Tag: Polaris Bank

Polaris Bank has reinforced its commitment to community health and social impact with the launch of a nationwide free breast cancer screening initiative, in partnership with its NGO ally, Care Organisation and Public Enlightenment (C.O.P.E). This is coming in line with the World Cancer Day.

The initiative is aimed at driving awareness, early detection and preventive care, underscoring the Bank’s position that access to quality healthcare is fundamental to individual wellbeing and long-term economic productivity.

As part of the 2026 World Cancer Day activities, Polaris Bank will provide free, comprehensive breast cancer screening for 100 women across Nigeria. The programme complements the Bank’s ongoing sponsorship of a free prostate cancer screening exercise for 250 men aged 40 years and above nationwide.

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The prostate cancer screening is currently taking place at the Men’s Clinic, located at 18 Commercial Avenue, Sabo, Yaba, Lagos, offering accessible and professional medical support to men seeking early diagnosis and preventive care.

Both health interventions align directly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), notably SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through improved access to preventive healthcare; SDG 5 (Gender Equality) by prioritising women’s health; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through strategic collaboration with civil society organisations such as C.O.P.E.

To deepen impact, Polaris Bank will deploy educational materials, community engagement activities and digital awareness campaigns focused on early detection, healthy lifestyle choices and the importance of routine medical check-ups.

Speaking on the initiative, the Group Head, Brand Management & Corporate Communications, Rasheed Bolarinwa, stressed that early detection remains one of the most effective strategies in combating cancer.

He noted that by removing financial barriers and bringing screening services closer to communities, the Bank is empowering individuals with the knowledge and resources needed to seek timely medical intervention. The flagship breast cancer screening event is scheduled on the 21st at the C.O.P.E Centre, in Lagos.

The exercise will be conducted by trained health professionals and volunteers, providing participants with screening services alongside education on cancer prevention, self-examination and follow-up care.

Participation in the free breast cancer screening programme is open to women who are Polaris Bank account holders, subject to pre-registration and selection based on early and confirmed submissions. Eligible participants are encouraged to register via the official link provided by the Bank.

While the breast cancer screening targets women, Polaris Bank has urged men to support the health of their families by encouraging their wives, daughters and female relatives to participate.

Men aged 40 years and above are also encouraged to take advantage of the ongoing free prostate cancer screening at the Men’s Clinic in Sabo, Yaba, Lagos.

Service delivery took centre stage as Polaris Bank reaffirmed its commitment to enriching customer experiences while joining institutions globally to mark the 2025 Customer Service Week, themed “Mission: Possible.”

The annual global event, observed recently recognises the crucial role of customer service professionals and the value they bring to customers and businesses alike.

Addressing customers and staff, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Polaris Bank, Kayode Lawal, stated that excellent service remains central to the Bank’s culture and long-term success.

He noted that while the pursuit of great service can be challenging, it is always worth the effort.

According to him, Polaris Bank’s service philosophy rests on consistency, thoughtfulness, and excellence, ensuring that every interaction reflects genuine care and responsiveness.

Lawal expressed appreciation to customers for their trust and feedback, describing them as the foundation upon which the Bank continues to innovate and evolve.

He reaffirmed the Bank’s pledge to remain by its customers’ side, delivering quality service that meets their needs and expectations at every stage of engagement.

Throughout the week, Polaris Bank is conducting a range of activities across its branches and digital platforms to celebrate both customers and service champions within the organisation.

The engagements include customer appreciation sessions, staff recognition ceremonies, and learning initiatives aimed at strengthening service excellence.

Customer Service Week, celebrated globally in the first full week of October, honours service professionals who make exceptional experiences possible.

For Polaris Bank, the event represents yet another opportunity to celebrate its people and reaffirm that with teamwork and dedication, great service remains a mission possible.

Days before the Customer Service Week celebration, the Bank expanded its sustainability agenda through a nationwide tree-planting campaign conducted in partnership with the Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF).

The initiative extended to three major locations: the Lekki Conservation Centre in Lagos State, the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) in Ogun State, and Sardauna Memorial College in Kaduna State.

The campaign, first launched in 2024 during the Bank’s commemoration of World Environment Day, stresses Polaris Bank’s long-term commitment to addressing climate change, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting sustainable practices nationwide.

At the Lagos event, held at the Lekki Conservation Centre, Executive Directors Chris Ofikulu and Sharafadeen Muhammad joined NCF representatives and volunteers to plant trees as part of the campaign’s expansion.

Speaking at the event, Chris Ofikulu, Executive Director, Commercial and Retail, expressed appreciation to participants and reiterated that the exercise demonstrates the Bank’s deep commitment to environmental sustainability.

He recalled leading the Bank’s first tree-planting activity in 2024 at the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ogun State.

He noted that the initiative aligns with the United Nations Decade of Ecosystem Restoration, a global movement focused on building a greener and more resilient future.

Ofikulu explained that Polaris Bank views sustainability not just as a corporate responsibility but as a business imperative that drives long-term value creation.

He added that through this initiative, the Bank reaffirms its role beyond traditional banking, aligning with the collective goal of planting 10,000 trees nationwide to promote ecological balance and environmental health.

Also speaking at the event, Sharafadeen Muhammad, Executive Director, Operations, emphasised that protecting the environment remains a shared responsibility for the benefit of all.

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He described the initiative as a commendable effort that supports the creation of nature reserves capable of conserving biodiversity while generating economic value.

In Ogun State, the Divisional Head for Ogun/Oyo Region, Yetunde Okeleye, stated that the tree-planting initiative reinforces Polaris Bank’s commitment to sustainability.

According to her, planting economic trees across Nigeria demonstrates that environmental stewardship is not only a responsibility but an integral part of the Bank’s identity.

She added that the partnership with the NCF at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, reflects the Bank’s dedication to restoring degraded land, preventing soil erosion, and mitigating the effects of climate change.

Okeleye described the initiative as a clear expression of Polaris Bank’s determination to foster environmental sustainability and community well-being for future generations.

In Kaduna State, Kabir Lawal, Acting Group Head for the North West, led staff of the Bank in a similar exercise at Sardauna Memorial College.

He emphasised that sustainability forms a core part of Polaris Bank’s culture and governance framework.

According to him, every decision the Bank makes is guided by environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles designed to address environmental challenges while empowering communities and promoting inclusive growth.

Lawal explained that the Kaduna exercise, undertaken in partnership with the NCF, goes beyond tree planting to restore degraded areas, prevent erosion, and raise public awareness on the importance of environmental preservation.

Representatives of the Nigeria Conservation Foundation commended Polaris Bank’s leadership, noting that the trees planted – including both fruit-bearing and shade-providing species – would serve multiple ecological and economic purposes such as erosion control, windbreak, shade provision, and food security enhancement.

Community leaders from FUNAAB and Sardauna Memorial College expressed appreciation to Polaris Bank and the NCF for their leadership and partnership, describing the initiative as timely and impactful in addressing global climate challenges at the local level.

Through these initiatives, Polaris Bank continues to integrate sustainability into its core operations, ensuring that climate action and community development remain central to its long-term growth strategy.

The Bank reaffirmed that through collaboration, innovation, and shared responsibility, building a greener and more inclusive future remains both achievable and essential.

Some stakeholders in the Rivers State justice sector have expressed deep concern over a judgment delivered by Justice Alatuwo E. Fubara of the Rivers State High Court against Polaris Bank in a foreign exchange dispute involving Paulazanda Nigeria Limited.

Justice Fubara ordered Polaris Bank to pay N1.4 billion in damages and, on the same day, issued a Writ of Execution.

This move effectively denied the bank the opportunity to file an appeal or seek a stay of execution.

The dispute dates back to 2019 when Polaris Bank facilitated a foreign exchange transaction on behalf of Paulazanda Nigeria Limited through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for the importation of goods. When the supplier failed to deliver part of the goods, the unutilised portion of the foreign exchange was returned to the CBN.

However, due to prevailing CBN policies, Polaris Bank could not re-credit Paulazanda’s account with the unutilised funds at the 2019 exchange rate.

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The bank’s appeals for a policy exception were rejected, and Paulazanda was advised to reapply for foreign exchange at the prevailing 2025 buying rate.

CBN Circulars TED/FEM/PUB/FPC/001/011 of May 3, 2024, and TED/FEM/PUB/FPC/001/001 of January 12, 2025, stated that unutilised foreign exchange must be returned to the CBN for repurchase at the buying rate prevailing at the time of allocation, not at the time of return.

Following these directives, reimbursement to Paulazanda was processed directly by the CBN.

Dissatisfied with this outcome, Paulazanda sued Polaris Bank on May 23, 2025, challenging the handling of the reimbursement. The suit, PHC/1856/CS/2025, was assigned to Justice Fubara and served on the bank on June 10, 2025.

What followed, however, has drawn sharp criticism from legal analysts and observers. Justice Fubara reportedly conducted hearings at an unusually rapid pace.

The first session was held on July 2, 2025, even though the bank had not yet secured legal representation. By July 9, the judge adjourned for judgment, despite the absence of a defence or evidence that the bank had received formal hearing notices.

Legal commentators, who craved anonymity, have noted that most judges insist on proper issuance and service of hearing notices in the interest of justice to ensure that all parties are fully aware of proceedings.

Once aware of the case, Polaris Bank entered an appearance and filed extensive documents challenging the court’s jurisdiction.

The bank cited Section 251(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, which vests exclusive jurisdiction in the Federal High Court over matters involving currency, banking, and the operations of the CBN. The bank also highlighted its prior correspondence with the CBN seeking redress under established monetary policies.

Despite these submissions, Justice Fubara assumed jurisdiction and, on November 4, 2025, ruled against Polaris Bank. On that same day, the judge enrolled the judgment and signed a Writ of Execution, a move that foreclosed the bank’s constitutional right to appeal or seek administrative relief.

In a dramatic turn, the claimant’s legal team immediately began enforcing the following day, November 5, by attempting to seize Polaris Bank’s business premises in Port Harcourt. Strangely, the actual judgment document was not available for collection until November 6, a day after enforcement had commenced. Upon review, Polaris Bank’s counsel reportedly found inconsistencies in the computation of damages, raising further questions about the judgment’s preparation.

Legal experts monitoring the case argue that the judge’s actions violate the Sheriffs and Civil Process Act, which stipulates a mandatory grace period, typically three days, after judgment before a writ of attachment can be issued. They described the sequence of events as “procedurally improper” and potentially amounting to judicial misconduct.

The judgment, they warned, not only caused significant financial and reputational harm to Polaris Bank but also set a troubling precedent for due process in commercial litigation.

Observers within the Rivers justice sector say the case underscores deeper issues surrounding judicial impartiality, procedural fairness, and accountability.

The unusually swift handling of the matter, they insist, calls for urgent scrutiny and reforms to protect litigants’ rights and preserve public confidence in the state’s judicial system.

Polaris Bank has once again reaffirmed its leadership in digital innovation and inclusive banking, emerging as the MSME Digital Bank of the Year (Inclusive Growth) at the second edition of the MSME Finance & CEO Awards in Lagos.

The event, organized by the Africa Global Economic Forum BBBin partnership with PROSHARE, recognized outstanding institutions and other notable stakeholders driving MSME development and financial inclusion across Nigeria.

The award celebrates Polaris Bank’s unwavering commitment to empowering small and medium-scale enterprises through technology-driven financial solutions, notably its flagship digital banking platform, VULTe.

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In the last few years, VULTe has revolutionized how MSMEs access finance by providing seamless, self-service banking and loan solutions — a reflection of the Bank’s mission to bridge financial access gaps and foster entrepreneurship nationwide.

This latest honour comes on the heels of VULTe’s recent win as “Digital Bank of the Year” and the Best MSME support Bank for the record fifth consecutive time at the 2025 BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards, underscoring Polaris Bank’s consistent digital excellence and customer-centric innovation.

Speaking on the award, Polaris Bank’s Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Kayode Lawal, noted that the recognition reinforces the Bank’s strategic focus on inclusive growth and digital transformation.

“We are committed to building a future where technology and innovation empower businesses and individuals, particularly MSMEs, to thrive in the digital economy,” he said.

With a growing footprint in digital banking and sustainable finance, Polaris Bank continues to demonstrate leadership in enabling access to financial services that drive entrepreneurship, job creation, and national economic growth.

Polaris Bank has partnered with the Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF) to launch a tree-planting initiative in Rivers State.

The exercise, held at Bodo City Girls Secondary School in Gokana Local Government Area, is part of efforts to combat carbon emissions and promote sustainable environmental practices.

Speaking at the event, Polaris Bank’s Divisional Head for South-South, Mr. Raphael Abiaziem, represented by Mr. EjikeAroh, Business Development Manager of Garrison Branch,underscored the project’s importance in advancing the Bank’s sustainability agenda. He said the initiative aligns with the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and reinforces the Bank’s commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) priorities.

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“This project is not just about planting trees; it is about safeguarding our environment, reducing carbon footprint, and raising awareness on climate action,” Abaziem stated. “By planting fruit-bearing and economic trees, we are helping communities build resilience, improve food security, and restore degraded ecosystems.”

The Divisional Head emphasized that climate change presents one of the greatest global challenges and requires an urgent and collective response. He noted that financial institutions like Polaris Bank must take leadership in driving initiatives that contribute to a more sustainable future.

The Nigeria Conservation Foundation commended the Bank’s leadership of Polaris Bank and noted that the selected trees would serve multiple benefits, including preventing soil erosion, providing shade, acting as windbreakers, and yielding edible produce for schools and host communities.

NCF Field Officer, Mr. Alex Jorbedom, highlighted the significance of planting fruit-bearing trees, noting that they will provide shade, serve as windbreakers, and produce edible fruits for both students and the host community.

“We are targeting 500 trees in this school, including avocado and native pear. Each tree has been planted with protective mesh, and we will return to create further awareness so the students appreciate their value and care for them properly,” Jorbedomsaid.

Polaris Bank’s broader sustainability roadmap, integrates climate action and community development into its long-term growth strategy. Through collaborations such as this, the Bank continues to strengthen its role as a catalyst for positive environmental and social impact.

Polaris Bank supported the 2025 Maracana Children’s Fest, a transformative grassroots event that impacted more than 3,000 youths.

The event, promoted by Nathaniel Idowu Foundation was held at the iconic Maracana Stadium in Ajegunle, Lagos.

The event, which brought together over 3,000 primary and secondary school pupils, students, their families, and community leaders, highlighted the bank’s commitment to youth development and social inclusion.

The festival celebrated youth empowerment through sports, creativity, and community engagement.

Polaris Bank provided vital support to the event, including contributions to meals, palliative food packages and assorted functional mementoes distributed to participants and their families.

Managing Director, Polaris Bank, Kayode Lawal, who was represented by Head, Brand Management & Corporate Communication, Rasheed Bolarinwa said the sponsorship underscored the bank’s focus on social responsibility and its ongoing efforts to foster positive change within underserved communities.

 “We are proud to support the Maracana Children’s Fest and contribute to such a meaningful community initiative. This event allowed us to connect with the next generation and their families, promoting both youth development and financial inclusion.

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“Our support for this event is a reflection of Polaris Bank’s commitment to supporting communities and empowering young people through initiatives that align with our values,” Lawal said.

The event also featured notable dignitaries, including seven former Super Eagles players, whose presence amplified the excitement and significance of the day. Their involvement not only inspired the participants, but also contributed to a heightened sense of community pride.

Lawal noted that by supporting the Maracana Children’s Fest, Polaris Bank reinforced its position as a socially responsible institution committed to enhancing the well-being of Nigerian communities.

He assured that the bank would continue to prioritise youth empowerment, education, and financial inclusion as key pillars of its corporate social investment and sustainability efforts.

Polaris Bank has reiterated its unwavering commitment and dedication to the fight against cancer in Nigeria.

Polaris Bank and Care Organisation Public Enlightenment (C.O.P.E) have long-standing partnership on strategic initiatives aimed at reducing the mortality rate of breast cancer in Nigeria through awareness, screening, counselling, referral, education, enlightenment and advocacy.

The two partners joined the global community in commemorating the World Cancer Day with a rededication to the fight against cancers.

Polaris Bank and C.O. P.E also used the occasion to mark their over 15 years of strategic partnership in the fight against breast cancer, spanning the days of the legacy institutions preceding Polaris Bank, which has culminated in significant milestones, tangible interventions and outcomes.

At a joint briefing to commemorate the World Cancer Day held at the corporate headquarters of C.O.P.E in Ikeja, Lagos, at least 13 key interventions by Polaris Bank were spotlighted.

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Speaking on the bank’s interventions, Managing Director, Polaris Bank, Mr. Kayode Lawal, said cancer of any type was a serious health burden globally.

“At Polaris Bank, we believe that every Nigerian deserves a chance to live a healthy life, and more importantly, we are passionate about alleviating the suffering of the vulnerable in our society. This is why we are committed to supporting breast cancer advocacy in Nigeria – to empower women, save lives, and make a meaningful difference in our communities,’’ Lawal said.

Represented by the bank’s Group Head, Customer Experience and Value Management, Mrs. Bukola Oluyadi, who also oversees Sustainability, Lawal assured that Polaris Bank would not relent in its fight against cancer in Nigeria, as well as doing all that is possible to support cancer patients and survivors. 

Said he: “At Polaris Bank, we care about the well-being of our staff, customers, and communities. We are committed to supporting cancer patients and survivors in Nigeria by continuing to partner with C.O. P.E, thereby enabling many more people to access quality health, and promoting health, hope and healing’’.

Also at the event was Polaris Bank’s Group Head, Brand Management and Corporate Communications, Mr. Rasheed Bolarinwa, 15 other staff of the bank and other invited guests.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Care Organization Public Enlightenment (C.O.P.E), Mrs. Ebunola Anozie commended Polaris Bank for its exceptional passionate support and care for cancer patients and survivors in Nigeria.

Among the key interventions by Polaris Bank were screening of over 22,000 women for breast cancer, including female staff, customers of the bank and members of the public through the bank’s cancer prevention intervention programme; and the purchase and donation of one-and-half acres of land with Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) for the development and building of C.O.P.E permanent office complex to be designated as Polaris Cancer Centre of Excellence.

Other key interventions included the donation of three ultra-modern breast cancer screening machines, including a mobile screening machine to enhance quality diagnosis and clinical practices; sponsorship of treatment of over 30 indigent cancer patients; and hosting of a 10-km/6-km walk with over 3,100 participants in Lagos to draw public attention to the breast cancer scourge and advocating for healthy lifestyle through collaboration and partnership with C.O.P.E.

Polaris Bank has also hosted over 100 cancer survivors to end-of-year party to enable them draw strength from lessons through experience sharing, with pledge to give more support for their welfare; donated a dedicated and fully-equipped cancer screening room at C.O.P.E; donated large quantity of prosthesis or artificial breast bra for cancer survivors to enhance their self-esteem and confidence; as well as instituted monthly breast cancer screening exercise in the last three years where the bank’s female staff and customers and members of the public get the opportunity for free breast cancer screening at C.O.P.E corporate office.

The bank in its determined commitment to ensuring reduction in reported cases of cancer in Nigeria has also supported C.O. P.E through increased awareness and advocacy especially during the months of February to October every year; just as it has consistently encouraged staff of the bank to commit their time and resources as well as engaging in volunteering by serving in health-related activities especially in areas of cancer advocacy and administrative support for relevant non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the space.

Other areas of intervention include full sponsorship of C.O.P.E delegates to a global cancer conference in United States, while Polaris Bank remains till date, C.O.P.E’s single largest, long term dedicated financier and partner supporting its work for over 15 years.

Anozie emphasized that early detection and screening are the most effective ways to reduce the cancer burden.

She urged both women and men over the age of 40 to make it a habit to undergo annual medical check-ups.

She encouraged women to get screened, saying that the optimal time for screening should be at least a week after their menstrual cycle.

She said cancer was on the increase due to several factors, including lifestyle, processed food, change in the ecosystem and genetic factors.

She warned that cancer does not discriminate based on age, gender or social status.

According to her, the fight against cancer must be a collective one, and which informed the global theme for this year’s World Cancer Day, which is “United by Unique.’’

Anozie, supported by a member of the Board of Trustees of C.O.P.E, Mrs. Folasade Anozie stated that the journey of the NGO started almost 30 years ago and expressed gratitude to Polaris Bank and other donors for their support to the organisation.

She noted that without the corporate supports, the vision she birthed to reduce cancer mortality among Nigerians based on her shared experience, would not have become a reality.

 “To our donors and partners, including our incredible long-term partner Polaris Bank, I say a big thank you. Your unwavering support has made a difference in the lives of many women in Nigeria, given many a fighting chance and restored hope. Your generosity has been a lifeline for so many who otherwise would have had no access to quality breast health care,’’ Anozie said.

She underscored the need to bring down the rising number of cancer cases saying one out of every 12 women likely to have cancer is still a problem, even as she called for more support and care for patients and survivors, increased research, funding, and advocacy.