Lagos, October 13, 2025 – Ecobank Nigeria says the ongoing “Fela Kuti: Afrobeat Rebellion” exhibition reflects its belief in the transformative power of art and culture to inspire change across Africa.

Speaking at the event, Omoboye Edu, Head of SME at Ecobank Nigeria, described the exhibition as one of the many ways the bank continues to promote African creativity and innovation.

“Hosting Afrobeat Rebellion at EPAC aligns with our mission to showcase the continent’s creative energy. We are proud to celebrate Fela’s legacy and the vibrant spirit of Afrobeat in a space that inspires dialogue, imagination, and progress,” she said.

She explained that the three-month exhibition, which celebrates the life, music, activism, and enduring influence of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, opened on October 12 and will run until December 28, 2025.

Beyond the music and memories, the exhibition speaks to Ecobank’s broader commitment to economic growth through the creative sector. By providing platforms like EPAC, the bank continues to nurture collaboration, entrepreneurship, and cultural exchange, which are all vital to building a thriving creative economy in Africa.

At the opening ceremony, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu applauded Ecobank for its unwavering support of Nigeria’s creative industry. Represented by Mrs. Bukola Agbaminoja, CEO of the Lagos State Film & Video Censors Board, the Governor noted that Ecobank’s involvement in Afrobeat Rebellion reflects its long-standing dedication to nurturing the country’s artistic and cultural heritage.

“By hosting this exhibition, Ecobank reaffirms its belief in the power of art and culture to drive economic development. The bank understands that creativity is not just an expression of identity; it’s a force that can reshape communities, build industries, and spark innovation,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, Laurent Favier, Consul General of France in Nigeria, described Afrobeat Rebellion as an inspiring blend of cultural diplomacy and artistic reclamation, praising Ecobank and its partners for championing the project.

“Supporting this exhibition in Lagos reflects our belief that culture is a bridge between nations. It builds on the success of the earlier Paris edition, celebrating Franco-Nigerian collaboration and honouring Fela’s enduring legacy,” he noted.

Supported by the French Embassy in Nigeria, Ecobank, and other partners, the exhibition highlights Fela’s dual legacy, as a revolutionary musician and fearless political visionary.

The opening night came alive with performances by Ezra Collective, Seun Kuti and several others. These performances set the tone for a season of artistic exploration inspired by Fela’s Afrobeat revolution.

Other highlights of the three months exhibition include, the Talks — a thought-leadership series featuring Yeni Kuti, Prof. Oyeronke Oyewumi, Falana, Ade Bantu, Minna Salami, and Kadaria Ahmed — and Kalakuta Cinema, a film series curated by S16 Collective, showcasing films like Music is a Weapon, Mami Wata, Timbuktu, and Finding Fela.

For younger audiences, the Young Rebels’ Corner offers an engaging creative hub for children aged 6 to 15, with workshops such as the Rebel Scrapbook, Jam Station, and Anikulapo Design Workshop — nurturing a new generation of imaginative thinkers.

The programme also features Karatu Book Readings, Manifesto: The Weapon of the Future, Òrò Abamì Spoken Word Competition, and Dance for Freedom, a movement workshop by The Mud Art Company.

Open to the public, Afrobeat Rebellion invites visitors to experience Fela’s legacy not only as a musician but as a symbol of courage, creativity, and social change — reinforcing Ecobank’s belief that when art is empowered, society is transformed.

L – R: Seye Otite, Media Relations Officer; Tolulope Rojaiye, Team Member, Brand & Communications Division; Meksley Nwagboh, Divisional Head, Brand & Communications; Stanley Amuchie, Executive Director/Chief Operations and Information Officer (all of Fidelity Bank Plc); Christopher Bajowa, President, Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria; and Omonsegho Ibironke, Team Lead, Events and Business Promotions, Fidelity Bank Plc; at the BusinessDay Bank and Other Financial Institutions’(BAFI) Awards 2025 where Fidelity Bank bagged the awards for the Best Bank for Export & Trade Finance and Most Innovative Bank of the Year recently.

Fidelity Bank’s market leadership has been affirmed once again as the tier-one lender bagged double honours at the BusinessDay Bank and Other Financial Institutions’(BAFI) Awards 2025.

At the awards ceremony, which was held at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos on Saturday, 11 October 2025, Fidelity Bank was presented with the awards for the “Best Bank for Export & Trade Finance” and “Most Innovative Bank of the Year”.

Dedicating the Export and Trade Finance Award to its customers, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe,OON, who was represented by the Executive Director/Chief Operations and Information Officer, Stanley Amuchie, said, “This recognition underscores our unwavering commitment to promoting non-oil exports and supporting Nigerian businesses to compete globally through initiatives such as the Fidelity International Trade & Creative Connect (FNITCC) and the Export Management Programme (EMP).

“I dedicate this award to all our exporters who continue to showcase the best of Nigeria to the world, our loyal customers, and our partners for their steadfast support.”

The BAFI Awards is the benchmark of distinction for institutions in the Nigerian financial services sector. Now in its 12th year, the awards recognise and celebrate organisations that are excelling in the delivery of financial services in Nigeria. The award acknowledges organisations demonstrating leadership, vision and impact in driving Nigeria’s growth trajectory.

Fidelity Bank’s recent recognition is attributed to significant accomplishments over the past twelve months. Notable milestones include the inauguration of the first privately constructed onshore oil export terminal in Nigeria in fifty years at the Otakikpo Marginal Field, which was funded by Fidelity Bank and commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu last week. Additionally, the Bank launched the Fidelity SME Hub, a multipurpose facility designed to support small businesses through innovation, collaboration, and capacity-building initiatives.

Furthermore, Fidelity Bank organized the third edition of the Fidelity Nigeria International Trade & Creative Connect (FNITCC) in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, in September 2025. This event provided local businesses with opportunities to engage in deal rooms with U.S. buyers, including prominent retailers such as Walmart and Target, fostering potential partnerships.

“The innovation award is a special one for us as it validates our continued drive to enhance operational efficiency, elevate customer experience, and strengthen business performance. We sincerely appreciate BusinessDay Media for this recognition and reaffirm our commitment to introducing more impactful innovations that empower our customers and advance the Nigerian financial services industry”, commented Amuchie.

Lagos, Nigeria – October 10, 2025: Polaris Bank has restated its dedication to delivering exceptional customer experience as it successfully concluded activities marking the 2025 edition of Customer Service Week themed “Mission: Possible.”

The week-long celebration, which ran from Monday, October 6 to Friday, October 10, was filled with engaging customer appreciation activities and staff recognition initiatives across the Bank’s branches and digital channels.

Throughout the week, Polaris Bank celebrated its customers with giveaways, appreciation messages, and interactive engagements across its touchpoints, reaffirming its commitment to continuously improving service delivery. Employees were also recognised for their outstanding contributions to service excellence, underscoring the Bank’s belief that exceptional service begins with an empowered and motivated team.

Speaking at the close of the celebration, the Managing Director/CEO of Polaris Bank, Kayode Lawal, thanked customers for their loyalty and trust, describing them as the driving force behind the Bank’s commitment to excellence.

“Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. Their feedback, trust, and partnership inspire us to keep improving and delivering value every day. This week reaffirms that great service is not just a goal, it’s our way of life at Polaris Bank,” he said.

Mr. Lawal noted that the Customer Service Week provides an opportunity for reflection and renewal of the Bank’s promise to serve with consistency, empathy, and excellence.

Polaris Bank staff across the country also participated in internal learning and engagement sessions designed to enhance their customer interaction skills and promote a culture of service leadership.

The global Customer Service Week, celebrated annually in the first week of October, recognises the vital role of customer service professionals and the impact of service excellence on business growth. For Polaris Bank, this year’s celebration reinforced its belief that with dedication, innovation, and teamwork, great service is always a “Mission Possible.”