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Wema Bank Builds Capacity for Owners, Managers of SMEs in Enugu

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In its bid to equip small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) in Enugu with adequate knowledge and skills to boost their businesses, Wema Bank Plc, Nigeria’s most innovative bank, is hosting its maiden Business Growth and Innovation Conference in Enugu, the Enugu State capital. The conference, being organized in partnership with the Enugu SME Center, the Enugu State Government’s SME development agency, will hold on Wednesday, February 15th and Thursday, February 16th, 2023.
The Head, SME Banking at Wema Bank, Arthur Nkemeh, said that the two-day conference, which will cover key areas of business management, such as strategy and innovation, digital transformation, sales and marketing, and financial management, will upskill business owners and managers and boost the capacity and growth of SMEs in Enugu.
“The Enugu Business Growth and Innovation Conference is intended to bridge the knowledge gap that exists in the SMEs space. It will equip attendees with best-in-class knowledge and skills in business management. The capacity building program will be delivered by world-class facilitators who are subject matter experts in various aspects of business management, in keeping to our position as the leading bank in the SME Advisory space in Nigeria.”
He noted that, being the leading bank in the SME banking segment in Nigeria, Wema Ban has been a champion of the growth of the SME sector in the country through its various financial and non-financial (business advisory) services for SMEs.
“As a champion of the growth of the SME sector in Nigeria, Wema Bank has put in place many initiatives that will drive the growth of the sector in the country. We not only have low-cost banking products that speak to the needs of SMEs, but we also ensure that the managers and promoters of these businesses are equipped with top-notch knowledge and skills that will ensure that their businesses thrive in any given situation they find themselves.”
Arthur called on owners and managers of small and medium-scale enterprises in and around Enugu to avail themselves of the opportunity that this conference presents to build their capacity and ensure that their businesses growth potentials are achieved.
“The needs of the SMEs in Nigeria are enormous and range from access to capital to talent acquisition and retention, to management operation and so on. These needs, as diverse as they are, could be better and more effectively addressed through adequate capacity building. This is why it is imperative that SMEs owners and managers, especially those in and around Enugu, endeavour to participate in the Conference to learn new strategies that they can use to grow their businesses,” he concluded.
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UBA Foundation Marks World Environment Day 2026 with Tree-Planting Initiative

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In commemoration of World Environment Day 2026, the UBA Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group, has reinforced its commitment to environmental sustainability through a tree-planting exercise at two of Lagos’ most historic educational institutions – King’s College, Lagos, and CMS Grammar School, Bariga.

The exercise marks the commencement of the Foundation’s 2026 Tree Planting for Sustainability Initiative, which is being implemented across selected schools in Nigeria to promote environmental consciousness among young people and encourage climate-positive action.
Observed annually on June 5 and coordinated by the United Nations, World Environment Day is the world’s leading platform for environmental awareness and advocacy. The 2026 theme, “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future,” underscores the urgent need for collective action to address climate change and environmental degradation.

Speaking during the exercise at CMS Grammar School, Managing Director/CEO, UBA Foundation, Bola Atta, described the initiative as a strategic investment in the future.

“We want young people to understand that the environment needs our collective support and protection. Through initiatives like this, we are encouraging the next generation to embrace sustainable practices that will help create healthier communities and a better future for all,” she said.

Now in its fourth year, the Tree Planting for Sustainability Initiative is designed to instill environmental responsibility in students by integrating sustainability practices into school communities and empowering young people to become environmental ambassadors.

Atta explained that the choice of King’s College and CMS Grammar School was deliberate, reflecting both institutions’ rich heritage and their capacity to sustain the initiative over time.

“These are iconic institutions with deep historical significance. CMS Grammar School is Nigeria’s oldest secondary school, while King’s College has been shaping leaders for more than a century. We wanted schools where these trees will be nurtured and allowed to flourish for generations to come,” she noted.

The initiative comes at a time when rapid urbanisation has continued to reduce green spaces across many Nigerian cities, highlighting the need for sustained environmental restoration efforts.

“Over the years, development has often taken precedence over environmental preservation, leading to the loss of many trees and green areas. However, there is no better time than now to begin restoring our environment and making a lasting impact,” Atta added.

The exercise forms part of UBA Group’s broader commitment to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles.
Speaking at the event, UBA’s Group Chief Risk Officer, Awele Ajibola, emphasized the importance of proactive environmental stewardship in addressing climate-related risks.

“At UBA, initiatives like this demonstrate our commitment to the environment and the communities we serve. Climate change presents real and growing risks, and as a responsible financial institution, we recognise our role in driving positive environmental action and sustainable development,” Ajibola stated.

The tree-planting exercise is one of several activities being implemented by the Group to commemorate #WED2026. Other activities include UBA’s inauguration as a member of the Finance Taskforce for Plastic Action in Nigeria, Green Talk sessions with customers across branches, the launch of Sustainability Clubs in participating schools, environmental awareness campaigns across the Bank’s communication platforms, and a month-long Green Challenge designed to encourage environmentally responsible behaviour.

Commending the initiative, Principal of CMS Grammar School, Revd. Jacob Ayokunle Ogunyinka, described the exercise as a practical extension of environmental education.

“Our students learn about the importance of trees and environmental conservation in the classroom. Seeing these principles demonstrated in practice deepens their understanding and inspires greater responsibility towards protecting the environment,” he said.

Similarly, Principal of King’s College, Magaji Zachariah, expressed appreciation to UBA Foundation for selecting the institution as one of the beneficiaries of the programme and for investing in environmental education.

Beyond planting trees, the Foundation engaged students in discussions on environmental stewardship, encouraging responsible practices such as proper waste disposal, water conservation, recycling, and energy efficiency.

Referencing the famous words of Nobel Laureate and environmentalist Wangari Maathai, Atta reminded participants of the importance of immediate action: “The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The second-best time is now.”

UBA Foundation is the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group. The Foundation is committed to the socio-economic development of communities across Africa through strategic interventions focused on education, environmental sustainability, economic empowerment, and special projects.

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Glo Fetes Customers with New “More Data More Value” Offer

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Determine to enrich the digital experience of its subscribers, Globacom has introduced a new data offer, tagged “More Data More Value only on Glo”. The new offer gives customers as much as 10 percent more data across its bundles as the Nigerian telecom landscape shifts toward a data-led economy.

Globacom explained in a statement that “The new offer is designed to ensure that every Naira spent by a Nigerian consumer yields the highest possible digital return”, thus reinforcing the company’s long-standing reputation for affordability and empowerment.

“More Data More Value” offers a variety of weekly and monthly options planned to balance daytime and night-time usage. The weekly plan includes ₦1,000 option which provides 3.7GB of total data, consisting of 1.7GB main data and 2GB night data, while that of ₦2,000 offers 9GB in total, divided into 6.5GB main data and 2.5GB night data.

The monthly plan also comes with different options including that of ₦1,500 which delivers a total of 5.2GB (2.2GB main data paired with 3GB night data); the ₦2,000 option offering 6.25GB data, a combination of 3.25GB main data and 3GB night data and16.5GB, comprising 14.5GB main data and 2GB night data which goes for N5,000. There is also the ₦10,000 and N15,000 options, with N10,000 providing 42GB total, 38GB main data and 4GB night data, while ₦15,000 offers 64GB in total, consisting of 62GB main data and 2GB night data.

Glo’s enhanced bundles provide the necessary incentive for students, remote workers, and entrepreneurs to browse longer, whether for TikTok trends, Instagram aesthetics, YouTube streaming, or high-stakes gaming and stream without fear, ensuring their professional and social lives remain uninterrupted.

These improved bundles from Globacom give entrepreneurs, remote workers, and students the incentive they need to browse longer, whether for high-stakes gaming, YouTube streaming, Instagram aesthetics, or TikTok trends, and stream on end, while ensuring seamlessness in their social and professional lives.

Beyond individual users, the “More Data More Value” offer also extend its benefits to families and SMEs. With the reliance of small businesses and households on mobile hotspots for their daily operations, Glo has optimized its offerings to serve as the preferred network for high-volume usage.

The offer also serves as a driver of digital transformation through the Glo Café app. Customers are encouraged to utilize the app for seamless bundle subscriptions, as it allows them to manage their “more than 10% extra” data with ease, thus ensuring rewarding user experience.

“More Data More Value” offer underscores Glo’s commitment to providing the best value-for-money which gives Nigerians the benefit of not compromising on their digital lifestyle.

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Fidelity Bank Reports Gross Earnings of N434.95bn in Q1 2026

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Fidelity Bank Plc⁠ has reported a strong financial performance for the first quarter of 2026, with gross earnings rising by 37.9 per cent to N434.95 billion, driven by growth in its core banking operations.

The unaudited interim report and accounts for the three months ended March 31, 2026, released on the Nigerian Exchange, showed that the bank’s gross earnings increased from N315.42 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2025.

Interest income grew significantly by 22.8 per cent to N314.48 billion in Q1 2026, compared with N256.10 billion in Q1 2025, reflecting expansion in the bank’s core business activities.

With net interest income standing at N180.97 billion, the bank posted a profit before tax of N92.48 billion for the period. Profit after tax settled at N74.47 billion, while earnings per share remained strong at N5.69.

The bank also recorded notable improvements across key balance sheet indicators. Total assets rose above the N11 trillion mark to N11.35 trillion as of March 2026, compared with N10.46 trillion recorded at the end of December 2025.

Customer deposits increased from N6.89 trillion to N7.38 trillion during the review period, while shareholders’ funds rose by 27.5 per cent from N1.09 trillion in December 2025 to N1.39 trillion by March 2026, supported by earnings growth.

The Q1 performance further strengthened the bank’s earnings outlook following the successful completion of its recapitalisation programme in 2025.

The bank had earlier posted strong full-year results for 2025, recording growth across major income lines and balance sheet metrics.

According to its audited financial statements, gross earnings rose by 45.6 per cent from N1.04 trillion in 2024 to N1.52 trillion in 2025. Interest and similar income increased from N803.1 billion to N1.11 trillion, while fees and commission income grew by 44.7 per cent to N113.4 billion.

Net profit after tax for the 2025 financial year stood at N242.4 billion.

Total assets expanded by 18.6 per cent to N10.46 trillion in 2025 from N8.82 trillion in 2024, while customer deposits increased by 16.1 per cent to N6.89 trillion.

Net loans and advances, however, declined slightly by 2.4 per cent to N4.28 trillion, which the bank attributed to repayments of matured obligations by customers.

The bank also strengthened its capital position in 2025, with eligible capital rising to N561 billion, above the N500 billion regulatory requirement for banks with international authorisation.

Capital Adequacy Ratio improved to 30.94 per cent in December 2025 from 23.47 per cent recorded in December 2024.

Commenting on the results, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, said the Q1 2026 performance reflects the resilience and strength of the bank’s business model.

She stated that the successful recapitalisation exercise and the bank’s ongoing expansion had positioned Fidelity Bank for stronger growth and improved returns.

“We are on a stronger footing and confident that we will set new growth records that are reflective of our legacy and the future we are working on,” Onyeali-Ikpe said.

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