HerFidelity Apprenticeship Programme 2.0

Fidelity Bank to Empower Women with Sustainable Entrepreneurship Skill

Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, has announced the launch of the second edition of its flagship women-empowerment initiative, the Her Fidelity Apprenticeship Programme 2.0 (HAP 2.0).

In an effort to equip women with practical, income‑generating skills and structured pathways to entrepreneurship;the Fidelity Bank HAP 2.0 initiative will build on the success of its inaugural edition held in 2023.

Addressing journalists at a media chat to herald the launch of HAP 2.0, the Divisional Head, Product Development, Fidelity Bank Plc, Osita Ede, explained that the initiative has been enhanced to deliver greater impact.

“HerFidelity Apprenticeship Programme 2.0 reflects our commitment to continuous improvement".

 "Having evaluated feedback from the first edition, we have returned with stronger partnerships and deeper mentorship programmes to ensure that women acquire not just skills, but sustainable economic opportunities”.

“At the heart of the programme is guided, real‑world learning. Participants will undergo intensive apprenticeship training under reputable institutions and industry experts across select fields such as hair styling, shoe making, auto mechatronics, and interior decoration,”.

Ede noted that HerFidelity Apprenticeship Programme 2.0 goes beyond skills acquisition; offering participants a wide range of business advisory services.

 These include business and financial literacy training, mentorship support throughout the apprenticeship journey, access to Fidelity Bank’s women‑focused and SME financial solutions, as well as guidance on business formalisation and growth strategies.

He further harped on the bank’s vision saying “By integrating structured mentorship with entrepreneurial development, Fidelity Bank is positioning women not just as trainees, but as future employers, innovators, and economic contributors within their communities".

This aligns with our mandate to help individuals grow, businesses thrive and economies prosper.”

Interested participants are encouraged to indicate their interest by visiting https://bit.ly/Apprenticeshipbyherfidelity.

Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 10 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.

 The Bank is a recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. 

In addition, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.

State House Press Release

President Tinubu Accepts IGP Egbetokun's Resignation; Appoints AIG Disu In Acting Capacity.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has accepted the resignation of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, following the submission of his letter citing pressing family considerations.

President Tinubu received Mr Egbetokun's resignation earlier today and expressed his profound appreciation for Egbetokun's decades of distinguished service to the Nigeria Police Force and the nation. The President acknowledged his dedication, professionalism, and steadfast commitment to strengthening internal security architecture during his tenure.

Appointed in June 2023, Egbetokun was serving a four-year term scheduled to conclude in June 2027, in line with the amended provisions of the Police Act.

In view of the current security challenges confronting the nation, and acting in accordance with extant laws and legal guidance, President Tinubu has approved the appointment of Assistant Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu to serve as Acting Inspector-General of Police with immediate effect.

The President is confident that AIG Disu’s experience, operational depth, and demonstrated leadership capacity will provide steady and focused direction for the Nigeria Police Force during this critical period.

In compliance with the provisions of the Police Act 2020, President Tinubu will convene a meeting of the Nigeria Police Council shortly to formally consider the appointment of AIG Disu as substantive Inspector-General of Police, after which his name will be transmitted to the Senate for confirmation.

The President reiterates his administration’s unwavering commitment to enhancing national security, strengthening institutional capacity, and ensuring that the Nigeria Police Force remains professional, accountable, and fully equipped to discharge its constitutional responsibilities.

Bayo Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President

(Information and Strategy)

February 24, 2026

FELA’S LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

The world of music has honoured a giant: Fela Anikulapo Kuti.

Fela was more than a musician. He was a fearless voice of the people, a philosopher of freedom, and a revolutionary force whose music confronted injustice and reshaped global sound.

His courage, creativity, and conviction defined a generation and continue to inspire the world. In Yoruba mythology, he has transcended to a higher plane as an Orisa. He is now eternal.

Fela Kuti has blazed the trail with the Recording Academy of America’s Lifetime Achievement Award, becoming the first African to receive this honour, though posthumously. 

 The award is an affirmation of his enduring global influence and the foundational role he has played in the evolution and impact of Africa on modern music. 

He defined Afrobeat, and you can hear and see his influence in generations of Nigerian musicians and in Afrobeats and beyond.

Fela lives.

Asiwaju President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR

President, Federal Republic of Nigeria

Fidelity Bank Board Of Directors

Amaka Onwughalu Gets Appointed Following Chike-Obi’s Tenure As Chairman

Tier one lender, Fidelity Bank Plc, has announced the completion of the tenure of Mustafa Chike-Obi as the Chairman of its Board of Directors effective December 31, 2025 and appointed Mrs. Amaka Onwughalu as its new Chairman of the Board, effective January 1, 2026.

The board transitions are in accordance with the Bank’s policy and have been communicated to the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) the Nigerian Exchange Group, among other stakeholders.

Under Mr. Chike-Obi’s leadership, Fidelity Bank repaid its Eurobond, completed the first tranche of its public offer and rights issue that were oversubscribed by 237 percent and 137.73 percent respectively, expanded internationally to the United Kingdom as well as received improved ratings from various agencies amongst a long list of achievements.

 Obi's tenure also saw the Bank strengthen its capital position, recorded steady growth in customer deposits and total assets, deepened its digital banking capabilities and enhanced its corporate and investment banking proposition. 

The bank equally made notable progress in governance, risk management and operational efficiency; all of which contributed to strengthened market confidence and the Bank’s sustained upward performance trajectory.

While reflecting on his tenure, Mr. Mustafa Chike-Obi said, “It has been a privilege to serve as Chairman of Fidelity Bank. The dedication of our Board, management, and staff has enabled us to reach significant milestones. I am confident that the Bank will continue to thrive and deliver value to all stakeholders.”

Mrs. Amaka Onwughalu’s appointment marks a new chapter for Fidelity Bank. 

She joined the Board in December 2020 and has chaired key committees. With over 30 years of banking experience, including executive roles at Mainstreet Bank Limited and Skye Bank Plc. She holds degrees in Economics, Corporate Governance, and Business Administration, and has attended executive programmes at global institutions. Mrs. Onwughalu is a Fellow of several professional bodies and has received awards for accountability and financial management.

“I am honoured to lead the Board of Fidelity Bank at this exciting time. Our recent achievements have set a strong foundation for continued growth. I look forward to working with my colleagues to drive our strategy and deliver sustainable value.”

Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.

The Bank is a recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. 

Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.

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.