The Sterling One Foundation and the United Nations Nigeria, co-conveners of the Africa Social Impact Summit 2023, have officially unveiled partners for the second edition of the Africa Social Impact Summit.
The announcement made at a press conference held in Lagos, Nigeria, also featured an official announcement of the 10th and 11th of August 2023 as dates for the event holding at the prestigious Eko Convention Centre.
The Africa Social Impact Summit, now in its second year, is a transformative summit that will bring together thought leaders, impact investors, and stakeholders from diverse sectors to address pressing challenges and design market-led solutions for sustainable outcomes in Africa.
Under the theme “Global Vision, Local Action: Repositioning the African Development Ecosystem for Sustainable Outcomes”, the Summit seeks to reshape Africa’s development landscape by fostering collaboration, innovative thinking, and impactful investment into critical areas such as Climate Solutions, Circular Economy, Agriculture, Renewable Energy, Education, Health, and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH). The Summit aims to accelerate the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 and the African Union 2063 Agenda.
Speaking on the co-convening, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Matthias Schmale expressed excitement about partnering on the Summit, highlighting the UN’s dedication to working with the private sector and government to implement a cooperation framework for sustainable development. He stressed the need for the private sector to move beyond corporate social responsibility (CSR) and integrate sustainability into their business models.
“We want to see all stakeholders, especially the private sector, use the Africa Social Impact Summit as an opportunity to join hands to formulate a rescue plan for the SDGs,” he explained.
While unveiling the partners for Africa Social Impact Summit 2023, Mrs. Olapeju Ibekwe CEO of the Sterling One Foundation revealed her great admiration for each of the collaborating organizations, stating that they have taken a bold step towards redefining Africa’s future.
In her words, “The African continent needs every impact resource and every player focused on how we can move from just potential and that is what each of us here has committed to, and I can’t express just how excited I am to see the number of partners we have brought to the table from what we had last year; this shows that the message of sustainable development is resonating.”
The partners who were unveiled and reaffirmed their commitment to driving sustainable development in Africa included the Coca-Cola Company, the United Nations Global Compact Network Nigeria, Sterling Bank, the British Council, MTN Foundation, SBG Insurance, the African Venture Philanthropy Alliance (AVPA), the UNIDO Investment Technology Promotion Office, Nigeria, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Microsoft, SCALE Palladium, the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Impact Investors Foundation, Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre (NCIC), the Nigeria INGO Forum (NIF), the Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA), the National Council on Climate Change Foreign Policy, Proshare, Ventures Africa, TechCabal and Trace TV.
Thanking all the partners, Sterling One Foundation Board of Trustees Member and the MD/CEO of Sterling Bank Limited, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman voiced his excitement at the growth the Summit has witnessed within a year of its launch and the level of progress that can be made with organizations like them in the room. He emphasized the Foundation and Sterling Bank’s dedication to fostering collaboration among organizations and connecting like-minded entities to achieve common goals.
“I am always pleased to see organizations prioritizing social impact in the way they operate and not as an afterthought because this means that we then have strong commitments and a solid chance at actually pulling people out of poverty,” he said.
He further expressed his desire to see “available capital and resources being channeled into meaningful and sustainable impact.”
Private sector executives, non-profit leaders, impact investors, heads of government parastatals, and every development leader who wishes to be a part of the Summit are welcome to register via the website – www.theimpactsummit.org. The Summit will feature a deal room for impact-focused entrepreneurs seeking funding from investors.
About Sterling One Foundation Sterling One Foundation (SOF) is a registered non-profit focused on tackling the root causes of poverty in Nigeria, and Africa through interventions and social impact programmes across five critical sectors namely: climate action, health, education and youth development, gender equality and empowerment, and food security. The Foundation’s programmes adopt a central theme of prioritizing partnerships for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For more information visit www.onefoundation.ng
About United Nations Nigeria The United Nations System (UNS) in Nigeria, consisting of 19 resident and 4 non-resident entities has had a productive engagement with the Federal Republic of Nigeria since its independence and has been a catalytic supporter of, and trusted partner in, the development aspirations of Nigeria. Learn more on https://nigeria.un.org/
Fidelity Bank Supports Modupe Cole Memorial School, Lagos
AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM
SPONSORED BY: H&H
In continuation of its drive to alleviate the impact of economic hardship and suffering among indigent Nigerians, Fidelity Bank Plc recently donated food items to Modupe Cole Memorial Childcare and Treatment Home School in Akoka, Lagos.
CAPTION:
L- R. Tolulope Rojaiye, Team Member, Brand and Communications, Fidelity Bank Plc; Osho Olufunmilayo Bamidele, Vice Principal 2, Modupe Cole Memorial Childcare and Treatment Home School; and Victoria Mbonu, Class President, Intellect Nexus Inductee Class, Fidelity Bank Plc; during a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) donation event executed by Fidelity Bank at Modupe Cole Memorial Childcare and Treatment Home School, Akoka, Lagos recently.
The donation which aligns with the Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) pillars of education and health, was championed by the Intellect Nexus Class of 2024 under the Fidelity Helping Hands Program (FHHP). Through this initiative, Fidelity Bank staff identify community needs, raise funds to address them, and receive matching support from the bank to implement impactful projects.
Explaining the bank’s commitment to supporting its host communities, the Divisional Head, Brand and Communications Division, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Meksley Nwagboh, noted that, “At Fidelity Bank, we recognise the symbiotic relationship we have with the communities where we operate. This informs our decision to not only provide our host communities with relevant financial services but to also impact them with developmental projects.
“We are inspired by the great work being done here at Modupe Cole Home School and our donation is a small token of appreciation for this as we aim to support the well-being of these exceptional children.”
On his part, the Vice Principal of the school, Mr. Isiaka Ajani, expressed gratitude for the bank’s consistent support noting that Fidelity Bank’s gesture is a huge encouragement to the school. “We say thank you for the gift items that you have brought to us today, and this shows that we are not alone in the mission to provide care and education to children with special needs.
“This institution is a testament to the belief that there is ability in disability. We have children here who have passed common entrance examinations and gained admission into higher institutions despite their challenges. It is our mission to help them achieve their potential.
“The school had made effort to provide academic and vocational training programs in bead-making and hairdressing, and specialized care for residents with severe disabilities for its 476 residents, many of whom have been abandoned by their families.” He stated.
Fidelity Bank is a full-fledged customer commercial bank with over 8.3 million customers serviced across its 255 business offices in Nigeria and the United Kingdom as well as on digital banking channels.
The bank has won multiple local and international awards including the Export Finance Bank of the Year at the 2023 BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards, the Best Payment Solution Provider Nigeria 2023 and Best SME Bank Nigeria 2022 by the Global Banking and Finance Awards; Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2023; and Best Domestic Private Bank in Nigeria by the Euromoney Global Private Banking Awards 2023.
Access Bank to Host Pioneering Africa Trade Conference in Cape Town
AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM
SPONSORED BY: H&H
Access Bank PLC is set to host its first-ever Africa Trade Conference (ATC), a landmark event focused on advancing Africa’s economic transformation under the theme, ‘Empowering Africa Through Trade, Innovation, and Sustainable Growth’. Scheduled for March 12, 2025, in Cape Town, South Africa, the conference is poised to bring together the most influential voices in trade, finance, and policy to address the future of commerce across the continent.
With Africa’s trade finance gap estimated at $81 billion annually, the conference aims to tackle the systemic challenges hindering trade, particularly for SMEs and domestic firms. By fostering collaboration among key stakeholders, the Conference will explore innovative solutions, sustainable trade practices, and strategies for expanding African economies into global value chains.
Roosevelt Ogbonna, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Access Bank PLC, emphasised the importance of the Africa Trade Conference, in addressing these pressing issues. “The Africa Trade Conference represents a crucial step in redefining Africa’s trade potential. By creating platforms for dialogue, innovation, and actionable solutions, Access Bank is enabling African businesses to connect and thrive in the global economy.”
Access Bank’s presence across 24 countries globally, including 16 in Africa, provides a unique advantage in facilitating inter- and intra-African trade. The Bank’s growing network positions it as a key player in addressing trade complexities and promoting inclusive growth across the continent.
Seyi Kumapayi, Executive Director, African Subsidiaries, Access Bank, highlighted the broader vision of the forum, saying, “The Africa Trade Conference is a platform to not only address Africa’s trade challenges, but to champion the continent’s opportunities. Through strategic partnerships, tailored financial solutions, built on the ethos of sustainability, we are paving the way for Africa’s businesses to take their place on the global stage.”
This flagship event will convene a distinguished line-up of seasoned speakers, and top executives from leading international banks, Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), and captains of industry in Africa.
The ATC will also shine a spotlight on the transformative potential of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to reduce trade barriers, enhance infrastructure, and integrate African economies into global trade networks.
Furthermore, the event will explore critical themes shaping the continent’s economic future, including the transformative role of digitisation and innovation in global trade, solutions for overcoming trade barriers to enhance market access, as well as sustainable trade practices and innovative financing models, thereby providing a comprehensive roadmap for advancing Africa’s position in global commerce. Please visit https://africatradeconference.accessbankplc.com/ for more information.
Union Bank Rewards 360 Customers with N21 Million in First Save and Win Palli Promo 4 Draw
AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM
SPONSORED BY: H&H
Union Bank, Nigeria’s leading financial institution, has kicked off its Save and Win Palli Promo 4campaign on a high note following the announcement of its first set of winners in its inaugural monthly draws.
The first live draw of this season, which took place at the Bank’s Head Office in Marina, Lagos, rewarded 60 customers with ₦100,000 each. Additionally, 300 other winners went home with ₦50,000 worth of gift vouchers during the inaugural live draw, which was conducted transparently and digitally under the supervision of relevant regulatory bodies. The winners cut across the nation.
Speaking at the first monthly draw, Gloria Omereonye, Union Bank’s Area Business Executive for Lagos Island 1, stated, “Union Bank is always dedicated to rewarding customers for their loyalty and financial discipline.
We are pleased that our promo has continued to achieve its noble goals of providing succour to our customers through our gifts and rewards, especially in these economically trying times, while facilitating a sustainable savings culture for future goals and objectives.”
Save & Win Palli Promo is a nationwide campaign designed to reward both new and existing customers with cash prizes. Season 4, which began in December 2024 and runs until May 2025, offers customers the opportunity to win ₦131 million in cash prizes, Motorcycles, Tricycles, Fuel Vouchers, and a star prize of ₦5 million, which will be handed out to three lucky winners at the grand finale.
Open to new and existing customers, the Save and Win Palli Promo requires participants to save a minimum of ₦10,000 and perform a minimum of five transactions monthly to qualify for draws. Monthly winners can receive ₦100,000, while quarterly draws will reward lucky savers with Motorcycles, Tricycles, and other exciting prizes.
Customers who save in multiples of ₦10,000 will increase their chances of winning.
New customers can join the promo by downloading the UnionMobile app to open an account or visiting any Union Bank branch.
Existing customers can reactivate accounts by calling the 24-hour Contact Centre at 07007007000 or visiting a branch.