E-Financial
Polaris Bank, NCF take tree planting initiative to Kano
Polaris Bank has taken its tree planting initiative aimed at nationwide land restoration to Kano State working in partnership with the Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF).
Polaris Bank ED, Chris Ofikulu, & TASUED Dep VC, Prof. Adekunle Adeogun receiving the 3 tree species from the NCF Project Officer in Ijagun, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State on Monday.
The commemorative tree planting activity was held at Ajingi Community Reserve, Kunkurawa, Kano on Friday, August 30, 2024.
Recall that the Bank’s tree planting scheme commenced commemorating World Environment Day in June. The 2024 theme focuses on “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience.” The initiative took off at the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijagun, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.
In his goodwill message, Mahmud Kawu, Polaris Bank’s Divisional Head, North, representing the MD/CEO, expressed the Bank’s unwavering commitment to the tree-planting initiative, highlighting how deeply it aligns with their values and dedication to a greener future.
“At Polaris Bank, sustainability is more than a catchphrase; it’s the core of who we are. We are on a dedicated journey to uphold this ethos with conviction. Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in every aspect of our operations, from promoting responsible banking and empowering communities to tackling environmental challenges and driving economic growth.
We ensure that every decision we make, from investments to day-to-day operations, is rooted in strong Environmental, Social, and Governance principles (ESG)”.
Kawu explained that the partnership between the Bank and the NCF is borne out of its conviction to the Foundation’s dedication to encouraging sustainable economic growth and appreciating the importance of environmental preservation. He also encouraged residents to be key to the scheme to bring about sustainable environmental preservation.
“Today’s tree planting Initiative at Ajingi Community Reserve, Kunkurawa in collaboration with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) is a testament to our commitment to environmental sustainability. The NCF, a renowned non-governmental organization dedicated to sustainable development and nature conservation in Nigeria. Polaris Bank shares its dedication to encouraging sustainable economic growth and appreciating the importance of environmental preservation.
This project aligns perfectly with the theme of the World Environment Day and in addition to reducing carbon footprints and enhancing our natural ecosystem, it aims to raise public awareness about the importance of environmental preservation.”
Kawu highlighted the benefits of the Bank’s tree-planting initiative to include the restoration of degraded areas, prevention of soil erosion amongst others.
“The benefits of our tree-planting initiative cannot be overemphasized. It contributes significantly to the restoration of degraded areas, the prevention of soil erosion, and the enhancement of the bio-diversity of the area. Additionally, by absorbing CO2 and helping to regulate the climate, trees play a crucial role in reducing overall carbon footprints.
“In conclusion, the tree-planting project is a testament to Polaris Bank’s dedication to environmental stewardship and community well-being, promoting a greener future through corporate responsibility,” he noted.
The Senate on Wednesday adopted the harmonised conference committee report on the four tax reform bills.
The resolution of the Senate followed its consideration and approval of the recommendations of the conference committee of both chambers set up to harmonize the Bills.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance and leader of the Senate delegation in the conference committee, Senator Mohammed Sani Musa, presented the report.
The four tax reforms Bills which were transmitted to the National Assembly in November last year by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu include: The Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (SB. 583); Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (SB. 584); Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2025 (SB. 585); and Nigeria Tax Bill, 2025 (SB. 586).
In recognition of its exceptional contributions to innovative financial solutions for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Fidelity Bank Plc has been awarded the 2025 Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) Innovation Award in the Deposit Money Bank (DMB) category.
This prestigious accolade celebrates Fidelity Bank’s commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by MSMEs, a vital segment in Nigeria’s economic growth.
Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, MD/CEO of Fidelity Bank Plc, commented on the award, reaffirming the bank’s dedication to empowering Nigerian entrepreneurs: “At Fidelity Bank, innovation is at the heart of our strategy to support MSMEs.
“This recognition underscores our commitment to developing scalable, inclusive, and technology-driven financial solutions that create positive outcomes for our nation’s entrepreneurs. We are honored to receive the DBN award and dedicate it to our loyal customers for their continued support.”
The award was presented at the 2025 Service Ambassadors’ Awards ceremony in Lagos, themed ‘Enhancing Partnership for MSME Resilience and Growth.’ Tony Okpanachi, Managing Director of DBN, emphasized the importance of financial institutions in transforming unbankable ideas into viable businesses through advisory services.
“You, our partners, are acknowledged and celebrated for your outreach to entrepreneurs and businesses seeking to scale. We appreciate you for your role in converting unbankable ideas into bankable businesses,” Okpanachi stated.
He noted that the award aims to recognize partners who make a significant impact, focusing on storytelling and the positive changes they bring to Nigeria.
This award joins a series of landmark initiatives by Fidelity Bank aimed at supporting MSMEs. Earlier in May, the bank signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to facilitate the expansion of Nigerian MSMEs across Africa.
Additionally, Fidelity Bank launched the Fidelity SME Hub in Gbagada, Lagos—a multifunctional facility equipped with training halls, meeting rooms, networking spaces, and studios for music, photography, and content production.
This hub is designed to foster innovation, collaboration, and capacity-building, essential elements for strengthening Nigeria’s SME ecosystem and driving economic growth.
Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.
The Bank is the recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine.
Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.
United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Africa’s Global Bank, has launched a new feature called Advance Top-Up on its USSD banking platform *919#, which is designed to provide instant access to airtime and data for its customers especially when they are out of call credit or disconnected from the internet.
The new feature which was unveiled at the UBA head office in Marina recently, allows customers to borrow airtime or data directly from their mobile devices, offering a fast, dependable solution.
Shamsideen Fashola, group head, Retail and Digital Banking, UBA, who spoke during the official launch, described the feature as a timely addition to the bank’s digital offerings and a testament to the its customer-first approach.
“At UBA, we are constantly looking for ways to make banking and everyday services more accessible for our customers. With the launch of Advance Top-Up on our USSD platform, *919#, we are giving our customers the power to stay connected without interruption, regardless of time, location, or airtime balance,” Shamsideen said.
UBA’s Advance Top-Up which is now live on *919#, joins a wide range of services on the platform, which include airtime and data purchases, money transfers to UBA and other banks, account balance checks, card blocking and freezing, online transaction controls, bill payments, and more.
Fashola emphasised the simplicity and convenience of the solution, adding that “You don’t need to download an app or visit a data centre. Just dial *919#, follow the prompt, and you’re immediately connected. It’s simple, fast, and reliable.”
Alero Ladipo, Bank’s Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communication, added that the feature was developed based on real feedback from customers and their evolving needs.
“Our users asked for a way to stay connected when they have no airtime, and as always, we have come up with a quick solution, right there on their phones, instantly, with no fuss, and no need for internet connectivity. Whether for emergency communications or business continuity, *919# puts instant connectivity in every customer’s hands,” she explained.
She explained that only recently, the bank unveiled its newly improved Point of Sale (POS) Terminal as well as the UBA MONI App to redefine the digital payment landscape and empower small and Medium Scale Enterprises across Africa.
Firm Reports a 48% Increase in Malicious Packages Threatening Software Supply Chains
Senate Passes Harmonised Report on Tax Reform Bills
FG to Provide High-fibre Internet in 12 Universities by Year End
The Silent Killer of Great Companies: A Guide To Why Your Processes Will Break (and How to Fix Them)
EFCC Witness Admits Writing Off Arik Air’s $2.3M Debt Amid N76Bn Fraud Trial
E-Financial2 days agoEFCC Recovers over N20Bn Stolen by Hackers from 6 Banks in Nigeria
Telecom2 days agoEngr. Ikechukwu Nnamani Receives Two Prestigious @ABoICT Awards
Telecom2 days agoFG to Deploy 80 Percent of 7000 Telecom Towers to North
E-Financial2 days agoUBA Launches *919# Advance Top-Up Feature for Instant Access to Customers
E-Financial2 days agoPonzi Scheme Operators Risk N10m Penalty, Others- IST Chair
News2 days agoEFCC Recovers Funds, Arrests Suspects in N1.3 Trillion CBEX Crypto Fraud
E-Financial2 days agoCourt to Deliver Judgment in NIBSS’ Suit against CBN, Others over BVN Database Management
General News2 days agoGoogle I/O 2025 Showcases Temu’s Innovations in Digital Shopping with Web UI Primitives