Business

CSR: Stakeholders Laud Polaris Bank Feminine Hygiene Initiative*

Published

3 years ago

October 23, 2021

Sahara Weekly

CSR: Stakeholders Laud Polaris Bank Feminine Hygiene Initiative*

…as Bank Empowers 9 schools

In its resolve to overcome one of the biggest healthcare challenges facing teenage girls from less privileged homes in Nigeria, Polaris Bank has launched a Feminine Hygiene initiative. The programme has so far seen the Bank sensitize over a thousand secondary school girls on feminine hygiene practices and provide them with the items with which they could manage their menstrual cycle without missing any day at school.

The initial intervention which ended August 2021, spanned two geo-political zones: North Central and North East, directly reaching nine schools across three states. The initiative has been lauded as timely, especially in improving the lives of many young girls and women in the country with thousands of girls as beneficiaries.

The project was in collaboration with Green Girls Company, a subsidiary of Folio Media Group, covered Kogi, Gombe, and Borno States, respectively. The beneficiary schools include Federal Government Girls College, Kabba; Government Science Secondary School, Lokoja and Army Day Secondary School, Lokoja; Kogi State. Other schools include Government Girls Secondary School, Doma; Government. Science Secondary School, Budapest Shongo, Government Secondary School, Pilot, Gombe State; Government Girls College Maiduguri; Government Secondary School, Ville and Federal Government College Maiduguri in Borno State.

In a statement issued by Polaris Bank’s Group Head, Strategic Brand Management, Nduneche Ezurike, “the feminine hygiene campaign fulfills a vital pillar of the Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.”

Mr. Ezurike said that the perceived ‘culture of silence and shame among school girls and women regarding feminine hygiene is partly due to cultural restrictions. “Unfortunately, this has given rise to the transmission of inaccurate and insufficient information on the subject,” he added.

He explained that: “The intervention is an important exercise to disabuse minds of people on the myths and taboos associated with feminine hygiene, as well as raise awareness on the subject so that women and girls feel empowered to manage their periods safely, hygienically, and without embarrassment.”

Ms. Oyebola Oyedele, the lead consultant of the Green Dignity Kit project, said, “Making the girls feel a sense of worth is the high point for me. I could see the sense of appreciation and self-confidence from them. The intervention from Polaris Bank in response to the needs of young girls is a move in the right direction towards debunking existing myths and solving a global issue.”

Dr. Erisa Danladi, Director of Programmes, Women Affairs, Gombe State, commended the efforts of Polaris Bank and the organizers of the program, noting that: “The exercise will impact the lives of the young girls; I look forward to more of such programmes taken to remote areas of Gombe state.”

Mrs. Emilia Ugochi, the School Health Personnel at Army Day Secondary School, Lokoja, Kogi State, noted: “We are grateful for this initiative, as most of the girls have been unable until now to state the challenges they are facing. This programme has given them more confidence to reach out for help when needed.”

Remarking on the impact of the initiative, Fibi Mohammed, Head Girl, Government Girls College, Doma, Gombe State, said that: “The products will go a long way in making us feel more comfortable during our monthly period. In the past, we often rush to our hostels to overcome the inconveniences that come with inability to access sanitary products.”

“The lecture was very useful and I am excited to pass it on to my younger ones. The health tips have encouraged me in my ambition to become a medical doctor,” said Aisha Abdulahi-Abubakar, an SS2 student of Government Girls Secondary School, Ngoshe.

Also, Bilkis Barma, from Government Girls College, Maiduguri, said, “My parents have four girls, so there are often more pressing things to take care of in the home. My Friends and I have been using different materials which I was made to understand from this lecture that they are unhygienic. I am more than happy to receive these products and please come back to our school,” pleaded Hauwa Musa-Maina from Government Girls Secondary School Maiduguri.

Polaris Bank’s feminine advancement footprint which include partnerships with the International Women’s Society; Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation; Care Organization and Public Enlightenment (C.O.PE) Foundation and a host of others, are all efforts geared towards the empowerment of women.

The Bank’s intervention, supports Principle 4 of UNEP-FI Principles for Responsible Banking. The Bank seeks to engender a sustainable Nigerian society through its business and Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) targets for sustainable impact.

Polaris Bank is a future-determining bank committed to delivering industry-defining products and services across all sectors of the Nigerian economy

Business

Senator Gbenga Daniel Celebrates Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing at 50

Published

10 hours ago

April 17, 2025

Sahara Weekly

Senator Gbenga Daniel Celebrates Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing at 50

The distinguished Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Navy, His Excellency, Otunba Engr. Gbenga Daniel, has extended warm congratulations to Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing, Chairman/CEO of Adron Group, on the occasion of his 50th birthday.

In a heartfelt message, Senator Daniel praised Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing for his outstanding dedication and immense contributions to the Nigerian housing sector. He described the celebrant as a shining example in the business community, whose passion and commitment have left an indelible mark on the real estate industry across Nigeria.

“You are indeed a source of inspiration to your generation and a shining example within the business environment. There is no doubt that you had written your name in an indelible ink across Nigeria and most especially among the real estate developers,” he wrote.

Senator Daniel also acknowledged Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing’s conferment as the ‘Otun-Asiwaju of Remo Christians’ by the Ogun State branch of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), as a reflection of his God-fearing nature, philanthropic spirit, and commitment to humanity.

The senator offered prayers for good health, greater accomplishments, and many more remarkable years ahead for the business mogul.

He concluded by affirming his highest regards and admiration for the celebrant

Business

From Loss to Land: CBEX Victim Gifted Plot in Ibeju Lekki by Swedish Follower

Published

13 hours ago

April 17, 2025

Sahara Weekly

From Loss to Land: CBEX Victim Gifted Plot in Ibeju Lekki by Swedish Follower

CBEX Crash Sparks Outrage, Tears and Unexpected Kindness: Swedish Fan Gifts Nigerian Investor a Plot of Land

The dramatic crash of the CBEX investment platform has triggered a wave of public outrage and heartbreak across Nigeria and beyond, with scores of users lamenting the loss of millions in life savings, business capital, and retirement funds.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), along with the Internet Fraud Unit, has reportedly launched a probe into the circumstances surrounding the platform’s sudden collapse. The investigation comes amid mounting pressure from angry investors demanding justice and restitution.

As thousands take to social media to share their personal experiences and financial devastation, one story has stood out—not for its tragedy, but for the unexpected act of generosity that followed.

In a recent Facebook post, Nigerian digital creator Ivan Eagle shared that a Swedish follower, deeply moved by his emotional account of the CBEX fallout—originally reported by Legit.ng—gifted him a full plot of land in Lagos.

“A follower in Sweden just gifted me a FULL plot of land in Lagos after reading my CBEX story on Legit.ng,” Ivan wrote.

He revealed that the property is a 600-square-meter plot in Ibeju Lekki, one of Lagos State’s fastest-growing residential hubs, where land prices under reputable developers like PWAN reportedly start at ₦30 million.

“For those of you who live in Lagos, you all know how Lagos is gradually evolving into Ibeju Lekki, and how residential regions covered by reputable real estate firms in the area have been SOLD OUT,” Ivan added.

A Silver Lining Amid a Financial Storm

The CBEX collapse has left a bitter taste in the mouths of thousands of investors, many of whom believed they were participating in a credible digital asset investment scheme. Online forums and Telegram groups have since been flooded with screenshots of losses, emotional breakdowns, and desperate calls for recovery.

However, Ivan Eagle’s story has become a rare glimmer of hope, showcasing the unexpected humanity that sometimes arises in the aftermath of financial tragedy.

As investigations deepen, questions remain over CBEX’s regulatory compliance, investor protections, and whether its operators will face legal consequences. For now, the EFCC remains silent on the details but has urged victims to submit official complaints through its designated reporting channels.

Business

Prof Lawan Bala Buratai Appointed Vice Chancellor of Nigerian Army University Biu

Published

15 hours ago

April 17, 2025

Sahara Weekly

Prof Lawan Bala Buratai Appointed Vice Chancellor of Nigerian Army University Biu After Rigorous Selection

In a significant leadership transition at one of Nigeria’s foremost military-civilian academic institutions, Professor Lawan Bala Buratai has been appointed as the new Vice Chancellor of the Nigerian Army University Biu (NAUB).

The appointment was announced following an intensive and merit-based selection process conducted by the Governing Council of NAUB at the Armed Forces Officers Mess and Suites, Asokoro, Abuja. The Council, under the chairmanship of Dr. Awwal Moriki, concluded its deliberations and formally presented the letter of appointment to Prof Buratai in a brief but momentous ceremony.

Dr. Moriki, while congratulating the new helmsman, described the selection as the culmination of a transparent and rigorous process aimed at identifying a visionary academic leader who embodies the university’s core values of excellence, discipline, and innovation.

With this appointment, Prof Buratai succeeds Professor Kyari Mohammed, whose single five-year tenure is widely credited with laying a strong foundation for the university’s academic and structural growth.

The Nigerian Army University Biu (NAUB) was established in 2018 as a unique public institution owned by the Nigerian Army and designed to serve both military personnel and civilians. Located in Biu, Borno State, the university was conceived as a strategic response to the security and developmental challenges facing Nigeria and the wider Sahel region.

NAUB is focused on entrepreneurship, innovation, defense studies, and technology-driven research. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in diverse fields ranging from engineering and environmental sciences to social sciences, computing, and military history.

What sets NAUB apart is its civil-military partnership model, which aims to foster mutual understanding and collaboration between Nigeria’s armed forces and the general populace. The university plays a key role in developing indigenous solutions to security challenges while also contributing to national capacity building and economic resilience through education.

With increasing national and international recognition, NAUB continues to attract scholars and partnerships across Africa and beyond, committed to transforming it into a world-class institution in security and development research.

Professor Lawan Buratai, a respected scholar and administrator, is expected to lead the university into its next chapter—deepening academic standards, expanding infrastructure, and strengthening NAUB’s role in national transformation.

His appointment signals a continuity of vision with a renewed focus on excellence, innovation, and service to the nation.