Category: Business

Emmanuel lkpeama 

Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, has commended Air Peace for its historic inaugural direct flight from Abuja to London Heathrow, describing the milestone as a bold testament to Nigerian excellence in global aviation.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe,OON in a statement issued following the launch, praised Air Peace for its resilience and vision.

The MD noted that the airline’s expansion into the prestigious Heathrow route reflects the strength of indigenous enterprise and the growing confidence in Nigeria’s aviation sector.

“We warmly congratulate Air Peace on the launch of its direct flights between Abuja and London Heathrow. This remarkable achievement marks another significant milestone in Air Peace’s journey and reflects its unwavering commitment to advancing the Nigerian aviation industry.

“Fidelity Bank is honoured to have been a trusted partner to Air Peace since it began operations 11 years ago. Our relationship has been built on shared values, strategic collaboration and a deep commitment to national progress. Today’s success is not only a triumph for Air Peace, it is a proud moment for Nigeria.

“We celebrate the Chairman and CEO of Air Peace, Dr Allen Onyema, his dedicated team and all Nigerians who share in this achievement”, said Onyeali-Ikpe.

The bank’s chief executive further highlighted Fidelity Bank’s longstanding role as a financial partner to key players in the aviation industry, reaffirming its position as a market leader in aviation financing and support services.

“Our partnership with Air Peace reflects our belief in the potential of Nigerian businesses to compete and thrive on the global stage. We have consistently backed the airline’s growth ambitions and will continue to do so as it opens new routes,” the MD added.

The MD also extended congratulations to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for his proactive support of local operators.

“The Honourable Minister’s efforts to create an enabling environment for indigenous airlines are yielding tangible results. This Heathrow route launch is a clear example of what is possible when government and private sector work together,” the MD stated.

Air Peace’s new Abuja–London Heathrow route marks its second direct flight service to the United Kingdom, following the successful launch of the Lagos–London route earlier in the year.

The development is expected to boost connectivity, reduce travel costs and enhance Nigeria’s presence in international aviation.

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.

Emmanuel lkpeama

The Management of the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) has taken immediate action following allegations of improper transaction practices involving a staff member using a personal bank account to receive payments from customers for services rendered.

This action is in line with the Agency’s commitment to upholding transparency and accountability in its operations.

Investigator news reports that the Management of LASAA,under the directive of the Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, has taken swift action by identifying the staff involved and directing them to report to the Agency’s Head Office for thorough investigation and subsequent disciplinary measures in accordance with the Public Service Rules.

“In line with the directive of the Honourable Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, the staff involved has been identified and directed to report at the Agency’s Head Office for immediate investigation and disciplinary proceedings in accordance with public service rules.”

“The Agency views this allegation with utmost seriousness and wishes to state unequivocally that such actions, if verified, are contrary to the established financial and ethical procedures governing transactions within LASAA and the Lagos State Civil Service.”the statement reads.

The Agency went further to reiterate its strict adherence to the financial and ethical guidelines governing the Lagos State Civil Service, emphasizing that all payments for LASAA services must be made through officially designated government channels.

According to the agency,this policy is in place to ensure the integrity of the Agency’s financial transactions and to safeguard the interests of its clients and stakeholders.

“The Management appreciates the vigilance of members of the public who have brought this matter to the Agency’s attention and assures them that all necessary steps will be taken to uphold the highest standards of conduct and professionalism within LASAA.”

“The public can be assured that the outcome of the investigation will determine the appropriate course of action, including any disciplinary measures that may be required.”

 

 

 

 

 

10/23, 4:54 PM] The Investigator News: PRESS STATEMENT

RE: ALLEGATION OF IMPROPER TRANSACTION PRACTICES INVOLVING OUR STAFF

 

The attention of the Management of the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) has been drawn to a recent social media post alleging that a staff of our Agency engaged in improper transaction practices by using a personal bank account to receive payments from customers for signage-related services.

 

The Agency views this allegation with utmost seriousness and wishes to state unequivocally that such actions, if verified, are contrary to the established financial and ethical procedures governing transactions within LASAA and the Lagos State Civil Service.

 

In line with the directive of the Honourable Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, the staff involved has been identified and directed to report at the Agency’s Head Office for immediate investigation and disciplinary proceedings in accordance with public service rules.

 

LASAA reiterates its unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct in all its operations. The Agency maintains a strict policy that all payments for its services must be made only through officially designated government channels.

 

We appreciate the vigilance of members of the public who bring such matters to our attention. The Agency assures all stakeholders and clients that necessary corrective measures will be taken to uphold public trust and the integrity of our processes.

 

Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.

 

Signed:

Managememt

 

 

Please rewrite this story with another headline

[10/23, 4:54 PM] Meta AI: *”LASAA Takes Swift Action Against Staff Over Alleged Improper Transaction Practices”*

 

The Management of the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) has taken immediate action following allegations of improper transaction practices involving a staff member. The staff in question allegedly used a personal bank account to receive payments from customers for signage-related services.

 

*Key Points:*

 

– *Investigation Underway*: The staff has been identified and directed to report for immediate investigation and disciplinary proceedings.

– *Zero Tolerance Policy*: LASAA reiterates its commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct in all its operations.

– *Official Payment Channels*: The Agency emphasizes that all payments for its services must be made only through officially designated government channels.

– *Public Trust*: LASAA assures stakeholders and clients that necessary corrective measures will be taken to uphold public trust and the integrity of its processes.

 

*Other Headlines:*

 

– *”LASAA Cracks Down on Staff Over Alleged Financial Impropriety”*

– *”Transparency and Accountability: LASAA Investigates Staff Over Personal Bank Account Use”*

– *”LASAA Takes Action Against Staff for Alleged Breach of Financial Regulations”*

[10/23, 4:58 PM] Meta AI: *”LASAA Acts on Allegation of Financial Impropriety, Launches Investigation into Staff Misconduct”*

 

The Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) has confirmed that it is investigating one of its staff members over allegations of using a personal bank account to receive payments from customers for services rendered. This action is in line with the Agency’s commitment to upholding transparency and accountability in its operations.

 

The Management of LASAA, under the directive of the Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, has taken swift action by identifying the staff involved and directing them to report to the Agency’s Head Office for thorough investigation and subsequent disciplinary measures in accordance with the Public Service Rules.

 

The Agency wishes to reiterate its strict adherence to the financial and ethical guidelines governing the Lagos State Civil Service, emphasizing that all payments for LASAA services must be made through officially designated government channels. This policy is in place to ensure the integrity of the Agency’s financial transactions and to safeguard the interests of its clients and stakeholders.

 

The Management appreciates the vigilance of members of the public who have brought this matter to the Agency’s attention and assures them that all necessary steps will be taken to uphold the highest standards of conduct and professionalism within LASAA. The public can be assured that the outcome of the investigation will determine the appropriate course of action, including any disciplinary measures that may be required.

 

*Signed,*

Management, LASAA.

 

*Other Headlines:*

 

– *”Integrity First: LASAA Investigates Staff Over Alleged Financial Misconduct”*

– *”Swift Action: LASAA Probes Staff Member Over Personal Bank Account Allegations”*

– *”Accountability in Action: LASAA Launches Probe into Staff’s Financial Transactions”*

Emmanuel lkpeama 

The Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) recently welcomed a high-powered delegation from the house committee on environment of the Lagos State House of Assembly, led by its Chairman, Honourable Shabi Rasheed Adekola.

The visit served as a statutory oversight function, providing a critical platform for detailed engagement on the agency’s performance and regulatory adherence.

The LASAA management team, headed by the Managing Director/CEO, Prince Fatiu Akiolu, engaged the Committee in extensive discussions that spanned the agency’s activities, its performance metrics and compliance with regulatory responsibilities.

The meeting fostered productive conversations focusing on strategic policies and ongoing projects aimed at developing an organised, safe and visually appealing outdoor advertising space across the state.

Prince Akiolu seized the opportunity to express his profound gratitude to the Committee for their time, unwavering support and valuable guidance.

“We are deeply committed to upholding best practices in outdoor advertising regulation,” Prince Akiolu stated.

“LASAA’s mission is to contribute meaningfully to the sustainable development of Lagos State’s visual environment, a goal we pursue rigorously for the benefit of all residents and visitors.”

In his remarks, Honourable Shabi Rasheed Adekola delivered a glowing assessment of LASAA’s operational efficiency.

He particularly praised the agency’s efforts in maintaining a cleaner and safer Lagos through effective signage control and regulation under Prince Akiolu’s leadership.

The Chairman underscored the non-negotiable need for sustained cooperation between the legislature and all government agencies to guarantee efficient service delivery and accountability.

“We recognise LASAA’s vital role in keeping Lagos clean and safe,” Honourable Adekola stated. “This partnership between the legislature and government agencies is essential for ensuring service delivery and accountability that aligns perfectly with the agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.”

Honourable Adekola also issued a call to action, urging LASAA to intensify its efforts in public sensitization. He explained that engaging the public on the agency’s core mandate is crucial for ensuring continuous compliance and maximizing revenue potential.

Crucially, he reinforced the need for LASAA to reassure the public that the state’s outdoor advertising structures are maintained with “utmost integrity,” guaranteeing their safety.

The oversight visit successfully affirmed the shared commitment of both the legislature and LASAA to promoting transparency, efficiency and innovation within the public service, thereby enhancing the quality of life in Lagos State.

 

 

Emmanuel lkpeama

Fidelity Bank’s market leadership has been affirmed once again as the tier-one lender bagged double honours at the BusinessDay Bank and Other Financial Institutions’(BAFI) Awards 2025.

At the awards ceremony, which was held at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos on Saturday, 11 October 2025, Fidelity Bank was presented with the awards for the “Best Bank for Export & Trade Finance” and “Most Innovative Bank of the Year”.

Dedicating the Export and Trade Finance Award to its customers, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe,OON, who was represented by the Executive Director/Chief Operations and Information Officer, Stanley Amuchie, said,

“This recognition underscores our unwavering commitment to promoting non-oil exports and supporting Nigerian businesses to compete globally through initiatives such as the Fidelity International Trade & Creative Connect (FNITCC) and the Export Management Programme (EMP).

 

“I dedicate this award to all our exporters who continue to showcase the best of Nigeria to the world, our loyal customers, and our partners for their steadfast support.”

The BAFI Awards is the benchmark of distinction for institutions in the Nigerian financial services sector. Now in its 12th year, the awards recognise and celebrate organisations that are excelling in the delivery of financial services in Nigeria.

The award acknowledges organisations demonstrating leadership, vision and impact in driving Nigeria’s growth trajectory.

Fidelity Bank’s recent recognition is attributed to significant accomplishments over the past twelve months.

Notable milestones include the inauguration of the first privately constructed onshore oil export terminal in Nigeria in fifty years at the Otakikpo Marginal Field, which was funded by Fidelity Bank and commissioned by

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu last week. Additionally, the Bank launched the Fidelity SME Hub, a multipurpose facility designed to support small businesses through innovation, collaboration, and capacity-building initiatives.

Furthermore, Fidelity Bank organized the third edition of the Fidelity Nigeria International Trade & Creative Connect (FNITCC) in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, in September 2025.

This event provided local businesses with opportunities to engage in deal rooms with U.S. buyers, including prominent retailers such as Walmart and Target, fostering potential partnerships.

“The innovation award is a special one for us as it validates our continued drive to enhance operational efficiency, elevate customer experience, and strengthen business performance.

We sincerely appreciate BusinessDay Media for this recognition and reaffirm our commitment to introducing more impactful innovations that empower our customers and advance the Nigerian financial services industry”, commented Amuchie.

Emmanuel lkpeama

 Polaris Bank has restated its dedication to delivering exceptional customer *experience* as it successfully concluded activities marking the 2025 edition of Customer Service Week themed “Mission: Possible.”

The week-long celebration, which ran from Monday, October 6 to Friday, October 10, was filled with engaging customer appreciation activities and staff recognition initiatives across the Bank’s branches and digital channels.

Throughout the week, Polaris Bank celebrated its customers with giveaways, appreciation messages, and interactive engagements across its touchpoints, reaffirming its commitment to continuously improving service delivery.

Employees were also recognised for their outstanding contributions to service excellence, underscoring the Bank’s belief that exceptional service begins with an empowered and motivated team.

Speaking at the close of the celebration, the Managing Director/CEO of Polaris Bank, Kayode Lawal, thanked customers for their loyalty and trust, describing them as the driving force behind the Bank’s commitment to excellence.

“Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. Their feedback, trust, and partnership inspire us to keep improving and delivering value every day.

This week reaffirms that great service is not just a goal, it’s our way of life at Polaris Bank,” he said.

Mr. Lawal noted that the Customer Service Week provides an opportunity for reflection and renewal of the Bank’s promise to serve with consistency, empathy, and excellence.

Polaris Bank staff across the country also participated in internal learning and engagement sessions designed to enhance their customer interaction skills and promote a culture of service leadership.

The global Customer Service Week, celebrated annually in the first week of October, recognises the vital role of customer service professionals and the impact of service excellence on business growth.

For Polaris Bank, this year’s celebration reinforced its belief that with dedication, innovation, and teamwork, great service is always a “Mission Possible.”

Emmanuel lkpeama 

Tier one Lender, Fidelity Bank Plc, has announced its readiness to begin the disbursement of funds under the National Credit Guarantee Company (NCGC) N5 billion Credit Intervention Scheme.

The initiative is designed to expand access to finance for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), as well as businesses owned by women and youths across Nigeria.

 

This was disclosed by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the bank and NCGC.

According to Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe, the partnership with NCGC represents a significant step in the bank’s ongoing efforts to enhance financial inclusion and stimulate economic growth through increased access to credit.

“This guarantee will enable us to further expand financing opportunities for those who need it most, while strengthening our capacity to support businesses across key sectors of the Nigerian economy,” she said.

The facility will cover critical sectors including food processing, secondary agriculture (such as fish and poultry processing), fashion, green energy, light manufacturing, the agricultural value chain (feed mills and equipment fabrication), export-oriented businesses, and education.

Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe highlighted that Fidelity Bank has consistently supported diverse sectors through targeted initiatives such as the Green Energy Financing Programme for renewable energy entrepreneurs, the Fidelity SME Hub for small businesses with a special arm – Creativerse, dedicated to the creative industry and the Fidelity Bank Education Support Scheme which provides affordable financing for educational infrastructure and technology upgrades.

“With the backing of the NCGC credit guarantee, we can now extend financing to businesses that have traditionally been excluded from formal credit systems—without compromising our risk standards or operational efficiency,” she added.

“While we have supported MSMEs with short-term facilities in the past, this partnership allows us to provide long-term credit facilities that empower businesses to expand sustainably.”

Over the past five years, Fidelity Bank has disbursed over N500 billion in loans to MSMEs, empowering thousands of entrepreneurs and creating sustainable livelihoods.

Also speaking at the event, Managing Director of NCGC, Mr. Bonaventure Okhaimo, emphasized that the organization was established to bridge the financing gap faced by MSMEs in Nigeria by mitigating lender risks through credit guarantees.

“Although MSMEs are key contributors to Nigeria’s economic development, many of them struggle to secure funding from financial institutions due to perceived high risks,” he said.

“Through the credit guarantee scheme, NCGC shares this risk with banks, making it easier for MSMEs to access much-needed capital.”

Mr. Okhaimo added that NCGC and Fidelity Bank will also collaborate to provide financial literacy and business management training to MSME beneficiaries, ensuring they have the knowledge and skills to effectively manage their loans and achieve sustainable growth.

The Fidelity Bank–NCGC partnership reinforces both institutions shared commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, strengthening MSMEs, and driving inclusive economic development across Nigeria.

It will be recalled that Fidelity bank is 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.