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Prof. Bart Nnaji To Chair 2025 Oriental News Nigeria Summit

By Amaka Obiefuna
As Nigeria continues to promote energy efficiency with natural gas as key driver to achieve her energy transition goals, key stakeholders in the sector would be discussing prospects of the country’s huge gas resources in actualizing set targets.
Other key agencies of government have also signified their acceptance to participate in the 2025 Oriental News Nigeria national conference where the Nigerian Liquified Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) as keynote speaker at the conference would highlight benefits of gas as the country’s transition energy source.
The conference will be chaired by former Power Minister and chairman of the indigenous power company, Geometric Power Limited (GPL).
STANMEG Communications, publishers of Oriental News Nigeria Online, one of Nigeria’s most influential Online platforms confirms NLNG as keynote speaker at its 2025 National Conference on Sustaining Gas Utilization Towards Achieving Nigeria’s Energy Security.
The main Theme of the conference is “Integrating Nigeria’s Gas Potentials Into Strategic Energy Transition Initiatives”
The conference is also focusing on key Sub Themes, which include
…..Enhancing Energy Security And Efficiency Through Effective Gas Utilization
……Evaluating Regulatory Frameworks for Sustainable CNG Adoption in Nigeria’s Transportation Industry
………. Building Local Content Synergy’ between the Insurance Industry and Oil and Gas Sector.
The event holds on 24th July, 2025 at Radisson Blu,  GRA Ikeja Lagos at 9am.
Meeting Nigeria’s domestic energy needs remains one of the most significant challenges to sustainable development and economic growth. Only half of Nigeria’s 200 million citizens currently have access to energy, and with the population set to double by 2050 universal access is a huge challenge.
Nigeria has proposed to ramp up gas production, utilization and export, with the aims of supporting industrialization, boosting domestic energy supply (for power, cooking and transport), and increasing government revenues.
Whether ramping up gas utilization is feasible, or indeed the appropriate approach to achieving Nigeria’s energy supply and economic ambitions, is uncertain.
Every year Oriental News Nigeria, undoubtedly one of Nigeria’s most influential and reliable news channels brings stakeholders together to discuss pivotal topics around the economy.
Being the 4th in the series, the 2025 Oriental News Nigeria conference is bringing key industry figures, experts and policy analysts to evaluate various aspects of natural gas initiatives put together to drive the national economy.
Government is quite aware that what is certain is that global pressure to transition away to cleaner energies and defund fossil fuel projects complicates the process of realizing that goal and could lead to wasted investments that jeopardize the economic and energy security of Nigerians in the future.
But weak legal and regulatory frameworks, big infrastructure gaps, a non-cost-reflective pricing regime and host community conflicts have made the domestic gas sector uncompetitive and unattractive to investors. This, in turn, has left gas reserves underexploited, especially more expensive non-associated gas which represents half of Nigeria’s reserves.
Implementation of reforms by successive governments through the 2008 Gas Master Plan the (GMP), the 2017 National Gas Policy (NGP) and other instruments have proven slow. With the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, the legal, fiscal and regulatory framework of the gas sector has been strengthened with the creation of dedicated regulators, a dedicated minister, provision of third party access to infrastructure, and other improvements. But many gaps remain.
Thus the Decade of Gas Policy launched in 2021 to address the limitations to achieving domestic gas-based industrialization and economic prosperity, and reduce energy poverty, faces greater challenges.
Also, as a response to the high cost of petrol and the attendant rise in the cost of transportation, following the removal of fuel subsidy, President Bola Tinubu launched the Presidential CNG Initiative to provide a cheaper and cleaner energy source for Nigerians.
It is based on the above initiatives and pace setting policies that we have developed a theme and sub-themes to examine and evaluate those policies by key government agencies, including key stakeholders in the industry.
Apart from examining the role of gas initiatives boosting power sector growth, the sub-themes is evaluating the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as preferred fuel for the transport industry.
Road transport is the dominant mode of transportation in Nigeria, moving over 90% of internal goods and passengers across the country; hence it is the highest contributor to the nation’s GDP amongst other sub-sectors.
However, from all we could glean, road transport is predominant in the Nigerian transport sector. This entails an excessive use of internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEs), hence, an immense contribution to CO2 emission through the combustion of petroleum-based products like PMS, AGO and ATK; relatively small amounts of methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) are emitted during fuel combustion, though.
The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) has revealed that Nigeria boasts of an estimated 11 million vehicles traversing its roads.
Globally, the transport sector is a major source of CO2 pollution in the atmosphere, with a global contribution of about 7.3 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide emission in 2020. About 20% of the global CO2 emission is contributed by Surface transport.
We reviewed the various sub-sectors of the Nigerian transport sector with their corresponding energy consumption rates. Results show that all the sub-sectors are solely dependent on fossil fuels to meet their energy demands and requirements, thus making the transport sector the highest consumer of fossil fuels, and consequently, the highest contributor to carbon footprint.
This necessitates the need for gradual decarbonisation of the sector, but not at the expense of the nation’s economy, since the transport sector contributes about 3% of the nation’s GDP.
During the conference there will be Panel Discussions on the following sub themes
1. Adaptation of Renewable Energy Policy and Gas Utilization Strategies In Power Generation Sector
2. Evaluating Decade of Gas Policy and Broad Spectrum of Gas Utilization Strategies
3. Reinforcing CNG, LPG Strategies in Addressing Emissions and Climate Impacts of Fossil Fuel Use in the Transport Industry.
  4. Building Local Content Synergy’ between the Insurance Industry and Oil and Gas Sector.
The conference promises to be highly interactive and with such great collaboration and shared commitment of stakeholders the outcome will not only achieve the country’s objectives but also set a precedent for other nations to follow.
Yemisi Izuora
Publisher/Editor
Oriental News Nigeria
Online Poster by — June 26, 2025 in News 0
Fidelity Bank Promotes 12% Of Workforce And Increases Salaries By 20% Across Board

By Amaka Obiefuna

Fidelity Bank Plc, one of Nigeria’s top-tier financial institutions, has promoted 376 employees following its recently concluded annual performance review exercise. This represents approximately 12% of the bank’s workforce, underscoring its management’s deep appreciation for the pivotal role played by staff in recoding the highest growth by percentage volumes in the banking industry with  210% increase in its Profit Before Tax (PBT) which grew from N124.3 billion in 2023 to N385.2 billion in 2024.
The announcement, which was recently communicated internally, comes on the heels of a 20% across-the-board salary increase implemented in June 2025—a gesture that reflects the bank’s commitment to staff welfare. It is worth noting that this follows a similar salary adjustment carried out in November 2024.
Under the leadership of Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Fidelity Bank has consistently outperformed market expectations. In 2024, the bank recorded the highest share price growth of 116%  in the industry following the completion of its Public Offer which  was  over subscribed by 238% .
In recognition of the banks stellar performance, global rating agency, Fitch Ratings recently upgraded Fidelity Bank’s National Long-Term Rating from ‘A(nga)’ to ‘A+(nga)’ in a further endorsement of the bank’s financial strength and prudent management. The upgraded ratings reflects improved profitability metrics and robust capital buffers, reinforcing the bank’s sustained upward trajectory.
Online Poster by — June 26, 2025 in News 0
Fidelity Bank MD Not Part Of The Woobs Case

Reports published by Sahara Reporters on June 25 claimed that Fidelity Bank’s MD, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe was a party to an ongoing case involving fraud on Woobs Resources account with the bank.
This is however not true. The charge sheet dated 12 May 2025 (sighted by this reporter) stated that the Defendants in the suit were Victor Ukutt, Esq, Fidelity Bank Plc, Whoba Ugwunna Ogo and Safiya Whoba.
It will be recalled that the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice issued a press release on 9 June 2025 explaining that Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe’s name was struck off the charge as she was neither the account officer nor the Managing Director of the Bank when the account used in the alleged scheme of fraud was opened.
Online Poster by — June 26, 2025 in News 0
Fidelity Bank Partners With Ashoka To Empower Young Innovators

By Amaka Obiefuna
L-R: Co-President, Ashoka Africa, Angelou Ezeilo; Divisional Head, Product Development, Fidelity Bank Plc, Osita Ede; Team Lead, Retail Banking, Fidelity Bank Plc, Onyeka Kurume; Winners, Changemaker Idea Pitch-A-Thon, Abule-Eko Community Junior Grammar School Pupils, District 2, Ikorodu Lagos; their Teacher, Alabi Felix; Project Coach, Opeoluwa Jamiu; Branch Leader, Fidelity Bank Plc, Festac, Ethel Genesis; and Regional Director, Ashoka Anglophone, West Africa, Josephine Nzerem; at the Ashoka Young Changemakers Festival in Lagos recently.
As part of its commitment to youth empowerment and social impact, leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc has partnered with Ashoka, a global network of social entrepreneurs, to provide financial support and mentorship to young innovators across Nigeria.
Speaking at the 2025 Ashoka Young Changemakers Festival in Lagos, the Divisional Head, Product Development at Fidelity Bank, Osita Ede, reaffirmed the Bank’s dedication to youth empowerment, emphasizing its place as a pillar of the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy.
“Empowerment is at the core of everything Fidelity Bank stands for,” Ede said. “Creativity and innovation are fundamental to our brand essence and that is why we are excited to support these young changemakers. Listening to their ideas today just validates the investments we have made to foster entrepreneurship and creativity.”
Ede confirmed the bank’s willingness to continue funding and supporting the dreams of young people, adding that the bank plans to offer innovators access to its SME Hub’s resources and specialized master classes designed to nurture their growth.
“We are not just funding initiatives; we are creating an enabling environment where these young innovators can thrive. Our SME Hub will serve as a platform to guide and mentor these changemakers, helping them develop the right mindset and business acumen to succeed,” Ede stated.
On her part, Josephine Nzerem, Regional Director, Ashoka Anglophone West Africa & Director, Venture and Talent, Ashoka Africa, expressed her appreciation for the partnership.
“We are excited to move beyond being just Fidelity Bank’s clients to becoming true partners in the change making movement,” Nzerem stated. “Their continuous support which includes funding for awards and gift packs for young innovators, is vital for sustaining this journey. We celebrate not only the Changemakers but also the process of empowering young people to scale their impact and inspire others.”
The Ashoka Young Changemakers Festival celebrates bold ideas, youth leadership, and innovation. The 2025 edition unveiled nine remarkable changemakers poised to transform Nigeria’s future. Together, Fidelity Bank and Ashoka are creating opportunities for young innovators to turn their ideas into solutions that can transform their communities and the world.
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 a 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.
Online Poster by — June 25, 2025 in News 0
World Environment Day: Stakeholders At Unity Bank Webinar Demand Urgent Action On Plastic Pollution

By Winifred Bosa

The call was made at the event marking this year’s World Environment Day facilitated by Unity Bank’s Sustainability Team to fashion out innovative strategies to curb plastic pollution in Nigeria in line with this year’s global theme: “Ending Plastic Pollution.”

In his remarks, Mr. Usman Abdulkadir, Executive Director, Risk Management, Unity Bank Plc, reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to sustainability, adding that issues like plastic pollution carry deep risk implications for businesses and communities.

“Environmental degradation is increasingly a business risk, not just a corporate social concern,” Mr. Abdulkadir stated. “We must all begin to view environmental stewardship as a duty that cuts across sectors – finance, government, industry, and civil society. Unity Bank remains committed to integrating ESG principles into its risk frameworks and sustainability agenda.”

Guest speakers included leading waste management entrepreneurs and environmental activists such as Sunday Kolawole Sholanke, Co-founder/CEO of PETsPoint Recycling Nigeria, and Omoh Alokwe, Co-founder/CEO of Street Waste Company Limited.

Speaking at the Webinar, Mr. Sholanke decried the alarming volume of plastic waste in Nigeria, putting estimates on the country’s waste generation to about 596 million metric tonnes annually, with 88% of it neither reclaimed nor recycled.

“Nigeria ranks as the 9th highest contributor to global plastic pollution. Much of Nigeria’s plastic waste ends up in landfills, drainage systems, and water bodies, causing extensive environmental damage and posing serious health risks,” he explained.

He also shared startling global statistics: “Over one million plastic bottles and 10 million plastic bags are produced every minute. In 2020 alone, eight million tons of plastic bottles were produced globally, with less than 30% collected and under 10% recycled. The rest is dumped, burned, or abandoned in the environment, worsening risks of flooding, climate disruption, and disease.”

He identified poor waste management culture, low public awareness, and lack of community collection infrastructure as major factors aggravating the Nigeria’s plastic waste crisis.

Calling on the financial services sector to be more proactive, Sholanke urged Banks to invest in green financing by increasing access to affordable credit for green businesses and eco-friendly initiatives.

Also speaking, Omoh Alokwe emphasized the role of regulators in strengthening enforcement and updating policy frameworks to reduce harmful practices that fuel the global plastic crisis.

Also speaking in the same vain, Mr. Ibukun Coker, Head of Strategy and Innovation at Unity Bank Plc emphasized the Bank’s commitment to sustainable practices and environmental protection, highlighting the role of the financial sector in driving meaningful change.

“Plastic pollution is not just an environmental issue, it is an economic and public health crisis,” said Mr. Coker. “At Unity Bank, we believe that sustainability should be more than a policy; it must be embedded in how we operate, the projects we finance, and the partnerships we build.”

The webinar offered a platform for robust dialogue around sustainable actions and innovative solutions that can mitigate the escalating threat of plastic pollution and promote environmental protection.

Unity Bank has consistently championed environmental causes, including its annual Earth Day partnerships with non-profits such as RESWAYE to clean the Royal Beach in Elegushi, Lagos, part of its mission to protect marine ecosystems. In its most recent Earth Day campaign, the Bank challenged every staff member across 32 states to plant a tree in their locality, driving a grassroots reforestation movement and reinforcing environmental awareness

Online Poster by — June 25, 2025 in News 0
IHS Nigeria , United Nations Global Compact Host Dialogue On Sustainability , Greener Business Practices In Nigeria

By Winifred Bosa

L-R: Group Head, Climate and Finance Sustainability, Bank of Industry, Lanre Babalola, General Manager, Regulatory Affairs, MTN Group, Oyeronke Oyetunde, Head of programmmes, UN Global Compact Network Nigeria, Gloria Okorie (Moderator), Director, Sustainability, IHS Nigeria, Titilope Oguntuga, Head, Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility Wema Bank, Abimbola Agbejule after their panel session on Collaborative Strategies for Greener Business Practices, Innovation and Sustainable Development at a private sector dialogue on Environmental Stewardship organised by the United Nation Global Compact Network Nigeria in Partnership with IHS Nigeria, in commemoration of 2025 World Environment Day.

IHS Nigeria, in collaboration with the United Nations Global Compact Network Nigeria, hosted a high-level private sector dialogue themed “Collaborative Strategies for Greener Business Practices, Innovation and Sustainable Development”.

 The event, held in Lagos, brought together key players from different sectors including finance, law, telecommunications, biodiversity, and corporate sustainability to explore actionable pathways to achieve meaningful environmental stewardship in Nigeria.
The panel session offered bold perspectives on integrating sustainability into business frameworks across different sectors, whilst dispelling myths, and highlighting opportunities for organizations, and calling for collective action from all players within the business value chain.
Delivering a keynote address, Titilope Oguntuga, Director, Sustainability at IHS Nigeria, emphasized the urgency of environmental consciousness:
“Sustainability is not a destination — it’s a collective journey.
It requires courage to transform, vision to lead, and collaboration to scale. Nigeria stands at a crossroads. We can either be overwhelmed by the risks or rise to become a beacon of green innovation and inclusive growth in Africa. The choice is ours — and the time is now.”
Sylvie Josel, Lead, Biodiversity and Nature-Based Solutions at the United Nations Global Compact, joined virtually from New York and spotlighted nature as a strategic asset:
“Nature must no longer be treated as an afterthought. It underpins everything, from human rights to supply chains.
 Embedding biodiversity into a company’s core strategy isn’t just a risk mitigation measure; it’s a smart, future-forward business imperative”
Lanre Babalola, Group Head, Climate Finance and Sustainability at the Bank of Industry (BOI), provided insights into how BOI is funding sustainable ventures and driving innovation:
“We look beyond profitability; we look at environmental and social impact. Whether it’s plastic roads, biogas, or solar transitions, we support businesses that are not only bankable but capable of reshaping the future.”
From the legal perspective, Oyeronke Oyetunde, General Manager, Regulatory Affairs, MTN Group, drew attention to the regulatory challenges hindering sustainability adoption:
“Our legal frameworks are trailing behind today’s sustainability realities. We need forward-thinking laws, reduced regulatory silos, and incentives that reward the right behavior. Sustainability can’t thrive where enforcement is weak, and taxation is excessive.”
Abimbola Agbejule, Head, Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility at Wema bank, spoke passionately about inclusiveness in sustainable development:
“You don’t need to start big to make impact. MSMEs make up a huge part of our economy. Sustainability should be embedded in their day-to-day activities, and we must democratize access to knowledge, tools, and partnerships.”
The session was moderated by Gloria Okorie, Head of Programs at the United Nations Global Impact Center.
The event closed with a resounding call to action for stronger legal frameworks, deeper collaborations, and inclusive capacity building across sectors.
The event further reinforces IHS Nigeria’s position as a leader in corporate sustainability and innovation in Nigeria.
“At IHS Nigeria, we recognize that true progress happens when sustainability is not an obligation, but a culture, lived every day, across every unit,” Titilope Oguntuga added.
Through initiatives like this dialogue, IHS Nigeria and its partners continue to champion solutions that protect the planet, empower people, and ensure long-term business viability.
Online Poster by — June 25, 2025 in News 0
MediaConsortium’s 3rd Conference Set For September 18 , Features Feyi Olubodun As Keynote Speaker

 

By Winifred Bosa

Seasoned marketing professional and CEO, Managing Partner, Open Squares Africa, Feyi Olubodun, will deliver the keynote address at the 3rd edition of MediaConsortium Conference (MCCA) on Thursday, September 18, 2025.

The conference with the theme: “DEFINING VALUE IN THE MODERN MARKET: BEYOND PRICE, QUALITY, EXPERIENCE AND ETHICS”, will hold at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos by 10am.

Olubodun, is a sought after speaker and experienced brand builder with several years of experience of building and managing top brands. He was the former Chief Executive at InsightPublicis, and will be bringing his experience to bear in his paper on the theme.

According to the organiser, MediaConsortium Conference, the concept of “value” is no longer confined to the traditional pillars of price, quality, experience, and ethics, in the ever-evolving global marketplace. While these elements remain essential, today’s discerning consumers, investors, and stakeholders demand a more nuanced and multidimensional interpretation of value. To stay relevant and competitive, brands must redefine what value truly means in the modern age.

The event will pull industry stakeholders and allied sectors in an engaging and impactful sections with the aim to stimulate consumer/brand engagement.

A list of marketing communications experts have confirmed their participation to discuss Olubodun’s paper. Among them are Obinna Ojekwe, Marketing Lead, Hydrogen, Yinka Femi Opadere, Head, Online Media, Globacom and Samuel Akinrimisi, New Product Development Lead, EKo Supreme Resources Nig. Limited.

The MediaConsortium Conference, hosted by MediaConsortium, a leading brands, business, and marketing publication, aims to facilitate engagement among stakeholders in the IMC and related sectors to address pertinent issues.

This year’s event follows the successful maiden edition held in 2023 at the Sheraton Hotels and Suites, Ikeja and a second edition held at the LCCI, Ikeja.

Winifred Bosa by — June 23, 2025 in brands and Marketing 0
Artificial Intelligence, Catalyst For Transformation In Financial Services — Kwairanga

By Winifred Bosa

from left: Mr Johnson Chukwuma, keynote speaker/founder & Managing Director, Cowry Asset Management Ltd, addressing cross section of special guests and participants during the AI Artificial Intelligence ’25 conference organised by SuperNews on the theme: Power of AI: enhancing efficiency and customer satisfaction for better financial services experience, in Lagos, on Thursday.

The Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX), Alhaji (Dr.) Umaru Kwairanga, has called for accelerated adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Nigeria’s financial services sector to boost operational efficiency, enhance customer satisfaction, and position the nation at the forefront of global financial innovation.

 

Dr Kwairanga who made the call  at the SUPERNEWS Artificial Intelligence Confab’25 recently in Lagos  emphasized the game-changing potential of AI, likening it to historic breakthroughs such as the steam engine and the Internet.

 

He commended SUPERNEWS for spotlighting AI as the central theme of this year’s conference, aptly titled “Power of AI: Enhancing Efficiency and Customer Satisfaction for Better Financial Services Experience.”

L-R: Thaibat Adeniran, former Managing Director, Hilal Takaful Insurance Ltd; Mr Johnson Chukwuma, keynote speaker/founder & Managing Director, Cowry Asset Management Ltd; Alhaji (Dr). Umaru Kwairanga, Chairman of occasion/Group Chairman, Nigerian Exchange Group; Ngozi Onyakusi, convener & Publisher/CEO, SUPERNEWS Nigeria; Ayokunle Olubunmi, Head, Financial Institutions Ratings, Augusto & Co; Adeola Adewumi-Zer, founder/CEO, ZER Consulting Africa, and Uju Ogubunka, National President, Bank Customers Association of Nigeria, during the AI Artificial Intelligence ’25 conference organised by SUPERNEWS with the theme: Power of AI: enhancing efficiency and customer satisfaction for better financial services experience, in Lagos, on Thursday.

“The  services sector is the engine of Nigeria’s economy, and the financial services sub-sector stands as its most vibrant component,” Dr. Kwairanga noted. “While commendable progress has been made, there remains vast room for improvement—improvements that artificial intelligence can deliver.”

 

He highlighted AI’s potential to not only streamline operations but also address Nigeria-specific challenges such as unreliable power supply, limited data infrastructure, and funding constraints.

L-R: Ayokunle Olubunmi, Head, Financial Institutions Ratings, Augusto & Co; Thaibat Adeniran, former Managing Director, Hilal Takaful Insurance Ltd; Mr Johnson Chukwuma, keynote speaker/founder & Managing Director, Cowry Asset Management Ltd; Alhaji (Dr). Umaru Kwairanga, Chairman of occasion/Group Chairman, Nigerian Exchange Group; Adeola Adewumi-Zer, founder/CEO, ZER Consulting Africa, and Uju Ogubunka, National President, Bank Customers Association of Nigeria, during the AI Artificial Intelligence ’25 conference organised by SuperNews on the theme: Power of AI: enhancing efficiency and customer satisfaction for better financial services experience, in Lagos, on Thursday.

According to him, leveraging AI could unlock new efficiencies and elevate the customer experience across banking, insurance, pensions, and other financial services.

 

The event was attended by high-level stakeholders from across the industry, with an interactive panel comprising operators, consultants, and consumers, who shared practical insights on AI deployment in the sector.

 

Dr. Kwairanga urged the audience to take active roles in shaping a future-ready Nigerian financial ecosystem powered by intelligent technology.

 

Earlier in his presentation, the keynote speaker at the event, Mr Johnson Chukwu, highlighted some of the ways that AI can benefit the financial sector.

 

On consumer credit, Chukwu said, “Today, consumer credit is everywhere in this country because the machines are able to determine your income level and what you spend on. If you

know the information available to the telco companies, they know who you make payment to and where you went to smoke. Once you make a payment, they track it, so they know your consumption pattern; they know how much comes to your account, so they can actually say, I can give Johnson a N50,000 loan. The loan is automated; you apply and get it in minutes.”

 

On boosting customer experience, Chukwu said the use of AI has led to “enhanced personalisation. One million customers, and each of them treated as an individual. You’re not a part of the crowd. The system knows you as an individual, knows your face, knows your eyes, knows your fingerprint, and knows where you’re coming from. In that case, it also narrows your demand to what fits your purpose.”

 

He added that it would also lead to faster complaint resolution, “Because the machine has so much data, when you make your complaint, it will be able to know what is best to do to address your complaint.”

 

He concluded by saying, “There are seven C’s to implementing AI. Capacity: you must have the capacity, you must have the capability, you must collaborate, you must have creativity, and you must have cognition, continuity, and control.

 

“On that note, I feel artificial intelligence will define the future of human engagement, interaction, and experience. Companies that fail to adopt AI will not only be uncompetitive but will also become obsolete in the near future.”

 

The Publisher/CEO, SUPERNEWS Nigeria, Ngozi Onyakusi, said, SUPERNEWS’ choice of the theme was borne out of its quest to contribute its quota in equipping Nigerians with requisite knowledge in embracing tech innovations.

 

She noted that Artificial intelligence (AI) adoption has the capacity to transform the Nigerian financial sector.

“AI technology, according to experts, has gained so much popularity in businesses that analysts put global business value earned through artificial intelligence at $3.9 trillion in 2022, from $1.2 trillion in 2018.

The technology is believed to be capable of facilitating financial inclusion, thus bridging the gap between the masses and financial services, helping to bring these services closer to the people seamlessly.

AI offers an unprecedented opportunity to reach more customers, reduce operational costs and enhance customer experience”, she opined.

Winifred Bosa by — June 23, 2025 in Insurance and Pension 0
NAICOM Hosts Gambia Central Bank Delegation For Strategic Knowledge Exchange

By Amaka Obiefuna
L-R Nyang Madeleine Gomez, Leader of Gambia Central Bank delegation, Dr. Usman Jankara, NAICOM Deputy Commissioner, Technical, Drammeh Alieu, Mr. Ekerete Ola Gam-Ikon, Deputy Commissioner Finance and Administration
The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) on Monday, June 23, 2025, welcomed a high-powered delegation from the Central Bank of The Gambia, led by Mr. Nyang Medeleine Gomez, on a strategic working visit aimed at fostering regulatory collaboration and exchanging knowledge in key areas of insurance supervision.
The primary focus of the visit was to study Nigeria’s regulatory approach in three critical areas:
*Risk-Based Supervision
*Prudential Frameworks
*Inclusive Insurance
Receiving the delegation on behalf of the Commissioner for Insurance, Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, the Deputy Commissioner for Technical, Dr. Usman Jankara, alongside the Deputy Commissioner, Finance and Administration, Mr. Ekerete Ola Gam-Ikon expressed NAICOM’s readiness for collaboration and mutual learning. He described the engagement as a “knowledge-sharing visit,” noting that “no one regulator has all the answers,” and emphasized the importance of peer-to-peer learning in enhancing regulatory capacity across Africa.
In his remarks, Mr. Gomez explained that the visit was intended to:
* Understanding NAICOM’s implementation of a risk-based supervisory system to ensure a stable and resilient insurance sector
* Exploring strategies for expanding insurance access to underserved and low-income populations through inclusive insurance frameworks; and
* Learn best practices in prudential regulation to safeguard policyholders’ interests and uphold public confidence in the insurance market.
In a detailed response, Dr. Jankara reaffirmed NAICOM’s commitment to supporting the Gambian delegation across all areas of interest. He emphasized that Nigeria’s regulatory framework has evolved significantly, especially in corporate governance, where the Commission has moved from basic compliance to robust enforcement mechanisms. He further noted that the newly passed Insurance Regulatory Bill, once it receives presidential assent, will contribute meaningfully to the current administration’s goal of achieving a one-trillion-dollar economy.
Dr. Jankara also highlighted NAICOM’s progress in promoting financial inclusion, citing the successful licensing of 15 microinsurance companies and 6 Takaful insurance providers, milestones that reflect growing insurance penetration. He assured the visiting delegation that NAICOM would share its operational templates and regulatory manuals through the appropriate directorates, while continuing engagement with key departments, including Inspectorate, Supervision, and Innovation & Regulation.
Online Poster by — June 23, 2025 in Insurance and Pension 0
Fidelity Bank Uplifts Old People’s Home With Essential Items Donation

By Amaka Obiefuna
Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to corporate social responsibility with the donation of food and essential items to the Old People’s Home in Yaba, Lagos.
The donation was made possible through the generosity of the bank’s Nexus Inductees Class, under its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative known as the Fidelity Helping Hands Programme (FHHP).
Through the FHHP, staff across Fidelity Bank branches nationwide identify crucial interventions needed in their immediate community and raise funds to execute them. The bank’s management then matches this contribution with an equal amount and disburses it for the selected project.
Commenting on the donation, Divisional Head, Brand and Communications, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr Meksley Nwagboh, emphasized the bank’s unwavering commitment to impacting its host communities positively noting that the community is an essential part of the bank success story.
“Today’s donation is a token of our appreciation for our incredible parents and guardians who have raised outstanding individuals that trust us with their banking needs. Our donation to the Old People’s Home reflects our deep commitment to supporting the well-being and dignity of our senior citizens. We are honored to contribute to a cause that ensures they receive the care, comfort, and respect they deserve.” Nwagboh stated.
Appreciating the gesture from the bank, the Director-in-Charge of the Home in Yaba, Adetutu Ipaye, said “Community support initiatives such as this from Fidelity Bank is vital to sustaining our mission and enhancing the quality of life for the elderly. We urge other organizations to follow in the Bank’s footsteps as this kind of support will go a long way to ensure that the elderly live with dignity and comfort”.
One of the beneficiaries from the home, Mr. Kamoru Adeyetu noted that, “Your presence today has brought us immense joy, and our greatest happiness lies in seeing the younger generation thrive. Beyond the gifts, your visit means the world to us and please remember to visit us regularly.”
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.
Online Poster by — June 23, 2025 in News 0