By Amaka Obiefuna

Our attention has been drawn to a publication on Sahara Reporters website titled, “Fidelity Bank MD Onyeali-Ikpe Confesses to Paying ₦5Billion To Avoid Police Detention Amid Over ₦19Billion Fraud Probe”.

We would like to categorically state this story is patently false and has been maliciously written to deceive the public into believing that a N5billion bail bond was payment to the Police to avoid detention.

While we are unable to comment on the substantive matter as it is before a competent court, we wish to state emphatically that there is no truth in the claims of the story.

The police invited the MD during their investigation of a matter reported by James Onyemenam against Mr. Ogo Whoba in respect of the management of the accounts of Woobs Resources Limited. After taking her statement, the police requested the MD to sign a N5 billion bail bond, which she signed on self-recognizance.

It is the N5billion bail bond that was signed by the MD that was referenced in her conversation with Mr. Ogo Whoba which was recorded without her consent. At no time did the MD pay N5bn to the Police to avoid detention but rather signed a bond as part of her bail requirements.

This mischievous allegation was presented to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) in a petition written by Victor Ukutt for himself and on behalf of Mr. Whoba. The IGP commissioned a detailed and independent investigation into the allegation and found same to be baseless.

As a leading financial institution with a long-standing commitment to strong corporate governance, we remain dedicated to adhering to the rule of law and maintaining the highest ethical standards in all our dealings.

By Amaka Obiefuna

Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji, has directed the extension of tax office operations to weekends for the month of June.

The directive, according to a statement by Dare Adekanmbi, Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS chairman, is part of Adedeji’s commitment to matching the agency’s customer-centric policy with tangible action.

With the directive, tax offices are expected to open for business from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday and 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday throughout the month of June.

The statement said the weekend service, which started on June 14, will end on Sunday, June 29, “and it is aimed at helping companies who are mandated by law to file their tax returns by the end of the month meet up with the deadline.”

Consequent upon Adedeji’s approval, the Coordinating Directors of Large Taxpayers Group (LTG), Government and Medium Taxpayers Group (GMTG) as well as Emerging Taxpayers Group (ETG), Ms Amina Ado, Dr Dick Irri and Mr Kabir Abba respectively have conveyed the decision of the management to all staff in the tax offices in the three groups.

“As you are aware, the month of June marks the peak of the annual Companies Income Tax (CIT) filling season, with many taxpayers whose financial year ends 31st December expected to file their tax returns by June 30.

“To ease the process for taxpayers, enhance service delivery, and maximize tax collection during this critical period, management has approved extension of tax office operations to weekends for the month of June 2025,” a directive jointly signed by the three Coordinating Directors said.

The FIRS chairman, on assumption of office, reorganized tax operations for ease of tax payment, leading the transformation of the agency from merely being a tax-collecting entity to a service-providing body.

In a strategic move to strengthen digital resilience and innovation within the Nigerian insurance sector, the Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA), in collaboration with Training Heights, recently organized a specialized training for over 80 Chief Information Officers (CIOs) and senior Information Technology (IT) leaders of its member insurance companies.

The training, which took place in two sessions on May 31st and June 14th, focused on ISO 27001 – Information Security Management Systems, ISO 20000 – IT Service Management Systems, and ISO 22301 – Business Continuity Management Systems, ensuring a comprehensive approach to IT governance, risk management, and continuity planning.

In her opening remark, the Director General of the NIA, Mrs Bola Odukale highlighted the importance of the initiative, stating that the training would not only add value to the individual participants but also support the broader transformation agenda of the association.

She emphasized that the training aligns with the current theme of the NIA Chairman’s administration, which is : “Digital Disruption and Social Innovation: Reshaping Our Traditional Models.”

The DG encouraged the attendees to maximize the opportunity to enhance their competencies in managing information systems securely and efficiently in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Odukale said: “This initiative marks a significant step toward building a digitally empowered insurance industry, equipped with the tools and knowledge to navigate emerging challenges while driving innovation and trust.

The training sessions was facilitated by Dr. Olumide Orlando, CEO of Training Heights, a renowned expert in IT standards and compliance.

Participants included Chief Digital Officers (CDOs), Heads of IT, and other key technology stakeholders across the NIA member companies.

Kevin Ugwuoke, Executive Director and Chief Risk Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, has formally assumed office as President of the Chartered Risk Management Institute of Nigeria (CRMI). His leadership promises a reform-focused era anchored on policy advocacy, ethical standards, and digital innovation to deepen risk governance across sectors in the country.

Speaking during the presidential handover ceremony in Lagos over the weekend, Ugwuoke — who also doubles as acting President of the Federation of African Risk Management Associations (FARMA) — described his election as “a call to action.” He pledged to reposition CRMI as a thought leader and institutional partner in shaping the future of risk management in Nigeria’s national development.

“Our mission is more than just certification; it’s about strengthening the culture of risk governance across sectors. We will collaborate with regulators, raise awareness, and provide practical tools to help organizations embed risk discipline at all levels.”

Ugwuoke outlined a five-pronged strategy to guide his administration: strengthening professional education and certification; deepening policy and regulatory engagement; accelerating digital transformation; integrating ESG and climate risk into corporate strategies; and mentoring the next generation of risk practitioners.

He explained that CRMI will align its initiatives with key policy institutions — including the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, the National Assembly, and sub-national governments — to help embed robust risk frameworks into economic development plans.

“We must integrate risk thinking into how we plan, govern, and invest. We will advocate for more inclusive regulations to empower small and medium enterprises, improve macroeconomic stability, and foster institutional resilience.”

Ugwuoke also announced plans to revise the Institute’s curriculum, introduce specialized certifications to reflect emerging risks, and implement a new National Risk Observatory to provide real-time risk data to both the public and private sectors.

“Digital innovation will be central to how CRMI operates going forward. We are automating our backend, delivering more virtual training, and employing technology to scale our impact across the country and beyond.”

In his remarks, the outgoing President of CRMI, Ezekiel Oseni, challenged the new leadership to consolidate on the achievements made under his tenure — from securing chartered status and strengthening partnerships to gaining greater international recognition — and take the Institute to the next level.

Also speaking on the occasion, Chukwuma Nweke, deputy managing director of United Bank for Africa (UBA), delivering a goodwill message on behalf of Group Managing Director, Oliver Alawuba, described Ugwuoke as a worthy successor. “As Professor Oseni hands over the baton to Kevin Ugwuoke — a well-respected leader in the risk management ecosystem — we are assured CRMI is poised for greater achievements under his watch.”

Nweke stressed that growing economic uncertainties — from inflation and exchange rate volatility to growing debt — underscore the need for a more strategic view of risk. “Risk must be recognized not as a compliance obligation or a cost center but as a key enabler of resiliency and growth. Institutions that embed risk into their strategies will absorb shocks more effectively, unlock value, and inspire investor confidence.”

As part of the day’s ceremonies, 11 distinguished practitioners were conferred with the Fellow of Chartered Risk Manager (FCRMI) award, while 21 new members were formally inducted as Chartered Risk Managers (CRM). Furthermore, a new Governing Council was inaugurated to oversee the affairs of the Institute for the 2025–2027 term, marking a decisive step forward in institutional renewal and policy direction.