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Empowering Women At Work: How Union Bank’s Family-Friendly Revolution Is Setting New Standards

Amaka Obiefuna
Union Bank of Nigeria stands at the forefront of the nation’s financial sector, leading the charge in promoting gender inclusivity and empowering women.
With a rich legacy of innovation and dedication, the Bank is actively creating a more equitable and supportive environment for women, both within its own workforce and across the wider Nigerian community.
Recently honoured as the ‘Family-Friendly Bank of the Year’ by The New Telegraph, Union Bank is raising the bar with progressive policies for customers and employees alike.
Through its Alpher initiative, the Bank is investing in the future of female students, entrepreneurs, and professionals throughout Nigeria.
Alpher offers bespoke financial services, career and business development opportunities, and exclusive lifestyle benefits designed to help women thrive.
Union Bank’s strategic collaborations, such as its sponsorship of the Nigerian British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) Women and Youth Entrepreneurship Development Centre (WYEDC) programme, have enabled numerous entrepreneurs to graduate, access vital training, and secure grant opportunities.
Within its own ranks, Union Bank set a new benchmark with a five-month fully paid maternity leave, complemented by the option to take annual leave.
This policy, aligned with the United Nations SDG 3: ‘Good Health and Well-Being’, ensures that employees have the time and support they need to recover and bond with their families.
The Bank’s internal women’s network, WeHub (Women Empowerment Hub), regularly hosts insightful events and discussions focused on bridging the digital gender divide and advancing the careers of female employees.
Demonstrating further commitment to working parents, Union Bank has established a state-of-the-art Crèche at its Head Office in Marina, Lagos Island.
Equipped with lactation rooms and family-friendly facilities, this initiative directly supports SDG 5: ‘Gender Equality’, enabling women to balance their professional and family responsibilities in a truly inclusive workplace.
Union Bank’s comprehensive approach to gender inclusivity and empowerment solidifies its status as an industry leader, fostering a supportive internal environment while championing the advancement of women across multiple sectors.
Be part of this journey towards a more equitable and prosperous Nigeria; choose Union Bank, where empowerment and progress go hand in hand.
Solution Witness Pays Courtesy Visit To Idemili South Mayor, Hon Amaka Obi

By Chikaodi Chukwuleta
The Solution Witness Support Group on Wednesday, 9th, 2025 paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman of Idemili South Local Government Area, Hon Mrs Amaka Obi, (Iyom Idemili.)
The visit was to align with the Chairman and brainstorm strategies to canvass vote for the Solution Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s re-election bid come November, 8th, 2025.
Speaking  during the visit, Anambra State Chairman Solution Witness Support Group, Sir Felix Okechukwu informed  Iyom that the motive of the visitation was to sensitize her about the group activities and also deliberate on the way forward for the people of Idemili South to vote for Mr Governor.
He said that the Solution Witness spread across the 21 local government  down to the ward level is mandated to ensure that Soludo’s vote counts and secured.
Corroborating with the mayor, Hon Tambo stressed the need to place visible structures that the governor will be proud  of. He noted that strategies have been in place to ensure that the group is poised towards delivering the mandate of Mr Governor. “We are already pulling back those who left the party because of one grievances or the other and we cannot do it alone, every hands must be committed.” He concluded. “
 Mayor Rt Hon Amaka Obidigbo (Idemili South) in her response appreciated the soludo witness support group for finding time to pay her a visit and discuss some pertinent issues in the state. She noted that there is need to enhance grassroot membership. Adding that she believes in inclusive leadership where all hands are on Deck.
She assured that the council will work with the Solution Witness Member at the ward level noting that the ward structures should be active and ready to deliver in their various polling units.
She charged the members not to be discouraged or intimidated by any politician, but be steadfast and confident that the works done for” our dear party APGA and Governor Soludo will be rewarded.
In his remark, State Secretary – Hon Tempest Udeze thanked the mayor for the opportunity to deliberate on rallying campaign for Mr Governor, come Nov, 8th, 2025. He charged them to transfer the learnings acquired during the course of the training to others by applying the principle of One -Teach-One approach for more human development.
Highpoint of the visit culminated into the inspection of over five hundred trainees undergoing the Idemili South empowerment programme where the Mayor was given the name Olu Atua Egwu of Idemili South.
Among dignitaries present were the Group’s Deputy National Leader – Hon Ebelechukwu Igboekunie Ngini, State women leader Amb Angel Umolu, Zonal Women Leader – Idigacholu and the Group’s Media Head/Cordinator, Comrade Uchenna Ezeadigwe, among others.
Digital Assets Fraud Threatens Market Integrity – SEC DG

Digital asset fraud threatens market integrity, says SEC DG | TheCable

Amaka Obiefuna

 

The Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama, has expressed concern over the growing threat of digital assets fraud, warning that it poses a significant challenge to market integrity and undermines investor confidence.

 

Speaking in Abuja at an event to mark African Union Anti-Corruption Day, themed “Understanding Virtual Assets and Investment Fraud”, Dr. Agama noted that corruption continues to be a major obstacle to Africa’s economic growth, social development, and attractiveness to investors.

 

He stated: “Today, as digital innovation transforms financial systems, we face new challenges, particularly the rise of virtual asset fraud and sophisticated investment scams exploiting unsuspecting investors. These threats undermine market integrity, erode trust, and divert resources meant for sustainable development”.

 

He explained that the SEC, as a frontline regulator, remains committed to “strengthening investor education on recognizing and avoiding fraudulent schemes.; Enhancing regulatory frameworks to keep pace with evolving risks in virtual assets and digital investments; and Fostering cross-border collaboration to combat corruption and illicit financial flows”.

 

He stated that the Investment and Securities Act (ISA) 2025 introduced key provisions to regulate virtual assets (cryptocurrencies, digital tokens, and other blockchain-based assets) in Nigeria, with Commission as the primary regulator for virtual assets classified as securities or investment products.

 

Dr. Agama stated that all Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) (exchanges, custodians, brokers) must obtain SEC approval and meet capital, governance, and cybersecurity standards.

 

On risk disclosures, the SEC DG noted that all platforms must warn investors about volatility, fraud, and regulatory risks, warning that there are stiff penalties for market manipulation, insider trading, and Ponzi schemes.

 

“The ISA 2025 provides a comprehensive legal framework for virtual asset regulation, balancing innovation, investor protection, and financial stability. The SEC will continue to issue guidelines to ensure compliance while fostering a secure digital asset ecosystem.

“We urge all stakeholders—governments, private sector players, civil society, and citizens—to join forces in promoting transparency, accountability, and ethical practices. Together, we can build resilient markets that drive Africa’s prosperity”, he added.

 

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, described virtual asset fraud as a fast-evolving threat to national economic security. “Another rising criminal engagement that has a potential to outpace, even money laundering, on the continent is virtual assets and investment scam”