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.

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.