Polaris Bank has reinforced its commitment to deepen gender equity as a business and growth imperative during its 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD) event, spotlighting sustained investments in women’s empowerment, financial inclusion, and leadership development.

In line with this year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” highlighting a call to action for accelerating gender equality through generosity, collaboration,and investment in women.

The speakers emphasized intentional contribution as a catalyst for collective progress.

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Speaking at the event, the Managing Director/CEO, Kayode Lawal, underscored the strategic value of the theme, “Gender Equity as a Business Imperative: The Give to Gain Advantage.” He noted that investing in women delivers measurable returns for institutions and economies alike.

According to Lawal, empowering women remains a core pillar of Polaris Bank’s long-term strategy, reflected in its support for women-led businesses through targeted financing, enterprise advisory and capacity-building initiatives.

The Polaris CEO also highlighted the Bank’s sustained advocacy in breast cancer advocacy and screening and early detection, as well as its contributions to girl-child education and inclusive workplace policies.

He added that the Bank’s flagship proposition, *Polaris Pearl*, continues to provide tailored financial solutions and growth platforms for women professionals and entrepreneurs. He called for more deliberate action across sectors, stressing that inclusive systems ultimately drive stronger institutions and societies.

Delivering keynote insights, Tomi Somefun, the immediate past MD/CEO of Unity Bank described gender equity as a critical lever for organizational performance, urging institutions to move beyond rhetoric to structured action.

She emphasized that enabling women to contribute fully is not a social obligation but a pathway to better decision-making, innovation, and long-term resilience.

Also speaking, Belinda Nkechi Indinmachi, a social entrepreneur challenged the GenZs to adopt a more strategic approach to value creation, noting that purposeful contribution and long-term thinking are essential for sustainable career and business growth. She encouraged professionals to view “giving” as an investment that yields tangible returns over time.

In her remarks, Polaris Bank’s Executive Director, Corporate & Investment Banking, Abimbola Ozomah, reiterated that the Bank’s focus on women empowerment extends beyond symbolic observance. She noted that initiatives such as the Polaris Women Connect platform are deliberately designed to prepare female professionals for leadership through mentorship, knowledge-sharing, and exposure to industry leaders.

Earlier, Bukola Oluyadi, Group Head, Customer Experience & Value Management, set the tone for the engagement, highlighting the importance of collaboration and intentional support systems in driving collective success.

The event also showcased Polaris Bank’s measurable impact in advancing women’s economic participation, including the disbursement of over ₦1 billion in funding to female entrepreneurs, alongside continued investments in financial literacy and enterprise development.

Polaris Bank reaffirmed that its commitment to empowering women remains anchored on deliberate action and inclusive growth strategies that position women as key drivers of economic transformation.

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have arrested 18 suspected terrorist logistics suppliers in Borno State.

The suspects were intercepted on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, while traveling toward the Gubio and Gudumbali axis, a known Boko Haram enclave, to deliver goods.

This is contained in a daily operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday.

The military said the suspects were intercepted while travelling towards the location to deliver the goods to the terrorists.

According to the report, preliminary investigation revealed that all 18 suspects confessed to engaging in the supply of goods to the terrorist group.

“They admitted that they routinely purchase and convey items to the terrorists.

“Their justification was lack of employment, which points to a deeper socio-economic challenge in Maiduguri and its environs,” the army said.

The development, according to the reportt, validates recent remarks by the Chief of Defence Staff on the link between economic hardship and the sustenance of insurgency logistics networks.

“The arrest highlights the critical role of civilian collaborators in sustaining terrorist operations, particularly in remote areas such as Gubio and Gudumbali,” it added.

The army called for a comprehensive approach combining military operations with economic empowerment and job creation to address the root causes of insurgency in the region.

The Presidency has advised Senator Ali Ndume to share any actionable intelligence regarding terrorist activities directly with security agencies rather than broadcasting it on national television.

The response, issued through presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, addressed claims made by Ndume ( about insurgent tactics, including the use of commercial tricycles to transport explosives and the role of local informants.

This follows recent comments by the Borno South lawmaker, who spoke on rising insecurity and alleged the presence of informants aiding terrorist groups within communities.

Responding on Tuesday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said intelligence of that nature should not be shared on television.

According to him, such disclosures could undermine ongoing security operations if not properly handled.

Speaking in an interview with Vanguard, later confirmed to POLITICS NIGERIA on Wednesday, Onanuga stressed that any credible information should be taken straight to security agencies.

“If Senator Ndume has credible intelligence about terrorist informants or their mode of operation beyond what is already known to security agencies, the appropriate step is to share this with the Chief of Defence Staff, the National Security Adviser, or relevant intelligence bodies, not to discuss it on television,” Onanuga stated.

He explained that intelligence gathering and response depend heavily on confidentiality. Public discussions, he warned, may expose strategies or alert criminal elements.

POLITICS NIGERIA reports that Ndume had earlier appeared on Channels Television, where he described how insurgents allegedly operate within local communities.

He claimed they rely on informants and use everyday means to carry out attacks.

“What they do is hit and run. They gather, share information among themselves, and most dangerously, they get information from some citizens, too. They have informants within society,” the senator had stated.

Ndume also expressed frustration with the current state of security, raising concerns about the welfare and preparedness of security personnel.

“The government, I must say, are not walking the talk. Security agencies and soldiers still do not have the training, equipment, ammunition, and motivation they need,” he said.

However, the Presidency disagreed with that position. Onanuga defended the administration’s efforts, saying significant investments have been made to strengthen the military.

He pointed out that President Bola Tinubu recently approved additional logistics and operational support for troops. This, he said, was done during a high-level security meeting held shortly before the recent attacks in Maiduguri.

“The President has demonstrated commitment by approving the highest budgetary allocation to defence in the 2026 Appropriation Bill, securing military equipment from France and the United Kingdom, and directing security chiefs to relocate to Maiduguri,” Onanuga stated.

He added that while political leaders are free to speak on national issues, there is a need for caution when such statements touch on security operations.

The exchange comes as military operations intensify in Borno State following the March 16 suicide bombings in Maiduguri, which left 23 people dead and over 100 injured.

President Tinubu had earlier ordered top security officials to move to the state to coordinate a stronger response. Troops under Operation Hadin Kai have since increased surveillance and counter-insurgency efforts across affected areas.

Ndume, whose constituency remains one of the worst hit by insurgency, has consistently called for stronger action. He has also questioned intelligence lapses, asking why terrorists who openly share content online cannot be easily tracked.