Press Release
Apelogun Congratulates Tinubu, Says Okada Remains Cheapest Means Of Commuting After Subsidy Removal
Temidayo Babalola
Amb. (Prince) Adebayo Samsudeen Apelogun, the National President of Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle and Tricycle Owners, Repairers and Riders Association of Nigeria ACOMORAN, and GMD of Allrounder Groups, has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR on his victory at the Tribunal.
In a press release from his office, Apelogun asked the President and particularly the Honourable Minister of Transportation, Sa’idu Alkali to properly harmonise and strengthen every sub-sector of the transportation industry as Commuters now see motorcycles and tricycles as the cheapest means to their transportation needs, cushioning the effect of petrol subsidy removal, while the riders also see it as a source of livelihood, reducing the level of unemployment in the country.
He said, “We introduced uncompromisable enforcements mechanism to regulate riders’ attitude, adherence to Safety, compliance to traffic regulations, proper identification of riders and effective monitoring their operations to ensure local and national security is not breached.
“The Ministry of Transportation should foster collaboration with the Motorcycle and Tricycle Riders Association to create a special registration number with Riders’ codes that can be easily verified through any Mobile Telephone Network provider. The workability has being carefully explained on our website (www.acomoran.org), the adoption of the idea by the present government will give the transport sector a better operational leverage compared to what it was several years ago”
“Lagos Blue Rail line project and the Abuja Metro Line forms part of the standard transport systems, however, the use of Motorcycles for public transportation which started in Nigeria in the 1970’s in about 5 States, before spreading to Lagos and other States in the 1980s can not be undermined especially in the rural communities where road network are very poor and almost non existent where the food basket of Nigeria is located.
“The fact remains that Commercial motorcycles and tricycle unions rank among the front-liners in revenue generation in some states as well as one of the highest employers of labour in Nigeria considering the over 25 million membership strength. Hence, the importance of the impactful standardisation of the union which Prince Apelogun has embarked upon in the last five years.
“The transportation sector of any economy is always its backbone. This is the network that connects every part of a country together, it connects homes to religious gatherings, connects farms to markets and even connects students’ accommodation to schools however, Public transport is a critical means by which citizens can effectively access goods and services across the expanse of today’s cities.” Apelogun said.
The National President has religiously ensured that the Ministry of Transportation and other management staffs are carried along with the activities of the union in order to foster collaboration, evident in the timely and regular exchange of ideas and brainstorming on areas of interest with a view to building the transport sector and improving the union.
Apelogun, who is well known to many as “All Rounder” given the thick and thin he has been through in the days of core and the capacity to rise to prominence in the union, is believed to have a magic finger with a calm and gentle mien of achieving any set goal. Without delay, he put the machinery in motion to ensure he doesn’t disappoint his teeming supporters and well-wishers by commencing a nationwide consultation across the 36 states to find ways out of the woods for the union.
It is on record that under this dispensation in the ACOMORAN, all the 36 state chapters, including the Federal Capital Territory, are functioning effectively without any scores to settle with their respective state governments. This is due to the dynamic leadership of the man at the helm of the affairs of the union. Under the watch of Alhaji Apelogun, the union successfully conducted elections in Ogun, Oyo, and Osun states and successfully put new leaders in place.
It is on record that there had never been a time in the history of ACOMORAN before now that the union had a better relationship with relevant government agencies such as this. The Apelogun-led administration has been able to move ACOMORAN closer to government agencies in a way that has placed the entire union at a vantage point.
However, the efforts of the present leadership of ACOMORAN have changed public perception about commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators.
In Nigeria today, Alhaji Adebayo Shamsudeen Apelogun is without doubt writing his name in gold with his sterling leadership qualities through which he is driving the affairs of ACOMORAN for greater opportunities across the country and beyond the shores of Nigeria. And it would not be out of place to say that a model for other transport unions in the country is here!
News
Fidelity Bank Empowers SMEs With Business Management Systems
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have been encouraged to adopt digital tools to enhance their operations and drive sustainable growth.
This call was made during the Fidelity SME Empowerment Program 2025, held on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at the bank’s dedicated SME Hub in Gbagada, Lagos.
The event, which drew a large turnout of entrepreneurs and stakeholders, marked the official launch of Fidelity Bank’s initiative to equip 100 growth-ready SMEs with ERPRev-enabled POS systems and business support tools—at no cost to the beneficiaries.
Welcoming guests, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Managing Director/CEO of Fidelity Bank Plc, represented by Mr. Stanley Amuchie, Executive Director/Chief Operations and Information Officer, emphasized the bank’s commitment to SME development:
“At Fidelity Bank, we believe SMEs are not just the backbone of our economy—they are the architects of innovation, resilience, and inclusive growth. Through the Fidelity SME Empowerment Program (FSEP), we are providing 100 entrepreneurs with the tools, training, and support they need to thrive in today’s digital economy.”
Through the initiative, benefiting businesses will receive: a fully-installed POS desktop system, ERPRev business software, receipt printer and barcode scanner, inventory data input support, financial and bookkeeping training, branding and onboarding support, six months of post-installation monitoring; and a free Fidelity POS with instant settlement.
The three-day program features high-impact trainings, masterclasses, and networking opportunities designed to spark innovation, build partnerships, and unlock new markets.

L – R: Divisional Head, Product Development, Osita Ede; Executive Director -Lagos and SouthWest, Ken Opara (both of Fidelity Bank Plc); Chief Executive Officer, Manmark, Adaonah Kene-Uyawune; Executive Director/Chief Operations and Information Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Stanley Amuchie; Deputy Director and Lagos State Manager of SMEDAN, Bunmi Kole-Dawodu; and Divisional Head, Brands and Communications, Fidelity Bank Plc, Meksley Nwagboh; at the Fidelity SME Empowerment Program 2025 in Lagos, recently.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Adaonah Kene-Uyawune, CEO of Manmark -Fidelity Bank’s strategic partner, noted, “This digital transformation initiative is a game changer. It replaces manual bookkeeping with a unified system that simplifies accounting, inventory, HR, and profitability tracking. These tools are not handouts—they are instruments for long-term business success.”
According to the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, SMEs make up 96% of all businesses in the country, employ over 80% of the workforce, and contribute nearly 50% to the national GDP. Despite their critical role in the economy, many still rely on manual processes that hinder efficiency and limit access to finance.
Fidelity Bank’s intervention is therefore both timely and strategic—providing SMEs with the digital tools and support they need to streamline operations, improve transparency, and unlock new growth opportunities.
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.
Press Release
Polaris Bank Commits To continuous Investment In Journalism Excellence
Polaris Bank is set to host the 2025 edition of its Annual Media Capacity Seminar on July 17, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
This year’s seminar is themed: “Empowering Journalists in the Digital Age: Storytelling, Tools & Transformation”, and will feature two distinguished facilitators: Taiwo Obe, Founder and Director of Journalism Clinic, and Abayomi Adisa, a Senior Journalist with the BBC.
Now in its 11th year, Polaris Bank’s Media Capacity Seminar has grown into a flagship media education initiative supporting journalism excellence and professional development across Nigeria. Since its inception in 2015, the program has trained over 5,500 journalists, equipping them with the contemporary knowledge and tools needed to thrive in an evolving media landscape and AI era.
The 2024 edition, held in a hybrid format, recorded over 500 participants and focused on “Integrating AI Tools in Contemporary Media Practices for Innovation and Excellence.” Participants gained insights into data journalism, fact-checking, multimedia storytelling, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence in the newsroom.
Building on last year’s success, the 2025 edition will explore critical aspects of modern journalism, including digital storytelling, transformative newsroom practices, and emerging tools that can help journalists remain relevant in practice and impactful in today’s information age.
Attendance at the seminar is free, but registration is mandatory. Interested participants can still register via bit.ly/PAMC2025.
Polaris Bank remains committed to promoting responsible journalism through robust, consistent and premium media education and investing in initiatives that foster a more informed and progressive society.
Press Release
Union Bank Strengthens Public-Private Partnership At Maiden International Civil Service Conference
Union Bank, one of the nation’s most respected financial institutions, reinforced its commitment to national progress as a proud partner of the inaugural International Civil Service Conference held on June 25 and 26, 2025 at the Eagle Square Arena, Abuja.
The conference, themed “Rejuvenate, Innovate & Accelerate,” convened civil servants, policymakers, and development partners to drive reforms and digital transformation in Nigeria’s public service.
Organised by the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation and the Global Government Forum UK, the conference highlighted critical priorities such as strong inclusive leadership, fostering an agile and digital culture, and effective public service delivery structures that transcend organisational silos. These closely align with Union Bank’s expertise in delivering innovative digital banking solutions and supporting public sector efficiency.
In a statement to the media, Mannir Ringim, Executive Director, North and Public Sector, said: “At Union Bank, we believe in the transformative power of public-private partnerships. Our support for this landmark conference underscores our dedication to modernising Nigeria’s civil service through innovative financial solutions and digital platforms that foster transparency and efficiency.”
Union Bank’s participation reflects its leadership in public sector collaboration, and this support for the International Civil Service Conference attended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and senior public sector leaders from across Africa, reinforces the Bank’s role as a key enabler of Nigeria’s development and sustainable economic growth.
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