Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, has extended its flagship women empowerment programme, “Give Her Power”, to Ikorodu, Lagos State, empowering over 30 women with vocational tools to support their businesses and improve household income. The Ikorodu outreach, which marks the third phase of the Initiative’s nationwide rollout, saw the distribution of 12 sewing machines, 15 grinding machines among other items, to beneficiaries drawn from Ikorodu Central, Ikorodu West, and Ikorodu North Local Government Areas. Speaking at the event, Fidelity Bank’s Regional Bank Head, Victoria Island, Mr. Nnamdi Edekobi, who…
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EFCC Arrests Ex-Skye Bank Chairman Tunde Ayeni Over Alleged N36.54bn, $30m Fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested former chairman of the defunct Skye Bank Plc, Tunde Ayeni, over alleged money laundering, misappropriation, and diversion of funds totalling N36.54 billion and $30 million. It was gathered that Ayeni was arrested in Abuja on Thursday and is currently being held at the EFCC’s detention facility as investigations intensify into the high-profile financial scandal. Sources familiar with the case disclosed that the arrest followed months of probe into the alleged diversion of funds obtained from Polaris Bank through multiple entities linked…
Read MoreLaffmattazz Partners with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for 2026 International Tour Expansion
Laffmattazz, one of Nigeria’s foremost comedy and live entertainment brands, is pleased to announce its official partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for the highly anticipated Laffmattazz 2026 International Tour, themed “Next Chapter: A New Season of Laughter.” Now in its 15th year, Laffmattazz—the brainchild of renowned Nigerian comedian Gbenga Adeyinka (Gbenga Adeyinka 1st)—has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, celebrated for its seamless fusion of comedy, music, and live stage performances. The 2026 tour, which kicked off on Easter Sunday, April 5th, 2026 at the Jogor Centre, Ibadan, marks…
Read MoreMREIF is Better: FirstBank’s Mortgage Loan Is the Game-Changer for Home Ownership in Nigeria
Anyone who has tried to get a loan to buy a house in Nigeria knows the drill: endless forms, property valuation, and eventual down payment of a minimum 25% or more on the property. Sometimes, interest rates could go as high as 30% per annum, while the typical loan limit is N50 million. Now, FirstBank is making homeownership more attractive. FirstBank, in partnership with the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), has introduced the MREIF Home Loan. MREIF loan is a game-changer, offering a single-digit interest rate of 9.75% per annum,…
Read MoreHow Titan Trust Bank Allegedly Used Union Bank Assets to Secure $300 Million Acquisition Deal
What was sold to Nigerians in May 2022 as a clean and powerful takeover is now looking like something far more troubling. When Titan Trust Bank announced it had acquired Union Bank of Nigeria, a 100+ year-old institution, the story was simple: a young bank buying a legacy giant. But fresh documents are now pointing to a shocking twist that raises serious questions about how the deal was actually done. According to findings, Titan Trust Bank allegedly secured a $300 million loan from African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) to fund the…
Read MoreBanking the Economy That Actually Exists
There is a version of the Nigerian economy that the banking sector has always served well. It is the economy of salaried professionals, corporate treasurers, documented collateral, and monthly pay cycles. It is the economy that fits neatly into conventional credit models, standard account structures, and the risk frameworks that Nigerian banking inherited from its colonial and post independence institutional architecture. That economy is real, and serving it matters. There is another version. It is the economy of the cooperative chairwoman in Ogun whose members pool contributions weekly. The textile…
Read MoreFirstBank Partners Ekiti State Government on Launch of Innovation Enterprise Support Fund
FirstBank, West Africa’s premier financial institution and the leading financial inclusion service provider, is proud to announce its partnership with the Ekiti State Government in launching the Innovation Enterprise Support Fund, a groundbreaking initiative designed to empower startups, scale tech-enabled businesses, and accelerate innovation-driven economic growth across the state. The programme provides funding, mentorship, and market access to high-potential enterprises, with a focus on strengthening Ekiti’s innovation ecosystem, creating jobs, and supporting youth, women, and underserved communities. Notably, at least 40 percent of the fund has been reserved for female-led…
Read MoreIMF Warns of Tough Economic Times Ahead for Nigerians Amid Rising Inflation and Fiscal Pressures
The International Monetary Fund has issued a stark warning about Nigeria’s economic outlook, cautioning that citizens may face more difficult times as the country grapples with persistent inflation, currency instability, and fiscal challenges. In its latest assessment of Nigeria’s economy, the IMF noted that while recent reforms by the Federal Government of Nigeria—including fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange liberalisation—are steps in the right direction, they are likely to intensify short-term hardship for millions of Nigerians. The global financial institution highlighted rising food prices, high transportation costs, and weakened purchasing…
Read MoreFidelity Bank Extends “Give Her Power” Initiative to Ogun State, Empowers 100 Women with Vocational Tools
In a bold demonstration of its commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable development, leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc has extended its recently launched “Give Her Power” initiative to Ogun State, empowering 100 women with vocational tools designed to strengthen their economic independence and boost household income. The outreach is part of the Bank’s nationwide rollout of the initiative, which was unveiled earlier in March during the signing of strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with partner organisations to commemorate the 2026 International Women’s Day. The event, which held at the…
Read MorePolaris Bank celebrates 58 New Hires from its flagship PGIT, PTIP as CEO charge them to Keep Learning, Keep Evolving
Polaris Bank has graduated 58 exceptional new hires from its flagship Polaris Graduate Intensive Training (PGIT) and Polaris Tech Ignite Programme (PTIP), reinforcing its commitment to building world-class talent in Nigeria. The ceremony, attended by senior leadership and invited guests, celebrated a highly selective cohort drawn from over 10,000 applicants – placing them among the top 0.58% who successfully made the cut. The milestone underscores the bank’s rigorous standards in identifying and grooming future leaders. Addressing the graduates, Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Kayode Lawal, delivered a compelling charge centered on continuous…
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