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Polaris Bank Champions Accelerating Action at International Women’s Day Seminar
Polaris Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment through its International Women’s Day (IWD) Seminar, themed: “Accelerating Action: Breaking Barriers & Creating Equal Opportunities”.
The event provided a platform for thought leaders, professionals, and advocates to emphasize the urgent need to accelerate action towards gender equality by breaking barriers and creating equal opportunities for women across all sectors.
Speaking at the event, Polaris Bank’s Executive Director, Mrs. Abimbola Ozomah conveyed greetings from the Managing Director/CEO, Management, and Staff of the Bank, highlighting the importance of the day. “International Women’s Day is a moment to recognize the remarkable achievements, contributions, and struggles of women throughout history and across all sectors of society.
However, it is also a call to action. This year’s theme, ‘Accelerate Action,’ urges us to take swift and decisive steps toward achieving gender equality by breaking down systemic barriers and biases that hinder women’s progress.”

Cross Section of Secondary School Students who attended Polaris Bank’s IWD Seminar held in Lagos
Reinforcing Polaris Bank’s commitment to gender inclusivity, Mrs. Ozomah, stated, “At Polaris Bank, we believe that real progress happens when organizations go beyond conversation and actively implement policies that support women’s growth. Empowering women and ensuring their inclusion in every sphere of society, is at the core of our values. This seminar is part of our broader mission to create an inclusive and equitable society for all.”
The seminar featured an insightful conversation with industry experts who shared practical strategies for overcoming systemic barriers, fostering leadership opportunities, and enhancing financial inclusion for women.
In her experience sharing session, Ayaba M. Ayo-Joseph, a Non-Executive Director with Polaris Bank, advocated that women should be supportive of each other, stating, “We as women should help each other and not bring each other down. These efforts should not be restricted to just International Women’s Day or a day just in March. This should be practiced all the time. She also shared 8 Ways to Accelerate Action for women’s empowerment.
Economic independence for women, stepping out into leadership roles as we need more women in leadership positions, advocating for gender-friendly workspaces, being a mentor to uplift others, practicing self-care, creating safe spaces for women, collaborating with other women to build strength in unity, and being digitally savvy to leverage technology for growth. She concluded her session with a powerful reminder to womenfolk saying: “The change we wish to see starts with us. Let’s keep pushing the boundaries and support each other as we go.”
Mrs. Subulade Giwa-Amu, a Non-Executive Director, Polaris Bank, stated the role of character and purpose in achieving success, saying, “Success is built on character, resilience, and purpose. Challenges will arise, but integrity is the key to overcoming them.” She also highlighted the importance of financial independence and self-investment, adding, “Financial independence starts with vision and focus. Work-life balance is essential, but prioritization is crucial at different stages of life.”
She further advised women to continuously invest in themselves, saying, “Invest in yourself, continuous learning and personal growth are non-negotiable for success.” Speaking on women’s empowerment, she urged collaboration over competition: “There is room for everyone at the top. Women must support and uplift each other, rather than compete unnecessarily.”
Tolulope Makinwa-Adeniyi, Executive Director, Muazu Africa, reiterated the power of relationships and personal development: “Relationships are invaluable. Express admiration, nurture connections, and build a network that will open doors for you.” She also encouraged personal growth, saying, “Do the hard things, growth comes from embracing challenges, stepping out of comfort zones, and pushing beyond limitations.”
She further stressed the importance of Mastery, stating, “Mastery is power. Stay ahead by continuously upgrading your skills, embracing new technologies, and refining your expertise”. Calling for a mindset shift, especially amongst the school girls from the five selected schools in Lagos state present at the event. She remarked, “The ‘Cinderella Complex’ must end—women don’t need to be saved; they need to take charge of their own destinies.”
Ndidi Ukaonu, MD/CEO of Parthian Partners, called for action over conversation: “It’s time to move beyond discussions about gender equality and start implementing real change.” She encouraged individuals to define their impact and take ownership of their success, challenging them to ask, “What am I known for? What legacy am I building? How am I contributing to change?”
She also reinforced the need for confidence and taking initiative, saying, “Stop waiting for permission to be great—own your power and walk in it.” Closing with a rallying call, she urged participants to, “Accelerate action, break barriers, and create opportunities. The world is waiting for you to step up. The time is now”.
Polaris Bank remains steadfast in its mission to drive change, ensuring that women are not only heard but also empowered to lead.
News
Oyo 2027: Adelabu Quits As Power Minister To Focus On Guber Race
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu has formally resigned from his position in the Federal Government to pursue his governorship ambition in Oyo State.
In a resignation letter dated April 22, 2026, and addressed to the President, Adelabu stated that his resignation will take effect on April 30, 2026, to enable him to focus on his governorship ambition in Oyo State.
The letter, routed through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, stated that he was stepping down with “a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude.”
He wrote, “I write with a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude to formally tender my resignation as the Honourable Minister of Power of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This resignation is to take effect on 30th April 2026, in order to allow sufficient time for a smooth and orderly handover of responsibilities.”
Adelabu thanked the President for the opportunity to serve, describing his appointment as a privilege.
He said, “Your Excellency, I remain sincerely grateful for the privilege and confidence you reposed in me by appointing me to serve our great nation in this capacity.
“It has been a rare honour to contribute to national development under your leadership and to play a role in advancing reforms in the power sector—one of the most critical foundations of Nigeria’s industrial growth and economic transformation.”
The former minister said his resignation was to enable him focus fully on his governorship ambition in Oyo State, citing provisions of the amended electoral law.
He added, “My decision to step down is informed by my intention to focus fully on my gubernatorial ambition in Oyo State. This aspiration, which dates back to 2016 during my service as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, ultimately led to my voluntary resignation from the Central Bank in 2018 in order to pursue the same goal.”
“In line with the provisions of the Amended Electoral Act 2026, which preclude political office holders from contesting elections, I consider it both appropriate and necessary to resign at this time.”
Adelabu’s exit marks a major political development ahead of the next electoral cycle, particularly in Oyo State, where he is expected to contest the governorship election.
News
Wale Edun, Musa Dangiwa Resigned Voluntarily, Not Sacked – Presidency
The Presidency has clarified that Wale Edun (former Finance Minister) and Ahmed Musa Dangiwa (former Housing Minister) voluntarily resigned from their positions and were not sacked by President Tinubu.
In a statement released this evening April 22, presidential media aide, Bayo Onanuga, said that contrary to public opinions, Wale Edun resigned on health grounds while Dangiwa also tendered his resignation and thanked the President for the opportunity given him to serve in the Federal Executive Council.
Onanuga stated that Edun, who clocked 70 on Monday and has battled recent ill health, fittingly submitted his resignation letter on his birthday, thanking the President for the opportunity to serve Nigeria.
“It has been a pleasure and privilege to serve your administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda, Under your leadership, Nigeria has emerged stronger, more resilient and more internationally respected. I wish you and the administration every success in the future” he wrote
Onanuga stated that on Tuesday, before the Office of the Secretary of the Government of the Federation announced his departure from the Cabinet, Edun paid a valedictory visit to the President at the Villa and held an hour-long discussion with the president and then left to focus on his private businesses.
The presidential aide stated that President Tinubu has expressed deep appreciation to Edun and Dangiwa for their dedicated service and significant contributions to the administration’s economic reform programme and wished them continued success in their future endeavours.
‘’In the same vein, the President has urged the new Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, to consolidate ongoing reforms and advance the administration’s fiscal and economic objectives with renewed focus, discipline, and innovation.
President Tinubu will shortly send the ministerial nominee for housing, Muttaqha Rabe Darma, also from Katsina, like Dangiwa, to the Senate for confirmation” the statement concluded
News
Unity Bank, Experts Advocate Green Investment, Climate Innovation To Drive Economic Resilience
Nigeria’s retail lender, Unity Bank Plc, alongside leading climate innovation experts, has called for increased investment in the green economy and the adoption of frontier technologies as critical pathways to driving economic resilience and reducing the impact of climate change on vulnerable populations across Africa.
The call was made during a thought-provoking webinar hosted by the Bank to commemorate this year’s Earth Day, themed “The True Cost of Climate Change and Who Pays?”. Climate experts and stakeholders convened to examine the human, economic, and institutional costs of climate change, while spotlighting practical solutions to address its growing impact.
In his opening remarks, Unity Bank’s Head of Strategy and Innovation, Ibukun Coker, emphasised the urgency of addressing climate risks from both a societal and business perspective.
He said: “Climate change is no longer a distant or abstract challenge. It is an existential threat with direct consequences for individuals, businesses, and economies. At Unity Bank, we recognise the role institutions must play in incorporating sustainability in project financing, supporting businesses and promoting solutions that build resilience in communities where we operate.”
The webinar featured Chinwe Udo-Davis, Founder and CEO of Instollar, and Oluwatosin Ajide, Programme Manager at the Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre, both of whom provided insights into the drivers of climate change and the pathways to mitigation and adaptation.
Speaking during the session, Udo-Davis highlighted the disproportionate burden which climate change places on underserved communities and the need for inclusive solutions.
“The true cost of climate change is not evenly distributed. Communities with the least resources are often the most affected, whether through energy poverty, environmental degradation, or limited access to sustainable alternatives. Addressing this imbalance requires intentional investment in clean energy solutions that are both accessible and scalable.”
Ajide underscored the importance of coordinated, system-wide approaches in tackling climate challenges, particularly through innovation and policy alignment.
“Climate change is fundamentally a structural problem, and its solution requires a paradigm shift: from innovation and policy to financing and implementation. Stakeholders must work collaboratively to drive solutions that are sustainable and inclusive.”
The session also explored emerging opportunities in climate technology, renewable energy, and ecosystem financing, reinforcing the role of innovation and cross-sector collaboration in building long-term resilience.
By hosting the webinar, Unity Bank continues to demonstrate its commitment to advancing sustainability-focused dialogue and supporting initiatives that promote responsible growth and environmental stewardship.
The initiative underscores the Bank’s broader strategic focus on environmental sustainability as well as its commitment to financial inclusion.
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