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Sterling Bank Introduces Free Bus Rides for Nigerians…

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.…doubles down on its push for Free Bank Transfers

After sparking a national movement with its Zero Transfer Fees campaign, Sterling Bank has once again pushed the boundaries of what corporate citizenship can mean to everyday Nigerians.

Last week, regular Lagosians stepping out after long workdays were met with an unexpected gift: Sterling OneBank-branded buses waiting to take them home, free of charge.

Starting as a push against bank transfer fees, the initiative has now taken to the streets, as the bank began offering free bus rides to customers across major Lagos corridors, a gesture that will continue through May 2025 to ease the return of workers after the May Day holidays.

For a city where a single bus fare can be the difference between feeding a family or not, Sterling’s free ride initiative struck a deep chord. What began with free transfers through its OneBank platform has now evolved into a movement on wheels, connecting digital convenience with real-world survival. In a time of skyrocketing costs, the bank is reaffirming a simple belief: financial freedom should not end at the removal of bank charges, it should move you, carry you, and lift you.

Across Lagos, from Obalende to Ikorodu and TBS to Oshodi, the sight of Sterling buses pulling up to offer free rides sparked moments of disbelief, gratitude, and quiet celebration. For thousands of commuters, it was a tangible reminder that sometimes, the biggest changes come not from slogans, but from small, deliberate acts of care.

“For customers who have to choose between transport fare and groceries, this is more than a ride, it’s hope,” said Chidimma Okoli, Masterbrand Marketing Lead at Sterling. “When we said we were tearing down the barriers to moving your money, we meant it. But we also meant the barriers to moving yourself, to moving your dreams, to moving your life forward.

This isn’t just about banking apps. It’s about freedom, in every sense of the word.”

Mary E., a market trader from Oshodi, stepped off a Sterling bus last Friday and captured the mood perfectly. “This is the first time a bank is not just advertising but acting,” she said, beaming. “I have saved on transfers all month because of OneBank. And today, I saved on my transport. Sterling ehn, dem sharp. Dem dey move.”

Across town, a young professional shared his own experience on LinkedIn: “Every naira matters o. I already saved money on bank transfers using OneBank. Today, Sterling saved me time, money, and stress after a brutal day at work. They just get it.

Another rider, Amaka I., a single mother and hairdresser from Ajah, described the free ride as “a blessing nobody told me was coming.” She added, “We Lagos people work so hard just to move. Today, I didn’t have to count Naira for my bus fare. That is dignity. That is respect.”

Chidimma Okoli emphasized that this initiative was never about fanfare, but about putting philosophy into action. “Financial systems have for too long extracted from Nigerians,” she said. “At Sterling, we are making a different choice. We are giving back, not just in naira and kobo, but in opportunities, in relief and in real dignity.” This initiative builds on Sterling’s history of standing with Nigerians during critical moments.

During the pandemic, Sterling was one of the first banks to support remote work transitions and provide digital lifelines to struggling SMEs. Through programs like AltSchool Africa and entrepreneur bootcamps, Sterling has opened new doors to skills development and affordable financing.

After fuel subsidies were removed, the bank financed transport cooperatives to keep mobility alive for thousands who would otherwise have been stranded.

But according to Okoli, what matters now is not history, it’s momentum. “We’re not trying to relive past glories,” she said. “We’re building new victories, alongside the people who trust us every day with their journeys.”

Beneath the buses and smiling faces lies a deeper story of infrastructure strength. Sterling’s robust digital banking backbone, capable of handling over 180 million transactions and scaling rapidly, allows it to absorb costs that many banks would have pushed onto customers. It is this invisible engine that has further helped make visible change possible.

As the month of May approaches, the momentum will continue. Workers returning from the holidays can expect to find the free rides still running across locations, a daily reminder that real banking doesn’t just live in apps but also on the streets, in the choices that make hard lives a little easier.

Sterling is encouraging all riders to share their experiences online, turning thousands of quiet journeys into a loud statement that Nigeria deserves a financial system that carries its people forward, not holds them back. Because true banking is not about hoarding profit; it is about moving lives and moving freely.

 

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Oyo 2027: Adelabu Quits As Power Minister To Focus On Guber Race

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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.

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Wale Edun, Musa Dangiwa Resigned Voluntarily, Not Sacked – Presidency

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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

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Unity Bank, Experts Advocate Green Investment, Climate Innovation To Drive Economic Resilience

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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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