Lagos, Nigeria—Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, is set to host the Lagos edition of its Quarterly Business Forum, bringing together entrepreneurs, industry experts and key stakeholders to explore strategies for building competitive and sustainable businesses.

Themed “Built to Compete: Positioning Lagos Businesses for Sustainable Growth,” the forum will examine the opportunities and challenges within Lagos’s dynamic business environment. Discussions will focus on competitiveness, access to finance, market expansion, innovation, digital transformation and sustainable growth.

Speaking ahead of the event, Ugochi E. Osinigwe, Divisional Head, SME Banking, Fidelity Bank Plc, said the forum would enable the Bank to engage entrepreneurs and better understand their needs.
“Businesses need more than capital to thrive.

They require knowledge, structure, networks and the right strategies to compete and grow sustainably. Through the Quarterly Business Forum, we are creating a platform for entrepreneurs to learn from experienced business leaders, exchange insights and identify practical opportunities to strengthen their businesses.”

The forum builds on Fidelity Bank’s SME-focused initiatives, including masterclasses and advisory programmes covering pricing, digital growth, business structure, trade and market expansion.

Established as a strategic engagement platform, the Quarterly Business Forum connects entrepreneurs, business leaders, policymakers and industry experts to share practical insights on business growth, innovation and sustainability. It reflects Fidelity Bank’s commitment to supporting SMEs through tailored financing, capacity building, advisory services and knowledge-sharing platforms.

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 2025 Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) Innovation Award for MSME support; Best Retail and SME Bank Award from Independent Newspapers; Best Bank for Export & Trade Finance and Most Innovative Bank of the Year at the 2025 BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; and Nigeria’s Best Private Bank at the 2025 Euromoney Awards.

The Bank also received the inaugural Most Improved Commercial Bank of the Year award by Nairametrics, the SME Bank of the Year award by NewsDirect, and the Straight-Through Processing (STP) Excellence Award by Citi Group, in addition to recognition by Global Brands Magazine for Excellence in Community Empowerment.

The League of Online Publishers and Editors (LOPE) has celebrated teachers across Nigeria and around the world on World Teachers’ Day, calling for better welfare for educators and development in the education sector in Nigeria.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Favour Benson, in commemoration of World Teachers’ Day, the association said teachers remain central to the development of any nation, noting that they shape the character and prospects of young people.

LOPE praised Nigerian teachers who continue to serve in difficult circumstances, particularly those working in the rural communities where schools face shortages of learning materials, infrastructure, and other basic resources needed to create a conducive learning environment.

The association called on the Federal and state governments to pay more attention to the education sector in Nigeria. This, it said, must include better working conditions for teachers, access to continuous training, adequate teaching resources, and an environment that allows them to perform their duties effectively.

Benson said Nigerian teachers deserve greater recognition for their contribution to national development, urging governments and other stakeholders to make their welfare a priority.

“As we celebrate World Teachers’ Day, LOPE salutes teachers across Nigeria for their dedication and sacrifice despite the challenges they face in the education sector.

“Every strong nation is built on the foundation of quality education, and teachers are at the heart of that process. We cannot expect better educational outcomes while neglecting the people responsible for educating our children,” she opined.

The LOPE Chairman continued that: “Teachers deserve to work in an environment where they are respected, fairly rewarded and given the tools and training required to succeed.”

World Teachers’ Day is celebrated annually on October 5 to honor educators and evaluate the status of the teaching profession worldwide.

The day also highlights issues affecting teachers, including working conditions, professional development, remuneration, recruitment, and retention.

On improving education in Nigeria, LOPE called on the Federal Government, state governments, and relevant education sector authorities to strengthen policies aimed at improving teachers’ welfare and working conditions.

The association called on the government to increase the education budget both at the federal and state levels, expand professional development programmes, provide modern teaching materials, and ensure that schools have adequate facilities for both teachers and students.

Similarly, LOPE called on the Nigerian media to continue giving attention to education-related issues and to highlight the contributions and challenges of teachers through responsible journalism.

About LOPE

The League of Online Publishers and Editors (LOPE) is a national association of digital media professionals, publishers and editors in Nigeria committed to promoting professionalism, responsible journalism, and the growth and development of Nigeria’s online media industry.

Understanding what happens to your money after a payment is just as important as completing the transaction.

Picture a professional preparing for a trip. The flight must be booked, the hotel needs to be paid for and regular household expenses have not stopped simply because travel is approaching.

There are two cards in the wallet, a debit card and a credit card.

Both cards can be used to make payments, but they affect the cardholder’s finances differently. A debit card draws money directly from the available balance in a linked bank account. A credit card allows the cardholder to borrow within an approved credit limit and repay the amount under agreed terms.

Understanding the difference between a debit card and a credit card is the first step towards choosing the right payment option for every expense.

What is the difference between a debit card and a credit card?

The main difference lies in the source of the money used for a transaction.

When you pay with a debit card, you are spending money already available in your bank account. When you use a credit card, you are accessing an approved borrowing facility that must be repaid.

This distinction affects budgeting, repayment obligations and the overall cost of a purchase. Before selecting either card, consider whether you want to pay immediately from your available funds or repay the amount later under the applicable credit terms.

When should you use a debit card?

A debit card may be suitable for everyday expenses such as groceries, fuel, utility payments, subscriptions and meals.

Because each payment is deducted from the linked account, a debit card creates a direct relationship between spending and the available account balance. This can help customers who prefer to keep routine expenses closely aligned with money they already have.

Fidelity Bank offers debit card options for different payment needs, including Naira and Dollar cards. Customers should select a card based on where they intend to use it, the transaction currency and the applicable terms.

Before making a payment, it is important to confirm that the account has sufficient funds and that the card supports the intended transaction.

When should you consider a credit card?

A credit card can provide financial flexibility when the timing of an expense does not match the timing of available funds.

For example, a traveller may need to pay for a flight or hotel before receiving an expected payment. A credit card can help bridge that timing gap, provided there is a clear and realistic repayment plan.

Before using a credit card, ask three important questions:

Is the purchase necessary?
Can I repay the amount by the due date?
What will happen if the expected funds arrive late?
An available credit limit shows how much the cardholder is permitted to borrow. It does not automatically determine how much the customer can comfortably afford to spend.

How to use a credit card responsibly

Credit-card flexibility works best when it is supported by proper planning.

Before completing a transaction, review the applicable interest rate, fees, repayment date and minimum payment requirement. Paying only the minimum amount may leave an outstanding balance that continues to attract interest in line with the card’s terms.

A responsible credit-card plan should identify the source of repayment, the expected repayment date and the total potential cost of the transaction.

These considerations apply to major expenses and smaller purchases. Several modest transactions can accumulate into a significant outstanding balance if spending is not monitored carefully.

Choosing a card for international travel

When choosing a card for travel, customers should look beyond the payment itself. Currency, card acceptance, travel frequency, repayment capacity and available benefits may all influence the decision.

A debit card allows the traveller to spend from available funds, while a credit card provides access to an approved credit facility. The better option will depend on the traveller’s financial habits, destination and ability to manage repayment.

For customers considering premium cards, the value of travel-related benefits should also be assessed against how frequently those benefits will be used.

Fidelity Bank Visa Signature and Visa Infinite Cards

Fidelity Bank’s premium card offering includes the Visa Signature Debit Card and Visa Infinite Credit Card.

The Visa Signature Debit Card draws from the customer’s available funds, while the Visa Infinite Credit Card provides an approved credit facility.

Benefits associated with the Visa Infinite Credit Card include unlimited complimentary access to more than 850 LoungeKey lounges for the cardholder and one guest per visit, concierge services, benefits at more than 900 hotels, multi-trip travel insurance and discounted personal fast-track services at more than 380 international airports.

For frequent travelers, airport lounge access can provide a more comfortable place to wait between flights, while concierge services may assist with selected travel arrangements. The value of these benefits will depend on usage, eligibility and the applicable terms.

Customers considering the Visa Signature Debit Card should also review its separate benefits schedule before making a decision.

Debit card or credit card: Which is better?

Neither option is automatically better for every customer or transaction. The right card is the one that fits the customer’s spending habits, financial position and repayment capacity.

A practical approach may be to use:

A debit card for routine expenses and purchases that can be paid for immediately.
A credit card selectively for planned expenses supported by a clear repayment strategy.
A premium debit or credit card when the associated travel and lifestyle benefits match established spending patterns.
The objective is to choose deliberately rather than simply using whichever card is closest at the time of payment.

How to request a Fidelity Bank card

Eligible Fidelity Bank debit cards can be requested through the Fidelity Mobile App. Customers interested in a credit card or Fidelity Bank’s premium card suite can visit a branch or speak with a relationship manager to discuss eligibility, fees, repayment terms and available benefits.

Before applying, customers should review the card’s currency, charges, transaction limits, repayment obligations and benefit terms.

Make every card payment a considered decision

Choosing between a debit card and a credit card begins before the transaction.

Ask yourself whose money is being spent today, how the payment will affect your available balance and what financial obligation will remain tomorrow.

When the card matches the expense and the customer has a clear spending or repayment plan, it becomes more than a convenient payment tool. It becomes part of responsible money management.