Business
Emefiele launches a fresh plot against President-elect Tinubu.

Emefiele launches a fresh plot against President-elect Tinubu.
Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele is playing his “last card” in the closing chapter of the high-stakes power play that has embroiled Nigeria in the past six months.
The CBN boss, who has disobeyed the Supreme Court judgment that the old N500 and N1000 notes remain legal tender until December 31, is determined to influence the outcome of the March 18 governorship election in Lagos State against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Sources said last night that the apex bank has released N500 million in new bank notes to shore up the campaign of the Labour Party (LP) in the state.
Lagos is Nigeria’s economic nerve center and the stronghold of the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The LP secured an upset against the APC in the February 25 presidential polls in the state when its candidate, Peter Obi, polled 582,454 votes as against the 577,606 scored by Tinubu’s APC.
It was learned that the N500 million windfall was mobilized through high-level CBN agents in Lagos. It was described as “Oga’s own contribution to the takeover of Lagos from Tinubu’s influence, now that he has become the president-elect and will be relocating to Abuja”.
It was learned that Emefiele had worked to ensure that Tinubu did not emerge as a presidential candidate and president-elect.
Also, Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai said that the CBN governor resolved to work against Tinubu because he failed to get the APC presidential ticket.
Sources said the cash bonanza is intended to give an undue advantage to the LP candidate, Mr. Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, over the two other major contestants, incumbent Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of the APC and Mr. Olajide Adediran of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), whose campaign and mobilization have been seriously affected by the cash squeeze caused by Emefiele’s Naira redesign policy.
Besides, Emefiele, who hails from Delta North, is said to be an enthusiastic promoter of the “Igbo agenda” to install “our own in Alausa come May 29.”
To perfect the plot, the cooperation of a senior military officer in command position in Lagos is said to have been secured by Emefiele.
The commander, the sources said, is expected to provide “military muscle” to the “agenda” to take over Lagos.
He was said to have similarly played a “spoiler role” on February 25 by deliberately deploying troops to provide “cover” for the massive rigging in Ajah and Lekki areas in favor of LP’s Obi.
The commander also allegedly provided “cover” for the massive rigging reported in Amuwo-Odofin, Ojo, Alaba, and Iba areas. For instance, troops at his behest reportedly “detained” the Oniba of Ibaland in his palace, ostensibly to “prevent him from being able to mobilize his people to vote Tinubu”. Troops similarly invaded the palace of Elegushi in Ikateland and openly brutalized APC supporters in viral videos. Oba Saheed Elegushi is known to be a staunch Tinubu supporter.
Emefiele, whose controversial policy is widely believed to have specifically targeted Tinubu ahead of the presidential poll, is highly unlikely to continue in office after President Muhammadu Buhari bows out on May 29.
Incidentally, he had mounted a multi-billionaire bid for the APC presidential ticket last year in flagrant breach of the provisions of the CBN Act forbidding political partisanship.
Before he eventually chickened out of the race in May 2022, the CBN governor, according to an affidavit deposed to by the Department of State Security (DSS), had allegedly been involved in “terror financing.”
“A network of gangs and elements to help in the realization of his presidential ambition was said to have been recruited,” said the source.
The latest secret cash largesse to the LP candidate’s campaign is coming at a time many Nigerians groan under acute cash scarcity as they daily languish in endless queues at banking halls and ATM centers across the country without being able to access their savings, despite a Supreme Court order on March 3 mandating the revalidation of the N200, N500, and N1,000 notes till December 31, 2023.
Aside from Emefiele’s N500 million cash, the LP has also reportedly received $2 million in cash from a famous retired billionaire general, who hails from the North.
The said general had openly endorsed Obi on the understanding that he would “protect my business interests,” particularly in the oil and gas sector.
The businessman was said to have been shocked, following the announcement of Tinubu by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as President-elect.
The provision of dollars for LP is to match the APC candidate in the Lagos polls “dollar-for-dollar,”, the source added.
The billionaire general is widely known to be among the “group of five generals” who did everything possible in cahoots with some others to stall the declaration of the results of the presidential election when it became clear that Tinubu was heading for a clear victory.
His latest “investment” in Rhodes-Vivour is said to be an “emotional last dice” geared towards preserving his shock, being a Lagos resident who has just completed a new home believed to be worth $25 million.
Business
Stanbic IBTC Celebrates Children’s Day, Reiterates Commitment to the Wellbeing of the Nigerian Child

Stanbic IBTC Celebrates Children’s Day, Reiterates Commitment to the Wellbeing of the Nigerian Child
Stanbic IBTC Holdings, a member of Standard Bank Group, has joined the rest of the nation to celebrate this year’s Children’s Day and reaffirm its unwavering commitment to the upliftment and empowerment of the Nigerian child.
During its Blue Kids event, held recently to commemorate the 2023 Children’s Day, Stanbic IBTC strongly emphasized promoting financial literacy among children. Amidst pomp and pageantry, the Blue Kids’ event featured innovative and exciting activities such as a creative class, gaming activities, a financial fitness session and more.
During the occasion, Emmanuel Aihevba, the Head, Personal Clients at Stanbic IBTC Bank, expressed his heartfelt wishes to all Nigerian children, emphasizing their importance to the nation’s progress.
He said, “Children’s Day serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of nurturing and safeguarding the younger generation, who represent the future leaders and change-makers of the country. Stanbic IBTC recognises its critical role in promoting children’s wellbeing and educational development and remains steadfast in its efforts to provide support and resources that contribute to their growth.”
Recognising the importance of instilling financial knowledge and skills early, Stanbic IBTC develops engaging and educational programmes that equip children with the necessary tools to make sound financial decisions and develop a solid financial foundation for their future.
Layo Ilori-Olaogun, the Head, Client Experience at Stanbic IBTC Pensions also spoke about the various innovative initiatives Stanbic IBTC creates for the nation’s future leaders. One of these initiatives is the Children Educational Savings Scheme (CHESS) account, a special savings account developed to support parents in meeting the cash flow and timing needs of their children’s education. Available for kids between ages zero (0) and 17 years, CHESS offers a low opening balance, a one per cent interest rate above the average savings account, a MasterCard debit card for easy access to your funds, round-the-clock access to the customer care centre via phone, email and social media and full digital banking access – Internet, App and USSD, amongst other benefits.
In 2020, Stanbic IBTC kicked off the Stanbic IBTC Education Trust (SET) scheme. The trust is a convenient and flexible investment plan with long-term benefits designed to support parents and guardians striving to provide quality education for their children and wards.
One unique benefit of Stanbic IBTC Education Trust is that payments are effected directly to the institution of learning, ensuring no diversion of funds. Whether it is primary, secondary, tertiary, or post-graduate education, parents and guardians can now contribute to funding their children’s and wards’ education.
Layo described Stanbic IBTC’s Education Endowment Assurance as another remarkable initiative and a vehicle for saving that secures a child’s future education to a targeted amount. It is a policy that guarantees peace of mind on a child’s/ward’s education and benefits one’s dependents in case of death.
As the nation celebrated Ch
children’s Day, Stanbic IBTC renewed its commitment to championing the rights and well-being of Nigerian children. The firm remains dedicated to implementing impactful initiatives that foster growth, education, and development. By investing in the Nigerian child today, Stanbic IBTC is investing in a prosperous and inclusive future for all.
Business
Zenith Bank’s Ebenezer Onyeagwu Named Best Banking CEO Of The Year 2023

Zenith Bank’s Ebenezer Onyeagwu Named Best Banking CEO Of The Year 2023
The Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank Plc, Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu, has been named ‘Best Banking CEO of the Year in Africa’ in the International Banker 2023 Banking Awards. The award, published in the Spring 2023 Issue of the International Banker Magazine, sees Dr. Onyeagwu honoured alongside other individuals and banks from the Middle East and Africa.
Expressing gratitude for the recognition, Dr. Onyeagwu commended the Publishers of the International Banker for considering him a fitting recipient of the ‘Best Banking CEO of the Year in Africa’ award. He stated, “This award reflects the bank’s position as a leading financial institution in Nigeria and the African continent. It also attests to our commitment to principles of sustainability and high ethical standards, which have become integral to our overall strategy as an institution”.

Jim Ovia,
He dedicated the award to the Founder and Chairman, Jim Ovia, CFR, for his guidance and mentorship; the bank’s management team and staff, for being the shoulder upon which his achievements and success as CEO rests; and the bank’s customers for making Zenith Bank their bank of choice.
Dr. Onyeagwu’s outstanding career has led to him receiving multiple awards, including Bank CEO of the Year (2019) by Champion Newspaper, Bank CEO of the Year (2020, 2021 & 2022) by BusinessDay Newspaper, CEO of the Year (2020 and 2021) – SERAS Awards, and CEO of the Year (2022) – Leadership Newspaper.
As Group Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Onyeagwu has led Zenith Bank to achieve tremendous feats and milestones in financial performance (including 47 per cent growth in the bank’s market capitalization in four years), financial inclusion, corporate governance, and sustainability.
These efforts have culminated in several local and international awards and recognitions including being recognised as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital, for the 13th consecutive year, in the 2022 Top 1000 World Banks Ranking published by The Banker Magazine; Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards 2020 and 2022; Best Bank in Nigeria, for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022, in the Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards; Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria 2021 and 2022 in the World Finance Banking Awards; Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria in the World Finance Corporate Governance Awards 2022; ‘Best in Corporate Governance’ Financial Services’ Africa, for four consecutive years from 2020 to 2023, by the Ethical Boardroom; and the Most Responsible Organisation in Africa 2021 by SERAS Awards. Onyeagwu
On March 25, 2023, he was conferred with a Doctorate Degree in Business Administration by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria’s first indigenous University, in recognition of his immense achievements as Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank as well as his contributions to the growth of the financial services sector in Nigeria and across the African continent. The award was given during the 50th convocation ceremony of the University.
Published by Finance Publishing Limited, the International Banker is a leading global source of authoritative analysis and opinion on banking, finance, and world affairs. Its influence, integrity, accuracy, and objective opinion have earned it global recognition. The International Banker Awards strive to recognize the most worthy financial institutions around the world – those not just doing their jobs well but exceptionally well – those operating at the industry’s cutting edge and setting new performance levels to which others will aspire. The 2023 Banking Awards focused on various criteria, including the provision of much-needed capital for economic growth, cutting-edge innovation to enhance security and efficiency, commitment to sustainability and ESG principles, as well as intelligent investing to maximize profits and shareholder value.
Business
2023 WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY: POLARIS BANK RESTATES COMMITMENT TO ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY IN NIGERIA.

2023 WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY: POLARIS BANK RESTATES COMMITMENT TO ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY IN NIGERIA.
Polaris Bank, Nigeria’s leading digital financial institution, has restated its commitment to environmental sustainability in the country.
The Bank’s commitment is coming on the heels of the 2023 World Environment Day observed yearly on June 5. The annual event is led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) which is observed globally to encourage awareness and action for the protection of the environment. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the event.
The theme of the 2023 World Environment Day is “Solutions to plastic pollution” with the hashtag #BeatPlasticPollution. Plastic pollution is a major environmental problem. Every year, millions of tons of plastic waste end up in our oceans, landfills, and waterways. This plastic can harm wildlife, pollute our air and water, and contribute to climate change.
Specifically, and in line with the theme of the 2023 World Environment Day, Polaris Bank has taken proactive measures to address challenges of waste management and plastic pollution while supporting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Nigerian Sustainable Banking Principles (NSBPs) and United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI’s) Principles of Responsible Banking
Polaris Bank as part of its environmental sustainability focus has invested in waste management, plastic collection, renewable energy adoption, education, inclusivity, and carbon reduction. By implementing sustainable practices and guidelines, the Bank contributes to individuals’ needs and societal goals while ensuring a responsible and environmentally conscious business strategy.
“In managing the environmental impact of its activities, Polaris Bank has made significant efforts to reduce carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. Through the use of solar energy to power security lights, some ATMs and business locations, as well as implementing automated systems and digital alternatives to paper output, the Bank actively mitigates waste generation and reduces its carbon footprint.
“To further minimize its carbon footprint, Polaris Bank has streamlined its vehicle fleet, while most meetings and engagement are held virtually. By prioritizing sustainable energy sources and expanding its network of ATMs, including prestigious off-site locations, the Bank ensures convenient and eco-friendly access to banking services,” the Bank explained in a statement on Monday.
The Bank took it’s commitment a step further by partnering with some organizations to help it provide clean water and sanitation in some communities. It’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects are clearly spelt out to reflect adherence to environment sustainability.
“Additionally, through partnerships with organizations like the United Nations Association of Nigeria (UNAN), we contributed to providing clean water and enhanced sanitation to local communities in Lagos state.
“We also partnered with the non-profit organization Evolve, to launch the Girl Child Education and the Environment CSR program. This initiative strives to keep the girl child in school, and educated thereby reducing early marriages and population explosion which impacts the Climate. This empowers underprivileged girls through education, providing them with school supplies and personal development tools. By supporting over 3,000 female students from 12 secondary schools nationwide, Polaris Bank fosters individual growth and inspires positive contributions to society.
“Polaris Bank’s dedication to environmental sustainability is a key component of its broader vision to create a positive and lasting impact on society. As part of the commemoration of the 2023 World Environment Day, the Bank has established dedicated plastic collection hubs across its branches in Lagos. These hubs serve as convenient drop-off points for responsible disposal of plastic waste for onward recycling, while empowering individuals and communities to actively participate in reducing plastic pollution.”
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