0L-R: Executive Director, North, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr Sufiyanu Garba; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, I.G. Best Company, Mr. Okereke Ignatus Mmbonye; and Divisional Head, SME Banking, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs Ugochi Osinigwe; at the Fidelity Bank Quarterly Business Forum held in Kano recently.

Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the growth and sustainability of Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (SMEs) through the Kano edition of its Quarterly Business Forum, which brought together entrepreneurs, business owners, industry stakeholders and customers to explore practical strategies for business growth and resilience.

The forum, themed, “Positioning Northern Businesses for Growth,” provided participants with valuable insights into strengthening business operations, improving access to finance, enhancing financial management and leveraging opportunities that can drive sustainable enterprise development across Northern Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, Executive Director, North, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Sufiyanu Garba, described Northern Nigeria as a critical driver of the country’s economic future and stressed the need to unlock the region’s vast entrepreneurial potential through strategic support and partnerships.

“The North occupies a critical place in Nigeria’s economic future. With its vast agricultural resources, strong trading culture, manufacturing capacity and large consumer market, the region has enormous potential for sustainable economic growth. Fidelity Bank remains committed to helping businesses unlock this potential through financing, market access, advisory support and strategic partnerships,” he said.

Garba noted that the Quarterly Business Forum reflects the Bank’s commitment to empowering businesses beyond access to finance.

“Supporting businesses is central to our purpose, and our ambition is to be more than a provider of funds. We want to be a trusted partner that understands businesses and provides the financing, knowledge, connections and solutions they need to grow. Kano and the wider North have the talent, enterprise and resources to play a leading role in Nigeria’s economic future, and Fidelity Bank is committed to supporting that growth,” he emphasised.

In her remarks, Divisional Head, SME Banking, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs. Ugochi Osinigwe, stated that the Quarterly Business Forum was created as a platform for engaging directly with entrepreneurs and understanding the realities confronting businesses across key sectors of the economy.

“This forum is more than an engagement; it is a listening platform. We are here to deepen our relationships, understand the unique challenges facing businesses across sectors and hear directly from entrepreneurs on how we can serve them better. Our commitment goes beyond traditional banking, as we continue to provide products, advisory services and partnerships that help businesses build, scale and thrive,” she said.

Osinigwe also highlighted Fidelity Bank’s commitment to reducing the cost of doing business for entrepreneurs through zero-maintenance-fee account offerings and free capacity-building programmes designed to equip business owners with practical skills in business structuring, record keeping, financial management and access to finance.

“We invest significantly in training because many SMEs struggle due to limited knowledge of essential business practices. Through our physical and digital learning platforms, we help entrepreneurs develop the skills required to become more structured, sustainable and bankable,” she noted.

Participants at the forum commended Fidelity Bank for creating a platform that delivers practical business insights and fosters meaningful engagement with entrepreneurs.

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of I.G. Best Company, Mr. Okereke Ignatus Mmbonye, noted that Fidelity Bank’s support for SMEs extends beyond financing.

“Fidelity Bank has demonstrated that its commitment to SMEs goes beyond access to credit. Platforms such as this provide valuable knowledge and connections that can make a real difference to growing businesses,” he said.

Similarly, Managing Director of Nabila Oil Mills, Mr. Sufiyanu Salisu Ahmad, praised the Bank for creating opportunities for direct engagement between financial institutions and the business community.

“I appreciate Fidelity Bank for creating this platform to engage directly with entrepreneurs and understand the challenges we face. It is encouraging to see a bank take such a practical approach to supporting businesses,” Ahmad stated.

The Quarterly Business Forum is part of Fidelity Bank’s broader commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s SME ecosystem through access to finance, enterprise development, financial education, financial inclusion and strategic business support. It will be recalled that Fidelity Bank recently won the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) Service Ambassadors Award for the Highest Impact on MSMEs Accessing Credit for the First Time, in recognition of its contribution to deepening financial inclusion, improving access to credit and supporting enterprise growth.

Ranked among Nigeria’s leading banks, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 10 million customers through its digital banking channels, 255 business offices across Nigeria, and its United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.

The Bank is a recipient of several local and international awards, including the 2025 Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) Innovation Award for MSME Support; the 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, the Straight-Through Processing (STP) Excellence Award by Citi Group, and recognition by Global Brands Magazine for Excellence in Community Empowerment

The post Fidelity Bank Rallies Support for Northern Businesses at Kano SME Forum appeared first on Insight Global News.

Insight Global News report that The Delta State Police Command has concluded security arrangements for the 2026 Annual New Yam Festival of Onicha-Olona Community, scheduled to hold from 13th to 26th September 2026. The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel E. Erale, psc, mnips, has ordered the deployment of personnel to the festival grounds, major entry and exit routes, identified flashpoints and other strategic locations within the community. Patrol and traffic teams have also been detailed to cover adjoining routes, regulate vehicular movement and respond promptly to incidents throughout the festival period.

The CP warns that the command will not tolerate violence, cult-related activities, fighting, possession or use of firearms and other dangerous weapons, harassment, intimidation or any act capable of disturbing public peace. He specifically cautions individuals and groups against using the festival to settle personal disputes, engage in reprisals or perpetrate criminal acts, stressing that anyone found violating the law will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.

The CP urges residents and visitors to celebrate peacefully and cooperate with Police personnel deployed for the festival events. Parents and guardians are advised to keep proper watch over their children and wards, while motorists are urged to drive responsibly and comply with traffic directives. Members of the public should avoid confrontations, refrain from taking the law into their own hands and promptly report suspicious persons, threats or disturbances to the Police.

CP Samuel Etaifo Erale, psc, mnips, assures the people of Onicha-Olona and visitors that officers deployed for the festival have been directed to remain vigilant, professional and responsive throughout the celebration. He urges traditional and community leaders, youths and other stakeholders to support the Police in preserving the peace for which the festival is intended. For emergencies and prompt Police response, members of the public should contact the Delta State Police Command Control Room on 08036684974, 08114895600 or 08025666914, or report to the nearest Police station.

The post Onicha-Olona New Yam Festival: Police Warns Against Violence, Deploy Personnel appeared first on Insight Global News.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has commenced a three-day modularised refresher training programme aimed at strengthening the professional competencies of its personnel and equipping officers with contemporary knowledge, emerging global trends, operational standards and best practices in traffic management and customer service.

The capacity-building programme, organised by MACTAY CONSULTING, a strategic training partner of LASTMA, was developed following a comprehensive Training Needs Assessment (TNA) conducted with LASTMA Contact Centre Agents and Support Staff. The outcome of the assessment was subsequently translated into eight structured learning modules, meticulously designed to address identified competency gaps and enhance the efficiency, professionalism and service orientation of personnel across critical operational interfaces.

The training programme encompasses critical thematic areas including Building Professional Customer Interactions, Communication Skills, Emotional Intelligence, Customer Experience Excellence, Contact Centre Operations, Work-Life Balance and Stress Management, Operational Standards, and Data Protection and Information Security.

The three-day programme brings together a broad spectrum of personnel whose responsibilities place them at the frontline of interaction with members of the public and other stakeholders. Participants comprise Zonal Heads, Digital Complaints Centre Officers, Dispatch and Monitoring Centre (DMC) personnel, Physical Complaints Officers, Communication Room Officers, Public Relations Department (PRD) personnel and Front Desk Officers.

Speaking during the commencement of the programme, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, commended the Lagos State Government for its sustained support towards the continuous professional development, capacity enhancement and institutional strengthening of the Agency.

Bakare-Oki noted that the administration’s commitment to human-capital development remained pivotal to building a more responsive, technologically adaptable and citizen-centred traffic management institution capable of navigating the increasingly complex dynamics of contemporary urban mobility.

He emphasised that the rapidly evolving nature of traffic management necessitates continuous learning, professional reinvention and an unwavering commitment to internationally recognised best practices, particularly as Lagos continues to experience unprecedented urbanisation, increasing vehicular density and heightened expectations from road users.

The General Manager therefore charged the participating officers to translate the knowledge and competencies acquired during the training into tangible improvements in their daily responsibilities, urging them to imbibe and operationalise the newly acquired knowledge, methodologies and professional standards in the discharge of their duties.

He stressed that training should not be perceived merely as an academic exercise, but rather as an institutional instrument for converting knowledge into measurable improvements in service delivery, operational efficiency, public engagement and traffic management outcomes.

Bakare-Oki further urged the officers to demonstrate greater emotional intelligence, courtesy, professionalism, empathy and accountability in their interactions with members of the public, stressing that every point of contact with a road user represents an opportunity to reinforce public confidence in the Agency and strengthen the relationship between LASTMA and the motoring public.

He also acknowledged the contribution of MACTAY CONSULTING towards the organisation and delivery of the capacity-building initiative, noting that strategic partnerships of this nature were essential to exposing LASTMA personnel to contemporary professional practices and emerging global standards.

The three-day programme is expected to deepen participants’ understanding of contemporary customer-service principles, enhance communication and interpersonal competencies, promote healthier approaches to workplace stress management, reinforce adherence to operational standards and strengthen awareness of data protection and information-security protocols.

The initiative underscores LASTMA’s unwavering commitment to continuous capacity development as an indispensable instrument for repositioning the Agency as a professional, technologically driven, responsive and people-oriented traffic management institution, operating in consonance with evolving global standards and best practices.

Adebayo Taofiq
Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA

The post LASTMA Commences 3-Day Modularised Refresher Training On Emerging Global Trends appeared first on Insight Global News.

For many Nigerian businesses, the next growth opportunity may be located beyond the country. A fashion entrepreneur may source premium fabrics from Ghana. A pharmaceutical distributor may purchase essential products from Kenya. A manufacturer may pay suppliers across several African markets, while a technology company in Lagos may serve customers in Rwanda or Zambia.

Across Africa, commercial relationships are expanding and businesses are discovering new suppliers, customers and investment opportunities. The African Continental Free Trade Area is supporting this momentum by creating a framework for deeper economic integration, wider market access and increased trade among African countries. Farmers, traders, cooperatives, commodity aggregators and small businesses are also exploring digital platforms and structured networks that can connect them to regional opportunities.

However, finding an opportunity is only part of the journey. Businesses must also be able to pay suppliers, settle invoices and receive proceeds efficiently. Traditional cross border payment routes can involve foreign currency requirements, intermediary banks, multiple currency conversions, additional costs and extended processing periods. These barriers can place pressure on cash flow, disrupt supply schedules and make regional expansion more difficult.

The Pan African Payment and Settlement System, commonly known as (PAPSS) is helping to address this challenge. PAPSS is a payment infrastructure designed to facilitate secure, efficient and near instant transactions between participating African countries. Through the system, a Nigerian customer can initiate an eligible payment in Naira, while the beneficiary receives the equivalent value in the applicable local currency.

This local currency payment model reduces the need for businesses to source United States dollars or euros before completing eligible transactions within Africa. It also helps eliminate avoidable currency conversions and reliance on correspondent banks outside the continent. For Nigerian businesses, this can mean a simpler payment process, faster settlement and improved visibility over transaction costs.

Speed is another important benefit of PAPSS. Through Fidelity Bank Plc, for instance, PAPSS transfers can be completed in 120 seconds, subject to applicable requirements and the receiving market. This can help businesses respond quickly when suppliers request payment, protect agreed delivery timelines and move from negotiation to execution with greater confidence.

PAPSS also supports a wide range of legitimate personal and commercial payment needs. Business owners can use the service for eligible payments to suppliers, distributors, service providers and other commercial partners. Parents and guardians can make eligible school related payments. Individuals may also use PAPSS for approved family support and other permitted transactions across supported African corridors.

For businesses participating in regional trade, the advantages extend beyond convenience. Faster cross border payments can support more predictable cash flow, stronger supplier relationships and better operational planning. A manufacturer waiting for raw materials can settle an eligible invoice more efficiently. A retailer importing products from another African country can reduce the inconvenience associated with sourcing foreign currency. An exporter may also receive eligible payments in Naira for goods sold across Africa, subject to applicable regulatory and export procedures.

Choosing the right bank is essential when processing PAPSS transactions. Fidelity Bank combines digital convenience, an extensive branch network and established expertise in supporting small and medium enterprises, exporters and businesses pursuing opportunities across Africa. Customers can initiate eligible PAPSS transfers through the Fidelity Mobile App, Fidelity Online Banking or at a Fidelity Bank branch. Customers who require assistance can also speak with their Relationship Managers or visit a branch for guidance on applicable documentation and transaction requirements.

Fidelity Bank has demonstrated significant experience with the platform. The Bank onboarded PAPSS in September 2024 and recorded more than N46 billion in transactions during the early adoption phase before its official launch in August 2025. PAPSS also identified Fidelity Bank as one of the first Nigerian banks to meet the relevant integration requirements. This experience provides a strong foundation for customers seeking a trusted bank for cross border payments across Africa.

The Bank has continued to strengthen access to PAPSS by extending the service to its digital channels and branch network. Customers can access the service at any time through Fidelity Mobile App and Fidelity Online Banking, while those who prefer assisted service can visit a branch. This combination of digital access and human support makes Fidelity Bank a compelling choice for individuals, small businesses and large organisations processing eligible PAPSS transactions.

Security is also central to the PAPSS proposition. Transactions are authenticated and processed through a formal banking channel, providing customers with a structured method for transferring funds across supported African markets. Applicable validation, compliance and regulatory checks form part of the payment process. Customers should ensure that beneficiary information, transaction purposes and supporting documents are complete and accurate before initiating a transfer.

The growing adoption of PAPSS reflects the changing shape of African commerce. As businesses use digital tools to discover suppliers, coordinate transactions and reach new customers, they require payment infrastructure that supports the same level of connectivity. PAPSS is already live in 19 countries and connects more than 160 commercial banks and over 15 national switches, according to TechCabal.

Fidelity Bank is well positioned to help Nigerian businesses benefit from this expanding payment network. Its early PAPSS adoption, proven transaction experience, digital banking channels and nationwide branch support provide customers with a convenient gateway for eligible payments across Africa. By choosing Fidelity Bank for PAPSS transactions, businesses gain access to a payment solution designed to support speed, security, affordability and regional growth.

As African trade gathers momentum, businesses that can move money efficiently will be better prepared to secure supplies, strengthen partnerships and enter new markets. With Fidelity Bank PAPSS, customers can send money in Naira to selected African countries, while beneficiaries receive the applicable value in their local currencies.

Africa is closer with PAPSS at Fidelity Bank. Visit the Fidelity Bank website or the nearest Fidelity Bank branch to begin an eligible PAPSS transaction. Transactions are available across supported corridors and are subject to applicable requirements, limits, charges, regulations, terms and conditions.

The post How Fidelity Bank PAPSS Is Helping Nigerian Businesses Trade Across Africa appeared first on Insight Global News.

A Nigerian journalist, Mr Iwuchukwu Francis, has petitioned the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) over an alleged dispute concerning a rented apartment in the Adamo area of Ikorodu, Lagos State.

Iwuchukwu Francis, in a statement made before the Nigeria Police Force at Imota and Araro respectively, on June 8, 2026, said he was seeking police intervention after paying a total of N570,000 in rent through an estate agent, Bolaji Ojo, who operates under the name Ojo’s Properties (Land and Property Consultancy).

According to the journalist, his initial discussion about renting a room-and-parlour self-contained apartment took place by telephone on April 1, 2026, after which he met Bolaji Ojo in person on April 3, 2026.

Iwuchukwu Francis maintained that he subsequently paid N570,000 into an Access Bank account provided by Bolaji Ojo, who claimed to be a member of the Estate, Rent and Commission Agents Association of Nigeria (ERCAAN).

The payment, according to the journalist, was made from his First Bank account at about 1:01 p.m. on April 3, 2026, into an Access Bank Plc account No: 1690939511 with the account name Temitope Adebayo, as provided by the estate agent, Bolaji Ojo.

The said Access Bank account, it was later gathered, belonged to his wife.

Iwuchukwu Francis explained that the payment covered N400,000 for house rent, N50,000 agreement fee, N50,000 commission, N50,000 damages deposit, N15,000 security/CDA fee and N5,000 cleaner’s fee.

According to the journalist, Ojo had informed him before payment that electrical wiring in the apartment was yet to be completed but assured him that the work would be concluded before the end of April 2026.

He also allegedly informed him (Iwuchukwu Francis) that each apartment in the building had been allocated a prepaid electricity meter, although the meter meant for his apartment had not yet arrived.

Iwuchukwu Francis said that, following the initial payment, he reached an oral agreement with Bolaji Ojo to take possession of the apartment and begin installing fixtures in preparation for his relocation.

The journalist revealed that he further paid an additional N5,000 consultancy fee into Ojo’s Opay account number 7080097012 on April 23, 2026.

According to him, Bolaji Ojo thereafter gave him a tenancy agreement form, which he completed, signed and returned.

Iwuchukwu Francis said the estate agent later accompanied him to the property on April 27, 2026, and handed over the keys to both the apartment and the main gate, thereby giving him access to the premises.

The journalist alleged that Bolaji Ojo assured him that the tenancy agreement would be forwarded to the owner of the property for approval and that a house-rent receipt would subsequently be issued.

Iwuchukwu Francis made public that he moved his belongings into the apartment on May 6, 2026, after informing the estate agent, (Bolaji Ojo) of the development.

He posited that he subsequently began making improvements to the apartment, including purchasing and installing a solar power system on May 7, 2026.

According to the journalist, the solar installation was intended to provide electricity pending the installation of the prepaid meter.

Iwuchukwu Francis further insisted that he spent N150,000 on painting the apartment, while additional sums were paid to a carpenter for various works, including the construction and installation of a wall hanger, a net door, repairs to the kitchen cabinet and the construction of a DSTV/GOTV/STRONG cabinet.

The journalist said the dispute escalated on May 24, 2026, when he returned to the property and allegedly discovered that the gate leading to his apartment had been secured with a large padlock.

He said the development forced him to instruct the carpenter to suspend scheduled work and refrain from bringing already-paid-for items to the apartment.

Iwuchukwu Francis explained that he immediately contacted the estate agent (Bolaji Ojo), who initially claimed ignorance of the development but later allegedly explained that the matter was connected to a disagreement over electricity supply.

The journalist is demanding a refund of all monies paid in connection with securing the apartment from the estate agent, Bolaji Ojo.

Meanwhile, in an undertaking signed by the estate agent, Bolaji Ojo, on June 8, 2026 at the Nigeria Police Force, Imota, he had made a promise to effect the return of the fund in dispute to the journalist, a promise he had yet to fulfil as of the time of filing this report.

Even Bolaji Ojo’s earlier promise at the Police Station in Araro, to initiate the refund of the said sum on June 8, 2026, had equally hit the brick wall.

As of the moment, the estate agent’s whereabouts are unknown even as he had refused to respond to the calls put across to him by the police.

The post Journalist Accuses Estate Agent of Apartment Dispute, Seeks Police intervention •Demands N570,000.00 Refund appeared first on Insight Global News.

Hafidh Ameir Hassan, husband of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has d!ed.

He died  today, September 9, while undergoing treatment in a hospital in Zanzibar, the country’s vice president said.

Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi said he had been suffering from a heart condition.

Ndejembi added that funeral arrangements are under way in Kizimkazi, a village on the country’s semi-autonomous island of Zanzibar.

Ameir was an agricultural academic who largely kept a low public profile. He became Tanzania’s first First Gentleman after President Samia took office in 2021.

In his announcement, Ndejembi said Ameir d!ed at 08:00 local time (06:00 GMT) on Monday at the Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital.

He married Samia in 1978, before she entered national politics. The couple had four children – three sons and a daughter.

Their daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, is also a politician who currently serves in Zanzibar’s House of Representatives in the National Assembly.

Kenyan President William Ruto expressed sorrow on behalf of his government and people. “President Samia has lost a lifelong companion, her children a beloved father, and Tanzania a distinguished son,” he wrote.

Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye also sent condolences to President Hassan and the people of Tanzania.

On early hour of  Monday while being treated in hospital in Zanzibar, Tanzanian president Mrs Samia Hassan husband  died an official said.

Hassan became leader in 2021 after the death of authoritarian John Magufuli and swept a national election last year with 98 per cent, in a vote that was criticised by international observers following the deadly repression of protests.

Hafidh Ameir Hassan, 77, died early on Monday in Mzena Hospital in Zanzibar, “where he was receiving treatment for a heart condition”, according to vice president Deogratius Ndejembi.

In a short clip shared on the Tanzanian presidency’s X account, Ndejembi extended his condolences and added that funeral preparations were under way in southern Kizimkazi.

The post Tanzanian President Samia Loses husband appeared first on Insight Global News.

The Delta State Police Command has recorded successes in separate operations in Effurun and Agbor, resulting in the recovery of a locally made firearm, the arrest of a suspected drug peddler and the recovery of quantities of suspected illicit drugs.

1. ONE LOCALLY MADE GUN RECOVERED, MANHUNT LAUNCHED FOR ARMED ROBBERS IN EFFURUN:

On 4th September 2026, at about 0530hrs, two masked men armed with a locally made shotgun broke into the residence of a 48-year-old man in the Charlisco area, NPA Express Road, Effurun. In a courageous act, the victim confronted and wrestled with the suspect carrying the firearm, during which the gun broke. The second suspect struck the victim on the forehead before both suspects fled, abandoning the firearm. At about 0614hrs, the incident was reported at Ekpan Division. Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer immediately deployed operatives to the scene, where the broken locally made firearm was recovered. The victim was referred to a hospital for treatment, while a manhunt for the fleeing suspects is ongoing.

2. SUSPECTED DRUG PEDDLER ARRESTED, ILLICIT DRUGS RECOVERED

On 6th September 2026, at about 0500hrs, operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit (SAKU), Ubulu-Uku, acting on credible intelligence, carried out a covert operation in Agbor and arrested Joy Anthony (f), aged 40 years, a suspected drug peddler. A search warrant was executed at her residence in Agbor-Obi, where quantities of Swinol, Tramadol, Codeine, Canadian Loud and weeds suspected to be Indian hemp were recovered. The suspect and exhibits are in police custody, while the investigation is ongoing.

The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel E. Erale, psc, mnips, commended the 48yrs old courageous man who fought off the suspected criminals while assuring him that the suspects will be tracked down and arrested. Anyone with useful information that will assist the police in the area of crime fighting should contact the nearest Police station or the Command Control Room on 08036684974, 08114895600, or 08025666914.

SP. BRIGHT EDAFE, ANIPR, FCIA, FIPMD
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
DELTA STATE COMMAND,
ASAB

The post Police Recover One Locally Made Gun, Hunt Armed Robbers, Arrest Suspected Drug Peddler in Separate Operations appeared first on Insight Global News.

Union Bank of Nigeria has been recognised for its leadership in gender inclusion, emerging as Most Outstanding Bank in Gender Inclusion at the Women in Marketing and Communications Conference and Awards (WIMCA) 2026, held on Saturday, 29 August 2026, at Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
This award was in affirmation of the Bank’s commitment to advancing gender diversity through an inclusive workplace and financial ecosystem that empowers women, female entrepreneurs, and professionals with tailored products, capacity building, mentorship, networking, and broader economic opportunities.
Themed “Grow, Give, Glow: Building Resilience for Distinction,” WIMCA 2026 convened leading female marketing and communications professionals from across Africa to explore industry trends, leadership, resilience, and women’s advancement within the brands marketing ecosystem.
Dubbed the largest gathering of female marketing and communications professionals on the African continent, the event brought together various speakers including Union Bank’s Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, Mrs. Olufunmilola Aluko, who was also named one of the Top 50 Most Influential Women in Marketing and Communications, alongside other leading communications and brand executives that gathered for the prestigious conference.
While reacting to her recognition and Union Bank’s award, Mrs. Aluko said:
“Union Bank’s recognition at WIMCA 2026 is a strong validation of our sustained commitment to advancing gender inclusion as a driver of institutional excellence, innovation, and sustainable growth. We are proud to champion platforms and initiatives that empower women to lead with confidence, build meaningful careers, and contribute significantly to the evolution of the marketing and communications industry. This honour further strengthens our resolve to create greater opportunities for women across our workplace, customer base, and wider society.”
Established by leading Nigerian brand and marketing magazine Brand Communicator, WIMCA has, since its inception, served as a premier platform for amplifying female leadership and advancing women’s participation in the brand, marketing, and communications industry.
Union Bank will continue to engage with platforms that advance women’s empowerment and meaningful participation across the marketing communications industry. The Bank remains committed to fostering inclusive growth, strengthening opportunities for women, and contributing to the continued advancement of the brand, marketing, and communications landscape.
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Note to Editors:
About Union Bank of Nigeria Plc
Established in 1917, Union Bank is a leading provider of financial services in Nigeria, renowned for its “Simpler, Smarter Banking” philosophy. With a nationwide network and a strong focus on digital innovation, Union Bank continues to empower individuals, businesses, and the public sector to achieve lasting success.
The Bank is a trusted and recognisable brand with an extensive network of over 300 branches across Nigeria. The Bank offers a range of banking services to individual and corporate clients, including current, savings, and deposit account services, funds transfer, foreign currency domiciliation, loans, overdrafts, equipment leasing, and trade finance. The Bank also offers customers convenient electronic banking channels and products, including Online Banking, Mobile Banking, Debit Cards, ATMs, and POS Systems.
More information can be found at: www.unionbankng.com

The post Union Bank, Brand Chief Receive Accolades at WIMCA 2026 appeared first on Insight Global News.

By Ouwatoyin Mathnuel

On Monday, August 31, a reliable source had revealed how Bidemi Odukoya, the Shepherd of Iri Orun Parish ;  Celestial Church of Christ CCC at Ibogun- Akiode village , Ifo LG area of Ogun state allegedly macheted his wife to death during a midnight 2: am  domestic dispute before reportedly taking his own life.

Insight Global News report that after allegedly attacking his wife, Odukoya, a father of three boys, reportedly fled the community and headed for the Coker junction,  a famous busy area in Ifo  axis, very close to Lagos- Abeokuta expressway

He was later alleged to have thrown himself in front of a moving truck, resulting in his instant death. Leaving behind three children for Providence .

The post Ogun: Celestial Pastor  k!lls Wife Over Infidelity,  Commits Suicide appeared first on Insight Global News.

The Executive Chairman of Òdì-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA, Hon. Dr. Seyi Jakande, on Thursday, bagged the prestigious *Press Society Award of Excellence* in recognition of his landmark contributions to community transformation.

The honour was conferred on him at the maiden *Media Sensitisation Workshop and Award Ceremony hosted by The Press Society* at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) in Ikeja, Lagos.

Accompanied to the podium by his Special Adviser on Digital Media and Public Affairs, the council boss received the plaque amidst accolades from industry stakeholders, media practitioners, and community leaders.

The workshop focused heavily on the delicate balance between creativity and ethics in journalism during the rapidly evolving era of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Industry speakers extensively itemized the complex opportunities and inherent challenges triggered by AI, calling on modern media professionals to fiercely protect factual accuracy, journalistic responsibility, and rigorous ethical standards.

Expressing his profound gratitude to the leadership of the media body, Dr. Jakande described the recognition as a strong catalyst that will propel his administration to break new frontiers in local governance.

“This award is a call to continuous service. It serves as an immense encouragement to further institutionalize responsive governance, expand our people-oriented leadership blueprints, and drive aggressive community renewal across our LCDA,” the Chairman stated.

Delegates at the event heavily emphasized that deep collaboration between grassroots government structures, the mainstream media, and public stakeholders remains non-negotiable for advancing responsible public communication and securing long-term economic development.

The post Press Society Honours Jakande With Grassroots Leadership Excellence Award appeared first on Insight Global News.