NEWS
Polaris Bank Pledges Continuous Partnership with NDLEA to Combat Drug Abuse, Trafficking, and Money Laundering
Photo caption:Polaris Bank’s MD with Executive Directors of the bank alongside the NDLEA team during their courtesy visit to the bank recently.
Lagos, Nigeria, April 21, 2025: Polaris Bank has reaffirmed its unwavering support for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the fight against drug abuse, trafficking, and money laundering in Nigeria and beyond.
The pledge was made by the Bank’s Managing Director/CEO, Kayode Lawal, during a courtesy visit by a 15-member NDLEA management team to the Bank’s headquarters in Lagos last Wednesday.
Polaris Bank has been a longstanding supporter of NDLEA’s mission, sponsoring advocacy initiatives, and media campaigns, and providing tools and infrastructure to aid the agency’s operations.
Speaking during the visit, Mr. Lawal emphasized that the partnership is rooted in shared values and social responsibility, stating, “The essence of Polaris Bank is not just profitability but fulfilling a moral obligation to society. Our collaboration with NDLEA underscores our commitment to combating crime and protecting our communities.”
He further noted that the Bank’s social responsibility efforts go beyond compliance, highlighting Polaris Bank’s resolve to deepen its partnership with the NDLEA in addressing pressing societal issues.
In appreciation, the NDLEA delegation decorated Mr. Lawal for his and the Bank’s outstanding contributions in supporting the agency’s objectives.
The Bank’s Chief Compliance Officer (CCO), Charles Oso, was also honored for his leadership in maintaining strong compliance and anti-money laundering systems within the Bank.
The NDLEA team, led by the Director of Assets and Financial Investigation, representing the Chairman/CEO, Dr. Ibrahim Abdul, praised Polaris Bank’s consistent partnership and advocacy efforts, especially in supporting drug rehabilitation programs across Nigeria.
The agency acknowledged that under the leadership of Brigadier General Buba Marwa (retired), NDLEA has made significant progress through advocacy, enforcement, and support services, including the establishment of free toll lines for drug-related assistance.
The NDLEA representative lauded the enduring relationship with Polaris Bank, citing the Bank’s meaningful impact in boosting the agency’s operational effectiveness and strategic initiatives.
Polaris Bank’s efforts were recognized as pivotal in enhancing the national response to drug-related crimes, with the NDLEA noting that the Bank stands out as a committed private sector partner in tackling drug abuse and financial crimes.
Present at the reception were Polaris Bank’s Executive Directors: Chris Ofikulu, Abimbola Ozomah, and Sharafadeen Muhammed, who joined the MD in welcoming the NDLEA delegation.
Polaris Bank, named Nigeria’s Digital Bank of the Year from 2021 to 2024, remains committed to driving inclusive growth, empowering communities, and fostering a safer society.
NEWS
Africa Caught Off-guard as Idris Elba Stuns with FIFA World Cup Message
SuperSport viewers across Africa were left stunned when normal programming was suddenly interrupted by Hollywood star Idris Elba, who delivered a message saying “Everything else can wait.”Millions of DStv and GOtv viewers across Africa experienced the surprise interruption during prime-time viewing on 15 April 2026 at 7pm, including in the middle of live sport broadcast. Screens abruptly went black before a countdown appeared, followed by a familiar silhouette.It was Idris Elba.Ten Of Us NowThe award-winning actor addressed Africa directly with a message celebrating a historic football moment. Ten African nations have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the most ever.“There are ten of us now,” Elba said in his unmistakable gravelly voice. “I honestly don’t care which one of us wins. I just want to see African football light up the world stage.”“My mum is from Ghana, my dad is from Sierra Leone. But my heart is African,” said Elba, a global superstar who remains deeply connected to the continent. “That’s why I’m watching. Every. Single. Game.”Africa’s Greatest World Cup?The FIFA World Cup 2026™, hosted across Mexico, Canada and the USA, will see Africa represented by Ghana, South Africa, Senegal, Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire and DR Congo.It is a milestone tournament, and SuperSport on DStv and GOtv is positioning itself as the home of every kick, goal and celebration.“History doesn’t always tell you when it’s going to happen,” Elba continued. “But I’m here to tell you where it may happen. SuperSport. Only on DStv and GOtv. Everything else you thought you were going to be doing… it can wait.”Energetic Big Brother Mzansi star Smash Afrika and the ever-stylish host of Big Brother Naija, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, are also starring in the wider DStv and GOtv FIFA World Cup campaign.Every Match, Every ScreenAll 104 FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches will be available live on SuperSport across DStv, DStv Stream, GOtv and GOtv Stream.Viewers can follow the tournament through satellite TV or stream on phones, laptops and smart TVs, depending on their preference and connectivity.Coverage will also include local language options, including pidgin, making the tournament more accessible to audiences across the continent.The World Cup kicks off on 11 June 2026 with the opening ceremony in Mexico City, live on SuperSport. From the opening match to the final, fans across Africa will be able to follow every moment.
NEWS
Governor Dauda Lawal Receives Nigerian Air Force Delegation in Gusau to Strengthen Security, Combat Terrorism
Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal P.hD, received a high-level delegation from the Nigerian Air Force during a strategic visit aimed at strengthening ongoing efforts to combat insecurity across the state.
The visit featured a presentation and inspection of key military air assets, including a combat-equipped helicopter designed for rapid response and real-time operations.
The Governor, alongside top government officials and security chiefs, was briefed on the aircraft’s capabilities, operational features, and its role in tackling banditry and other security challenges.
During the session, Air Force personnel demonstrated key features of the aircraft, including weapon systems and surveillance technology, highlighting its effectiveness in reconnaissance and combat missions.
Governor Lawal expressed strong interest, inspecting the equipment and asking questions about deployment and coordination with ground forces.
He commended the Federal Government and Air Force leadership for their commitment to restoring peace in Zamfara and reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to supporting all security agencies through collaboration and strategic initiatives.
The visit marks a significant step toward enhancing aerial surveillance and rapid response capabilities in Zamfara, reflecting renewed progress in addressing insecurity in the state.
NEWS
Governor Dauda Lawal Approves 120-Day Rapid Intervention Plan to Revamp Zamfara’s Educational Sector
Governor Dauda Lawal has approved a 120-day Rapid Intervention Action Plan aimed at addressing systemic failures in Zamfara State’s education sector.
The Governor presided over the State Executive Council meeting on Monday at the Government House in Gusau, where key decisions were taken.
During deliberations at the 65th Council meeting, issues related to education, health, works, and other sectors were discussed and approved.
The Council endorsed a 120-day rapid intervention plan built on prior diagnostic activities conducted by the Ministry of Education and the Education Quality Assurance Agency (EQAA). The plan, presented by the overseeing Commissioner for Education, Abdulmalik Abubakar Gajam, includes payroll audits, school mapping exercises, and infrastructure assessments. It proposes targeted, time-bound interventions across governance, infrastructure, digital transformation, teacher development, and student welfare.
The Council also approved the formation of a joint committee to immediately assess all illegal or unapproved structures built around schools in the state, with a view to relocating them and securing school environments. The committee will be led by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MOEST).
Additionally, the Council approved a single, unified Education Sector Bill (covering Early Childhood Care Development Education to Tertiary level), to be developed in consultation with stakeholders including agencies, institutions, civil society, traditional rulers, and development partners. A draft bill will be presented to the State House of Assembly for enactment within the emergency timeframe.
The Governor further approved the transfer of non-teaching staff—such as messengers, labourers, gardeners, cooks, guards, drivers, health workers, and artisans—from the Ministry’s payroll to appropriate MDAs (CPG, MoH, Establishment) or private firms.
Among other important issues, the Council approved the composition of the Zamfara State Steering Committee on the State of Emergency on Education and authorised the Committee to constitute a Technical Working Group (TWG) and co-opt stakeholders including the NUT, UNICEF, UBEC, traditional and religious leaders, private school proprietors, and CSOs.
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