Banking and Finance
Polaris Bank Champions Financial Literacy During Global Money Week At NANA College, Warri Warri, Delta State
The event, held within the school premises, witnessed an impactful engagement led by Mr. Andrew Komori, the Group Head of Polaris Bank, who represented the MD/CEO at the event. Addressing a hall packed with enthusiastic students and faculty members, Mr. Komori delivered a compelling lecture on financial literacy, emphasizing its critical role in shaping a secure and prosperous future.
He explained that financial literacy is not just about knowing how to spend money, but understanding how to make informed decisions, avoid debt traps, and build long-term wealth.
According to him, “Financial literacy empowers you to take control of your future. It is a life skill that helps you plan, protect, and grow your money wisely.” One of the highlights of the session was Mr. Komori’s explanation of the fundamental difference between saving and investing.
Using relatable examples, he illustrated that saving involves setting money aside for short-term needs or emergencies, often in a bank account, while investing is the act of putting money into vehicles like stocks, mutual funds, or businesses with the expectation of generating returns over time. He urged the students to develop both habits early, noting that each plays a vital role in achieving financial stability.
He further emphasized that saving is important, but investing is what will set individuals up for long-term financial success. Mr. Komori also stated that achieving financial freedom requires a combination of earning, saving, and smart investing.
The event was designed to be engaging and participatory. Following the lecture, there was a highly interactive session where students eagerly asked questions and shared personal experiences. The facilitator responded with clarity and encouragement, helping the students understand real-life applications of the financial principles discussed.
The vibrant interaction underscored the curiosity and readiness of young Nigerians to learn about money and how it works. Both the faculty and students expressed their gratitude to Polaris Bank for the impactful session.
Mrs. Madamedon, the Principal of NANA College, thanked Polaris Bank for facilitating the event, saying, “On behalf of the entire school, I would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to Polaris Bank for investing in the future of our students. This session has equipped them with vital skills that will serve them throughout their lives. Financial literacy is key to success, and we are grateful to be a part of this initiative.”
Mrs. Onakufe, the Vice Principal, also expressed her gratitude, adding, “We are excited that Polaris Bank chose our school for this important event. The knowledge shared today has already sparked conversations among our students, and we believe this will have a lasting impact on their financial decision-making as they grow into adulthood.”
In addition to NANA College, Polaris Bank also visited several other schools across Nigeria, including Excel International School, Damaturu, Baptist High School, Ede, Christ the King Excellent Academy, Lokoja, and Graceland International School, Ogotun Ekiti with a mandate to visit at least one school in each state.
These sessions have helped extend the Bank’s financial literacy outreach to a larger group of students. The students also shared their excitement, describing the session as “eye-opening” and “life-changing.”
Polaris Bank continues to demonstrate its commitment to youth empowerment through various financial literacy initiatives targeted at secondary schools and higher institutions across Nigeria. The Bank believes that a financially literate population begins with equipping the youth with the tools they need to make smart financial decisions.
Global Money Week is an annual global awareness campaign organized to inspire young people to learn about money matters, livelihoods, and entrepreneurship. With this year’s theme focusing on “Think before you follow, wise money tomorrow,” Polaris Bank’s initiative at NANA College and other schools aligns perfectly with the global mission to build financially responsible generations.
Banking and Finance
Wema Bank’s 5 for 5 Rewards Delivers ₦17.96 Million to 273 Customers in One Month
One month after launching Season 5 of its flagship 5 for 5 Rewards campaign, Wema Bank has rewarded 273 customers with a total of ₦17.96 million, demonstrating the strong early impact of its refreshed customer rewards platform and reinforcing its commitment to rewarding everyday banking.Launched on May 2, 2026, as part of the Bank’s 81st anniversary celebration, this season of the campaign introduced a more structured and inclusive rewards framework designed to encourage positive financial habits while recognising customer loyalty across the Youth, Women and Mass Market segments.The season opened with a special anniversary activation at Ikeja City Mall, where 81 customers received ₦81,000 each, resulting in ₦6.56 million in rewards on launch day. Since then, the campaign has continued to reward customers through daily and monthly draws, with an additional 192 winners emerging within the first month.Across the Youth segment, 37 students have received rewards worth ₦4.4 million, including 20 students who received ₦50,000 PocketMoni rewards and 17 university students who received ₦200,000 each in Tuition Support.The Women segment also recorded strong participation, with 12 customers receiving ₦150,000 each through the #SelfCare category, while the Mass Market segment recorded the highest number of winners. Within the first month, 120 customers received daily cash rewards, and 23 customers won ₦200,000 each in the monthly draw, bringing total rewards in the category to ₦5.2 million.Commenting on the campaign’s early impact, Wema Bank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Moruf Oseni, said; “At Wema Bank, we believe loyalty should be rewarded in ways that are meaningful, transparent and accessible. The response to Season 5 of the 5 for 5 Rewards campaign has been encouraging, and seeing hundreds of customers benefit within just one month reinforces our belief that everyday banking should create everyday opportunities. Beyond rewarding transactions, we are encouraging positive financial habits while delivering real value to our customers. He added; “This is only the beginning. With more reward categories, more winners and more opportunities still ahead, we remain committed to creating meaningful impact for our customers and ensuring more Nigerians experience the value of banking with Wema.”Customers can participate by opening or reactivating a Wema Bank account, funding it with a minimum of ₦5,000, maintaining an average monthly balance of ₦5,000, and completing at least five transactions every month using the ALAT app, Wema or ALAT cards, or *945#.With over ₦170 million earmarked for rewards between May and December 2026, thousands more customers are expected to benefit as the campaign continues, reaffirming Wema Bank’s commitment to rewarding loyalty, promoting positive financial behaviour and delivering value beyond banking.
Banking and Finance
Access Holdings reaffirms long-term value strategy at 4th AGM
Lagos, Nigeria– June 11, 2026:
Access Holdings Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to long-term value creation, financial resilience and disciplined growth, assuring shareholders that its strategic focus remains firmly on building a stronger and more sustainable institution despite a challenging operating environment.Speaking at the Group’s 4th Annual General Meeting (AGM), Chairman Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, said the true measure of a financial institution is not simply its ability to grow but its ability to do so profitably, sustainably and with discipline over time.He said the Group’s 2025 performance reflected a deliberate strategy to strengthen its long-term fundamentals while maintaining solid financial results.Access Holdings reported a Profit Before Tax of ₦1.007 trillion, supported by the strength of its diversified business model and expanding earnings across key markets. Total assets rose to ₦51.56 trillion while customer deposits recorded strong growth, reinforcing the confidence of customers and the momentum of the franchise.According to the Chairman, the results should also be viewed in the context of prudent risk management decisions taken during the year. The Group accelerated provisions on legacy and regulatory forbearance credit exposures, leading to higher impairment charges as part of a conscious effort to reinforce its balance sheet and strengthen long-term resilience.”Periods of economic uncertainty often reveal more about an institution than periods of uninterrupted growth. Our focus remains on building a business that is not only growing, but improving in the quality, resilience and sustainability of its earnings,” Aig-Imoukhuede said.The AGM also highlighted the continued transformation of Access Holdings beyond traditional banking into a broader financial services ecosystem. While banking remains the Group’s primary earnings driver, businesses spanning investment management, pensions, insurance, consumer finance and digital payments are making increasing contributions to overall performance.Growth platforms including Access ARM Pensions, Access Insurance Brokers, Oxygen X Finance and Hydrogen Payments continue to expand the Group’s presence across retirement services, consumer lending and digital finance, strengthening its long-term earnings profile.Looking ahead, Aig-Imoukhuede said the Group’s next phase of development is anchored on its “From Scale to Value” strategy.”Our strategy, From Scale to Value, reflects the natural evolution of our journey. Scale created opportunity; value creation is how we fully realise it,” he said.He added that while the Group continues to generate strong returns, its long-term objective is to ensure earnings per share consistently exceed the cost of capital while unlocking the significant unrealised value embedded within its international subsidiaries.Addressing shareholders’ concerns over dividend payments, the Board clarified that the temporary suspension of dividends resulted from regulatory compliance requirements rather than any weakening of the Group’s financial position.Aig-Imoukhuede assured shareholders that the Group’s earnings capacity remains robust and reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to resuming dividend payments once the relevant regulatory conditions have been satisfied.”Our approach is clear: capital retained today must translate into greater value tomorrow and sustainable returns for our shareholders,” he stated.The AGM also reflected continued progress in governance and leadership succession. During the year, Innocent Ike was appointed Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, while Ibironke Adeyemi joined the Board as an Independent Non-Executive Director.Shareholders equally commended Bolaji Agbede, Executive Director, Business Development, for her leadership of the management team during her tenure as Acting Group Chief Executive Officer before the appointment of Mr. Ike.The Chairman noted that the leadership transition was executed seamlessly, ensuring strategic continuity, operational stability and sustained stakeholder confidence.Despite ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties across its markets, Access Holdings expressed confidence in its strategic positioning, citing disciplined execution, a diversified business model, a strengthened capital base and a clear commitment to sustainable value creation.Reaffirming the Group’s long-term vision, Aig-Imoukhuede said: “Our responsibility is to justify the confidence of our shareholders by building an institution that endures, one defined by clarity of purpose, discipline of execution and sustainable value creation over time.”
Banking and Finance
Fidelity Bank Reaffirms Support for MSMEs, Drives Growth Agenda at SME Forum
Photo caption: L-R: Divisional Head, Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (SMEs), Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs. Ugochi Osinigwe; Executive Director, South, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs. Pamela Shodipo; and Representative of the President of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA) and Chairman of SMEs and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) Trade Group, Mr. Jack Daboikiabo; at the Fidelity Bank SME Quarterly Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, recently.
Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the growth and sustainability of Micro, Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (MSMEs), positioning itself as a trusted partner beyond traditional banking and financing.This commitment was reiterated by the bank’s management during a keynote address delivered by the Executive Director, South, Mrs. Pamela Shodipo, at the recently held SME Quarterly Business Forum in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.The Forum, themed “Scaling Trade and Distribution of Businesses for Sustainable Growth,” brought together entrepreneurs, business owners, industry experts and customers for insightful discussions on strategies for expanding businesses, strengthening distribution networks and unlocking sustainable growth opportunities in Nigeria’s evolving marketplace.In her address, Shodipo reiterated Fidelity Bank’s commitment to supporting SMEs beyond traditional banking and financing. She stated, “Our objective is clear: to help Nigerian enterprises grow, become more competitive and create sustainable value in their communities and the wider economy. We want to be more than a provider of funds; we want to be your trusted partner in growth,” she said.Further emphasising the strategic importance of the host city, the bank’s Executive Director described Port Harcourt as a critical economic hub, with significant influence across trade, logistics, marine services, manufacturing, agriculture, and the energy sector.“Port Harcourt occupies a strategic place in the economic life of Nigeria. It is a major commercial hub, a gateway to the South-South and a city whose influence extends across trade, logistics, marine services, manufacturing, agriculture and energy. Businesses here understand what it means to operate in a dynamic environment, respond to market demand quickly and keep commerce moving,” she said.Shodipo maintained that, the Forum’s theme was particularly relevant given the vital role trade and distribution businesses play in connecting producers to consumers, supporting supply chains, creating jobs and sustaining livelihoods.“Trade and distribution businesses play a critical role in the Nigerian economy. They connect producers to consumers, support supply chains, create jobs and sustain livelihoods. In the South-South, this role is even more significant because the region remains one of the vital arteries of commerce in Nigeria, with strong links to ports, industrial activity, wholesale trade and regional distribution networks,” she remarked.The bank’s Executive Director also highlighted initiatives such as the Fidelity Nigeria International Trade and Creative Connect (FNITCC), which connects businesses to international markets like the UK and US, as well as partnerships with the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and Lagos Business School through the Export Management Programme, alongside the Fidelity SME Hub for advisory support.In her remarks, Mrs. Ugochi Osinigwe, Divisional Head, Small and Medium-scale Enterprises, Fidelity Bank Plc, said the forum was designed to provide business owners with actionable insights and valuable networking opportunities that can accelerate growth.“SMEs remain the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, and at Fidelity Bank, we are deliberate about creating platforms that expose entrepreneurs to knowledge, innovation and opportunities that help them build resilient and scalable businesses. This forum reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting SMEs beyond banking by equipping them with the tools and connections needed to thrive in today’s competitive environment,” Osinigwe said.She encouraged participants to leverage the Bank’s various SME-focused initiatives, advisory services and digital solutions to strengthen their operations and position their businesses for long-term success.Participants at the forum commended Fidelity Bank for creating a platform that addresses real business challenges and provided practical solutions.One of the participants, Mr. Andy Macozi, praised the initiative, saying, “The forum was timely and informative. The discussions addressed challenges many business owners face daily, and I believe more entrepreneurs will benefit if Fidelity Bank continues to organize such seminars and knowledge-sharing sessions.”Also speaking, Chief Uche Aham, an oil and marine services entrepreneur, described the forum as insightful and impactful.“I commend Fidelity Bank for bringing together business owners to learn and exchange ideas. The sessions were practical and insightful. It would also be helpful if participants could receive comprehensive materials from the forum for future reference and implementation,” he noted.The Fidelity Bank SME Quarterly Business Forum is the latest of the bank’s initiatives aimed at empowering entrepreneurs, fostering innovation and driving sustainable economic development across Nigeria.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
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