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Entrepreneurs commend Polaris Bank, Facebook on capacity building initiative
A cross-section of business owners who participated in the just-concluded capacity building programme organised for SMEs have commended Polaris Bank and social media giant Facebook for giving them the free opportunity to acquire new skills on how to grow their businesses, leveraging technology.
The virtual digital marketing seminar, which had over 5000 SMEs as participants in its phase 1 and 2 ran for days in each session. The programme is in fulfilment of the bank’s commitment to empower Nigerian SMEs. The workshop was designed to help them explore and learn new ways to grow their businesses, especially in the era of COVID-19 pandemic, which has further emphasized the need for digitization of business processes.
The sessions dwelt on how to build an online presence with Facebook, the discovery of tools to drive business, systemic ways on how to find customers on Instagram, and subsequently information on how to Create Facebook Adverts.
Commenting on the benefits of the empowerment programme, the Group Head, Products and Markets Development of Polaris Bank, Adebimpe Ihekuna, disclosed that the bank’s move was to equip SMEs on how to leverage social media tools to generate marketing leads and sales.
Ms Adebimpe said, “The free empowerment training and partnership is part of Polaris Bank’s effort to contribute to driving SMEs businesses in the digital space.”
She further noted, “For SMEs to remain relevant in their line of business, Entrepreneurs must position to level up with the challenges of the digital world to scale to the next level”.
On his part, the founder/CEO at DIGIVATE 360, Segun Oyetunji, partner to the bank on the “Boost With Facebook Programme” spoke of his delight about the on-going success of the partnership with Polaris Bank on boosting the digital capacity of SMEs in Nigeria over the years.
“We are immensely grateful to Polaris Bank for the opportunity to collaborate!”
Speaking after the session, Adedeji Adewale, a detergent manufacturer from Akure, Ondo State, was full of commendation for the bank. He revealed that the wealth of knowledge provided during the training is comprehensive enough to understand the dynamics of digital business.”
He also stated the need for more digital marketing training.
Another participant, Kadiri Mohammed, a shop owner at Balogun market in Lagos praised Polaris Bank and Facebook for making it possible for her to acquire knowledge on “social media marketing.”
“This programme which attracted the participation of the SME community in Nigeria drew attendance from the 6 geopolitical regions of the country.
Polaris Bank is a future-determining bank committed to the delivery of industry-defining products for individuals and businesses.
A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.
One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.
Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.
In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”
He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.
“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.
He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.
The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
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