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FNITCC Atlanta: Fidelity Bank To Spotlight Fintech’s Role In U.S. – Africa Trade
Tier-one lender Fidelity Bank Plc will host a high-profile panel session titled “Digital Railroads: Powering U.S.–Africa Commerce Through Fintech” at the upcoming Fidelity Nigeria International Trade and Creative Connect (FNITCC) in Atlanta, USA.
The session, scheduled for Friday, 19 September 2025, will explore how fintech is reshaping cross-border trade by enabling seamless payments, improving access to finance, and driving financial inclusion across Africa and the diaspora.
The panel will bring together some of the brightest minds in digital finance including: Aisha N. Ahmad, CFA, Former Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria; Seyi Ebenezer, Founder of Payaza Africa, and a seasoned fintech entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience scaling payment gateways across 20 African countries, Canada, the USA, and UAE; and Charles Oligbo, Founder & CEO of Sawport, an AI-powered platform designed for real-time customer engagement in the diaspora and on the continent.
Speaking ahead of the session, Isaiah Ndukwe, Divisional Head, Agric. and Exports, Fidelity Bank Plc, highlighted fintech’s unique role in unlocking Africa’s trade potential:
“The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is projected to boost intra-African trade by more than 50% by 2030. But challenges like fragmented payment systems, currency conversion, and limited trade finance continue to hold businesses back.
“Fintechs are uniquely positioned to address these gaps—enabling real-time, low-cost cross-border payments, offering alternative financing for SMEs, creating digital identities for exporters, and facilitating diaspora remittances and investments. This is why we’re putting fintech at the heart of discussions at FNITCC Atlanta.”
Hosted in partnership with AFRICON—the premier global gathering of African innovators and changemakers—FNITCC Atlanta will run from 18 to 20 September 2025 at the Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park, Georgia, USA. The event is expected to attract over 3,000 participants, including investors, trade agencies, exporters, and diaspora professionals, with projected trade and investment deals of more than US$400 million.
Building on the success of previous editions in London (2022) and Houston (2023), this year’s conference underscores Fidelity Bank’s commitment to leveraging fintech as a catalyst for U.S.–Africa commerce, while creating new opportunities across commodities, technology, and the creative industries.
According to the African Development Bank, Africa’s fintech revenues are projected to hit US$30 billion by 2025—a clear sign that digital finance is not just powering transactions but also rewriting the future of trade.
Interested businesses and participants are encouraged to register for the conference at www.fidelitybank.ng/fnitcc .
Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged commercial bank with over 9.1 million customers who are serviced across its 251 business offices and various digital banking channels in Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
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.
News
How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
News
Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
News
Your Second Coming Was A Chance To Avoid These Political Mistakes – Fayose To Fubara
Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, says the second coming to office of the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, after the elapsing of the state of emergency should have made him better.
Fayose’s remarks come as the Rivers State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara as of January 8, 2026.
Speaking in an interview on ‘Politics Today’, a programme on Channels Television on Friday, Fayose said he was removed as governor and went to exile but became a better person upon his return.
Fayose said that President Bola Tinubu hates ingratitude just like any other person else does.
The former Ekiti governor also dismissed the claim that what is happening in Rivers state is politics taken too far.
According to him, the constitution provides rules of engagement for every politician, stressing that it is when one gets out of the rule that he begins to look for public sympathy.
“The coming back of Governor Fubara should have made him a better person .If you made a mistake the first time, the second time you are not supposed to go through that route.
“Politics is a power game. Nobody solves political game for you. With due respect, let me tell you. Fubara is the one enjoying the office of the governor of Rivers state. It’s not the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
“Some people are saying it’s about Tinubu’s election. No! Because Tinubu’s election will come first, don’t forget that. Both Wike and Fubara will all work for Tinubu. Two weeks after, there will be an election for Rivers state,” he said.
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