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WITH FIRSTBANK’S SPARK, GLAD TIDINGS ECHO FOR LESS PRIVILEGED CHILDREN
Their excitement was exceptional that Saturday morning on 6 July 2019. It was an overflowing river of joy and gratitude they could not contain, pumping from their hearts. The students and staff of Wesley School for the Hearing Impaired, Surulere, Lagos had a good reason to be ecstatic.
The Chief Executive Officer of FirstBank, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan – First Bank of Nigeria Limited – and a team of volunteers from the nation’s premier financial institution visited the school to demonstrate acts of random kindness. Provisions (Food supplies, drinks, toiletries) and educational materials were given to the school to cater for the hundreds of children under the care of Mr. Kehinde Alimi, Principal of Wesley School 1.
The visit to Wesley School for the Hearing Impaired was part of the 2019 CR&S Week activities by FirstBank. The Bank had its maiden CR&S week in 2017.
Expressing his gratitude, Alimi began his speech by asking the students of the school to shout, ‘three hallelujahs’, thereon stating “I sincerely thank every member of your team (FirstBank) for their kindness and generosity. For all you have given us, God will replenish you back a million times. To have reached this stage as an institution has not been easy, but we have been able to pull through with the support of God and organisations like yours. The sheer quantum of materials you have brought also shows that you recognise that we are two schools and not just one – Wesley School for the Hearing Impaired 1 for senior students and Wesley School for the Hearing Impaired 2 for the junior students. You have proved that FirstBank is indeed the first while others follow.”
Like Oliver Twist, Alimi couldn’t resist asking for more: “We thank you most sincerely for today’s visit and we kindly enjoin you to continue to find time to interact with us. For us to have been in your thoughts means that you are concerned about our welfare, but we will still be approaching you with requests. We want you to find time out of no time to come and be part of our programmes. We are grateful for your efforts and pray that God will continue to sustain the Bank and all its staff. Thank you very much for all your cumulative efforts.”
Dr. Adeduntan had explained that the FirstBank team came to the school to demonstrate the kindness that it preaches and to assure students and staff of its support.
He said, “we believe that if all of us can show acts of kindness to people around us, we will make the world we live in a much better place for everyone. Our decision to come here today is to show appreciation to the management for shouldering the enormous responsibility of taking care of these children with special needs. This visit is also to assure the children who are schooling here that, as the popular saying goes, you will not walk alone.”
Commendably, Twenty-three other charity homes/institutes including camps of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) were visited by FirstBank staff volunteers, led by senior members of staff. The Executive Director, Public Sector, FirstBank, Abdullahi Ibrahim with other volunteer employees visited the School for the Blind, Jabi, Abuja while the Group Head, Corporate Banking, Remi Ajose-Adeogun visited the Down Syndrome Foundation of Nigeria, Fagba, Lagos. Other visited locations were Madinatu and Almiskin IDP Camps, Maiduguri amongst others. Food supplies (provisions, drink, toiletries) and educational materials were delivered to all the visited homes.
The wide range of activities of the FirstBank CR&S week underscores SPARK (Start Performing Acts of Random Kindness), a values-based initiative by the Bank which focuses on creating and reinforcing a conscious mindset of showing compassion, empathy as well as giving to others. It is aimed at inspiring people to make a difference as it is designed to promote kindness to one another. It is executed through a range of strategically designed activities including visits to homes for the less privileged members of society and talks about SPARK.
FirstBank’s visit to the various homes was particularly thoughtful in the light of the predicament of the less privileged and persons with disabilities in the country, estimated to be around 19 million by the National Population Commission in 2018. Many of these persons face several challenges including hunger, starvation, stigmatisation, discrimination and lack of access to healthcare, housing and education. Though the government moved to intervene in their plight when President Muhammadu Buhari signed into law the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018 in January, there has yet been the expected respite for them hence, most of them rely on the benevolence of public-spirited institutions like FirstBank and individuals.
Considering the number of challenges that Nigerians living with disabilities face, especially lack of access to healthcare, housing and education, there’s no gainsaying the fact that they need all the care and support they can get. And by continuously including them in its plans since it commenced the enlarged CS&R Week in 2017, FirstBank has been at the forefront of providing support for the less privileged Nigerians by reiterating that no assistance is too much to help them live a fulfilled life.
With the impacts made across over half a dozen countries that play host to the Bank’s business operations, the FirstBank 2019 CR&S week reinforced that philanthropy is no doubt embedded in its DNA.
L-R: Matthew Daniel, student of Wesley School; Olusegun Alebiosu, Chief Risk Officer, FirstBank; Seyi Olusanya, student of Wesley School; Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, Chief Executive Officer, FirstBank; Olayiwola Adeola, student of Wesley School and Mr. Kehinde Alimi, Principal, Wesley School 1, during FirstBank’s visit to Wesley School for the Hearing Impaired at Surulere, Lagos as part of activities marking FirstBank’s 2019 CR&S week.
Zenith Bank Plc will commemorate the 2026 International Women’s Day with a renewed call to purposeful action and leadership. As part of preparations to celebrate this significant occasion, the Bank is set to hold its annual International Women’s Day Seminar on Monday, March 9, 2026, at The Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.Aligned with the global theme ‘Give to Gain” which underscores the principle that sustainable progress is achieved when individuals and institutions invest intentionally in women, Zenith Bank’s 2026 IWD seminar is themed “Take It, You Own It.” The theme reflects the Bank’s belief that while institutions must give through enabling environments and equitable systems, women must also step forward to claim space, own their value, and lead with confidence. It is both an affirmation and a challenge: embrace opportunity, empower yourself and others, and take ownership of your growth journey.Building on the success of previous seminars, including the 2025 edition themed “Winning On All Fronts”, Zenith Bank’s 2026 programme is designed to deepen meaningful engagement around women’s empowerment, leadership, and sustainable impact. Over the years, the Bank’s International Women’s Day initiatives have brought together women leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and emerging talents for dynamic dialogue, inspiration, and shared learning around gender equity, professional growth, and inclusive opportunity.More than a commemorative gathering, the 2026 seminar is designed as a convergence of influence, insight, and inspiration, bringing together accomplished women and progressive leaders across business, governance, creative industries, technology, and social impact.Speaking ahead of the Seminar, the Group Managing Director/CEO, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, who will deliver the welcome address, said “The International Women’s Day is a reminder that progress requires intentionality. ‘Give to Gain’ speaks to the responsibility institutions have to create real opportunities, while our theme ‘Take It, You Own It’ challenges women to step forward boldly and lead. At Zenith Bank, we are deliberate about building environments where women are supported to grow, thrive, and shape outcomes, not only within our institution but across the communities and industries we serve.”The seminar will include segments focused on leadership insight, professional empowerment, wellbeing, and collaboration, offering attendees opportunities to engage deeply with thought leadership and practical strategies for advancing equity. With a carefully curated programme spanning keynote addresses, panel conversations, Q&A sessions, and creative interludes, Zenith Bank’s 2026 International Women’s Day Seminar promises to be a catalyst for meaningful action.Through its alignment with “Give to Gain” and its bold seminar theme, “Take It, You Own It,” Zenith Bank reaffirms its belief that when institutions give intentionally and women lead confidently, entire ecosystems rise. As conversations around inclusion continue to shape the future of business and society, the Bank remains resolute in its mission to foster platforms where women’s potential is recognised, amplified, and fully owned.
L-R: District Head, Kyangakwai, Alhaji Suleiman Musa; Former Speaker, Kebbi State House of Assembly, Mr Isma’ila Abdulmumuni Kamba; District Head, Kamba (Sarkin Shikon Kamba), Mamuda Zarummai; Council Secretary, Dandi Local Government, Kebbi State, Alhaji Abdulkadir Muhammad; and Regional Bank Head, North-West Zone 2, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr Muhammad Lawal-Ahijo; at the official commissioning of the new Fidelity Bank Plc branch in Kamba, Dandi Local Government Area, Kebbi State recently.
Residents of Kamba in Dandi Local Government Area of Kebbi State have welcomed the opening of a new branch of Fidelity Bank Plc, describing it as a major milestone that will ease long-standing financial and logistics challenges faced by farmers, small-scale traders and individuals in the community.
The Chairman of Dandi Local Government Council, Dr. Mansur Isah-Kamba, described the branch as a welcome relief after years of limited access to formal banking services. Represented by the Council Secretary, Alhaji Abdulkadir Muhammad, Isah-Kamba noted that residents – including over 83 traditional rulers on the local government payroll—previously travelled long distances to Birnin Kebbi for routine banking transactions.
“With the opening of this branch in our locality, the stress, cost and time associated with banking outside the community will be significantly reduced,” he said. He also commended Fidelity Bank for its foresight and commitment to supporting farmers and small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs).
On his part, the Sarkin Shikon of Kamba, Alhaji Mahmoud Zarumai-Fana, described farming as the primary occupation in the area will help improve commercial activities.
“Our people are predominantly farmers. Access to financial services will help them improve productivity and livelihoods. Farmers need support such as pumping machines, fertilisers, and pesticides, and proximity to banking services will make it easier to save, access loans, and participate in agricultural intervention programmes,” he said.
Speaking at the official inauguration ceremony, Regional Bank Head, North‑West Region, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Muhammad Lawal‑Ahijo, highlighted the bank’s commitment to expanding financial access and supporting economic growth across Nigeria.
“Our decision to establish this branch is rooted in our belief that every community deserves access to reliable financial services that enable people to grow, businesses to thrive, and local economies to prosper. Kamba is a thriving agricultural community, and the decision to open a branch here is a strategic investment in the future of its farmers, traders, and households. While the infrastructure is for the bank, this branch belongs to the community. We encourage residents to take ownership by fully utilising the services available.” Lawal-Ahijo said.
He further noted the bank’s overall dedication to empowering informal sector workers and small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), adding, “Our goal is to bring banking closer to the people and support farmers, SMEs and households with accessible financial services that drive sustainable growth.”
In his remarks, a member of the Kebbi State House of Assembly representing Dandi Constituency, Dr. Abubakar Suleiman-Fana, said the new branch marked a significant step toward strengthening financial inclusion in rural communities.
“This is a milestone for our constituency. Financial inclusion is critical to rural development, and farmers, traders, and youths must take advantage of this opportunity to grow their businesses and improve their economic well-being,” he said.
Residents also expressed delight about the impact the new branch will have on their daily lives. A petty trader, Mrs. Hassana Abubakar, said she previously had to close her shop whenever she travelled to Birnin Kebbi for banking transactions.
“Now I can do my banking here without losing a whole day’s business. This will help my shop grow,” she said.
The opening of the Fidelity Bank branch in Kamba underscores the bank’s ongoing commitment to advancing financial inclusion, supporting rural economies and empowering farmers and small businesses across Nigeria.
Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 10 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.
Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd (GTBank), the flagship banking franchise of GTCO Plc, Africa’s leading financial services group, today announced the launch of Quick Airtime Loan, an innovative digital solution that gives customers instant access to airtime when they run out of call credit and have limited funds in their bank accounts, ensuring customers can stay connected when it matters most.
In today’s always-on world, running out of airtime is more than a minor inconvenience. It can mean missed opportunities, disrupted plans, and lost connections, often at the very moment when funds are tight, and options are limited. Quick Airtime Loan was created to solve this problem, offering customers instant access to airtime on credit, directly from their bank. With Quick Airtime Loan, eligible GTBank customers can access from ₦100 and up to ₦10,000 by dialing 73790#. Available across all major mobile networks in Nigeria, the service will soon expand to include data loans, further strengthening its proposition as a reliable on-demand platform.
For years, the airtime credit market has been dominated by Telcos, where charges for this service are at 15%. GTBank is now changing the narrative by offering a customer-centric, bank-led digital alternative priced at 2.95%. Built on transparency, convenience and affordability, Quick Airtime Loan has the potential to broaden access to airtime, deliver meaningful cost savings for millions of Nigerians, and redefine how financial services show up in everyday life, not just in banking moments.
Commenting on the product launch, Miriam Olusanya, Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd, said: “Quick Airtime Loan reflects GTBank’s continued focus on delivering digital solutions that are relevant, accessible, and built around real customer needs. The solution underscores the power of a connected financial ecosystem, combining GTBank’s digital reach and lending expertise with the capabilities of HabariPay to deliver a smooth, end-to-end experience. By leveraging unique strengths across the Group, we are able to accelerate innovation, strengthen execution, and deliver a more integrated customer experience across all our service channels.”
Importantly, Quick Airtime Loan highlights GTCO’s evolution as a fully diversified financial services group. Leveraging HabariPay’s Squad, the solution reinforces the Group’s ecosystem proposition by bringing together banking, payment technology, and digital channels to deliver intuitive, one-stop experiences for customers.
With this new product launch, Guaranty Trust Bank is extending its legacy of pioneering digital-first solutions that have redefined customer access to financial services across the industry, building on the proven strength of its widely adopted QuickCredit offering and the convenience of the Bank’s iconic *737# USSD Banking platform.
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