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Polaris Bank, Partners support 16,000 Students to reduce Out-of-School Children in Nigeria

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1 year ago

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… Distributes school essentials to 1,000 students across 10 public schools in 5 states

Polaris Bank, in partnership with key stakeholders, has reaffirmed its commitment to combating the alarming rate of out-of-school children in Nigeria.

Through its targeted interventions, the Bank has ensured continuous education for over 15,000 students, providing them with the opportunity to learn, thrive, and contribute to a better future.

While the initiative primarily focuses on empowering the girl child, male students in the targeted schools were not left out reflecting the project’s inclusive approach.

Polaris Bank’s collaboration with strategic partners has further strengthened its efforts to combat the scourge of out-of-school children in Nigeria. Since 2020, these collaborative efforts have ensured continuous education for 16,000 students, showcasing the transformative impact of teamwork in fostering positive societal change.

The initiative which includes empowering young learners with brain training techniques and emotional intelligence education alongside making and distributing school essentials (bags, uniforms, sandals, books, and pens) aligns with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4 which ensures inclusive and equitable quality education for all, is targeted at Nigeria’s most vulnerable communities, where over 20 million children lack access to basic education, according to UNESCO.

This phase of the initiative targeted schools across diverse regions of the country, providing needed school essentials such as; school bags, sandals, uniforms, books, and pens to students. Research has shown that the lack of one or two of these basic school essentials has been a significant barrier to school enrolment, contributing to the alarming number of the scourge of out-of-school children in Nigeria.

Polaris Bank’s Managing Director/CEO, Kayode Lawal speaking on the education initiative charged students to embrace opportunities that education offers saying that the intervention is in line with the Bank’s ongoing sustainability efforts aimed at reducing Nigeria’s current out-of-school children population and increasing access to quality education, especially for the girl-child.

As part of its broader mission, Polaris Bank between November and December 2024 visited eight schools across various states, including Opebi Junior Grammar School in Lagos, National High School Arondizuogu; Iheme Memorial Secondary School; Akokwa High School in Imo State, Government Girls Secondary School, Kundila in Kano, Fortune Secondary School in Kogi, and Government Day Junior Secondary School, Maitama in Abuja, with that of Gbaja Junior and Secondary School, both in Surulere, Lagos moved to mid January 2025.

The program aims to support 50,000 students by 2028, building on its current impact of 16,000 students across nine states.

Beyond the provision of school essentials to indigent students of public schools, the initiative also embeds the Brighter Minds Programme, a transformative project bringing innovative brain-training techniques and emotional intelligence education to young learners.

This program has achieved remarkable milestones, expanding access to a holistic learning approach that builds resilience, focus, and confidence in students.

Each pilot group represents a new step in the journey of empowering young minds with life skills, made possible by the unwavering support of Polaris Bank, partners like EvolveCSR, schools, and parents.

Complementing this educational intervention, is the Inspire Teachers Training Program, a 3-day value-based education initiative aimed at equipping teachers with critical soft skills and alternative teaching methodologies.

This program explores topics such as heartful teaching, facilitation techniques, heterogeneous learning strategies, effective communication, heart-centered education, self-connection, and moral skill development.

Teachers who complete the program receive certificates and are encouraged to share their knowledge by training peers, fostering a ripple effect that promotes a soft-skills-driven approach to education.

While the initiative has made significant strides, the final batch of schools to be visited—Gbaja Girls Junior and High Secondary School, Surulere, Lagos — has been postponed to January 2025. This adjustment highlights the Bank’s commitment to ensuring no child is left behind in its drive to provide access to quality education.

Polaris Bank remains resolute in its mission to bridge educational gaps, ensuring a brighter future for Nigeria’s youth through impactful and sustained interventions.

By empowering students and supporting educators, the Bank continues to lead efforts to transform the lives of Nigeria’s future leaders.

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Fidelity Bank Empowers SMEs With Business Management Systems  

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6 months ago

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July 24, 2025

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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.

 

 

 

 

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Press Release

Polaris Bank Commits To continuous Investment In Journalism Excellence

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6 months ago

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July 15, 2025

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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.

 

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Press Release

Union Bank Strengthens Public-Private Partnership At Maiden International Civil Service Conference 

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6 months ago

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July 8, 2025

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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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