the opportunity to express his profound gratitude to the Committee for their time, unwavering support and valuable guidance.

In his remarks, Honourable Rasheed Shabi gave a glowing assessment of LASAA’s operational efficiency; lauding the agency’s efforts in maintaining a cleaner and safer Lagos through effective signage control and regulation under the Fatiu Akiolu leadership.

Shabi underscored the non-negotiable need for sustained cooperation between the legislature and all government agencies to guarantee efficient service delivery and accountability.

Honourable Shabi however called on LASAA to intensify its efforts in public sensitization; noting the importance of engagement with the public on the agency's core mandate which is crucial to ensuring continuous compliance and maximisation for revenue potential.

Intl' Day Of The Girl Child 2025

Fidelity Bank Celebrates The Girl Child With School Debate

In commemoration of the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child, observed annually on October 11; leading banking institution Fidelity Bank Plc, has reaffirmed its commitment to creating opportunities that empower girls and women to dream boldly, learn confidently as well lead fearlessly.

The International Day of the Girl Child, is a global movement which highlights the challenges girls face, while promoting their empowerment and the fulfillment of their human rights.

Hence as part of its activities to celebrate the Girl Child in Nigeria; Fidelity bank Plc recently put together a schools debate for female secondary school students as part of its activities to celebrate the Girl Child in Nigeria.

The competition which held at the Fidelity SME Hub in Gbagada, Lagos on Thursday, October 16, 2025, brought together students from six secondary schools to argue for or against the topic: “In today’s world, is digital literacy more essential for girls than traditional life skills?”

The Divisional Head, Product Development at Fidelity Bank Plc, Osita Ede, who was represented by the Head of Women Banking, Harriba Harry-Pepple emphasized the importance of equipping girls with relevant skills and support to help them thrive as adults.

“Each year, this day reminds us of the limitless potential within every girl, potential that must be nurtured, celebrated and given a platform to shine. Through HerFidelity, our Women Banking Initiative, we are committed to creating opportunities that empower girls and women to dream boldly, learn confidently and lead fearlessly,” Ede said.

He emphasised that the debate was not merely a contest but a platform for young female voices to express their ideas, challenge societal norms and showcase their intellectual strength.

Adding that when a girl is educated and supported with opportunities for self-expression, she becomes a catalyst for positive change in her community and beyond.

L – R: Second runner-up, Chizaram Ekueme of Awesome College; Head, Brand Management, Fidelity Bank Plc, Cynthia Ogbonna; Winner, Chizaram Unachukwu of Cedec International School; Broadcaster and Communications Expert, Wemimo Adewuni; First runner-up, Nwatu Chidera of Brookstones and Best Brains International School; and Head, Women Banking, Fidelity Bank Plc, Harriba Harry-Pepple; at the maiden edition of the Fidelity Bank She Leads debate competition held in commemoration of the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child in Lagos.

The competition saw Chizaram Ekueme of Awesome College emerge second runner-up, receiving N150,000. Nwatu Chidera of Brookstones and Best Brains International School took the first runner-up position with a prize of N300,000, while Chizaram Unachukwu of Cedec International School won the competition and she received N500,000.

#FreeMNK Protest Abuja

Court Fixes October 24 For The Arraignment Of Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyer, Brother, 10 Others

The Chief Magistrates court in Kuje, Abuja, has remanded Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer, Alloy Ejimakor and the younger brother to the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra IPOB leader Emmanuel Kanu, in the correctional facility.  

Their remand, alongside ten others followed their involvement in the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest held on Monday October 20, 2025.

Though their arraignment could not take place, the suspects had asked for a stand down, to enable them meet with their lawyers; hence the magistrate remanded them in the correctional facility, till October 24, 2025 when they would be arraigned. 

Their lawyers have filed an application for bail however one of their lawyers Nnaemeka Ejiofor said they have not been able to serve the application to the Nigeria Police because they refused to accept the document. 

The police had charged the suspects for inciting disturbance and breaching public peace in disobedience to court order.

The suspects were also accused of denying other citizens their freedom of movement disrupting free flow of traffic while chanting war songs in request for the release of Nnamdi Kanu.

Security operatives had clamped down on the demonstrators citing a subsisting court order which restricted them from accessing certain areas within the city.

Others are in custody are Joshua Emmanuel, Bishop Wilson Anyalewechi, Okere Kingdom Clinton Chimeneze, Gabriel Joshua, Isiaka Husseini, Onyekachi Ferdinand, Amadi Prince, Edison Ojisom and Godwill Obiama.

Agriculture Summit Africa(ASA) 2025

Sterling Bank Leads Africa’s Green Revolution Initiative

The rebirth of the continent of Africa's foremost platform for advancing sustainable and inclusive agricultural transformation

Agriculture Summit Africa under the bold theme ‘Survival of the Greenest: Reclaiming Africa’s Food Destiny" has continued to gather momentum.

The ceremony scheduled for November 6th to the 7th 2025 at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, ASA 2025 is set to spotlight financing pathways to drive sustainable growth in the agricultural value chain. 

Now in its eighth year; convened by Sterling Bank, the summit will bring together policymakers, agribusiness leaders, investors, and innovators from across Africa and beyond to explore innovative solutions to the continent’s agricultural challenges.

The event is expected to foster collaboration and innovation, examining how green finance, digital tools, and climate-smart practices can transform Africa into the world’s next agricultural powerhouse.

Addressing attendees at the press conference to announce plans for the summit, Abubakar Suleiman, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Sterling Bank, emphasised the Bank’s purpose for convening the summit, noting that, “At Sterling, we believe Africa’s food future will be secured not by chance but by deliberate, collective effort.” 

“Our commitment is rooted in the conviction that agriculture is central to Africa’s transformation, socially, economically, and environmentally. ASA 2025 is a platform that has galvanised this transformation by uniting policymakers, innovators, and investors around one shared goal: reclaiming Africa’s food destiny through sustainability and innovation.”

With over 60% of the world’s uncultivated arable land and a rapidly growing population, Africa holds immense potential to become a global agricultural powerhouse. 

However, productivity challenges, limited access to finance and the escalating impacts of climate change has continued to hinder food security. 

ASA 2025 will leverage multi-sector partnerships and policy alignment to accelerate the continent's transition from dependence to self-sufficiency.

“This year’s theme, ‘Survival of the Greenest,’ underscores both the urgency and the unique opportunity before us,” as emphasised by Olushola Obikanye; the Group Head, Agric Finance and Solid Minerals at Sterling Bank.

ASA provides a platform where governments, financiers, innovators, and farmers can engage meaningfully to design solutions that strengthen agricultural value chains, unlock financing, and foster inclusion. 

Agriculture is not just an economic imperative; it is the heartbeat of Africa’s transformation,” Obikanye added.

The two-day event will host delegates from over 30 African countries, providing valuable opportunities for networking, policy engagement, and investment facilitation among agribusinesses, innovators, and financiers enabling access to capital. 

The event will also feature high-level panels, keynote addresses, policy dialogues, exhibitions, and an Investment Deal Room (a marketplace designed to connect investors with viable agribusiness ventures and initiatives).  

Sunbeth Global Concepts, a global agro-commodities sourcing and trading company, will co-convene the summit, contributing its expertise in agribusiness strategy, capacity building, and development partnerships.

Eyitemi Adebowale, Head of Corporate Affairs and Communications at Sunbeth, who spoke to the company’s commitment to sustainable agriculture, said, “We are proud to co-convene ASA 2025 because we believe the future of Africa’s development is rooted in sustainable agriculture. 

The summit aims to spotlight solutions that empower farmers, attract investment, and promote climate-smart practices that build resilience across the continent.”

With strategic partners including Mastercard, which will lead discussions on digital tools for agricultural transformation, ASA 2025 is poised to ignite a movement toward innovation and financial inclusion within the agricultural sector. 

Other key sponsors and partners include the International Finance Corporation (IFC), The Alternative Bank, Arzikin Noma, ONE Foundation, Noor Takaful, Bühler, and many others.

Interested participants and organisations are advised to register at www.agricsummit.org. 

Michael Eugene Archer "D’Angelo" Dies At 51

American Neo-Soul Pioneer, Grammy Winner Dies After Battle With Cancer

Legendary American Funk Hip-hop R&B music producer songwriter and the pioneer of Neo-Soul Michael Eugene Archer known by the stage name D' Angelo has died in New York City aged 51.

The Richmond Virginia, United States born singer was said to have battled cancer before his death on Tuesday October 14, 2025.

His family while confirming his death in a statement said he died following a prolonged and courageous battle with cancer.

"We are heartbroken to announce that Michael D’Angelo Archer, known to his fans around the world as D’Angelo, has been called home, departing this life today, October 14th, 2025. We are saddened that he can only leave dear memories with his family, but we are eternally grateful for the legacy of extraordinarily moving music he leaves behind. We ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time but invite you all join us in mourning his passing while also celebrating the gift of song that he has left for the world.”

D'Angelo in his lifetime was an elusive figure who burned bright in the spotlight, releasing three albums throughout his career including his 1995 debut “Brown Sugar,” 2000’s “Voodoo” and his last album, 2014’s “Black Messiah” with his group, the Vanguard. 

In 2001 D' Angelo won two grammy awards in the R and B Album category for "Voodoo" and in the Male R and B Vocal Performance category for "Untitled(How does It Feel)".

In 2016 he also picked up two gramophone trophies in the R and B Album category for "Black Messiah" and the R and B Song category for "Really Love".

Customer Service Week

Polaris Bank Wraps Up 2025 Customer Service Week with Renewed Commitment to Customer Satisfaction

In commemoration of the 2025 annual Customer Service Week Polaris Bank has restated its dedication to delivering exceptional service experiences to its customers as it successfully concluded activities marking the 2025 edition of Customer Service Week themed “Mission: Possible.”

The week-long celebration, which ran from Monday, October 6 to Friday, October 10, was loaded with interactive customer appreciation activities and staff recognition initiatives across the Bank’s branches and digital channels.

Throughout the week, Polaris Bank celebrated its customers with giveaways, appreciation messages, and interactive engagements across its touchpoints, reaffirming its commitment to continuous improvement service delivery. 

Employees of the bank were also not left out as they were lauded for their outstanding contributions to service excellence, underscoring the Bank’s belief that exceptional service begins with an empowered and motivated team.

Speaking at the close of the celebration, the Managing Director/CEO of Polaris Bank, Kayode Lawal, thanked customers for their loyalty and trust, describing them as the driving force behind the Bank’s commitment to attaining excellence.

Lawal noted that the Customer Service Week gives opportunities for reflection and renewal of the Bank’s promises to serve with consistency, empathy, and excellence.

Polaris Bank staff across the country also participated in internal learning and engagement sessions designed to enhance their customer interaction skills as well promote a culture of service leadership.

The global Customer Service Week, celebrated annually in the first week of October, recognises the vital role of customer service professionals and the impact of service excellence on business growth. 

And for Polaris Bank, this year’s celebration reinforced its belief that with dedication, innovation, and teamwork, great service is always a “Mission Possible.”

BAFI Awards 2025

Fidelity Bank Wins Best Export and Trade Support and Innovation Awards

The giant stride market leadership of tier-one lender financial institution Fidelity Bank Plc has again been lauded at the 12th BusinessDay Bank and Other Financial Institutions’(BAFI) Awards.

The ceremony, which held at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island on Saturday, October 11 2025 saw Fidelity Bank win the awards for the “Best Bank for Export and Trade Finance” and “Most Innovative Bank of the Year”.

While dedicating the Export and Trade Finance Award to the bank's customers, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe,OON, who was represented by the Executive Director/Chief Operations and Information Officer, Stanley Amuchie, said, the recognition underscores fidelity Bank's unwavering commitment to promoting non-oil exports and supporting Nigerian businesses to compete globally through initiatives such as the Fidelity International Trade & Creative Connect (FNITCC) and the Export Management Programme (EMP).

Amuchie dedicated the award to exporters who have continue to showcase the best of Nigeria to the world, loyal customers, and partners for their steadfast support.

The BAFI Awards is the benchmark of distinction for institutions in the Nigerian financial services sector. 

The awards in its 12th year recognises and celebrates organisations that are excelling in the delivery of financial services in Nigeria; acknowledging organisations that demonstrate leadership, vision and impact in driving Nigeria’s growth trajectory.

L – R: Seye Otite, Media Relations Officer; Tolulope Rojaiye, Team Member, Brand & Communications Division; Meksley Nwagboh, Divisional Head, Brand & Communications; Stanley Amuchie, Executive Director/Chief Operations and Information Officer (all of Fidelity Bank Plc); Christopher Bajowa, President, Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria; and Omonsegho Ibironke, Team Lead, Events and Business Promotions, Fidelity Bank Plc; at the BusinessDay Bank and Other Financial Institutions’(BAFI) Awards 2025 where Fidelity Bank recently bagged the awards for the Best Bank for Export & Trade Finance and the Most Innovative Bank of the Year.

Fidelity Bank’s recent recognition is attributed to significant accomplishments over the past twelve months.

Notable milestones included the inauguration of the first privately constructed onshore oil export terminal in Nigeria in fifty years at the Otakikpo Marginal Field, which was funded by Fidelity Bank and recently commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

  Additionally, the bank launched the Fidelity SME Hub, a multipurpose facility designed to support small businesses through innovation, collaboration and capacity-building initiatives.

Furthermore, Fidelity Bank organised the third edition of the Fidelity Nigeria International Trade & Creative Connect (FNITCC) in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, in September 2025; the event provided local businesses with opportunities to engage in deal rooms with U.S. buyers, including prominent retailers such as Walmart and Target, fostering potential partnerships.

The Executive Director/Chief Operations and Information Officer Stanley Amuchie, did not fail to acknowledge “The innovation award " which he described as a special one for the bank as it validates Fidelity's continued drive to enhance operational efficiency, elevate customer experience as well strengthen business performance.