Business
Fidelity Bank Reaffirms Support for Digital Innovation in Africa

Leading financial institution -Fidelity Bank PLC -has restated its devotion to support the development of the African technology sector to actualize its potentials. This was revealed at the Africa Technology Expo (ATE 2024) which took place over the weekend.
Held at the Landmark Event Center, Victoria Lagos, the well-attended event provided an avenue for African businesses to display their creativity and gain opportunities in the competitive tech industry.

L – R: Chief Innovation Officer, Africa Technology Expo, Nnaemeka Clinton; Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology in Lagos State, Olatubosun Alake; Executive Director and Chief Risk Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Kevin Ugwuoke; and Vice President, Ventures and Ecosystem, Africa Technology Expo, Cynthia Chisom; at the 2024 Africa Technology Expo (ATE 2024) which took place over the weekend in Lagos.
In her keynote speech at the event, Dr Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe,OON, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, stated that Fidelity Bank is rapidly implementing a digital-based retail-banking strategy by creating an SME business hub to facilitate networking and collaboration among startups, content creators and other digital entrepreneurs.
“At Fidelity Bank, we are convinced that Africa can be the hub of emerging technology and we encourage stakeholders to close ranks to tackle the two main constraints to start-ups tech growth, namely: lack of investment -an internal issue, and inadequate support -an external issue.
“This informs our decision to partner with SPARK Africa and other stakeholders to host the African Technology Expo -a platform for start-ups and participants to meet with investors, growth partners and network amongst leaders in the industry. We are convinced that the 2024 edition can kickstart Africa’s Digital transformation and spur growth across communities and economies. Fidelity Bank seeks to water the seeds for this Digital transformation and we are delighted to host tech start-ups aligned with this purpose”, explained Dr Onyeali-Ikpe, who was represented by the bank’s Executive Director and Chief Risk Officer, Mr. Kevin Ugwuoke.
Speaking earlier at the event, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology in Lagos State, Olatubosun Alake, highlighted the State’s intervention in the technology and innovation industries while acknowledging the role of tech startups in driving economic growth and social development.
On his part, the Chief Innovation Officer of the Africa Technology Expo, Nnaemeka Clinton, pointed to the commendable growth and innovation within the African tech industry in his welcome address, noting that, “From the wider tech landscape of the African continent to the busy hubs of Accra and Lagos, we have witnessed relentless innovation that is shaping our future.”
He acknowledged the challenges faced by startups, including competition and the need for more support, but stressed the resilience and potential of African tech entrepreneurs.
Ranked as one of the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank is a full-fledged commercial bank with over 8.3 million customers serviced across its 251 business offices in Nigeria and the United Kingdom as well as on digital banking channels.
The bank has won multiple local and international awards including the Export Finance Bank of the Year at the 2023 BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards, the Best Payment Solution Provider Nigeria 2023 and Best SME Bank Nigeria 2022 by the Global Banking and Finance Awards; Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2023; and Best Domestic Private Bank in Nigeria by the Euromoney Global Private Banking Awards 2023.
Business
Interswitch Leadership Visits FIRS Executive Chairman to Deepen Strategic Collaboration

The leadership of Interswitch Group, one of Africa’s leading integrated payments and digital commerce companies, recently paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, at the FIRS Headquarters in Abuja.
The Interswitch delegation was led by the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mitchell Elegbe, and the Board Chairman and Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London, Sir Ken Olisa. Also present at the meeting was the Chief of Staff to the Executive Chairman and Coordinating Director of the FIRS Strategic Management Office, Tayo Koleosho.
The visit served as an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between Interswitch and the FIRS, reinforce ongoing collaboration, and reiterate Interswitch’s commitment to responsible corporate citizenship and support for national development efforts.
Speaking concerning the visit, Elegbe, remarked:
“We recognise the critical role that the FIRS plays in shaping Nigeria’s fiscal landscape, and we are honoured to engage at this level. At Interswitch, we see our work not just through the lens of innovation, but also through the responsibilities that come with growth. This visit reflects our belief that public-private partnerships are essential to building sustainable progress in the digital economy.”
The courtesy visit reflects Interswitch’s continued efforts to maintaining strong, transparent relationships with key regulatory institutions, while contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic advancement. Interswitch remains committed to building solutions that support national objectives, aligning innovation with compliance, and driving transformation across Africa’s financial ecosystem.
Business
First Asset Management Limited Surpasses ₦1 Trillion in Assets UnderManagement

Lagos, Nigeria – May 2025 – First Asset Management Limited, a leading investment
management firm in Nigeria and a subsidiary of First HoldCo Plc., has announced a significant
milestone, the company has surpassed ₦1 trillion in Assets Under Management (AUM).
This achievement reflects the firm’s steadfast commitment to delivering exceptional client
service and strong investment performance. It also underscores the trust and loyalty shown
by its clients, partners, and stakeholders, which have been instrumental in driving the
company’s sustained growth.
Speaking of the milestone, Ike Onyia, Managing Director of First Asset Management Limited,
credited the accomplishment to the enduring support of the firm’s clients and stakeholders.
“This milestone is a clear indication of the confidence placed in us by our clients and partners.
It highlights the firm’s ability to deliver successful investment outcomes and reinforces its
dedication to fulfilling its mandate,” Onyia said.
He went on to express deep appreciation to the firm’s clientele: “The continued partnership
of our clients is not taken for granted. Their commitment has been pivotal, and the
performance of their investments inspires the team’s dedication to providing best-in-class
service. As the firm continues to grow, it remains focused on deploying innovative and
forward-looking investment strategies tailored to each client’s financial goals.”
Business
FBNQuest Trustees Limited Hosts Estate Planning Summit in Port Harcourt

L-R: Head, Private Trust, FBNQuest Trustees, Rotimi Obende; Group Head, Wealth Management and Investment Advisory, FirstBank Nigeria – Private Banking, Dike Nze-Dike,; Head, Marketing and Business Development, FBNQuest Trustees, Abimbola Ajinibi; Acting Managing Director, FBNQuest Trustees, Babajide Fetuga; Private Trust Specialist, FBNQuest Trustees, Mutiat Olatunji and Head, Trust Investment and Strategy, FBNQuest Trustees, Yosola Odunaiya at the Estate Planning Summit recently held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Lagos, Nigeria, April 2025 – FBNQuest Trustees Limited, a subsidiary of First HoldCo Plc, provider of trust solutions to individuals, corporate and government institutions, recently hosted its inaugural Estate Planning Summit in Port Harcourt.The maiden event, themed: Wealth Preservation and Transfer without Hassle, was organised to strategically enlighten and empower the participants with the necessary knowledge required to seamlessly manage and successfully transfer their assets and legacies to their beneficiaries.Speaking at the event, the Acting Managing Director, FBNQuest Trustees, Babajide Fetuga, stressed the critical importance of seeking professional guidance on estate planning, preservation and transfer of wealth to successive generations and other beneficiaries. He stated that a professionally drafted estate plan gives no room for any form of ambiguity; hence, it provides clear directives on what to do at any time.‘’The potential consequences of not having an estate plan include perennial family disputes and protracted court cases, which may result in a huge financial burden and foster long-lasting resentments among loved ones if proactive steps are not undertaken to protect individuals, families and loved ones from avoidable stress.‘’Understanding the values of wealth preservation is crucial. It is vital to recognize the importance of having a strategic estate planning blueprint, and we are determined to educate you with knowledge that not only informs but inspires you to take the necessary actions as you move forward,” he added.FBNQuest Trustees is dedicated to promoting effective estate planning solutions. The company has a track record of successfully hosting estate planning summits in Abuja, Lagos, Minna and Ibadan and continues to emphasize the importance of thoughtful planning through initiatives like the Legacy Series Campaign and the Legacy Room podcast.The summit featured industry experts who delivered valuable insights on the significance of wealth preservation and transfer, addressing the residents of Port Harcourt and its environs. The discussions focused on practical approaches and proactive measures attendees can adopt to manage their estates effectively and minimize potential future challenges.For further information, please contact: privatetrust@firsttrustees.com or 08103893744.
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