Press Release
Polaris Bank Wins SERAS Award, Africa’s prestigious Sustainability/CSR recognition
Polaris Bank over the weekend, added yet another feather to its cap by winning Sustainability, Enterprise, and Responsibility Awards (SERAS), Africa’s most renowned and prestigious Sustainability/Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) recognition, for its consistent and impactful critical community interventions across Nigeria over the years.
At the 18th edition of the SERAS Awards, held at the Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos, recognition came the way of Polaris Bank in what the organisers described as “the Banks unwavering commitment to sustainable development and impactful community interventions across Nigeria”.
The SERAS Awards, widely regarded as Africa’s gold standard in Sustainability and CSR, celebrates organizations that exemplify innovation, impact, and excellence in advancing sustainable development. The awards spotlight large corporations, SMEs, and nonprofits that champion solutions with lasting societal and environmental benefits.
This year’s ceremony brought together an elite gathering of business leaders, global sustainability experts, policymakers, and CEOs dedicated to shaping Africa’s sustainable future. For Polaris Bank, the recognition reaffirmed its leadership in driving transformative change through its strategic Sustainability and CSR interventions.
Polaris Bank’s extensive portfolio of Sustainability, ESG and CSR initiatives which earns it” “Best in Rural Population Integration” award at the SERAs, underscores its commitment to improving lives and fostering sustainable growth in rural and underserved communities. Over the years, the Bank has implemented critical interventions across Nigeria, ranging from providing basic infrastructure to supporting vulnerable groups. Some of its notable achievements include:
Sponsoring the Acquisition and Planting of 2,000 economic trees across communities in Nigeria…e.g Ajingi community in Kano State.
Donation of equipment and renovation of the Ibeju-Lekki Skill Acquisition Centre Installation of boreholes in key but underserved communities to provide access to clean water in rural areas.
Delivering educational resources/essentials —including libraries, sandals, bags, uniforms, books, and pens—to over 15,000 indigent students across public secondary schools in Nigeria, ensuring their continuous education with many in remote communities.
Providing over a decade free breast cancer screening support to some 20,000 women and retreat/experience sharing for survivors that has reduced mortality rate in Nigeria.
Establishing hospitals, and reconstruction/rehabilitation centers for victims of sexual violence, and vocational centers for women.
Donating ICT laboratory to IWD Skills Acquisition Center and promoting financial literacy programs in schools.
Launching medical outreach programs and supporting Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) through significant donations.
These interventions have not only improved living standards, but have also stemmed rural-to-urban migration by making the communities more attractive, conducive and habitable and self-reliant.
Polaris Bank recently demonstrated its commitment to community resilience with the reopening of its Sagamu branch, which was destroyed during the cash crunch riots following the Naira redesign policy. Following appeal from stakeholders within the community, the Bank’s management approved the complete reconstruction and re-equipping of the branch The reopening marked a turning point for the Sagamu community, restoring access to critical banking services and underscoring Polaris Bank’s role as a trusted partner in economic recovery.
Speaking on the award, Polaris Bank’s Managing Director, Kayode Lawal, highlighted the Bank’s dedication to sustainability and social impact. “We thank SERAs for the recognition of our bank’s strategic intervention and consistent investment across communities on project that impact positively on the people and the environment”.
In Polaris Bank, Kayode says, “Sustainability is not just a cliché, and it is not a destination, but a journey. Our involvement in community development projects is something borne out of our deliberate effort to impact the citizens through enhanced socio-economic interventions that reduces the impact of climate change on our environment, as it affects the economy and people at large.” he stated.
Participants at the award ceremony leveraged the classy evening, “to connect with like-minded professionals and organizations championing sustainable business practices at an event that celebrated Africa’s sustainability leaders and reaffirmed the shared vision of driving positive, lasting change across the continent.
As a trailblazer in Sustainability and CSR, Polaris Bank remains steadfast in its mission to uplift communities, foster economic growth, and champion innovative solutions that address pressing societal challenges.
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.
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.
Press Release
Union Bank Strengthens Public-Private Partnership At Maiden International Civil Service Conference
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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