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How Access Bank is addressing malaria eradication on the continent
Eradication isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when one imagines an established brand like Access Bank. However, as the American philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson made the connection between health and wealth centuries ago, a world-class financial institution in the mould of Access Bank can definitely appreciate the all-encompassing importance of a healthy population.
From the socio-economic to the political, every aspect of living is affected by good health – or the lack of it – and is for this reason that Access Bank under the leadership of Herbert Wigwe has risen to the challenge of eradicating malaria, a disease that mostly threatens the health conditions of sub-Saharan Africa.
According to the World Health Organisation, the African region carries an excessively high share of the global malaria burden. In 2018 alone, the region was home to 93% of malaria cases and 94% of malaria deaths. Nigeria is the most affected country on earth, contributing about 25% to the global malaria cases despite the fact that malaria, a disease caused by the plasmodium parasite is both preventable and curable. Children under five years of age are the most exposed age group. Other vulnerable categories of people include infants, pregnant women and people who are immune-compromised.
Total funding for malaria control and elimination reached an estimated US$ 2.7 billion in 2018, with contributions from governments of endemic countries amounting to US$ 900 million. Access Bank without a doubt has made a dent in these figures through its landmark partnership with the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria. This unique collaboration, called the Malaria-to-Zero Initiative is an innovative financing platform that aims to galvanise private sector resources and capabilities for sustained support towards averting at least 1 million malaria cases and deaths. This programme has been an important first step towards complementing government’s effort in achieving its malaria pre-elimination goals.
Since inception, an estimated 273,000 people have been reached, many for the first time in rural communities of Nigeria, not just with testing and treatment, but with potentially life-saving information that has been put in place to prevent the occurrence of malaria. 357 community groups have been empowered and engaged with the technical capacity to roll out useful community interventions. Over 1 million people have been reached across the length and breadth of Nigeria with information, education, and communication materials. Social media has been a useful strategy and as such, over 6 million impressions have been made across several platforms.
Low hanging fruits will always remain easy to pluck but the Malaria-to-Zero Initiative has been just as interested in harder-to-reach communities with about 15 of these communities finally receiving intervention programmes for the first time.
Malaria in pregnancy has been one of the most important contributions to malaria morbidities and mortalities, so the Malaria-to-Zero Initiative has been tactical as well, following the evidence and the data to provide almost 5,000 women with long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs). A notable increase in demand for malaria commodities (40%) has been recorded since the intervention kicked off. The data generated from the programme has been instructive. If anything, it points to the effectiveness of structured impact-oriented approaches that can be monitored and evaluated through repeated focus group discussions. For example, so far, 90% of the recipients of the long-lasting insecticide-treated nets report that they have put them to appropriate use.
In 2018, GBC Health’s Corporate Alliance on Malaria in Africa alongside a consortium of partners including the Private Sector Malaria Prevention Project, PSMP at John Hopkins Center for Communication, UK Aid and the National Malaria Control Programme of the Ghana Health Services, conferred the ‘Innovation Award’ on Access Bank for the institution’s active role in combating malaria on the continent. Reacting to the honor, the Bank’s Head of Sustainability, Omobolanle Victor-Laniyan highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaborations in eradication efforts and expressed intentions of Access Bank to intensify its effort.
“The only way to end or at least reduce the prevalence of malaria is by organising and strategically leveraging on the resources, capabilities and the proven expertise of private sector organisations. This is what Access Bank has been championing with the Malaria-to-Zero initiative,” she said.
According to the latest World Malaria Report released in December 2019, there were 228 million cases of malaria in 2018 compared to 231 million cases reported in 2017. This represents a decrease in about 3 million cases. The estimated number of malaria deaths stood at 405, 000 in 2018, compared with 416, 000 deaths in 2017. It will be interesting to see what the numbers look like as Access Bank continues to champion intervention efforts. There is a template now and other institutions can plug into Access Bank’s lead.
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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