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Ekiti Assembly Crisis: Count Me Out – Fmr Gov Fayemi

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

As fingers are being pointed to the immediate past Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi that he was the arrow head of uneasy calm at the Ekiti state House of Assembly, he has  come out to put record straight.

Fayemi distanced himself from the impeachment of Gboyega Aribisogan, who was removed by members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly as Speaker on Monday

Aribisogan, who served in that capacity for six days, was succeeded by  Olubunmi Adelugba, who became the first woman to head the parliament in the state.

Aribisogan, specifically accused Fayemi for spear heading his removal due to some irreconcilable  differences.

Speaking during an interview in Channels television, Aribisogan stated that “I tried to reach him (Fayemi) through a text message on Saturday night, Up till now, he has not done anything on it, but he has been calling our members to go and impeach me tomorrow (Monday).

“As I speak with you, seven of our members are locked up in a guest house in Ado Ekiti in cahoots with some of his former aides.

“They don’t want democratic processes to take place in the Assembly and these people are even with arms, saying they are going to assassinate the speaker and take over the place tomorrow (Monday) morning.

“Majority of the members of the Assembly voted for me, but a few of them, who felt that perhaps I did not follow the directive of the former governor of the state, felt that they would make the place ungovernable for my administration.”

But a statement by Fayemi’s Media Office on Monday, signed by Ahmad Sajoh, stated that Fayemi has no hand in the impeachment of the Speaker.

The statement reads: “We note the allegation by the former Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Mr Gboyega Aribisogan, that his impeachment was masterminded by Dr Kayode Fayemi, the immediate past Governor of the state.

“We wish to clarify that Dr Fayemi had nothing to do with the removal of the former Speaker by his peers as this was the internal arrangement of the state House of Assembly.

“We wish to note that even as Governor, Dr Fayemi did not interfere with the independence of the House and respected the principle of separation of powers where the House had freedom to decide on their internal affairs.”

Wike Promises Kwankwaso Logistic Support For Campaign In Rivers State;  Says Remember Rivers If You Win

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Nyesom Wike and Rabiu Kwakwanso

By Akinwale Kasali

Less than a week after promising Labour Party, LP, Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, Logistics Support in Rivers State for his Presidential Campaign, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has also promised same to New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, Presidential Candidate, Rabiu  Kwankwaso.

Wike, one of the aggrieved Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Governor on Monday pledged to support, with logistics, the presidential candidate of the former Kano State Governor when he visits Rivers State for his campaigns.

But he made a request from Kwankwaso. He told the Presidential candidate not to forget Rivers State if he wins and becomes the President in 2023.

The PDP Governor had invited Kwankwaso to inaugurate the Mgbutanwo Internal Roads in Emohua Local Government Area of the state.

The Rivers State Governor called Kwankwaso a friend and a man of integrity, stressing further that he was one of the few people that met Kwankwaso, who was a former PDP member, not to leave the party because he knew he was an asset to the PDP, especially in Kano State.

He said, “I remember when I went to meet you in your house in Abuja to plead with you not to leave the party (PDP) because I knew you were an asset to the party. Even when they told me to leave you alone, I refused.

“I have known you and I know you are a man of integrity so I want to say that whenever you want to campaign in Rivers State, I will provide you with all your logistics, just let me know when you want to come.”

It would be recalled that Wike had earlier described Obi as a man that had all the characteristics to lead Nigeria.

This development has further raised doubt on the loyalty of Wike who has been romancing other Political Parties at the expense of his Party, PDP.

Wike has been at loggerheads with the Party since the emergence of Atiku Abubakar as the PDP Presidential Candidate, which didn’t augur well with Wike and other Four Governors in the Party leading to the emergence of G5 (Aggrieved Governors), who have recently formed the Integrity Group.

Bianca Ojukwu’s Heartbreak At The Wickedness Of Nigerians At Enugu Accident Scene

By
The Source
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A former Nigerian Ambassador to Spain, Her Excellency, Iyom Bianca Ojukwu, has expressed shock over the heartlessness exhibited by some Nigerians at an accident scene in Enugu.

Nigerians have an unforgivable habit of videoing and taking gory photographs of victims of accidents or other tragedies, with their phones, instead of giving a helping hand.

They watch them groan in pain, and instead of taking those still alive to the hospital, videoing and taking their photographs become their priority.

Recently, Ambassador Ojukwu, who is the widow of Dim Emeka Odimegwu Ojukwu, came across one of such horrible  scenes, and recounts her traumatic experience in a post.

According to her, when she got to the scene, she noticed that a couple of the victims were still alive and yearning for help. But all those who clustered around them, were not willing to help. They concentrated on their phones to record the dying moments of the victims.

Her words:

“I alighted from my vehicle with my aides, including those in my backup vehicles and approached the scene. To my shock and dismay, most of the people standing around there, who just parked their own cars by the side of the expressway were simply busy with their cellphones taking pictures and making videos of the gruesome incident.

“We literally had to fight many of them away from the scene, especially some heartless souls with their phones held up at point blank against the faces of victims, recording their agony and their dying groans.

“I noticed more of the victims were breathing and we tried to get motorists who were slowing down purely to watch the horror, to help us to transport the victims to the nearest hospital to no avail. They would slow down, peek and pass. I made my way to the victim that first caught my eye, a lady who appeared unconscious but was moving her hand. When I approached her, and she heard my voice, all she could mutter was, ‘biko, jide m aka’ (please hold my hand). I assured her she would be ok, the lady lying beside her, also dressed in the same uniform was groaning in intense pain.

“No emergency medical response services in sight, Not even Road Safety officials, I noticed three young men and another lady who were equally scouting for good samaritans to transport survivors to the nearest hospital. Nobody else seemed willing to help. Some were even trying to avoid my eye and my pleas as they snaked their way past the gory scene.

“Together with the three young men we lifted several of the victims into our vehicles and headed for the hospital. The road was blocked with traffic but we eventually got there. The hospital staff swung into action and battled to save those that were still breathing. Several did not make it.”

2023: APC, Pro Tinubu Group Applauds CAN For Showing Maturity Over Muslim-Muslim Ticket

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

A Group within the All Progressives Congress, APC, has hailed the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, for making a U-turn on its hard stand over the Muslim-Muslim ticket of the Party. APC’s Presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, a Muslim, had picked another Muslim, Kashim Shettima, as his running mate. The choice met serious opposition by especially, Christian bodies.

The APC said the apex Christian body showed a sense of maturity, which is a welcome development.

APC Publicity Director, Bala Ibrahim, applauded CAN for showing maturity in accommodating the party’s candidate.

Speaking further, Ibrahim said only an unreasonable person would consider Tinubu a religious bigot when virtually his entire household practises the Christian Faith.

“Those who are agitating against Muslim-Muslim ticket are wrongly directing their anger at Tinubu. He is one person who is indiscriminate when it comes to religious standing. If he is a conservative or an extremist, he will not allow himself to stay under the same roof with a woman of different faith.

“There is nothing wrong with CAN invitation. Tinubu himself has made it very clear that he is not going to govern by religion. He also said his policies will not be influenced by religion.

“By now, we must have heard that his wife and children are Christians. Only an intolerant person can accept that reality.

“I am sure CAN has come to rescind its earlier stance and allow room for reasoning. It is good to talk, which I observe is beginning to yield result. You know politics is all about give and take. Sometimes you don’t get when you don’t ask. How you ask also matters in some cases. The ultimate aim is for you to get,” he stated.

This is coming up days after the former Lagos State Governor met with the leadership of CAN at a political roundtable, where he reassured the religious body that he will not run his administration on the basis of religion if elected as president.

Following this development, a Pro-Tinubu Group under the aegis of City Boy Progressive Group said CAN reconsideration of its earlier decision not to accommodate him over the controversial Muslim-Muslim ticket should be applauded.

The Coordinator of the Group at the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, Olanrewaju Omolayo, hailed the religious organisation over its renewed position, stressing that it signifies that the leadership has shifted from their previous stance of not wanting anything to do with the same faith ticket.

He said, “I want to seize this opportunity to appreciate CAN for their new position concerning the political atmosphere of this country. They had a meeting with the presidential candidate some days ago and presented him with some demands of issues to tackle. It is a sign that they have shifted from their previous stance that they won’t assent to the contentious Muslim-Muslim ticket.

“I appreciate and encourage them. I am a pastor too to the glory of God and I assure you that the Asiwaju we all know is not a religious bigot. What Nigeria needs now is who can fix the country. Asiwaju fixed Lagos. I came to Lagos in 1971 and left the state in 1994. I know what it was then and what it has become now. I want to encourage Nigerians to look beyond religion in choosing our leaders. I want to praise CAN again for taking a new position to give all the presidential candidates running for 2023 a level playing field.”

How Seventy Six Kidnapped Victims Were Rescued In Kaduna

By
Ayodele Oni
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Kaduna Kidnapped Victims

By Ayodele Oni

Collaboration among security operatives in Kaduna state has paid off with the rescue of some kidnapped victims.

A team of security operatives comprising Nigeria Police Force and Nigerian Army, dislodged barricade mounted by suspected bandits and rescued 76 passengers already taken captive.

Police statement explained that the incident happened along Funtua-Zaria Road at Gulbala area in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna state.

Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, in Kaduna State Police Command, DSP Mohammed Jalige who revealed in a statement, said the victims were rescued last weekend.

He explained that the Police Divisional Headquarters, Giwa, received a report that a large number of bandits wielding sophisticated weapons blocked the section of Funtua-Zaria road to abduct innocent commuters.

According to him, the police and military were immediately mobilized to the location to dismantle the road blockade, root out the armed miscreants and rescue any victim they might have abducted.

He said on reaching the location, a Ford open truck with Registration number APP 667 XG was found without passengers and information garnered had it that a large number of passengers on the truck had been moved off the road by the bandits.

DSP Jalige said an immediate rescue operation by the operatives was done into the forest where the bandits were encountered and due to pressure mounted on them by the security operatives, they abandoned their nefarious mission and ran into forest.

“Thorough combing of the forest over several hours by the crack operatives succeeded in the rescue of a large number of victims totalling Seventy Six (76) comprising male and females of different ages.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the victims, who were passengers on the truck were traveling from Sabon Birni LGA of Sokoto State en-route to different destinations when they were intercepted by the marauders.”

Jalige also disclosed that security operatives were still on operation within the general area in search of the main truck driver and two other passengers, who are yet to be accounted for.

He said the Commissioner of Police, Yekini Ayoku noted that the important breakthrough was actualized through a strong inter-service coordination and collaboration emplaced in the State.

He assured that this will continue to be strengthened between and among all the agencies to extricate the public space from the enemies.

NIMASA: Nigeria Vital To Global Economy, Says IMO Boss

By
James Orji
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The Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization, His Excellency Kitack Lim has declared Nigeria is a vital part of the global economy.

The IMO boss stated this on arrival in the country at the reception hosted in his honor by stakeholders in the Nigerian maritime industry.

ILim said, “This is my first time in Nigeria. I thank the Honorable Minister of Transportation, Engineer Jaji Sambo and his team from the Ministry for inviting me. I also want to thank the Director General of, NIMASA Dr. Bashir Jamoh and other industry stakeholders.

“As far as I am concerned, Nigeria is one of the most important countries not only for Africa but in the global economy. The country is blessed with huge potentials, huge natural resources, and above all very nice people. I have had pleasant experience from my interactions with Nigerians at the IMO, and I am excited to be here”.

He said his country South Korea considers Nigeria a dreamland and expresses hope for more cooperation between both countries

The Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Jaji Sambo , Permanent Secretary Dr. Magdalene Ajani, Heads of Agencies under the Ministry, and stakeholders from the Nigerian maritime industry were on hand to meet the IMO Secretary General.

The Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas, NLNG, Ship Management Limited is among the industry stakeholders partnering NIMASA in the scheduled Deep Blue Project operational engagement session as part of the activities of the IMO Sec Gen visit to Nigeria.

Lim is also expected to have a firsthand experience of some operational activities in NIMASA which is the focal Agency of Nigeria’s liaison with the IMO under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Transportation.

Insecurity: Troops Capture 50 Boko Haram Fighters, Commanders

By
James Orji
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The fight against terrorism in Nigeria’s Northeast is paying off.

Boko Haram terrorists are giving up their fratricidal struggle against the Nigerian state, according to close security sources who said the decision of the armed forces to step up the battles against the insurgents is producing good results.

The Chief of Defense staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor has not relented in his warning to the terrorists to surrender to security forces or be routed in their hideout.

Not a few of the terrorists have surrendered in the last few months. More are still leaving their hideout in the forest to security forces.

According to security a analyst  Zgazola Makama, no fewer than 50 terrorists have surrendered to troops in Borno state in the last few days.

Those that abandoned their arms, he said, include two commanders of the deadly Islamic sect,  Ba’a Usman (Munzir) and Alhaji Ari (Nakib), have surrendered to troops of the Operation Hadin Kai in Damboa on November 20.

In September this year, the federal government announced that close to 2000 Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters alongside their families surrendered to security forces.

The government had earlier claimed in March that 7000 terrorists gave up their weapons in exchange to live a normal life.

Book on Peter Obi For Presentation In Abuja On Thursday

By
The Source
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Peter Obi

The public presentation of the book, ‘The Challenge of Good Governance and Leadership in Nigeria: The Peter Obi Factor’ is set to hold in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja on Thursday, November 24, 2022.

The book is centred on the stewardship of the Presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP) in the February 25, 2023 election, Peter Obi, during his eight-year tenure as Governor of Anambra State.

A statement by the Peter Obi Book Launch Committee Abuja said the presentation is coming with the wave of quest for Political and Social Renewal by Nigerians led by the youths. They are clamouring to ‘Take Back Nigeria’ from the privileged few who have brought hopelessness to the citizens. Nigerian are demanding something new, a business unusual trajectory to national development.

So, the book is a major contribution to the remaking and repositioning of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and reposition her towards overcoming its challenges and take its rightful place in the comity of nations.

The presentation of the book is being powered by the Organisation for Good Governance and Democracy in Nigeria in collaboration with the Alaigbo Development Foundation (ADF).

The Chairman of the book presentation is Haruna Dabin, a Professor of Political Economy and Vice Chancellor at Pathfinder University, Jos. Professor Dabin was one of the founding members of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He also served as Director-General People’s Democratic Institute.

The book presentation will take place at the D Franklin Apartments, Life Camp, Old Gwarimpa Road, Abuja.

The statement by the Peter Obi Book Launch Committee Abuja stated that the Chief Presenter of the Book will be Dr Bitrus Pogu – President of the Middle Belt Forum while the Book Reviewer will be Hajia Heeber Ireti Kingibe, Senatorial candidate of Labour Party for Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja

Father of the Day will be Chief Simon Okeke (Ochendo Amichi) and former chairman of Police Service Commission (PSC). The Chief Host is Chief Julius Abure, Labour Party chairman while the Host will be Prof Uzodinma Nwala, President of ADF.

Royal Fathers of the Day are HRH Eze Nwosu (Ezeigbo 1) and HRH Uche Egenti (Ezeigbo).

Special Guests of Honour are His Excellency Mr Peter Obi, Labour Party Presidential candidate and his running mate, Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed.

The 157-page book titled “The Challenges of Good Governance and Leadership in Nigeria: The Peter Obi effect Factor” X-rayed former Governor Obi’s leadership of Anambra State from March 17, 2006 to March 17, 2014.

It was produced as part of the ADF commitment to the economic and social development of the Nigerian society through proven development models and part of its responsibility to promote good governance and investment philosophy.

Ekiti Assembly Elects Two Speakers Within Seven Days, As Adelugba Emerges, Aribisogan Impeached; Fmr Gov Fayemi Connection

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ekiti State House of Assembly

By Ayodele Oni

Within seven days, Ekiti state House of Assembly has elected two Speakers.

Gboyega Aribisogan from Ikole Constituency was elected last Tuesday after defeating Bunmi Adelugba from Emure with 15 to 20 votes.

He was immediately sworn in and appointed a set of new officers for the house after sacking those members that are not in his group.

His election did not however go down well with leaders of the All Progressive Congress, (APC) especially former Governor Kayode Fayemi, who is backing Adelugba.

It was learnt that the thinking of the leaders is that the position of the Speaker should be allowed to remain at the south senatorial district till the end of the sixth assembly,despite the death of the former Speaker, Funminiyi Afuye.

The sixth assembly tenure is expected to end in June next year to pave the way for a new set of members.

Sources at the assembly revealed that those working against the interest of Fayemi are mainly members that have been denied ticket for second term, including Aribisogan.

Dr Fayemi, who has been in the state capital for a week now is using the leadership of the APC in the state to ensure that his candidate is installed as Speaker.

Series of meetings were reportedly held at an hotel in Ado at the weekend to fine-tune the process of installing Adelugba as Speaker.

Some members of the Assembly on Monday attend a plenary session amidst tight security despite that the new Speaker has adjourned sitting indefinitely.

The assembly complex is surrounded by armed policemen who barred both journalists and workers from gaining entry.

Some leaders of the APC were also seen loitering around the assembly while the session was ongoing.

At the Monday’s sitting, Aribisogan was impeached and suspended indefinitely along with six of his supporters. Adelugba was reportedly elected by 17 members.

Others on indefinite suspension are  Tajudeen Akingbolu, Goke Olajide,

Yemisi Ayokunle, Adeyemi Raphael Ajibade, Kemi Balogun and Tope Ogunleye.

Monday’s session also elected new Leader of Business, Johnson Oyekola Bode- Adeoye

new Chairman of appropriation in person of Lateef Akanle.

The assembly passed supplementary budget while 2023 Budget is committed to Appropriation Committee.

Earlier, Aribisogan, speaking on Channel’s television interview programme, accused former Governor Fayemi of sponsoring some lawmakers to impeach him.

The embattled erstwhile speaker,  alleged that the former governor was against his emergence because he sees him as a betrayer.

He claimed that some lawmakers loyal to Fayemi perfected plans for his impeachment during plenary.

The former leader of Government Business, who emerged as speaker had polled 15 votes to defeat his rival, Bunmi Adelugba, last Tuesday said happenings in the Assembly since his emergence were targeted at removing him from office and impose Adelugba.

“When Fayemi called us to his residence and said he wanted us to support Hon Adelugba, I stood up to say that could not be done by fiat or by imposition.

“That we had leaders that we have to consult and that we would get back to them. Ordinarily, we should be looking at the constitution and the standing order of the House.”

He said he still tried to reach Fayemi through a text message on Saturday night, saying, “Up till now, he has not done anything on it, but he has been calling our members to go and impeach me tomorrow (Monday).

“As I speak with you, seven of our members are locked up in a guest house in Ado Ekiti in cahoots with some of his former aides.

“They don’t want democratic processes to take place in the Assembly and these people are even with arms, saying they are going to assassinate the speaker and take over the place tomorrow (Monday) morning.

“Majority of the members of the Assembly voted for me, but a few of them, who felt that perhaps I did not follow the directive of the former governor of the state, felt that they would make the place ungovernable for my administration.

“The Special Adviser on Political Matters to Governor Biodun Oyebanji assured that the government was looking into it and that there would be amicable resolution until about 24 hours ago when we began to see that some clandestine moves are being made to invade the House of Assembly on Monday morning.

“I want prominent people in Ekiti State like Aare Afe Babalola, Chief Wole Olanipekun and Femi Falana and all our traditional rulers to be on the lookout and save democracy in Ekiti State.”

The Special Adviser to Governor Oyebanji on Media, Yinka Oyebode, who spoke on the programme, ruled out chaos in the Assembly.

“I will assure you there won’t be breakdown of law and order on Monday because the governor is in touch with all the warring factions to ensure that they reconcile amicably their differences.

“I believe that we have absolute confidence in the leadership of the House. They have been there for almost three and half years and it has been rancour-free.”

Zenith Bank Heralds  Chrismas With Lagos Street Light-up

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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It was a great spectacle to behold as the Christmas and Yuletide season came to life at the 2022 Zenith Bank Christmas Light-Up Ceremony, which was held at the Ajose Adeogun Street Roundabout, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Saturday, November 19, 2022. The official lighting ceremony, which was performed by the Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank Plc, Ebenezer Onyeagwu, supported by Executive Management, was witnessed by many of the bank’s staff and customers, with others joining virtually.

With the theme “Let There Be Light”, this year marks the 16th edition of the Light-up Ceremony at the Ajose Adeogun Roundabout. The Light-Up event is an annual Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR) initiative by the bank to herald the yuletide season through the beautification of Ajose Adeogun Street – home to Zenith Bank’s Corporate Headquarters – which has come to be recognised as an iconic place, attracting people from all walks of life who visit with their families and friends to take pictures and make videos of the wonderful spectacle, especially at night and enjoy the ambience of the street and season.

Speaking during the ceremony, Onyeagwu expressed his delight in heralding the yuletide season of 2022 through the iconic Ajose Adeogun Street lighting up. In his words, “today is a unique day. It is unique in the sense that we are going to turn on the Christmas light and activate the spirit of Christmas, which we usually have annually. It is also unique in the sense that we are honoured and delighted to have in our midst the wife of our Founder and Chairman, Mrs. Kay Ovia”.

He praised Quantum Markets, the company responsible for the annual decorations, for the outstanding, very creative and extremely beautiful work that they have done. According to him, “when you look at the Christmas set-up we have every year, it looks completely different, and there is no repetition of themes. And when we think we have seen it all, by the time a new one comes, it is something completely different and massively so. The one for this year, as I entered here, I was wondering if this is a theme park”.

Whilst urging everyone to imbibe the message and spirit of Christmas, which is about peace, love, forgiveness and above all, respect for humanity, Onyeagwu prayed for peace in every home, business and in the country and that this year’s celebration would be like no other that we have seen.

Zenith Bank has clearly distinguished itself in the Nigerian financial services industry as an institution committed to building a more sustainable and inclusive economy and promoting responsible business practices in Nigeria through integrating sustainability principles in its business operations.

The bank’s sustainability and CSR initiatives are hinged on the belief that today’s business performance is not all about the financial numbers – the bank believes that an institution’s social investments, contributions to inclusive economic growth and development as well as improvements in the condition of the physical environment, all constitute a balanced scorecard.

Through its CSR initiatives, Zenith Bank has embodied the overarching objective of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which provide a framework for addressing the major challenges confronting society. Its social investments are targeted at health, education, women and youth empowerment, sports development and public infrastructure enhancement. Overall, Zenith Bank’s total CSR investment in 2021 was NGN4.37 billion, representing 1.79% of its Profit After Tax (PAT) and 33.1% increase from 2020.

The bank remains committed to furthering the economic, cultural and social development of host communities, particularly through community-based initiatives and philanthropy. As a good corporate citizen, it continues to deliver projects that have long-term social and economic benefits for the communities because it believes that its business is only as strong as the communities in which it operates.

To demonstrate its commitment to creating and expanding opportunities, the bank regularly makes donations towards setting up ultramodern ICT centres in several educational institutions and cities across the country. It also supports various developmental projects, and healthcare delivery causes in Nigeria and contributes to the development of sports in Nigeria through its sponsorship of the Zenith Women Basketball League and the Zenith Bank Delta State Principal’s and Headmaster’s Football Competitions, amongst others.

In recognition of its contributions and social investments to its host communities and the society at large, the bank was recognised at the Sustainability, Enterprise, and Responsibility (SERAS) Awards 2021 as the “Most Responsible Organisation in Africa”.

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