Business
Zenith Bank Motivates Staff with Promotions, Salary Increment to Boost Productivity
One of Africa’s leading financial institutions, Zenith Bank has reaffirmed its dedication to employee welfare by announcing the promotion of over 4,000 staff members and implementing salary increases ranging from 20% to 30% across various employee grades.
This bold initiative, under the leadership of Managing Director/CEO Dame Adaora Umeoji, is aimed at boosting staff morale and productivity.
With over 8,000 employees, this significant investment in human capital reflects Zenith Bank’s belief that its workforce is its most valuable asset. The salary adjustments, effective January 1, 2025, aim to reward performance, alleviate financial pressures, and ensure enhanced customer service delivery. Promotions for top management are also expected as part of the bank’s ongoing commitment to excellence and growth.
Dr. Umeoji emphasized the importance of maintaining a motivated workforce, stating that the bank’s dedication to its employees will translate into superior service experiences for customers. She highlighted the organization’s commitment to setting industry benchmarks through innovative solutions and exceptional service delivery.
Zenith Bank’s continued leadership in the Nigerian financial sector is underscored by numerous awards, including Best Bank in Nigeria 2024 by Global Finance and recognition as the Biggest Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital in 2024 by The Banker. These accolades complement its reputation for innovation, sustainability, and corporate governance.
By prioritizing employee welfare during challenging times, Zenith Bank not only strengthens its internal operations but also sets a standard for other financial institutions in the region, reinforcing its position as a leader in Africa’s banking landscape.
As a major player in Nigeria’s financial landscape, under its managing director/chief executive officer, Adaora Umeoji, the bank has embraced a holistic approach to growth that integrates environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles with its core business objectives.
At the heart of Zenith Bank’s strategy is a focus on buoying economic inclusion, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and driving technological innovation to enhance customer experiences. The bank’s proactive investments in renewable energy, sports, digital transformation and impactful community initiatives exemplify its dedication to creating long-term value for its stakeholders while addressing global sustainability challenges.
Zenith Bank’s continued success is driven by a combination of strong financial performance and an unwavering commitment to its stakeholders.
Zenith Bank’s growth trajectory is underpinned by a robust expansion strategy. With operations in several countries, including the UK, UAE, China, and most recently, France, the bank continues to expand its geographical footprint.
As usual, the bank’s efforts in 2024 did not unnoticed as the lender clinched several local and international awards in recognition of its outstanding performance.
In 2024, the bank won the Best Bank in Nigeria at the annual Global Finance award in Washington, DC, NY.
The bank also emerged the Biggest Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital, 2024 by The Banker; Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria 2024 – World Finance; Best Corporate Governance, Nigeria 2024 – World Finance; Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria 2024 – International Banker; Bank of the Year, 2024 – Business Day; Retail Bank of the Year, 2024 – Business Day; Bank of the Year 2024- The Banker.
It also clinched the Most Responsible Organization in Africa 2024 – SERAS; Best in Gender Equality & Women Empowerment 2024 – SERAS and Best in Transparency & Reporting 2024 – SERAS
Access Bank Plc, Nigeria’s largest retail bank, is set to unveil DettyFusion, an innovative all-in-one digital platform designed to help Nigerians at home and in the diaspora seamlessly discover, plan, and enjoy entertainment events during the upcoming Christmas and New Year festive season.
Billed as the first-of-its-kind entertainment aggregator in the country, DettyFusion will serve as a centralized hub where users can explore event calendars, purchase tickets, access exclusive discounts, participate in curated festive experiences, and make safe, seamless payments throughout the holiday period.
Speaking on the forthcoming launch, Access Bank’s Head of Mobility, Ishmael Nwokocha, said the platform was inspired by the bank’s commitment to enhancing customer experience during the highly anticipated Detty December season.
“Every December, Nigerians look forward to moments that bring joy, connection, and unforgettable experiences. The launch of DettyFusion will create a single gateway that makes it easier, safer, and more convenient for customers to enjoy the thrills of Detty December,” Nwokocha stated.
He added that the platform reflects Access Bank’s drive to deliver innovative lifestyle solutions that extend beyond traditional banking services. “DettyFusion brings together key features that meet the needs of today’s digitally active and experience-driven audience,” he said.
With this initiative, Access Bank continues to reinforce its position as a leading lifestyle enabler, supporting Nigeria’s creative sector while empowering customers to enjoy top-tier entertainment during the festive season.
With DettyFusion, Detty December just got smarter, more convenient, and even more rewarding.
Across Africa, women are fast becoming the heartbeat of economic transformation. From bustling open-air markets to high-tech boardrooms, women-led enterprises are redefining what is possible for the continent’s future.
Whether as market traders expanding their reach through digital platforms, tech founders scaling innovations across borders, or artisans turning local crafts into global brands, women’s contributions are now central to Africa’s economic resurgence.
Even as they break new ground, many still face formidable barriers. Access to finance, mentorship, business education, and supportive networks remains limited. Structural issues such as weak property rights, gender bias, and inadequate legal protections often hinder women from securing loans or expanding their businesses.
Consequently, many women-owned ventures remain small, informal, and vulnerable to economic shocks.
Recognising both the promise and the obstacles, Access Bank has positioned itself at the forefront of empowering women across the continent. Recently named Africa’s Best Financier for Female Entrepreneurs by the EMEA Finance Awards, the Bank has earned global recognition for its commitment to inclusion, innovation, and sustainable impact.
At the centre of this effort is the W Initiative, one of Africa’s most comprehensive women-focused banking programmes. Unlike conventional banking, it combines finance with mentorship, training, and community support, acknowledging that true empowerment requires more than access to capital. The initiative meets women wherever they are on their entrepreneurial journey, from start-ups to growing enterprises and corporate leadership.
The W Power Loan offers affordable credit with flexible terms, enabling women to invest in expansion, inventory, or technology. The W Academy provides leadership and business training on financial literacy, marketing, and regulatory compliance, while the W Community connects women to peers, mentors, and role models across industries.
Importantly, these offerings extend beyond urban centres. From microloans sustaining traders in rural markets to leadership programmes developing female executives in multinational firms, Access Bank’s approach is deliberately inclusive. By partnering NGOs, business associations, and government agencies, it reaches women in underserved communities, ensuring participation in Africa’s economic rise.
The results are evident. Thousands of women have accessed credit, training, and networks through the Bank’s initiatives, enabling them to launch and scale businesses, create jobs, and uplift their communities. The ripple effects are far-reaching: increased household income, improved family wellbeing, and greater economic resilience. Women who once faced daunting barriers now serve as role models and change-makers, inspiring others to follow their path.
Studies show that when women thrive, societies prosper. The World Bank and African Development Bank note that empowering women fuels GDP growth, improves health outcomes, and enhances social stability. By directly addressing structural gaps in access to finance and information, Access Bank helps to unlock this transformative potential.
Apart from supporting entrepreneurs, Access Bank promotes gender inclusion within its own organisation. Its leadership pipeline identifies and advances talented women, while mentorship and wellness programmes help female professionals thrive. The Bank also uses public platforms, from conferences to policy dialogues, to share success stories and advocate for gender diversity across sectors.
The EMEA Finance recognition thus goes beyond trophies and titles; it affirms that profitability and purpose can coexist. For Access Bank, supporting women’s advancement is smart economics. By embedding inclusion into its DNA, the Bank is shaping a financial ecosystem that views women as equal partners in progress.
Access Bank’s influence also extends into advocacy. Through forums, roundtables, and research collaborations, the Bank engages policymakers, civil society, and business leaders to identify and dismantle barriers facing women entrepreneurs. Its campaigns amplify women’s voices, spotlighting their achievements and driving conversations around inclusive growth.
In another demonstration of its commitment to corporate social responsibility, leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, has extended support to residents of the Makoko waterfront community in Lagos with the donation of boats, educational materials, food items and other essential relief items.
The donation was championed by the Achievers Inductees Class of 2025 under the Fidelity Helping Hands Programme (FHHP), the bank’s staff-led CSR initiative where members of staff identify areas of critical interventions in their communities, raise funds and receive matching support from the bank’s management to execute the projects.
Speaking on the donation, Divisional Head, Brand and Communications, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Meksley Nwagboh, reaffirmed the bank’s dedication to supporting communities and fostering sustainable development.
“At Fidelity Bank, we believe that when communities thrive, businesses prosper. Our commitment goes beyond banking, it is about improving lives, supporting education, and creating opportunities for growth. This donation reflects our dedication to nurturing the next generation and contributing to a better, more sustainable future,” He stated.
Expressing appreciation on behalf of the community, the traditional leader of Makoko, Baale Shemede Emmanuel Ajakaekun, commended Fidelity Bank for its compassionate donation.
“We are grateful that Fidelity Bank came down here to support us. May their work continue to flourish, and may God lift them higher. We hope they will not forget us but come back again to support our people,” he said.
Similarly, the Proprietor, Part of Solution Orphanage, Nursery and Primary School, Shemede Taiwo, described the donation as life-changing for the children and residents.
“Many children here struggle to attend school because boats are expensive to build or hire. Fidelity Bank’s donation will make a huge difference in ensuring our children get to school safely and in ensuring the improved welfare of the residents of this community. We truly appreciate this gesture,” Shemede Taiwo said.
Through the Fidelity Helping Hands Programme (FHHP), the bank continues to empower communities across Nigeria by addressing key social issues in education, health, and welfare. The Makoko outreach comes off the back of a similar FHHP outreach to Old People’s Home in Yaba, Lagos, reaffirming Fidelity Bank’s commitment to the sustainable development that begins with genuine care for people and their environment.
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 a 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.
