Banking and Finance
Polaris Bank Announces New Board Appointments

Lagos, Nigeria – September 18, 2024: The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has constituted a full Board of Directors for Polaris Bank, Nigeria’s leading digital commercial retail Bank in a major transition that signals the remarkable achievements of the new management and the future of the Bank.
The Ten-man board is headed by Dr. Kassim Gidado as Board Chairman. Other Non-Executive Directors include: Dr. Akwa Effiong Okon, Mallam Ambursa Abubakar Umar, Mrs. Ayaba M. Ayo-Joseph, Mrs. Subuuade Giwa Amu, and Dr. Onosode Christopher
Dr Kassim Gidado, the new Board Chairman, is an academic with over 35 years of experience in the fields of Engineering, Project Management, and Strategic Development, he brings a wealth of expertise and a dynamic vision to the Bank’s Board. He has held prestigious roles, including Group Managing Director and Chief of Staff at MAG Group Limited, where he managed a diverse portfolio of companies across 35 countries. His extensive experience in public-private partnerships, and infrastructure development, among other strategic footprints, will be invaluable to the growth and development of Polaris Bank.
Over the years, he has advised governments and captains of industry on several strategic and policy issues in procurement, infrastructure development, and security. He recently championed the development of the North-East Stabilisation and Development Master Plan (NESDMP) for the North-East Development Commission. He produced the document that sets the Commission up in the mode for Readiness-for-Execution for the implementation
of the NESDMP until the year 2030.
A community leader of repute, Dr. Gidado is the Wazirin Jam’are in Jam’are Local Government in Bauchi State. His extensive academic, public service, and professional background will provide invaluable leadership as he assumes the role of Board Chairman.
Dr. Akwa Effiong Okon who holds a doctorate in Law, has experience as a Special Assistant on Finance and later MD at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Port Harcourt and as a Non-Executive Director of FHA Mortgage Bank Limited in Abuja, where he represented the Federal Government’s interest. A Chartered Accountant, Dr. Akwa, is an accomplished professional with a rich educational background, including attending the Senior Executive Programme on Strategy, Leadership, and Transformation at the London Business School. He holds fellowships with both the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN). He is also a lawyer. His notable roles include serving as the Managing Director and CEO of Akwa Savings and Loans Limited from 2007 to 2013, where he successfully implemented turn-around strategies for the mortgage finance institution owned by the Government of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
Mallam Ambursa Abubakar Umar is an expert in Enterprise Transformation and Development Finance with over 30 years of experience in the banking industry, including a distinguished tenure at the Central Bank of Nigeria.
With 12 years of consulting expertise, Mallam Ambursa is renowned for his strong risk management skills and extensive experience in product management across various areas including credit, liquidity, market risks, regulatory capital, and customer experience. His deep understanding and dedication to excellence, make him a valuable addition to Polaris Bank’s Board.
He holds a Master of Science in Banking & Finance from Bayero University, Kano, and a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Sokoto.
Mrs. Ayaba Ayo-Joseph has over three decades of experience in the banking industry. A member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), she brings to the Board as a Non-Executive Director a wealth of experience in Corporate Management, Business Development, and Strategy Execution.
Her track record includes serving as an Executive Director at Bank PHB, where she played a critical role and delivered transitional change between 2010 and 2011 following her appointment by the CBN. She is credited with implementing business continuity plans and driving profitability during the transition period. Her Corporate Governance and Strategic Planning footprints will ensure that Polaris Bank continues to adhere to the highest standards while pursuing sustainable growth.
She holds various professional memberships, including with the Nigeria Institute of Management (NIM), the Nigerian Bar Association, and WIMBIZ (Women in Management, Business, and Public Service.
Mrs. Subulade Giwa Amu, holds an LL.B Hons degree in Law and an MBA both from the University of Warwick, UK, and brings over 30 years of experience in financial services, real estate investment & development, and business process re-engineering across the West African region to the Polaris Bank Board. Her extensive background includes notable non-executive board positions and successful leadership roles. She is currently the Founder & CEO of Brookstone Investments and Properties.
Prior to this Board appointment, between 2010 and 2014 she held leadership positions as the Managing Director/CEO at FBN Mortgages Limited where she spearheaded the turnaround and return to profitability of the company.
Dr. Onosode Christopher holds a doctorate in Economics and energy major from Kent University, UK. He joins the Board of Polaris Bank with over 30 years of experience in business systems analysis and design, strategy and operations, project management, and policy analysis.
Onosode’s career spans significant roles and measurable impact with multinational companies and financial institutions, including Shell Petroleum, UK, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and the Debt Management Office of Nigeria (DMO). His deep sectoral knowledge and strategic insight will contribute to the drive of Polaris Bank’s operations and strategic initiatives, moving forward.
The newly appointed non-executive directors will provide support for the executive management team led by Mr Kayode Lawal and supported by the executive management team led by Mr. Kayode Lawal, Managing Director/CEO; Mr. Chris Ofikulu; Executive Director, Retail and Commercial; Mrs. Abimbola Ozomah, Executive Director, Corporate & Investment Banking and Sharafadeen Muhammed, Executive Director, Operations.
Mr Kayode Lawal is a seasoned professional with over 3 decades of experience in the Banking industry. Prior to his appointment with Polaris Bank, he had a distinguished tenure at Sterling Bank Plc, where he held the position of Executive Director in charge of Corporate & Investment Banking. He is committed to excellence and leadership in the banking industry which was evident throughout his career. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), and an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN). Additionally, he has enriched his professional knowledge through executive education programs at prestigious institutions such as; Lagos Business School, University of Oxford, Columbia University Graduate School of Business, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Mr. Chris Ofikulu is the Executive Director in charge of Retail and Commercial Banking for the bank. He possesses extensive experience in the banking sector, spanning over 30 years. Prior to his appointment by the CBN on January 10, 2024, he held the position of Country CEO at UBA Ghana and Managing Director at Diamond Pension Fund Custodian Limited.
He holds a First Class Degree in Industrial Mathematics from the University of Benin and an MBA from the University of Lagos and has over the years, attended high-impact and prestigious business training at The Wharton Business School, IESE Business School, and Lagos Business School. Additionally, he has received training in Leadership and Corporate Governance from the Henley Business School and completed the Advanced Company Direction Programme at the Institute of Directors (IoD), London.
Mrs. Abimbola Ozomah is the Executive Director in charge of Corporate and Investment Banking. She brings over three decades of experience in the banking and financial services industry, with a proven track record of driving growth and innovation. Up until April this year, Mrs. Ozomah was the General Manager and Director of Global Network Banking at Citibank Nigeria, where she headed the Specialized Industries Division as a Senior Executive.
She had overall responsibility for the Bank’s high-revenue portfolio, which comprised strategic specialized industry segments for multinational corporations across oil & gas, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, technology, digital natives, and media. Her role also included managing related value chains and selecting top-tier local corporate relationships.
She holds an MBA degree from Warwick Business School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK, and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State.
Mr. Sharafadeen Muhammed is the Executive Director in charge of Operations of the Bank. He served as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Citibank, where he oversaw significant financial operations and strategic initiatives. With over 15 years of experience in high-level finance roles, including a notable tenure at Citibank Nigeria, he has demonstrated strong strategic insight and financial acumen. A CFA charter holder with an MBA from New York University, Sharafadeen’s career began at Citigroup as Vice President of Corporate Financial Planning & Analysis. His roles at Citibank Nigeria included Head of Strategy & Business Planning and CFO. He has also attended high-level leadership training at Ivy League institutions.
The constitution of the full board, with a stronger management team and diverse board experience and expertise, reinforces the general public’s perception of Polaris Bank’s preparedness to retain a leading position in the post-recapitalization banking industry.
The new Board is also a subtle endorsement of the silent but admirable business re-engineering being done by the Kayode Lawal-led executive management.
Mr. Kayode Lawal said the diverse expertise and experience of the new board members would further enrich ongoing strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening our position as a leading digital Bank.
“We are thrilled to welcome these seasoned professionals to the board of Polaris Bank. Their diverse expertise and leadership qualities will be invaluable as we drive our strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening our position in the industry.
“These appointments mark a significant step in Polaris Bank’s journey towards achieving sustained growth and delivering exceptional value to our stakeholders,” Lawal said.
Statement from MD/CEO
“We are thrilled to welcome these seasoned professionals to the board of Polaris Bank. Their diverse expertise and leadership qualities will be invaluable as we drive our strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening the Bank as a leading Nigeria digital Bank.
“These appointments mark a significant step in Polaris Bank’s journey towards achieving sustained growth and delivering exceptional value to our stakeholders.”
Banking and Finance
Fidelity Bank set to Launch Innovative SME Hub with Creative Studios

Fidelity Bank, a leading financial institution, has announced the imminent launch of its dedicated physical facility for Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (SME) and entrepreneurs in the creative sector.
Known as the Fidelity SME Hub, the multipurpose facility features training halls, meeting rooms, networking spaces, podcast rooms as well as music, photography and content production studios.
“For nearly four decades, Fidelity Bank has been at the forefront of supporting small businesses in achieving their potential and driving the nation’s economy. During this time, we have recognized that SMEs require more than just financial assistance. This realization has led to the implementation of various non-financial initiatives tailored to support this sector.
“The Fidelity SME Hub is our latest non-financial solution for SME growth. The facility is designed to foster innovation, collaboration, and capacity-building -vital elements necessary for strengthening Nigeria’s SME ecosystem and driving economic growth”, commented Dr Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc in a chat with journalists recently.
Located at the heart of Lagos, the Fidelity SME Hub will provide entrepreneurs with networking and stakeholder engagement initiatives as well as access to industry experts and mentors for hands-on guidance and business advice. A key feature of the facility is the Creativerse, a well-equipped space for entrepreneurs in the creative industry.
The bank has also announced the launch of dedicated courses to be hosted at the SME Hub in areas such as Financial Management & Investment Readiness, Digital Transformation & Technology Adoption, Marketing, Branding, and Business Growth Strategies. Furthermore, a fully-fledged creative academy will be established to cover courses on Music Production, the Business of Music, Website Design & Development, Mobile Videography, Disc Jockey and Photography. To see a comprehensive list of available courses or to apply, please visit https://www.fidelitybank.ng/smehub/.
Explaining further, Onyeali-Ikpe said, “Beyond empowering small businesses, the Fidelity SME Hub will also serve to bolster our non-oil exports drive as we empower SMEs to increase their contribution to Nigeria’s non-oil GDP thus supporting government’s economic diversification drive. Through our investment in Creativerse in particular, we anticipate that content creators will unlock new revenue streams in entertainment, digital media, and arts, an industry already contributing 2.3% to GDP.”
Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank is a full-fledged customer commercial bank serving over 8.5 million customers through its 255 business offices in Nigeria and the United Kingdom, as well as through digital banking channels.
The bank has garnered multiple local and international awards, including the Export Finance Bank of the Year at the 2023 BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards, Best Payment Solution Provider Nigeria 2023, and Best SME Bank Nigeria 2022 by the Global Banking and Finance Awards. It was also recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2023 and the Best Domestic Private Bank in Nigeria by the Euromoney Global Private Banking Awards 2023.
Banking and Finance
Ecobank Super Reward Promo: Winners Take Home N42m in Total Prize Money

Head, Consumer Products & Segments, Ecobank Nigeria, Victor Yalokwu; one of the lucky winners of N500,000.00 in quarterly draws category, Aminat Adefaka; Head, Consumer Banking, Ecobank Nigeria, Adeola Ogunyemi; Head, Product Marketing, Ecobank Nigeria; Ejiebhen Egbomondion and Head, Corporate Communications, Ecobank Nigeria, Austen Osokpor during Ecobank Super Reward Grand Finale draws held in Lagos
Lagos, February 2, 2025 – Ecobank Nigeria, an affiliate of Ecobank Group, has awarded a total of N42 million to its customers through the Super Reward “Millionaire Geng Promo.” This six-month promotion, which ran from July 1 to December 31, 2024, saw customers of the Pan-African bank winning various monetary rewards in monthly, quarterly, and grand prize draws.
The breakdown of the rewards showed that 520 customers won N50,000 each in the monthly draws, 16 customers received N500,000 each in the quarterly draws, and 4 customers took home N2 million each in the final grand prize draws. The promo covered four regions of Nigeria: FCT & North, Lagos, Midwest and Southwest, and South-South Southeast. The draws were conducted transparently and witnessed by lottery regulatory authorities.
Speaking at the grand finale in Lagos over the weekend, Adeola Ogunyemi, Head of Consumer Banking, expressed her delight with the customers’ response to the promo, which aimed to encourage savings. She highlighted that the initiative was part of Ecobank’s strategy to reward customer loyalty and deepen financial inclusion, particularly for Nigerians in rural and semi-urban areas.
“In the last six months, we’ve seen a tremendous response from our customers,” Ogunyemi said. “People are becoming more conscious of the importance of saving. No matter how much you earn, it’s never enough. So, you have to discipline yourself. It’s not about how much comes in, but how much you can retain.”
Ogunyemi also encouraged those who haven’t opened an account with Ecobank to consider the bank as a reliable partner in their financial journey. She pointed out that Ecobank offers a range of services, including savings, loans, and investments, designed to meet a variety of customer needs.
Similarly, Victor Yalokwu, Head of Consumer Segments & Products, explained that the bank launched the promo to encourage savings while also rewarding customers. “Our goal was to cater to the mid-to-low or mass-market segments,” Yalokwu said. “We also have initiatives targeting the mid-to-high, mass affluent, and high-net-worth individuals, but this promotion was designed to be more inclusive, reaching those in the mass market.”
Winners who were contacted by phone during the draws expressed their excitement and gratitude toward Ecobank, with many pledging to continue their business relationship with the bank due to its diverse offerings.
The Ecobank Super Rewards “Millionaire Geng” promo is an exciting savings initiative designed to celebrate and reward loyal customers, providing a unique opportunity to win cash prizes while enjoying the benefits of saving with Ecobank.
Ecobank Nigeria, part of Ecobank Group, the leading pan-African banking group, offers a comprehensive range of financial services to consumer, commercial, corporate, and investment banking clients. The bank operates over 250 branches and 60,000 Xpress Point agencies across the country.
Banking and Finance
Wema Bank unveils 80th Anniversary Identity

In preparation for its 80th anniversary, Wema Bank, Nigeria’s foremost innovative bank and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has unveiled the identity for its 80th anniversary celebration. Set for Friday, May 2nd, 2025, this grand anniversary would serve as the hallmark of Wema Bank’s 80-year journey of unmatched resilience, profound impact and notable transformation from being Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank to becoming Nigeria’s foremost and leading innovative bank. Wema Bank’s impressive 80-year legacy has been one exemplified by immense growth, with the Bank evolving intelligently through the decades, embracing innovation to break new grounds and raising the standards of banking and financial services to provide an unparalleled experience for its customers and stakeholders, both internally and externally. Now on the cusp of its milestone celebration of 80 years, Wema Bank stands at its all-time strongest, proving to be a formidable force in the African financial services industry. All eyes are peeled in anticipation of what Wema Bank will bring on in the coming weeks, as its 80th anniversary celebrations begin to unfold.
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