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UNION BANK HONOURED AS BEST IN WORKPLACE PRACTICE AT PRESTIGIOUS SERAS AWARDS
Union Bank of Nigeria has secured another prestigious accolade, being named Best Company in Workplace Practice at the Sustainability, Enterprise and Responsibility Awards.
The ceremony took place on Saturday 29 November 2025 at the Grand Ballroom, Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
This significant achievement follows a comprehensive assessment by SERAS multinational independent judges who rigorously evaluated applicants’ Corporate Social Responsibility and sustainability initiatives.
Union Bank received nominations across four categories: SERAS Education Intervention of the Year, Best Company in Workplace Practice, Best in Gender Equity and Women Empowerment, and Best Company in Reporting and Transparency. The Bank also achieved first runner up positions in both the Gender Equity and Women Empowerment and Educational Intervention categories, highlighting the strength of its commitment to these critical areas.
The Bank’s award-winning workplace practices reflect its holistic people-first philosophy that transcends conventional human resources functions. Union Bank has created an inclusive, rewarding and high performing work environment that establishes new benchmarks for Nigeria’s financial sector.
Key initiatives that distinguished Union Bank include the introduction of five months fully paid maternity leave exceeding statutory requirements, and the establishment of an onsite crèche at its head office to support work life balance and improve female retention.
The Bank also recorded its highest promotion rate in ten years with 24 per cent of employees advancing across departments, demonstrating a robust meritocratic culture. A significant 40 per cent salary increase further enhanced employee financial wellbeing, reduced economic pressures and boosted productivity.
Judges recognised Union Bank’s initiatives for generating substantial social value, particularly in advancing gender equality through comprehensive maternity benefits aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 5. Enhanced wellness programmes featuring mental health support and flexible working arrangements fostered a more inclusive workplace, improving overall staff wellbeing.
The Bank’s prioritisation of employee and family needs created positive ripple effects throughout the broader community.
Commenting on the award, Olufunmilola Aluko, Chief Brand and Marketing Officer at Union Bank, stated:
“Our workplace initiatives are firmly anchored in our triple pillar model of Citizenship, Sustainability and Innovation, which underpins our commitment to responsible financial, environmental and socio-economic development.
This framework empowers us to champion best practices across the sector. The measurable outcomes, including enhanced employee satisfaction, increased productivity and significant progress in gender inclusion, demonstrate the strength and adaptability of our approach.
We are confident these efforts will continue driving positive social transformation across Nigeria. Union Bank is deeply honoured by this recognition from SERAS and all sustainability stakeholders, and we remain dedicated to advancing these vital initiatives.”
Now in its nineteenth year, SERAS has consistently established the benchmark for corporate social responsibility and sustainability excellence. This year’s edition, themed “Sustainability 2.0: Innovating for Impact and Inclusive Growth”, celebrated corporate entities and leaders who pushed creative, technological and strategic boundaries to deliver measurable community and industry impact.
Union Bank’s workplace initiatives provide a robust model worthy of replication both within and beyond the financial sector, setting a new standard for responsible corporate citizenship in Nigeria.
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Court Sets Feb 25 For El-Rufai’s Arraignment In DSS Cybercrime Case
The Department of State Services (DSS) will arraign former Governnor of Kaduna state, Nasir El-Rufai, on February 25 over alleged cybercrime and breach of national security.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court has fixed the date for the arraignment of the former Governor on a three-count criminal charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) after the Chief Judge, Justice John Tsoho assigned the case to her.
NAN earlier reported that the DSS, on Monday, filed a three-count criminal charge against El-Rufai following his alleged involvement in wiretapping the telephone lines of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
The charge, instituted by the Nigerian secret police, is marked FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026.
The service accused El-Rufai of breaching the Cybercrimes Prohibition Act (2024) and the Nigerian Communications Act (2003.)
In court, El-Rufai was alleged to have, on Feb. 13, while appearing as a guest on Arise TV station’s Prime Time Programme in Abuja, admitted during the interview that he and his cohorts unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the NSA, Mr Ribadu.
The offence is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.
News
Maureen Badejo To Appear Before Federal High Court Tomorrow On Defamation, Cybercrime Charges
Maureen Omorinola Badejo is scheduled to appear before the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on February 20, 2026, following charges filed by the Inspector-General of Police over allegations bordering on defamation, cyberstalking, and related offences.
The charges arise from online publications made in November 2021, in which Ms. Badejo allegedly transmitted statements and videos on YouTube and Facebook concerning Apostle Johnson Suleman and his associate Dickson Omodiale Osajie.
According to the charge sheet, the prosecution alleges that:
Ms. Badejo conspired with others to publish defamatory content against Apostle Suleman.
She allegedly portrayed him as a cultist, rapist, assassin, ritualist, and other criminal labels, knowing the claims to be false.
She is accused of sending false messages via computer networks intended to cause annoyance, hatred, intimidation, and injury to reputation.
Additional allegations state that defamatory statements were also made against Mr. Dickson Osajie, claiming involvement in crimes such as rape and ritual killing.
Authorities further allege that the publications caused fear for safety and threatened bodily harm to the complainants.
The offences cited fall under provisions of the Criminal Code Act (Cap C38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004) and the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
The case follows a formal petition submitted to the Nigeria Police Force by Mr. Osajie, who alleged persistent cyberstalking, harassment, invasion of privacy, threats to life, and dissemination of false information affecting himself, Apostle Suleman, and their families.
Statement from Maureen Badejo
Ms. Badejo maintains her readiness to face the court and present her defense, expressing confidence in the Nigerian judicial system to ensure fairness and justice.
“I will appear in court as required and trust that the truth will prevail through due legal process,” she stated.
However Ms. Badejo is expected to be formally arraigned before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, where the charges will be read and she will enter her plea.
News
Rivers Assembly Suspends Impeachment Move Against Fubara After Tinubu’s Intervention
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially suspended impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, following President Bola Tinubu’s intervention.
The House moved the motion to halt the impeachment process on Thursday at its resumed sitting in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
JomogNews had reported that during its first sitting of 2026, the House had begun impeachment proceedings against the governor and his deputy over allegations of gross misconduct, including the demolition of the State Assembly complex and alleged spending without legislative approval, among other claims.
More details later….
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