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Heritage Bank supports over 500 widows, receives UN Award for Humanitarian Service
Heritage Bank supports over 500 widows, receives UN Award for Humanitarian Service
Heritage Bank received the 2022 United Nations Award for Humanitarian Service by the Widows & Orphans Support Society of Nigeria (WOSSA), as no fewer than 500 widows and orphans in Lagos State benefitted from the Bank’s supports.
This was made known during the award ceremony held in Lagos to mark this year’s International Widows Day themed: Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow”.
The event was opportunity to recognize Heritage Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) roles to widows, their children and other less privileged within the society.
Speaking during the awards presentation, Founder, Widows & Orphans Support Society of Nigeria (WOSSA), Ambassador Tayo Thomas, said Heritage Bank is one of the group’s key partners and has for years shown massive support to the widows.
He said: ” Basically, we are giving this award to people and organizations that have been supporting the less privileged widows. These are our partners, they have been doing great service to humanity, especially service the less privileged widows in meeting their financial needs and those of their children”.
Continuing, he said: “The United Nations Humanitarian Award is to appreciate and acknowledge them for their support to the less privileged widows. The United Nations Humanitarian Award is an award we give every 24th of June to those who have really supported the widows. Those who have joined us to fight against injustice against the widows. That is the reason for today”.
Speaking at the event, Heritage Bank Regional Head, Lagos Island 1, Olawale Osundele, said the bank has for years, remained committed to improving people’s lives.
He said: “It has always been one of our front liners to always improve the quality of people’s lives right from childhood. And today that they are marking the International Widow’s Day, we are also part of the support team to WOSSA in various aspects.”
“We have been supporting them in terms of providing quality education for children of widows to ensure that life after the death of their husband is still good to them and their children. We also support the children and orphan and the less privileged in the society,” he added.
According to Osundele, the bank’s support to the widows has always been a source of joy to them. “It means that life still means a lot to them. You can see the joy in their faces. Despite what they are going through, they are still very happy and relevant in the society,” he said.
One of the widows at the event, Mrs. Felicia Ugwunwanne thanked Heritage Bank and WOSSA for their continuous support to the widows and less privileged.
She said that WOSSA is through the support of partners such as Heritage Bank, making life better for the widows and their children.
“The WOSSA has for years, been assisting so many of us, including our children and orphanages. WOSSA gives us cash, help some widows to pay their house rent, school fees for widows’ children, among other things,” she said.
Ugwunwanne said the widows under WOSSA are being trained for skills acquisition to improve the quality of their lives.
“I am aware that the WOSSA is working on securing loan from Microfinance Bank, and we have completed forms to achieve the purpose. Our members are prepared to access the loans. Some of the widows have gone to learn some skills that will enable them to invest and succeeded in whatever craft or business they are doing, so that they will not continue to depend on people,” she said
FirstBank Introduces Exclusive 500-Seater Bleacher at Carnival Calabar & Festival 2025
Lagos, 26 December 2025 – FirstBank, West Africa’s premier financial institution and financial inclusion services provider, has officially announced its sponsorship of the Carnival Calabar & Festival 2025, unveiling a landmark addition set to redefine the carnival experience — the first-ever private premium seating area at the event.
The highlight of FirstBank’s participation is the construction of a 500-seater premium bleacher, designed to provide comfort, safety, and an elevated viewing experience for carnival enthusiasts.
Speaking on the sponsorship, the Acting Group Head Marketing and Corporate Communications, FirstBank, Olayinka Ijabiyi, noted that the carnival aligns with the Bank’s First@Arts initiative, a platform dedicated to supporting the creative arts value chain across Nigeria. He said, “We recognise the transformative power of the arts, including carnivals, in inspiring people and strengthening national unity. For more than 131 years, we have supported platforms that promote self-expression, social reflection and cultural exchange. Our investment in the Carnival Calabar & Festival demonstrates our commitment to preserving the nation’s rich cultural heritage through First@Arts.”
“As part of our sponsorship this year, we are introducing the first-ever private 500-seater premium bleacher to further elevate the carnival experience. This exclusive seating is designed to provide exceptional comfort and an unforgettable viewing experience for attendees,” Ijabiyi added.
The Chairman of the Cross River State Carnival Calabar Commission, Gabe Onah, also commented on FirstBank’s sponsorship. “FirstBank’s involvement is a strong demonstration of private-sector support for culture and tourism. This partnership not only enhances the overall quality of the carnival but also strengthens its global appeal,” he said.
The Carnival Calabar & Festival 2025 is officially marketed by Okhma Global Limited, the appointed Official Marketer responsible for brand partnerships, promotional engagements, and ticket sales. Okhma Global Limited has partnered with the Cross River State government in delivering Carnival Calabar & Festival for over ten years, playing a key role in strengthening the carnival’s commercial growth and global visibility.
Alpha Morgan Bank Backs Cultural Preservation at the 2025 Iganmode Festival
Alpha Morgan Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to cultural preservation and community development as one of the major sponsors of the recently concluded Iganmode Cultural Festival (Odun Omo Iganmode) held in Sango-Ota, Ogun State.
The annual festival, a landmark cultural celebration in the ancient town of Ota, showcased the rich heritage, history, and identity of the Awori people. The event came alive with vibrant displays of traditional music, dance, colourful regalia, and performances that reflected the deep-rooted customs and values of the community.
Alpha Morgan Bank’s sponsorship followed closely on the heels of the recent launch of its Sango-Ota branch, further underscoring the Bank’s dedication to supporting local initiatives, promoting indigenous culture, and fostering sustainable community development in Ota and its environs.
The ceremony attracted an impressive array of dignitaries, including former President of Nigeria, His Excellency Chief Olusegun Obasanjo; Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. (Mrs.) Noimot Salako-Oyedele; and the Olota of Ota, His Majesty, Prof. Adeyemi Obalanlege, alongside several other traditional rulers and members of royal households from across the state. Their presence highlighted the cultural and historical significance of the festival to Ogun State and the wider Yoruba nation.
Alpha Morgan Bank’s participation as a major sponsor reflects its broader corporate vision of strengthening community values and supporting initiatives that promote Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage. The Bank joined thousands of attendees in celebrating a festival that continues to serve as a symbol of unity, pride, and cultural continuity for the people of Ota.
The 2025 edition of the Iganmode Festival was widely acclaimed as a success, leaving guests and participants with lasting impressions of a colourful, well-coordinated celebration that honoured tradition while fostering communal harmony.
*12 Days of Christmas with 5 for 5 Rewards: Celebrating the Season the Wema Way*
December is a season built on gratitude, reflection, and giving. It is a time when small gestures carry deeper meaning and everyday moments turn into shared joy. At Wema Bank, this spirit of the season has inspired the launch of 12 Days of Christmas with 5 for 5 Rewards, a festive campaign created to celebrate customers who continue to make the Bank part of their daily lives.
Running from December 14 to December 25, 2025, the campaign is designed to reward simple, everyday banking while spreading cheer across homes and communities. For twelve days, 33 customers will be rewarded daily with five thousand naira each when they fund their accounts with five thousand naira.
The idea behind the campaign is simple in action but thoughtful in intent. It recognises that during the festive period, every extra support counts. Whether it is preparing for family gatherings, running errands, or planning end-of-year activities, Wema Bank is turning routine transactions into moments of delight.
To take part in the 12 Days of Christmas with 5 for 5 Rewards, customers only need to fund their accounts with five thousand naira through any of the following channels:
ALAT app
*945#
Debit cards
Once the account is funded with five thousand naira, they get an additional five thousand naira as a reward.
Beyond the rewards, the 12 Days of Christmas with 5 for 5 Rewards reflects Wema Bank’s broader commitment to customer-centric banking. It reinforces the Bank’s focus on creating experiences that go beyond transactions, especially during moments that matter most to customers.
As the year draws to a close, Wema Bank is inviting customers to enjoy the festive season knowing that their loyalty is valued and celebrated. With every transaction, the Bank continues to find new ways to connect, appreciate, and give back during a season defined by generosity.
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