Business

Polaris Bank’s Media Capacity Workshop excites Participants

Published

5 years ago

November 3, 2021

Polaris Bank’s Media Capacity Workshop excites Participants

The much anticipated Polaris Bank Limited sponsored media capacity building workshop for online publishers held last Friday.

The well-attended virtual workshop had both respected industry resource persons as anchors and renowned online publishers, among others as participants.

Declaring the workshop open, Head, Corporate Communication and Group Head, Strategic Brand Management of Polaris Bank, Rasheed Bolarinwa and Nduneche Ezurike said the Bank is driven by a strong motivation to ensure a healthy media space in the country hence its decision to sponsor on a yearly basis, special training sessions to build and deepen capacity for media practitioners across the Online, Print and Broadcast spectrum. The duo disclosed that feedbacks from previous editions which held physically in Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja were encouraging enough for the Bank to maintain the status quo despite the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

They assured Journalists that the media capacity workshop which runs in batches, will be maintained to reach greater number of media practitioners across the country.

The two-session webinar focused on sensitive media issues such as; ‘ *The Cyber Crime Law and You’* anchored by Barrister Eric Ojih and ‘ *Media Ethics In The Age of Online Journalism’* anchored by popular Journalist and social commentator, Ayo Aluko-Olokun.

The facilitators in their highly rich presentations took turns to educate participants on the need to be cautious while discharging their media roles. According to them, the media is a powerful tool that can be used to either make or mar a nation depending on how it is deployed.

The core journalists must differentiate themselves from the phone and data people who just pick, share or publish information without any journalistic vetting, gatekeeping or verification. The world is so fragile that any one sharing unverified and inciting information can set it on fire in minutes. If you are not sure of the source or authenticity of any information, the best thing is to leave out to avoid causing chaos and avoidable panic in your immediate and larger environment’, Aluko-Olokun told participants.

“Be guided by the Social Responsibility theory of of the media where he admonished journalist to practice responsibly. It is an obligation of a journalist to commit to upholding professional standard by being truthful, accurate and balance in his/her reporting, and conscious of the environment within which it operates especially in a multicultural society like ours. That way, we would be promoting peace rather than chaos I’m Nigeria. Aluko-Olokun admonished.

On his part, Barrister Ojih said online journalists could shoot themselves on the leg if they do not take time to familiarise themselves with the dictates of the Cyber Crime Law in Nigeria, even he quoted copiously relevant sections with ample case studies.

‘The court may compel publishers, reporters and their medium to pay as much as N7m fine or serve up to seven-year jail term or do both if found guilty of a Cyber Offence from Cyber Stalking to Cyber Squatting or Xenophobic contents. And ignorance as we all know is not an excuse before the law. It is therefore imperative that journalists in general take precautionary measures while trying to serve the public so as not to be condemned by the very people they so wish to serve,’ Ojah explained

As a Journalist you must be abreast of all the sections of the Cyber Crine Act & Law of 2010 as it is applicable to journalism practice, especially those of you who have chosen yo ply your trade in the digital space,” the Media Law Experts explained.

Meanwhile, participants took turns to appreciate Polaris Bank and the two anchors after the end of the sessions. They implored the Bank to maintain the lead as it had done in the past while hoping that the world would soon be certified free of the COVID-19 pandemic so the physical editions could resume

Related Topics:Banking and finance Featured Polaris Bank

Up Next

Transcorp Delivers Robust Q3 Results

Don't Miss

Heritage Bank launches Octiplus App, reinforces commitment as technology driven institution

Sahara Weekly

Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact [email protected]

Bank

Union Bank Honoured by ASBON at Nigeria National SME Business Awards

Published

2 hours ago

May 13, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Union Bank Honoured by ASBON at Nigeria National SME Business Awards

Lagos, Nigeria – Union Bank of Nigeria has reaffirmed its reputation as a strong supporter of Nigerian businesses, receiving the Best SME Growth Banking Initiatives Award for 2025 from the Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria (ASBON) at the Nigeria National SME Business Awards, held recently in Lagos.

The award was presented to the Bank in recognition of its strategic leadership in advancing the growth and resilience of small and medium-sized enterprises, through a differentiated suite of solutions designed to enable business expansion and long-term value creation.

Receiving the award on behalf of the Bank, Ayokunnumi Abraham, Head of SME Segment at Union Bank, described the recognition as a strong endorsement of the Bank’s commitment to supporting small and medium-sized businesses. He said:

“We are honoured to receive this recognition, which reflects Union Bank’s continued commitment to helping SMEs grow by making banking simpler, faster, and more accessible. Through enhancements to our specialised platforms such as Union360, we have meaningfully reduced the time it takes for businesses to come on board and begin transacting. These improvements have shortened onboarding, increased digital adoption among our SME customers, and supported the acquisition of new business clients. Our focus remains on delivering practical solutions that help Nigerian businesses thrive.”

Organised by ASBON in partnership with the Lagos State Government through the Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, the event convened stakeholders from the public and private sectors to recognise individuals and organisations driving meaningful impact across Nigeria’s SME ecosystem.

Union Bank remains focused on deepening its support for SMEs through customer-led solutions and processes that strengthen business growth across the ecosystem.

Bank

Atlantian Crown Bank Rebrands as Arizona Global Bank LLC, Begins Licensing for Global Expansion

Published

15 hours ago

May 12, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Atlantian Crown Bank Rebrands as Arizona Global Bank LLC, Begins Licensing for Global Expansion

_By AGP News

*UNITED KINGDOM OF ATLANTIS* — In a move signaling a push into international markets, the Royal Throne of the United Kingdom of Atlantis on Sunday announced the corporate transformation of Atlantian Crown Bank LLC into *Arizona Global Bank LLC*, as part of a wider restructuring to position the institution for global banking and financial innovation.

The announcement was made at a press conference in the UKA capital by *HRM Queen Amb. Cletus C. Leaticia*, Chief Executive Officer of the newly named bank. She told reporters the rebranding marks _“more than a name change”_ and reflects a strategic pivot toward digital finance, cross-border investment, and modern banking standards.

_“This transformation represents our commitment to innovation-driven banking and our vision to become a globally competitive financial institution,”_ Queen Leaticia said.

*Licensing Process Underway*

According to the Department of Financial Administration and Corporate Affairs, which issued the official communication, Arizona Global Bank LLC has formally begun the process of applying for a *Banking Operational Licence* under UKA’s financial regulatory framework.

Once licensed, the bank plans to operate as a modern financial enterprise focused on four pillars:

1. Innovation-driven banking and digital financial solutions

2. Corporate financing and structured investment services

3. International financial partnerships and cross-border trade facilitation

4. Financial inclusion initiatives

Bank officials stressed that the institution will _“maintain strict compliance with all banking regulations and supervisory standards”_ set by UKA financial authorities.

*Strategic Shift Amid Global Ambitions*

Management described the rebranding as part of a broader restructuring initiative to _“strengthen the bank’s international identity, expand its global financial footprint, and align operations with contemporary banking standards.”_

Representatives called the licensing and rebranding process a _“major milestone”_ aimed at supporting economic growth, international trade, and cross-border investment initiatives.

*No Disruption to Existing Commitments*

Addressing potential concerns from clients and partners, management reassured stakeholders that _“all existing institutional commitments, operational objectives, and long-term strategic plans remain fully intact throughout the transition process.”_

The Royal Throne indicated that further updates on the licence approval, commencement of operations, corporate partnerships, and investment programmes will be released through official UKA and Arizona Global Bank LLC channels.

_The Department of Financial Administration and Corporate Affairs, Royal Throne of United Kingdom of Atlantis, issued the official statement._

Bank

Fidelity Bank grows Gross Earnings by 45.6% for FY 2025

Published

16 hours ago

May 12, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Fidelity Bank grows Gross Earnings by 45.6% for FY 2025

Lagos, Nigeria – Fidelity Bank Plc, a leading Nigerian financial institution, has announced its audited financial results for the year ended 31 December 2025, reporting Gross Earnings growth of 45.6% from N1.04 trillion in 2024 to N1.52 trillion in FY 2025, reflecting stronger topline momentum across core business segments.

The Group recorded a Profit Before Tax of N347.7 billion. This performance was underpinned by a 38.7% year-on-year increase in interest income to N1.11 trillion (FY 2024: N803.1 billion) and a 44.7% year-on-year rise in fees and commission income to N113.4 billion (FY 2024: N78.4 billion).

On the balance sheet, total assets grew by 18.6% year-on-year to N10.46 trillion (FY 2024: N8.82 trillion), while customer deposits increased by 16.1% year on year to N6.89 trillion (FY 2024: N5.94 trillion), reflecting continued franchise strength and growing customer confidence in the brand. Net loans and advances declined by 2.4% year-on-year to N4.28 trillion (FY 2024: N4.39 trillion) as customers paid down on their mature obligations.

The Bank also strengthened its capital position during the period, with eligible capital rising to N561 billion, above the regulatory minimum of N500 billion for banks with international authorisation. In addition, capital adequacy remained robust, with Capital Adequacy Ratio of 30.94 percent as at 31 December 2025 (FY 2024: 23.47 percent).

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.