2026 Customer Service Week

Polaris Bank customers benefit from "The Extra Mile" initiative.

Polaris Bank is set to join organisations around the world to commemorate the 2026 Customer Service Week, which holds from October 5 to 9, under the theme, “The Extra Mile.”

The theme represents a continuation of Polaris Bank's longstanding commitment to putting customers at the heart of its business and continually improving the quality of their banking experience. 

Over the years, the Bank has used Customer Service Week not only to appreciate its customers, but also to recognise employees who consistently demonstrate exceptional service and reinforce the importance of customer-centricity across the organisation.

The Bank’s Customer Service Week celebrations have evolved over the years, reflecting different dimensions of its service culture. 

In 2020, the Bank celebrated under the theme “Dream Team,” to recognise the collective efforts of its employees in sustaining service delivery during a challenging period.

 The 2021 celebration continued with focus on service excellence and customer appreciation, while the 2022 celebration reinforced the Bank’s commitment to customers and the importance of delivering value through meaningful relationships. 

In 2023, the theme “Team Service” highlighted the role of collaboration in delivering seamless customer experiences.

 The 2024 celebration further strengthened the focus on service excellence and customer engagement, while the 2025, themed “Mission: Possible,” emphasised the ability of employees to overcome challenges and deliver exceptional experiences for customers.

This continued focus on customer experience has also received external recognition and validation; one of such was the 2022 KPMG Customer Experience Survey, Polaris Bank was reported as the most improved bank in the retail segment, moving five places to sixth position. 

The recognition reflected on the Bank’s ongoing efforts to improve the quality and consistency of customer interactions.

Speaking ahead of this year’s celebration, the Managing Director/CEO of Polaris Bank, Mr. Kayode Lawal, reaffirmed the importance of customers to the Bank’s continued growth.

Lawal explained that customers are at the heart of everything the bank does; their feedback, trust and partnership challenge the bank to keep improving and delivering value every day.

The 2026 theme, “The Extra Mile,” speaks directly to the evolving expectations of today’s banking customers.

 Going the extra mile can mean listening more closely, resolving an issue faster, providing clearer information, anticipating a customer’s needs, simplifying a process or showing genuine empathy when it matters most.

For Polaris Bank, this commitment extends across its physical and digital touchpoints, including its branch and business network, contact centre and digital banking platforms such as VULTe. 

The Bank continues to focus on creating a consistent and responsive experience, regardless of where or how customers choose to engage.

For this year’s celebration, Polaris Bank will engage customers and recognise service champions through a series of activities across its branches, digital channels and other customer touchpoints. 

The Bank will also use the occasion to encourage customer feedback and strengthen the connection between customer insights and continuous service improvement.

For Polaris Bank, “The Extra Mile” is more than a Customer Service Week theme; it is a commitment to making every customer interaction count.

Cholera Outbreak: Two inmates die in Kano Correctional Facility

Two inmates have died following an outbreak of cholera at the Kurmawa Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kano State.

The Nigerian Correctional Service said the outbreak was confirmed through laboratory tests on September 23rd by its medical team and the Kano State public health authorities.

In a statement issued by its spokesman, Chief Superintendent of Corrections, J.N Osuji, the outbreak was first detected on September 17 after an inmate developed vomiting and diarrhoea.

One of the deaths occurred at the custodial centre, while the other was recorded at the Kano State Infectious Diseases Hospital.

The Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, has sympathised with the families of the deceased and directed that measures to protect inmates and personnel be sustained.

Fidelity Bank Food Project: Bank Distributes Food Packs To Strengthen Food Security

As part of its commitment to support vulnerable communities as well boost food security across the federation, Fidelity Bank Plc has distributed essential food supplies to more than 2,500 beneficiaries across eight communities in Uromi, Irrua, Edo State, under its Fidelity Food Bank initiative.

The intervention, held at the Uromi Town Hall in Esan Central Local Government Area of the state, underscores the bank’s continued efforts to improve the wellbeing of families and strengthen communities through targeted Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) interventions.

Speaking at the distribution event, the Divisional Head, Brand and Communications, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Meksley Nwagboh, said the intervention demonstrated the bank’s commitment to making a meaningful difference in the communities where it operates.

“Today’s distribution will provide over 2,500 beneficiaries with essential food supplies. This event goes beyond the distribution of food items; it is about uplifting lives, strengthening communities and supporting families with resources that contribute to their wellbeing and resilience.”

Nwagboh noted that the initiative also contributes to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG 2), which seeks to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, as well as promote sustainable agriculture.

He noted that the Uromi intervention was designed to reach families across eight communities and provide immediate assistance to those affected by food insecurity.

The Divisional Head, Brand and Communications, also disclosed that Fidelity Bank distributes 10,000 food packs every month through the Fidelity Food Bank programme, working with 19 partners across the country to reach communities where the need is greatest.

The intervention received commendation from the Edo State Government, with Governor Monday Okpebholo, represented by the state’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Jerry Uwangue, praising Fidelity Bank for extending the humanitarian initiative to residents of Uromi.

Uwangue said the intervention demonstrated the important role corporate organisations can play in improving community wellbeing, particularly at a time when families are faced with increasing demands on their resources.

 L-R: Branch Leader, Fidelity Bank Plc, Uromi, Joseph Ero; Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Edo State, Jerry Uwangue; and Team Lead, CSR, Fidelity Bank Plc, Victoria Abuka; at the Fidelity Food Bank distribution event held recently at Udomi, Irrua, in Esan Central Local Government Area, of Edo State.

Beneficiaries of the bank’s gesture also expressed appreciation to Fidelity Bank and its partners for the intervention, noting that the food packs would provide meaningful relief and as well help ease the burden of feeding their families.

Fundamental Rights Lawsuit: Court of Appeal Clears Fidelity Bank Plc

The Court of Appeal Abuja has overturned a Federal Capital Territory High Court decision which held Fidelity Bank Plc liable in a fundamental rights case involving the anti graft agency; the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC).

A three-member panel led by Justice Adebukola Banjoko delivered the judgment on September 14th 2026, allowing Fidelity Bank’s appeal and overturning the lower court’s finding of liability against the bank.

The case originated from suit number CV/6258/23, filed by Michael Kundera to enforce his fundamental rights following his arrest and detention between May 16 and 16, 2023 alleging that he was detained without being charged before a court or granted administrative bail.

The respondents in the case included the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, former EFCC Chairman Abdulrasheed Bawa, an EFCC officer identified as Calistus and Fidelity Bank Plc.

In its judgment delivered in April 2024, the FCT High Court, presided over by Justice Peter Kekemeke, declared Michael Kundera’s arrest and detention unlawful and a violation of his fundamental rights.

The court ordered the respondents, jointly or severally, to pay him 10 million naira for the violation and an additional 2 million naira as costs of the action.

The trial judge also observed that Michael Kundera, who was reported to be 75 years old at the time, should not have been subjected to such treatment. 

The court further held that continued invitations and threats against him in relation to a matter that had already been decided exceeded the lawful bounds of the respondents.

Through his counsel, O. Orji, Michael Kundera had linked the dispute to a parcel of land at the Foreign Affairs Quarters, which he claimed lawfully belonged to him.

 He also maintained that the matter was already pending before the Court of Appeal in suit number CA/ABJ/CV/533/2021. 

Among other reliefs, he sought declarations that his arrest and detention violated rights guaranteed under Sections 35 and 36 of the 1999 Constitution, an order restraining further invitations or threats of arrest, and 500 million naira in exemplary or aggravated damages.

Fidelity Bank had challenged the High Court’s decision, arguing that there was no credible evidence connecting the bank to Michael Kundera’s arrest, detention or the alleged infringement of his constitutional rights.

The bank explained that its involvement was limited to a petition submitted to the EFCC concerning allegations of criminal conduct by legal entities that had obtained a 100 million naira loan procurement order for a specific project but allegedly diverted the funds for personal use. 

It maintained that Michael Kundera was not the subject of the petition therefore no basis for holding the bank responsible for the alleged violation of his rights.

Fidelity Bank consequently asked the appellate court to determine whether the trial judge had properly exercised his discretion in granting reliefs against the bank without sufficient material evidence establishing its involvement or liability.

The Court of Appeal upheld the bank’s position. The panel found that there was no credible evidence before the trial court establishing that Fidelity Bank had infringed Michael Kundera’s fundamental rights. It also held that he had failed to discharge the burden of proof required to establish wrongdoing by the bank and justify the reliefs granted against it.

The appellate court’s decision consequently reversed the finding of liability against Fidelity Bank and cleared the bank of responsibility for the alleged infringement.

HerFidelity Initiative By Fidelity Bank

Why the Right Community Could Be a Woman’s Greatest Advantage

For generations, women have been encouraged to work harder, save more and persevere. Yet personal determination, while essential, cannot overcome every barrier. Progress happens faster when ambition is supported by access to finance, practical knowledge, trusted networks and opportunities for growth.

Across Nigeria, women are building businesses, advancing careers, supporting families and creating employment. Their contributions are visible in boardrooms, markets, offices, factories and communities. However, many still face limited access to capital, business guidance and professional networks that could help them move from potential to sustained success.

This reality explains the growing appeal of communities designed specifically to help women thrive. Women increasingly want financial relationships that understand their ambitions, respond to their realities and support their development beyond traditional banking transactions.

HerFidelity, the women focused proposition from Fidelity Bank, reflects this changing expectation. It brings together financial services, business education, enterprise support, networking and lifestyle engagement within a community created for women at different stages of their personal, professional and entrepreneurial journeys.

More Than Access to Finance

Money matters, but access to finance is only one part of the journey. Sustainable progress also requires knowledge, confidence, meaningful relationships and personal wellbeing.

HerFidelity addresses these interconnected needs through four focus areas, financial support, business education and capacity building, entrepreneurship support, and health and wellness.

Through FundHer, eligible women led businesses can access financing for working capital, asset acquisition and business expansion, subject to the applicable terms and requirements. This support can help entrepreneurs strengthen their operations, pursue new opportunities and position their businesses for sustainable growth.

However, capital achieves greater impact when women also have the knowledge to deploy it effectively. HerFidelity therefore connects women to training, mentorship and networking opportunities that can strengthen their financial and business decisions.

These opportunities can be just as valuable as funding. The right mentor can provide clarity during a difficult business decision. A trusted network can create access to customers, partners and new markets. Practical knowledge can help an entrepreneur avoid costly mistakes and build with greater confidence.

The inclusion of health and wellness also reflects a more complete understanding of success. Women frequently balance demanding professional, business and family responsibilities. Supporting their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing is therefore important to building sustainable achievement.

The Power of Community

The most compelling idea behind HerFidelity is simple. Women make greater progress when they have the right support around them.

A business owner may need financing today and mentorship tomorrow. A young professional may begin by learning how to manage money and later require a network to support her entrepreneurial ambitions. An experienced executive may need a platform through which she can share knowledge, mentor others and create opportunities for the next generation.

A strong community connects these women and their experiences. It allows knowledge to circulate, relationships to grow and opportunities to reach more people. One womans progress can inspire another woman, strengthen a family and create wider economic value.

This is how a banking proposition can become something more meaningful. It can become a platform through which women access opportunities, develop confidence and support one another.

A Smarter Choice for Women

For Nigerian women, joining HerFidelity is about more than choosing a financial product. It is about entering a community designed to recognise their goals and provide relevant support throughout their journey.

Whether the objective is to expand a business, improve financial confidence, develop new capabilities or form meaningful professional relationships, HerFidelity offers a platform for taking the next step.

The financial institutions that will matter most in the future are those that help customers translate money into meaningful progress. For women, that means access to finance supported by knowledge, networks, wellbeing and a community that understands their aspirations.

HerFidelity represents that broader vision. It recognises women as entrepreneurs, professionals, leaders and contributors to national development. It also acknowledges that when women receive the right support, the benefits extend to businesses, families and communities.

For women ready to build, learn, connect and grow, HerFidelity offers more than banking. It offers a community where ambition can find opportunity and where individual progress can become shared prosperity.

OLU JACOBS: 1942-2026

Life and times of a legendary filmmaker 

The global film community is mourning the death of legendary actor, film executive, drama enthusiast and theatre arts professional Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs  popularly called  Olu Jacobs or Uncle Olu.

The 84 year old renowned thespian was said to have died in the early hours of Wednesday September 16, 2026 in Lagos as announced by his son Olusoji Jacobs.

Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs " Olu Jacobs" as he was fondly called by many was born 11th July, 1942 and hailed from Abeokuta Ogun State; though he spent part of his childhood in Kano State, Northern Nigeria; where he developed passion for acting, after he was said to have watched a concert performance by the late Nigerian actor and playwright Hubert Ogunde.

Olu Jacobs started his career in the 1970s and 80s where he starred in British Television shows and international films such as "The Dogs of War", "Ashanti", "Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend", "Pirates", "The Goodies", The Professionals" among other tv series.

The iconic cultural, social, and artistic edifice; Glover Memorial Hall in the hearts of Lagos Island is a building symbolic to the late Olu Jacobs whom the Lagos State Government handed over its management to the Lufodo Group; a theatre and film production company founded by the veteran actor Olu Jacobs and his wife, Joke Silva.

Fidelity Bank Promotes 13% Of Its Workforce

 Strengthens Performance-Driven Culture

Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, has promoted 433 employees through its 2026 Promotion and Notch Award Exercise; which saw 13 per cent of its workforce benefiting from the exercise.

A reflection of a steady increase from the 12 per cent and 11 per cent recorded in 2025 and 2024, when 376 and 337 employees were promoted respectively.

The initiative reflects the Fidelity Bank's unwavering commitment to recognising excellence, rewarding outstanding performance, and fostering a high-performance culture across the banking institution.

Since assumption of office as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the bank, Nneka Onyeali Ikpe has overseen annual promotion exercises designed to recognise employee contributions, strengthen institutional capabilities as well as build a robust leadership pipeline. 

Beyond promotions, Fidelity Bank has continued to invest in employee welfare through initiatives aimed at improving productivity, workplace satisfaction and overall staff wellbeing.

The Bank increased salaries across all categories and grade levels in 2022, 2024 and 2025. It also deployed staff buses to ease commuting, enhanced medical support and expanded learning and development programmes. 

In addition, the Bank extended its mortgage loan and home ownership scheme to employees from Assistant Banking Executive to Deputy Manager cadres, while increasing the applicable mortgage limits for qualified staff in line with current market realities.

This positions Fidelity Bank among the few institutions that provide mortgage support to employees below the Manager cadre.

The Bank has also sustained initiatives that promote employee engagement, collaboration, work-life balance, professional certification, and continuous upskilling, underscoring its focus on building a motivated and future-ready workforce.

Industry observers note that these investments have helped reinforce Fidelity Bank's reputation as a great place to work and a preferred employer within Nigeria's financial services industry.

The 2025 promotion exercise reflects Fidelity Bank’s broader people strategy to attract, develop, reward and retain top talent by recognising discipline, professionalism, innovation, customer-focus and sustained performance, while preparing employees for greater responsibilities and strengthening the Bank’s position as an employer of choice.

Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, 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 2025 Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) Innovation Award for MSME support; Best Retail and SME Bank Award from Independent Newspapers; Best Bank for Export & Trade Finance and Most Innovative Bank of the Year at the 2025 BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; and Nigeria’s Best Private Bank at the 2025 Euromoney Awards. 

The Bank also received the inaugural Most Improved Commercial Bank of the Year award by Nairametrics, the SME Bank of the Year award by NewsDirect, and the Straight-Through Processing (STP) Excellence Award by Citi Group, in addition to recognition by Global Brands Magazine for Excellence in Community Empowerment.