Extension: Fidelity Bank’s GAIM 6 Promo

A Timely Boost for Financial Inclusion and Economic Empowerment

Fidelity Bank Plc has taken a bold step to deepen financial inclusion as well reward customer loyalty by extending its flagship savings campaign, the Get Alert in Millions (GAIM) Season 6 promo; aimed at opening up the economy and empowering its citizens.

The promo now extended by three months campaign raises the total prize pool from ₦159 million to a record ₦189 million. 

The move, announced in September 2025, came at a critical time when the country’s economic landscape required innovative financial solutions and inclusive banking strategies.

Nigeria’s economy, while resilient, faces persistent challenges including inflation, currency volatility, and limited access to formal financial services. 

According to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), recent reforms such as exchange rate unification and bank re-capitalization are aimed at stabilizing the macroeconomic environment and positioning the banking sector to support a $1 trillion economy. The CBN’s Payment System Vision 2028 also underscores the importance of digital transformation and financial inclusion as tools for economic development.

Hence the Fidelity Bank GAIM 6 promo is more than a marketing campaign, it is a strategic intervention that aligns with national goals. 

By incentivizing savings and expanding access to banking services, the promo contributes to the broader mission of empowering underserved communities and fostering economic resilience.

The extension of GAIM 6 coincides with the 2025 World Savings Day which is being celebrated annually on October 31st; a global observance which promotes the importance of saving as a pathway to financial security and economic stability. 

Fidelity Bank’s decision to extend GAIM 6 during this period amplifies the theme of the 2025 World Savings Day - “This is not a savings account”, encouraging Nigerians to cultivate smart financial habits and leverage digital banking platforms for long-term growth.

Osita Ede, Divisional Head of Product Development at Fidelity Bank, while interacting with the media emphasized the bank’s commitment to listening to its customers. “They asked for more opportunities to benefit from the promo, and we listened. With management and regulatory consent, we’re thrilled to keep the excitement going for another three months,” Ede said.

L – R: Direct Sales Executive, Fidelity Bank Plc, Adegboyega Ademokunwa; GAIM 6 Eight Monthly draw Winner, Innocent Okoro Orji; Branch Leader, Fidelity Bank Plc, Gbagada, Chinwe Umez-Eronini; and Product Manager, Savings, Fidelity Bank Plc, at the GAIM 6 prize presentation ceremony held at Gbagada Building Materials market in Lagos recently.

While several Nigerian banks run savings promotions, GAIM 6 distinguishes itself through its scale, inclusivity, and strategic design. The campaign targets a wide demographic, including NYSC corps members, women, children, and market clusters—segments often excluded from formal banking. Winners are selected through electronic draws supervised by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), ensuring transparency and fairness.

Unlike promos that focus solely on high-value deposits, GAIM 6 allows participation with deposits as low as ₦2,000. This democratizes access and encourages participation from low-income earners. Moreover, the campaign integrates financial advisory support through the Fidelity SME Hub, helping winners make informed decisions about their rewards.

NDLEA Arrest

Anti- Narcotics Agency Uncovers Hard Drugs From A Lagos Laboratory 

The Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have uncovered a secret laboratory being used for the production of Colorado; a potent synthetic strain of cannabis which was discovered in a residential building in  Ajao Estate area Isolo, Lagos State.

Spokesperson NDLEA Femi Babafemi gave the hint in a statement on Sunday November 2, 2025 that the lab owner 30-year-old Stephen Kelechi Imoh, was arrested during a raid following months of surveillance and intelligence gathering on the local production of the psychoactive substance.

The statement reads: “Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have uncovered a clandestine laboratory where Colorado, a synthetic strain of cannabis is being produced in a residential building located at Ajao Estate, Isolo Lagos with large quantities of freshly cooked Colos and various precursor chemicals for drug production recovered and the 30-year-old lab owner, Stephen Kelechi Imoh arrested.”

Babafemi, explained that the breakthrough came after NDLEA operatives intercepted multiple consignments of Colorado in March and May 2025, a discovery that suggested the substance, previously imported into Nigeria, was now being locally produced.

“The discovery followed months of intelligence gathering on possible Colos laboratories in Lagos after NDLEA officers intercepted consignments of freshly produced Colos in March and May 2025 in the state, a development that suggested that the dangerous psychoactive substance, which was hitherto imported into the country, was now locally produced.

“Recovered items included 16.2kg of freshly cooked Colos, 1.7kg of ADB-CHMNACA Cannabinol, 4.5kg of Potassium Carbonate, and 91 litres of Dibromobutane, all used in the manufacture of synthetic cannabis.

“The effort paid off on Thursday 30th October 2025 when NDLEA officers raided the residential apartment in Ajao estate, Isolo Lagos which Kelechi converted to a laboratory for cooking Colos, a strain of cannabis produced with the psychoactive plant and various chemicals.

“In another operation in Lagos, NDLEA operatives on Saturday 1st November raided the enclave of a 28-year-old drug dealer Afeez Salisu (alias Malu) in Mushin where 16 compressed blocks of Ghana Loud, a strain of cannabis as well as designer sachets and bottles of Colorado weighing 16.4kg were recovered from him,” the statement read.

Similarly, a 20-year-old music artist, Godspower George Osahenrumwen, popularly known as Steady Boy, was arrested while attempting to take delivery of 77.2kg of Loud cannabis concealed in three cartons of bathtubs imported from New York, United States.

Abuja/London Flight Operations

Fidelity Bank Lauds Air Peace On Maiden Heathrow Flight

Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, has lauded Air Peace for its historic inaugural direct flight from Abuja to London Heathrow, a milestone described as a bold testament to Nigeria's excellence in global aviation.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe in a statement issued following the launch, commended Air Peace for its resilience and vision; noting that the airline’s expansion into the London Heathrow route is a reflection of the strength of indigenous enterprise and the growing confidence in Nigeria’s aviation sector.

“We warmly congratulate Air Peace on the launch of its direct flights between Abuja and London Heathrow. This remarkable achievement marks another significant milestone in Air Peace’s journey and reflects its unwavering commitment to advancing the Nigerian aviation industry.

“Fidelity Bank is honoured to have been a trusted partner to Air Peace since it began operations 11 years ago. Our relationship has been built on shared values, strategic collaboration and a deep commitment to national progress. Today’s success is not only a triumph for Air Peace, it is a proud moment for Nigeria.

“We celebrate the Chairman and CEO of Air Peace, Dr Allen Onyema, his dedicated team and all Nigerians who share in this achievement”.

The Fidelity Bank CEO also highlighted the bank's longstanding role as a financial partner to key players in the aviation industry, reaffirming its position as a market leader in aviation financing and support services.

“Our partnership with Air Peace reflects our belief in the potential of Nigerian businesses to compete and thrive on the global stage. We have consistently backed the airline’s growth ambitions and will continue to do so as it opens new routes".

The MD also extended congratulations to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for his proactive support of local operators. “The Honourable Minister’s efforts to create an enabling environment for indigenous airlines are yielding tangible results. This Heathrow route launch is a clear example of what is possible when government and private sector work together”.

Air Peace’s new Abuja–London Heathrow route marks its second direct flight service to the United Kingdom, following the successful launch of the Lagos–London route earlier in the year. 

This development is expected to boost connectivity, reduce travel costs and enhance Nigeria’s presence in international aviation.

Fintech Operations

House of Reps Passes Bill To Regulate Fintech Operations In Nigeria 

A bill seeking to establish the Nigerian Fintech Regulatory Commission; a regulatory body whose statutory function is to monitor and regulate the rapid growth of the Fintech industry in Nigeria has passed through its second reading in the House of Representatives.

The bill sponsored by Fuad Laguda, lawmaker representing Surulere 1 Federal Constituency 1 of Lagos State underscored the need to address public concerns on commercial protection, financial stability and the prevention of financial crimes.

Laguda explained that the legislative framework became necessary following the exponential growth of Fintechs in recent years; with millions of Nigerians having to rely on digital payment platforms, mobile money services and other Fintech products for their financial transactions.

The lawmaker described as worrisome the lack of a clear regulatory framework which has led to concerns about the commercial protection, financial stability and prevention of financial crimes.

He explained that the objective of the proposed Nigerian Fintech Regulatory Commission bill is to give a clear regulatory framework for the operations of the Fintech industry.

The legislation, the lawmaker said would ensure that Fintech operators comply with the established standards and guidelines protect consumers by ensuring that fintech companies operate fairly, transparently, securely as well promote innovation in the Fintech sector; while minimising the risk to financial stability.

Service Chiefs

President Tinubu Meets Newly Appointed Service Guards

The President Federal Republic of Nigeria Bola Tinubu has for the first time met with the new service chiefs since their appointment on Friday October 24th, 2025; the meeting held Monday October 27th at the Presidential Villa Abuja and it's their first meeting with the President.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede led other service guards; the Chief of Army Staff, Major-General Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Sunday Aneke; Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas; and the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General Emmanuel Undiendeye to the Aso Rock Villa to see President Tinubu.

Last week President Tinubu announced a major shakeup of the nation's security architecture appointing General Oluyede to replace General Christopher Musa as Chief of Defence Staff.

 The reshuffle, the presidency explained was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s national security architecture.

Anti-Drug War

NDLEA Raids Lagos Night Club, Arrests Socialites Pretty Mike, Tuoyo Over Drug Party

In its drive to eliminate the growing, processing, manufacturing, selling, exporting, and trafficking of hard drugs in Nigeria the operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in a sting operation in the early hours of Sunday October 26th 2025 raided the Proxy Lagos Club on Akin Adesola Street, in Victoria Island, where a drug party was going on.

The raid of the club said to be owned by Lagos resident socialite Mike Eze-Nwalie Nwogu, popularly known as Pretty Mike led to his arrest alongside over 100 guests; among whom is former Big Brother Naija Housemate Tuoyo Ideh.

In a statement by the NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi those arrested are undergoing screening and interrogation at the anti-narcotics Lagos Command office.

Contraband items recovered from guests at the party and from the club's store included 

cartons of illicit substances such as 'Loud', 'Laughing Gas' among other narcotics.

SMEs Promotion

Polaris Bank Reaffirms Support For SMEs Growth In Nigeria; Launches 'EveryDay Supermarket' In Yenegoa

Nigerian financial institution Polaris Bank has reaffirmed commitment to supporting Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (SMEs) to drive economic growth in the South-South region of the country; with the launch of 'Everyday Supermarket' Yenagoa Store in Bayelsa State.

The grand opening, which took place at Bay Bridge Junction on the Kpansia-Epie Expressway, marks the retail chain’s entry into the Bayelsan market; a significant milestone in the region’s business expansion efforts.

Speaking at the event, the Directorate Head, Polaris Bank, South-South, Mr. Raphael Abaziem, described the launch as a testament to growth, resilience, and the power of strategic partnership.

“This milestone represents more than the opening of a new outlet. It speaks to our shared vision of economic expansion, local enterprise development, and improved access to quality goods and services for the people of Bayelsa State,” Abaziem stated.

He further noted that the new outlet builds on earlier successes, including Polaris Bank’s financing of the Everyday Group’s flagship shopping complex in Port Harcourt in February, 2025.

“When we partner, we empower, expand, and raise the bar for retail development across Nigeria. Polaris Bank is proud to have supported this journey and to stand with 'Everyday Supermarket' as it extends its footprint and impact. We look forward to deepening our collaboration and continuing to support businesses that are creating opportunities, empowering communities, and driving sustainable development across the country,” he added.

In his remarks, Mr. Yemi Osindero, Chairman of 'Everyday Supermarket', expressed delight at the brand’s expansion into Bayelsa, noting that the group continues to grow from strength to strength.

“Everyday Group is 28 years old, with 15 stores across the South-East and South-South, including Owerri, Asaba, and Abakaliki. We are excited to be in Yenagoa for the first time and look forward to opening more stores in Bayelsa. Plans are also underway to expand into Aba, Benin, Uyo, Enugu, and Abuja,”.

The launch of the Yenagoa branch underscores Polaris Bank’s role as a key enabler of enterprise development and its commitment to supporting businesses that drive local economic empowerment and regional growth.