Wednesday, September 23, 2026

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.

Monday, September 14, 2026

Subscribe to Dangote Refinery IPO Through Fidelity Bank




In less than two minutes investors seeking to subscribe to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery Initial Public Offer (IPO) can complete the process through Fidelity Bank’s digital channels.

The Bank has provided multiple subscription options designed to serve existing Fidelity Bank customers, corporate organisations and non-customers in Nigeria and abroad. The available channels include the Fidelity Bank iOS Mobile App, Android Mobile App, corporate banking platform for Fidelity corporate customers and designated Fidelity Bank branches nationwide.

A major feature of the bank’s subscription soluition is the availability of Virtual Accounts for investors who do not maintain accounts with Fidelity Bank. Through this option, non-Fidelity Bank customers in Nigeria and abroad can initiate their subscriptions through the Fidelity Bank website, receive dedicated Virtual Account details and fund their applications from an operational bank account.

The Virtual Account option extends access to prospective investors without requiring them to open a regular Fidelity Bank account before subscribing. It also supports third-party funded subscriptions and provides non-customers with a convenient digital route for participating in the offer.

Existing retail customers can complete their subscriptions through the Fidelity Bank Mobile App on iOS and Android devices, while corporate customers can subscribe through the Bank’s corporate online banking platform, subject to the applicable inputter and authoriser process. For additional support, investors may visit the nearest Fidelity Bank branch or contact Fidelity TrueServe by calling 070034335489, sending a WhatsApp message to 09030005252, or emailing trueserve@fidelitybank.ng. Dedicated personnel are available around the clock to guide intending subscribers and ensure a seamless subscription experience.




Investors are expected to provide the relevant identification and account information. This may include a Bank Verification Number for non-Fidelity Bank account holders, a National Identification Number for minors and an active operational account or online banking profile for Fidelity Bank customers.

Investors who do not already have a Central Securities Clearing System account can also participate in the IPO. A stockbroking account may be opened through Fidelity Securities Limited to facilitate the electronic crediting of allotted shares after completion of the allotment process.

Once a subscription has been successfully authorised, the investor’s selected account will be debited or the assigned Virtual Account funded, as applicable. The investor will subsequently receive a confirmation message, transaction reference and receipt as evidence of the application.

The initiative reinforces the Bank’s commitment to expanding access to Nigeria’s capital market by providing investors with simple, inclusive and technology-driven subscription options.

Prospective investors are advised to review the approved Offer Prospectus carefully before making an investment decision. The prospectus contains the applicable eligibility conditions, price, minimum subscription requirement, permissible multiples, offer period and other terms governing the IPO.

Kano SME Forum: Fidelity Bank Rallies Support for Northern Businesses




Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the growth and sustainability of Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (SMEs) through the Kano edition of its Quarterly Business Forum, which brought together entrepreneurs, business owners, industry stakeholders and customers to explore practical strategies for business growth and resilience.

The forum, themed, "Positioning Northern Businesses for Growth," provided participants with valuable insights into strengthening business operations, improving access to finance, enhancing financial management and leveraging opportunities that can drive sustainable enterprise development across Northern Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, Executive Director, North, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Sufiyanu Garba, described Northern Nigeria as a critical driver of the country's economic future and stressed the need to unlock the region's vast entrepreneurial potential through strategic support and partnerships.

"The North occupies a critical place in Nigeria's economic future. With its vast agricultural resources, strong trading culture, manufacturing capacity and large consumer market, the region has enormous potential for sustainable economic growth. Fidelity Bank remains committed to helping businesses unlock this potential through financing, market access, advisory support and strategic partnerships," he said.

Garba noted that the Quarterly Business Forum reflects the Bank's commitment to empowering businesses beyond access to finance.

"Supporting businesses is central to our purpose, and our ambition is to be more than a provider of funds. We want to be a trusted partner that understands businesses and provides the financing, knowledge, connections and solutions they need to grow. Kano and the wider North have the talent, enterprise and resources to play a leading role in Nigeria's economic future, and Fidelity Bank is committed to supporting that growth," he emphasised.

In her remarks, Divisional Head, SME Banking, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs. Ugochi Osinigwe, stated that the Quarterly Business Forum was created as a platform for engaging directly with entrepreneurs and understanding the realities confronting businesses across key sectors of the economy.

"This forum is more than an engagement; it is a listening platform. We are here to deepen our relationships, understand the unique challenges facing businesses across sectors and hear directly from entrepreneurs on how we can serve them better. Our commitment goes beyond traditional banking, as we continue to provide products, advisory services and partnerships that help businesses build, scale and thrive," she said.

Osinigwe also highlighted Fidelity Bank's commitment to reducing the cost of doing business for entrepreneurs through zero-maintenance-fee account offerings and free capacity-building programmes designed to equip business owners with practical skills in business structuring, record keeping, financial management and access to finance.

"We invest significantly in training because many SMEs struggle due to limited knowledge of essential business practices. Through our physical and digital learning platforms, we help entrepreneurs develop the skills required to become more structured, sustainable and bankable," she noted.




 L-R: Executive Director, North, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr Sufiyanu Garba; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, I.G. Best Company, Mr. Okereke Ignatus Mmbonye; and Divisional Head, SME Banking, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs Ugochi Osinigwe; at the Fidelity Bank Quarterly Business Forum held recently in Kano.

Participants at the forum commended Fidelity Bank for creating a platform that delivers practical business insights and fosters meaningful engagement with entrepreneurs.

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of I.G. Best Company, Mr. Okereke Ignatus Mmbonye, noted that Fidelity Bank's support for SMEs extends beyond financing.

"Fidelity Bank has demonstrated that its commitment to SMEs goes beyond access to credit. Platforms such as this provide valuable knowledge and connections that can make a real difference to growing businesses," he said.

Similarly, Managing Director of Nabila Oil Mills, Mr. Sufiyanu Salisu Ahmad, praised the Bank for creating opportunities for direct engagement between financial institutions and the business community.

"I appreciate Fidelity Bank for creating this platform to engage directly with entrepreneurs and understand the challenges we face. It is encouraging to see a bank take such a practical approach to supporting businesses," Ahmad stated.

The Quarterly Business Forum is part of Fidelity Bank's broader commitment to strengthening Nigeria's SME ecosystem through access to finance, enterprise development, financial education, financial inclusion and strategic business support. It will be recalled that Fidelity Bank recently won the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) Service Ambassadors Award for the Highest Impact on MSMEs Accessing Credit for the First Time, in recognition of its contribution to deepening financial inclusion, improving access to credit and supporting enterprise growth.

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

The Bank is a recipient of several local and international awards, including the 2025 Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) Innovation Award for MSME Support; the 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, the Straight-Through Processing (STP) Excellence Award by Citi Group, and recognition by Global Brands Magazine for Excellence in Community Empowerment

2026/2027 Academic Session: How Smart School Proprietors Are Positioning for Success



On a quiet Monday morning, the proprietor of a growing private school walks through the premises of her school before the first bell rings. 

The classrooms are freshly painted, teachers are preparing their lessons, and parents are arriving with children eager to begin another academic year.

Behind the excitement of the new session is a list of urgent financial decisions.

The school needs more desks to accommodate increasing enrolment. Some computers in the ICT laboratory must be replaced. The school bus requires repairs, additional teachers must be recruited, and suppliers are waiting for payment. Beside the school is an empty plot that could become a new classroom block, if the required funding is available.

Her school is growing, but its financial resources must grow with it.

This is the reality facing many private school owners in Nigeria as the 2026/2027 academic session begins. Enrolment is increasing, and parents expect better facilities, stronger security, modern technology and improved learning outcomes. However, school fees are collected at specific periods, while many important expenses must be settled before students return.

For smart school proprietors, the question is no longer simply how to raise money. The more important consideration is how to find the right financial partner and access a school loan that supports sustainable growth.



Why Growing Schools Need the Right Financing

Every successful school begins with a vision. It may start with a few classrooms, a small team of teachers, and a proprietor determined to transform lives through education. Over time, the school earns the confidence of parents, attracts more students, and becomes an important part of its community.

With success comes greater responsibility. More students may require additional classrooms, furniture, teaching materials, school buses, technology, security infrastructure, and qualified staff. A school may also need to renovate existing facilities, introduce new programmes, or establish another campus.

Delaying these investments can restrict enrolment, reduce competitiveness, and affect the quality of education provided to students.



This is where Fidelity Bank comes in.

Fidelity EduLoan. Tailored Financing for Schools in Nigeria

The Fidelity EduLoan is designed to meet the unique financial needs of educational institutions and other stakeholders within the Nigerian education sector.

Through the solution, eligible schools can access tailored financing to support operating expenses, upgrade infrastructure, acquire educational resources, and manage cash flow more effectively.

The Fidelity EduLoan is available as a short-term loan or overdraft facility. Its repayment terms are structured around school fee collection cycles, helping proprietors manage the difference between when expenses arise and when fees are received.

Subject to applicable terms and credit assessment, the Fidelity EduLoan can support classroom renovations, school furniture, teaching materials, computers, technology equipment, school buses, books, uniforms, generators, salaries, operating expenses, new buildings, and facility expansion.

For proprietors preparing for resumption, important development plans do not necessarily have to wait until every school fee has been collected. With proper records, sound planning, and an appropriate financing structure, schools can approach the new academic session with greater confidence.

A Financial Partner That Understands the School Calendar

Schools operate differently from many other businesses. Income is often seasonal, but expenses continue throughout the year.

Salaries, maintenance, utilities, transportation, security, and learning resources must be paid for, even when school fee collections are between cycles. This makes effective cash flow management essential for every school proprietor.

Fidelity Bank understands the financial rhythm of educational institutions.

The Fidelity EduLoan helps eligible schools sustain operations during admission, registration, resumption, and term preparation periods. It also provides a financing pathway for infrastructure development, resource acquisition, and institutional expansion.

This combination of working capital support and asset financing positions Fidelity Bank as more than a place to keep school funds. The Bank is a financial solutions partner that can help school owners plan, manage, and finance different stages of their growth.

Beyond School Loans. Building Financially Strong Institutions

A successful school requires more than access to funding. It also needs financial discipline, accurate records, reliable payment systems, effective budgeting, and a clear understanding of cash flow.

This is why the relationship between a school and its bank matters.

By working with Fidelity Bank, proprietors can build a stronger financial foundation for their institutions. They can improve transaction records, plan for seasonal obligations, manage collections, and structure funding around clearly defined business needs.

Fidelity Bank places strong emphasis on supporting small and medium enterprises through personalised service and digitally enabled banking solutions.

For school owners, this means having a financial partner that can support immediate operational requirements and longer term ambitions. The relationship may begin with preparing for a new academic session, but it can develop into support for new facilities, administrative efficiency, technology led learning, improved payment processes, and future expansion.

Supporting the Nigerian Education Ecosystem

Fidelity Bank commitment to education extends beyond school financing.

Education is a well-established focus area within the Bank corporate social responsibility approach with a range of initiatives aimed at improving educational infrastructure, creating better learning environments, and providing learning materials.

Its interventions have included back-to-school donations, financial literacy programmes, school renovations, and initiatives supporting educators and students.

This commitment reflects the understanding that supporting a school also means supporting the teachers who inspire students, the parents who invest in their children, the entrepreneurs who create employment, and the young people who will shape the future of Nigeria.

Why Smart School Owners Choose Fidelity Bank

As the 2026/2027 academic session commences, school proprietors will make decisions that could define the next stage of their institutions.

Some may postpone expansion because the required funding is unavailable. Others may continue struggling with seasonal cash flow pressures without a structured financing solution.

Smart school proprietors will prepare early, maintain accurate financial records, and work with a bank that understands the educational mission and the business of running a successful school.

Whether the priority is renovating classrooms, buying furniture, upgrading technology, acquiring a school bus, managing operating expenses, or expanding student capacity, the Fidelity EduLoan provides eligible schools with a pathway from ambition to action.

When a school grows, its impact reaches far beyond its gates. It creates jobs, strengthens communities, increases the confidence of parents, and equips another generation for success.

As the school bell rings for the new academic session, the lesson for every forward looking proprietor is clear.

With the right vision and Fidelity Bank as your financial solutions partner, the next chapter of your school can begin today.


Saturday, September 12, 2026

Plateau Cholera Outbreak

 



The Plateau State Government says it has contained the outbreak of cholera recorded in two local government areas of the state since July.

The state is winding down an oral cholera vaccination exercise in affected communities, as part of measures to prevent a resurgence of the disease; an exercise that has recorded encouraging turnout.





State Commissioner for Health, Nicholas Baamlong, says the outbreak has been successfully contained, while surveillance and preventive measures are being sustained to guard against a recurrence.

The Plateau State Government has said it would continue surveillance, monitoring and follow-up activities across affected communities to ensure the state remains cholera-free.

PCN Shuts 8 Pharmacies In Kano

 


The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has shut down an illegal drug cluster at the Groundnut Pyramid, popularly known as Dalan-Gyada, along Katsina Road, Kano.

The council’s registrar, Ibrahim Ahmed, disclosed this yesterday while addressing journalists after a four-day enforcement operation in Kano.

Ahmed, represented by the council’s head of enforcement, Suleiman Chiroma, said the cluster was shut down due to the quality, safety, and efficacy of medicines sold along the Katsina Road cannot be guaranteed.



He said the operation led to the sealing of 797 premises, including eight pharmacies, 352 patent medicine stores, and 437 illegal outlets.

The illegal premises accounted for 38 per cent of all facilities sealed due to one or more regulatory breaches.

Union Bank Customer Service Week-

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