Fidelity Bank Distributes Food Packages to Communities in the FCT

Fidelity Bank Distributes Food Packages to Communities in the FCT

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, Fidelity Bank Plc recently provided food packs to residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja. The initiative, called the Fidelity Food Bank, saw the bank’s representatives distribute food supplies to seven communities within the Mabushi district of the FCT. At the distribution event, Mr. Sufiyanu Garba, the Executive Director for the North at Fidelity Bank, highlighted the bank’s commitment to supporting community development and its alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2, which focuses on eradicating hunger. “This initiative is a reflection of our deep-rooted responsibility to assist underserved communities and combat hunger across Nigeria,” said Mr. Garba. “At Fidelity Bank, we believe that addressing the underlying causes of poverty and hunger allows us to create lasting change. While we cannot solve all societal issues, our contributions are making a real difference, as shown by the positive responses we continue to receive.” He further emphasized the bank’s dedication to empowering communities: “We understand the importance of promoting growth and prosperity within the areas where we operate. By investing in the well-being of these communities, we are helping build a more sustainable and just society.” The Fidelity Food Bank is a core part of the bank’s CSR strategy, focusing on health and social welfare. The nationwide initiative aims to provide food relief to underserved communities, with a special focus on women and children. Mr. Hassan Danagna, the District Head of Mabushi Community, expressed gratitude for the bank’s support, calling it “unprecedented” and noting the relief it brings to vulnerable households. “Fidelity Bank’s generosity has had a profound impact on our community, providing much-needed relief to struggling families. With the current economic climate, this support is particularly timely as we approach the holy month of Ramadan,” said Mr. Danagna. One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Mukhtar Mohamed, also shared his appreciation, acknowledging the positive impact of the food distribution. Fidelity Bank Plc, a fully-fledged commercial bank, serves over 9.1 million customers across its 251 business locations and various digital platforms in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. The bank has received numerous local and international accolades, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award from the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards, the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application Award for its Fidelity Mobile App from Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider Award from Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, Fidelity Bank was named the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.

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The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has partnered with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA) to promote sustainable plastic waste management in Lagos State through circular economy practices. The initiative, titled *UNIDO Project 210184: Promoting Sustainable Plastic Value Chains through Circular Economy Practices*, is funded by the Government of Japan and aims to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity for sustainable industrial development by addressing plastic pollution at the source. The project involves the establishment of four plastic waste collection facilities and thirty designated collection points across the Lekki and Lagos Mainland municipalities. LAWMA will provide the necessary land and infrastructure, while UNIDO and FBRA will co-finance the development and lead public awareness campaigns under the zero plastic waste initiative. LAWMA’s Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, confirmed that two land parcels in both Lekki and Lagos Mainland have been secured for the project. Dr. Osuji Otu, the National Programme Officer at the UNIDO Sub-Regional Office in Abuja, emphasized the significance of the partnership in driving positive change for Nigeria. He highlighted the project’s role in laying the groundwork for a nationwide waste management strategy. Otu also called for greater involvement from other agencies to support environmental sustainability, particularly in plastic waste management, which is a global priority. The project, which was initiated in 2022, is aligned with LAWMA’s mission to enhance waste management and environmental sustainability in Lagos. The collaboration is led by a cooperation committee consisting of representatives from UNIDO, LAWMA, and FBRA. The committee is responsible for monitoring progress, selecting private sector recycling companies to operate the facilities, and addressing any challenges during implementation. The initiative will continue beyond its official timeline, which runs until September 2026, to ensure long-term sustainability and impact. This collaboration marks a significant step in addressing plastic pollution in Nigeria, promoting recycling, and supporting green job creation. The facilities will be managed by private sector operators selected through a transparent process, and FBRA will lead community awareness campaigns in both Lekki and Lagos Mainland. The success of this initiative is expected to set a benchmark for future waste management efforts in Nigeria.

LAWMA Partners UNIDO and FBRA to Tackle Menace of Plastic Waste

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has partnered with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA) to promote sustainable plastic waste management in Lagos State through circular economy practices. The initiative, titled UNIDO Project 210184: Promoting Sustainable Plastic Value Chains through Circular Economy Practices, is funded by the Government of Japan and aims to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity for sustainable industrial development by addressing plastic pollution at the source. The project involves the establishment of four plastic waste collection facilities and thirty designated collection points across the Lekki and Lagos Mainland municipalities. LAWMA will provide the necessary land and infrastructure, while UNIDO and FBRA will co-finance the development and lead public awareness campaigns under the zero plastic waste initiative. LAWMA’s Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, confirmed that two land parcels in both Lekki and Lagos Mainland have been secured for the project. Dr. Osuji Otu, the National Programme Officer at the UNIDO Sub-Regional Office in Abuja, emphasized the significance of the partnership in driving positive change for Nigeria. He highlighted the project’s role in laying the groundwork for a nationwide waste management strategy. Otu also called for greater involvement from other agencies to support environmental sustainability, particularly in plastic waste management, which is a global priority. The project, which was initiated in 2022, is aligned with LAWMA’s mission to enhance waste management and environmental sustainability in Lagos. The collaboration is led by a cooperation committee consisting of representatives from UNIDO, LAWMA, and FBRA. The committee is responsible for monitoring progress, selecting private sector recycling companies to operate the facilities, and addressing any challenges during implementation. The initiative will continue beyond its official timeline, which runs until September 2026, to ensure long-term sustainability and impact. This collaboration marks a significant step in addressing plastic pollution in Nigeria, promoting recycling, and supporting green job creation. The facilities will be managed by private sector operators selected through a transparent process, and FBRA will lead community awareness campaigns in both Lekki and Lagos Mainland. The success of this initiative is expected to set a benchmark for future waste management efforts in Nigeria.

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SquirrelPR Releases RANKED2025 Report, Showing 4 Billion Visits to Africa's Digital News Platforms

SquirrelPR Releases RANKED2025 Report, Showing 4 Billion Visits to Africa’s Digital News Platforms

SquirrelPR, Africa’s leading PR management software, has released its highly anticipated RANKED2025 report, analyzing the performance and influence of digital news platforms across the continent. The latest edition highlights shifting consumption patterns, platform influence, and trends in five key African media markets: Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, and Ghana. The report features a key insight from Egypt, where a single digital news platform recorded over 450 million visits in 2024, despite a population of about 114 million. This reinforces the notion that digital media influence relies on strategy, content relevance, and cross-border reach rather than just population size. Top Findings from RANKED2025 The report categorizes digital platforms into four main content categories: News & Public Affairs, Business & Financial News, Technology News, and Entertainment & Lifestyle. In total, over 4 billion visits were recorded in 2024 across the five markets. Platforms are also classified into three tiers based on influence: Leading Tier 1 platforms include Youm7 (Egypt), News24 (South Africa), Daily Nation (Kenya), GhanaWeb (Ghana), and Vanguard Online (Nigeria). Social Media’s Amplification Role The report underscores the powerful role of social media in boosting digital influence. Platforms with stronger social media followings show higher rankings, illustrating how audience engagement impacts visibility. A Strategic Tool for PR Professionals Beyond providing rankings, RANKED2025 offers actionable insights for PR professionals to optimize campaigns, enhance media partnerships, refine SEO strategies, and inform crisis communications with a deeper understanding of media influence. SquirrelPR co-founder James Ezechukwu stated, “RANKED2025 is more than just about rankings – it reshapes how we understand influence and communicate across borders.” Click HERE to download RANKED2025. About SquirrelPRSquirrelPR offers African-focused PR management software with advanced tools for data-driven communications. It empowers brands and agencies to build strategic media relationships, offering smarter PR solutions.

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Abuja Protesters Flee for Safety as Police Fire Tear Gas During Demonstration

Abuja Protesters Flee for Safety as Police Fire Tear Gas During Demonstration

Protesters in Abuja were forced to flee for safety on Monday as the police fired tear gas to disperse a crowd participating in a demonstration in the Nigerian capital. The protest, which began peacefully, turned chaotic when security forces intervened, resulting in widespread panic among the demonstrators. The protesters had gathered to voice their concerns about national issues such as economic hardship, government policies, and social injustice. As the protest unfolded, police officers monitoring the scene began moving in to break up the demonstration. Without warning, tear gas was deployed, causing confusion and panic as the gas spread through the area. Protesters scrambled to escape the choking fumes, with many running in different directions to avoid the burning sensation in their eyes and throats. Witnesses reported that several people were affected by the gas, though no serious injuries were immediately reported. The demonstration, which had been peaceful at the start, was intended to highlight pressing issues such as Nigeria’s struggling economy and controversial government actions. However, the police’s response quickly turned the event into a tense and dangerous situation. The use of tear gas drew criticism from activists and human rights groups, who argued that the police’s heavy-handed approach was an overreaction to a peaceful protest. Despite the police’s efforts to disperse the crowd, some protesters attempted to regroup in other parts of the city, continuing to voice their frustrations. The intervention by law enforcement raised concerns about the right to peaceful assembly and the use of force by security agencies in handling public demonstrations. Critics of the police’s actions have called for more protection of citizens’ rights to express their views without fear of violent retaliation. In the aftermath of the protest, organizers vowed to continue their push for change, calling for increased public support and international attention to the issues raised. While the protest in Abuja was met with police resistance, it is part of a larger wave of discontent across the country, as Nigerians demand accountability from their government. The situation remains tense, and further demonstrations are expected in the coming days.

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Young Protesters Defy Police Warning, Stage Demonstrations Across Nigeria

Young Protesters Defy Police Warning, Stage Demonstrations Across Nigeria

On Monday, young demonstrators under the banner of the Take-It-Back Movement defied a police warning and held protests in several Nigerian cities, including Abuja, Lagos, Oyo, and Rivers states. The protesters, identifiable by their signature orange berets, kicked off their rally in Lagos at the Ikeja Under Bridge. They marched through major roads in the state capital, chanting solidarity songs, all under the watchful eyes of police officers. The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) had earlier urged the movement to call off its planned nationwide protests, calling the timing of the demonstrations “ill-conceived and mischievous.” In response, activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore swiftly rejected the police’s claims, asserting that the protest, which was scheduled for Monday, was not intended to disrupt the National Police Day celebrations. The Take-It-Back Movement protests often focus on broader issues rather than specific demands. The movement has been vocal in addressing concerns such as Nigeria’s economic state, the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, and other national issues. In Oyo State, the movement held a peaceful protest in Ibadan, the state capital, with security forces present to ensure the demonstration remained peaceful and orderly.

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Abia Government Denies Claims of Hiring Eastern Security Network (ESN) for Security

Abia Government Denies Claims of Hiring Eastern Security Network for Security

The Abia State Government has dismissed reports circulating on social media that Governor Alex Otti approved the engagement of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) to combat crime and protect farmers in the state. The government labeled the report, attributed to an anonymous blogger, as false and malicious, aimed at spreading misinformation and causing unnecessary tension in the state. In a statement issued on Sunday, April 6, 2025, by Ferdinand Ekeoma, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, the government reiterated that it does not support the involvement of non-state actors in addressing crime. The statement emphasized that the Otti administration continues to work with conventional security agencies, citing the successful implementation of “Operation Crush,” a joint security taskforce tackling crime statewide. Ekeoma also addressed the resurgence of the false report, stating that similar claims had been circulated before but were ignored. The government warned those responsible for spreading the fake news, promising severe consequences for those found inciting fear and violence. Abia residents were urged to ignore the misleading information and trust in the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure their safety.

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Tinubu Approves 8,800 Health Centers Nationwide Shettima Calls Private Sector Involvement in Healthcare

President Bola Tinubu has approved the creation of over 8,800 new Primary Healthcare Centres across Nigeria, along with the upgrade of existing tertiary institutions to address trauma, oncology, and infectious diseases. Vice President Kashim Shettima made the announcement during the commissioning of the Sulaiman Adebola Adegunwa Trauma Centre in Sagamu, Ogun State, on Saturday. He emphasized the need for greater private sector participation in healthcare reforms, stressing that the government alone cannot address the sector’s challenges. Shettima highlighted the Trauma Centre as a vital addition to Nigeria’s emergency care infrastructure, aligning with the government’s Health Sector Renewal Initiative. He noted the importance of trauma care in a rapidly urbanizing nation. He also praised the philanthropic efforts of Sulaiman Adebola Adegunwa, whose foundation built the facility. Shettima urged more philanthropists to invest in healthcare development. The Trauma Centre, built within Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, is part of the government’s broader plan to overhaul Nigeria’s healthcare system, including a National Health Insurance Scheme and a Digital Health Information Management System. The event also celebrated Adegunwa’s 80th birthday, with Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun praising his legacy of philanthropy. The Governor commended the improvement of Olabisi Onabanjo University and the commissioning of the Trauma Centre. Adegunwa expressed his gratitude for the support and emphasized the importance of giving back to the community. He also recalled his past contributions to the university, highlighting the institution’s special place in his heart. The Chairman of the Board of Management of Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Dr. Kunle Hassan, acknowledged the trauma center’s potential to significantly improve healthcare delivery and pledged to ensure its long-term success. Traditional ruler Oba Babatunde Adéwálé Àjàyí also called for more federal presence in Remoland, pointing out the lack of federal universities and polytechnics in the area.

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Don’t Expect Army, Police, Others To Protect All Of You; Mobilise To Defend Yourselves Against Terrorists –DSS Chief Tells Nigerians

DSS Chief Urges Nigerians Don’t Rely Solely on Army Police and Others for Protection

Don’t Expect Army, Police, Others To Protect All Of You; Mobilise To Defend Yourselves Against Terrorists –DSS Chief Tells NigeriansHe referenced past incidents in Bauchi State, where local communities successfully fought off Boko Haram insurgents without waiting for security forces.  The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, has stated that Nigerians must take responsibility for their own security, as the military, police, and intelligence agencies do not have the capacity to protect every community from terrorist attacks nationwide.  Ajayi made the remarks during a public engagement, which Symfoni broadcasted.

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