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  • Bringing together Sterling, others drive creative inclusion

    Bringing together Sterling, others drive creative inclusion

    Celebrating African creativity and the growing influence of the creative economy, the British Council’s Film Lab Africa in partnership with Sterling One Foundation hosted an exclusive screening as a high-impact side event at the Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS) 2025.

    changemakers from multiple sectors, the event spotlighted how film and television can serve as powerful tools for economic transformation, cultural preservation, and elevating Africa’s voice on the global stage.

    Film Lab Africa, a flagship programme by the British Council, is designed to equip emerging Nigerian filmmakers and television producers with the skills, knowledge, and networks they need to thrive.

    The initiative seeks to strengthen Africa’s creative economy through inclusive platforms that spotlight African stories for local and international audiences.

    Read Also: Sterling HoldCo delivers 157% profit growth in half-year 2025

    The evening began with opening remarks from Harry Kesiena, Head of Arts and Culture at the British Council Nigeria, who underscored the vital role the creative industry plays in Africa’s developmentagenda.

    Delivering the keynote address, Donna McGowan, Country Director, British Council Nigeria, and West Africa Cluster Lead, shared insights on the infrastructure, investment, and collaboration required to build a sustainable creative economy: “It’s not just about discovering talent, it’s about creating lasting systems that nurture and scale it. By investing in people, policy, and platforms, we can build an Africa where creative expression becomes a thriving industry.”

    The plenary session on promoting African entertainment for economic transformation featured thought leaders to explore how the industry can drive job creation, shape culture, and inspire inclusive growth.

    Chikodi Onyemerela, Director of Programmes, British Council Nigeria, emphasized the impact of long-term, skills-base development initiatives: “Creative industries are economic drivers, not side projects. Film Lab Africa is helping young Africans move from talent to trade, placing their work on global stages while strengthening local creative ecosystems.”

    Mrs. Olapeju Ibekwe, CEO of Sterling One Foundation, and co-covener of the Africa Social Impact Summit, praised the British Council’s commitment to supporting storytellers and called for even deeper

    integration of the creative economy into Africa’s broader development strategies: “The creative sector is Africa’s next growth frontier. ASIS is committed to building platforms that elevate these voices. Film Lab Africa is not just producing stories, it’s shaping the future of Africa’s social impact landscape.”

    More than a showcase of talent, the Film Lab Africa screening at ASIS proved that creativity isn’t just culture, it’s a catalyst for Africa’s development.

  • Sterling boosts ₦2bn scholarships with guaranteed jobs

    Sterling boosts ₦2bn scholarships with guaranteed jobs

    Sterling Bank has expanded its Beyond Education initiative with guaranteed jobs for selected beneficiaries of the N2bn scholarship for 600 youths. 

    The bank announced it is offering recipients paid internships and guaranteed jobs for selected scholarship beneficiaries.

    It explained Interns will earn competitive stipends, receive formal training, and work directly with senior leaders across the organisation.

    Launched on Democracy Day, the Beyond Education campaign continues to resonate nationwide. Scholarship nominees will be selected from all 36 states and the FCT through an open process led by community members and Sterling customers. 

    The first batch of award letters will be issued this month, with recipients expected to begin academic work by September.

    Speaking on the initiative, Sterling Bank CEO Abubakar Suleiman said: “Nigeria’s greatest asset is its people, and our responsibility is to equip them to lead, innovate, and transform. With this initiative, we have created a launchpad for the next generation of builders and problem solvers. 

    “This is the work that moves a nation forward. This is the path we have deliberately chosen as an institution.”

    The bank appealed to other forward-thinking companies to join this effort by offering internships, jobs, or mentorship opportunities to scholarship recipients. 

    It stated employers across all industries have a chance to help shape a more inclusive and productive future for Nigeria.

    This new layer reflects the bank’s conviction that education should not end with a certificate. Sterling is building a bridge from university halls into real career opportunities, giving graduates hands-on experience in banking, technology, customer service, risk management, and other core business functions. 

    Since adopting its HEART strategy, Sterling Bank has redefined how a financial institution contributes to national development. 

    Its investments in health, education, agriculture, renewable energy, and transportation have reached more than 30 million Nigerians. 

    These ongoing efforts are helping to close vital service gaps across the country. From smart health booths in remote communities to digital upgrades in public schools, farm support systems, rural energy solutions, and electric mobility infrastructure, Sterling continues to deploy capital for impact.

    In April, it became the first Nigerian bank to scrap transfer fees for individual customers, delivering over ₦600 million in collective savings within just three months. 

    The bank’s AlwaysOn initiative further strengthens this promise by offering eligible customers instant access to a ₦1,000,000 cash advance, providing a seamless, stress-free financial cushion when it matters most.

  • Sterling, Africa Fashion Week Nigeria partner to empower sector

    Sterling, Africa Fashion Week Nigeria partner to empower sector

    In line with its vision of fostering growth of African fashion, Africa Fashion Week Nigeria (AFWN) will empower the sector’s creatives.

    AFWN 2024, in its 10th anniversary, is marking the milestone in style with a showcase of African fashion and culture.

    In this edition, it will partnering  Sterling Bank in a three-day activity to honour African creativity, fashion innovation, and AFWN’s impact on the global fashion stage, Founder, Africa Fashion Weeks Nigeria & London, Queen Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, said.

    Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi noted: “We believe creativity requires supportive platforms. Since 2011, we’ve exhibited over 3,000 African brands locally and internationally. Our vision is empowering fashion creatives for financial sustainability. By 2030, Africa needs 450 million jobs for its youth, necessitating a shift from traditional curriculum to future-focused skills training. By fostering entrepreneurship, skills training, and job creation, we empower African fashion creatives to thrive.”

    Read Also: Zamfara to implement N70,000 minimum wage soon – HoS 

    For Sterling Bank Brand Manager, Chidinma Okoli, platforms as Africa Fashion Weeks Nigeria and London create jobs. According to her, the partnership is an extension of the bank’s mission to nurture economic development, job creation, and cultural innovation. She said:  “With the fashion sector contributing billions annually to Nigeria’s GDP and growing at a remarkable rate, through this partnership, we are committed to making AFWN a platform for amplifying Nigerian talent, creativity, and sustainable growth. Sterling has championed transformative initiatives that allow it to drive change. And with AFWN we will amplify the creative economy’s role in Nigeria’s growth. “

    The event holds December 6 to 8 at Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island. This edition will honour African creativity, fashion innovation, and AFWN’s impact on the global fashion stage.

    The event kicks off with Young Designers Competition, where upcoming designers will compete for the grand prize of an all-expense-paid trip to showcase at Africa Fashion Week London 2025. Day Two will feature a catwalk show by designers from Africa, including a special appearance by designers who showcased at Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) this year. A key highlight of Day Three is a star-studded runway show in collaboration with Elizabeth Miller PR’s Luxury Hearts Fundraiser, a charity event to support orphanages.

    The runway will be graced by Kwara State’s governor’s wife, Ambassador Olufolake Abdulrazaq, who will join a lineup of governors’ wives, celebrities, and influencers.

  • Sterling pioneers Africa’s first indigenous core banking system

    Sterling pioneers Africa’s first indigenous core banking system

    Sterling Bank Limited has made history by migrating to what is believed to be the continent’s first ever indigenous core banking solution called SeaBaaS.

    The implementation of SeaBaaS, developed by Peerless, marks the completion of a new banking system announced to customers in August 2024.

    This move positions Nigeria as a leader in digital banking, driven by local talent and cutting-edge technology.

    Leveraging advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence, the system promises to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency, providing smarter, faster financial services.

    Speaking on the achievement, Abubakar Suleiman, CEO of Sterling Bank, said SeaBaaS is the first fully developed core banking platform that is wholly built and owned by an African technology company.

    He described the development as the start of a new revolution in Africa’s drive for economic self-sufficiency, noting that the intellectual property underpinning SeaBaas will be available to partners across the continent in the coming months.

    For regulators, it ensures greater transparency, robust reporting, and compliance with evolving standards.

    “Partnering with Peerless to create SeaBaaS is not just a milestone for us; it is a renewal of our resolve and ambition to remain a world-class organization. It is proof that African institutions can do great things that will make the world stand up and take notice of us,” said Suleiman.

    “We are once again proving that the notion of Nigerian banking being one of the most technologically advanced is not just a myth, but a reality that is manifested in the quality of solutions we can develop, and services we can deliver to our customers.”

    Read Also: Sterling pioneers Africa’s first indigenous core banking system

    Suleiman explained that the transition to SeaBaaS represents many things to many people. “For the African banking industry, it is the continent’s first indigenously conceived and engineered core banking application, built and owned entirely by a Nigerian company, with every line of code, database configuration and interface proudly African, delivered by homegrown talent.

    “For our customers, it offers faster transactions, enhanced security and innovative financial products tailored to their needs. For regulators, it ensures greater transparency, robust reporting and compliance with evolving standards.”

    The bank’s CEO acknowledged the challenges faced during the implementation, stating that implementation issues had been resolved, with the institution’s full bouquet of digital banking services being restored in phases for customers’ use.

    According to him, “This successful deployment reminds us that nothing truly valuable comes without challenges. While this transition has tested our systems and patience, it also reinforced our commitment to innovation and excellence. We enter this new phase confident that the migration will deliver unmatched efficiency and transformative customer experiences.”

    He also pointed out the financial implications of the migration, noting that African banks collectively spend hundreds of millions of dollars annually on foreign core banking systems, which exacerbates the continent’s trade balance issues. The introduction of SeaBaaS not only sets a new benchmark for Nigerian financial services but also paves the way for a future where African institutions can reduce their technology costs, thereby enhancing financial inclusion, he said.

    Sterling Bank’s migration to SeaBaaS adds to its history of being at the forefront of market-leading innovations. The bank pioneered Nigeria’s first contactless prepaid transport card (FarePay) and the first automated retail lending solution (Specta).

    It has also partnered with state governments to deploy innovations like the first drone delivery system for pharmaceutical consumables with Zipline in Kaduna, and digitized medical records.

  • Transition to HoldCo will yield better returns to shareholders, says Sterling

    Transition to HoldCo will yield better returns to shareholders, says Sterling

    The recent transition to holding company structure will enable Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc to diversify into other businesses and improve overall returns to shareholders.

    Shareholders of Sterling Financial Holdings Company yesterday commended the board and management of the company for its performance in its operations and earnings, and the diversification of the group’s business lines since completing the transition to a holding company structure.

    Speaking at a hybrid, post-conversion statutory meeting, which was held with online and physical attendance, the board and management of the bank as well as shareholders agreed that the transition was the best option for the group’s future.

    The meeting saw the unanimous passing of the singular motion of the day; the adoption of the statutory report for the meeting, presented by the shareholders of the holding company.

    Addressing the shareholders, Chairman, Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc, Mr. Yemi Adeola, thanked the company’s shareholders for their support during the journey to the successful transition to a financial holding company, highlighting the launch of The Alternative Bank; Sterling HoldCo’s ethical banking subsidiary, in increasing shareholder value. 

    Also in attendance at the meeting, Group CEO of Sterling Financial Holdings Company, Yemi Odubiyi, said the transformation presents immense opportunities with the potential diversification into other business lines along with the commercial and ethical banking licenses operated by the company.

    During the meeting, President, Association for the Advancement of the Rights of Nigerian Shareholders (AARNS), Dr. Faruk Umar commended the company for its transition into a Holdco structure.

    He added that the change would enable Sterling to diversify its operations into other sectors of the Nigerian economy.

    He lauded the group for the successful launch of The Alternative Bank (TAB) in Lagos, Abuja, and Kano, highlighting the potential profitability of the initiative as well as an appreciation of the board and management of the group for the appointment of Yemi Adeola as board chairman.

    Read Also: Sterling’s The Alternative Bank, Gambian bank explore collaboration

    He also noted Mr. Adeola’s significant contributions to the growth and development of Sterling Bank during his tenure as CEO, expressing confidence in the group’s continued growth trajectory under his leadership.

    Umar also commended the Company Secretary, Mrs. Temitayo Adegoke, and the Chairman of the Statutory Audit Committee, Alhaji Mustapha Jinadu, for effectively communicating with shareholders about developments in the group during the transition from inception till completion.

    He noted that shareholders were contented with the board’s composition, and expressed hope that they would receive support in advancing the institution, pointing out that the transition has already yielded positive results with a rise in the HoldCo’s share prices on the floor of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX).

    Other shareholders who spoke at the meeting echoed Umar’s remarks. A shareholders’ leader, Mr. Matthew Akinlade stressed the importance of enhancing risk management practices, particularly with the emergence of more subsidiaries in the group.

    Another shareholder, Mrs. Bisi Bakare Oluwayemisi spoke on the need for building resilience and diversifying earnings within the group, underscoring the robust nature of the Holdco structure.

    A shareholders, Mr. Adeleke Adebayo encouraged the group to leverage the entire financial landscape to become a comprehensive financial services provider.

    The group noted that with the adoption of the Holdco structure now in full effect, Sterling now possesses the latitude to make inroads into other sectors within financial services, such as pensions, asset management, payment services, real estate, and different verticals, along with the current banking licenses held by the commercial and ethical banking subsidiaries; Sterling Bank and The Alternative Bank, which will operate as limited liability companies within the publicly traded holding company.

    A holding company, or Holdco, is a company set up to make and manage, for its account, equity investments in two or more companies, which are its subsidiaries, engaged in the provision of financial services, one of which must be a bank.

  • Sterling inspires Chelsea to comeback win at Burnley

    Sterling inspires Chelsea to comeback win at Burnley

    Raheem Sterling inspired Chelsea to an impressive comeback win as Burnley slumped to their fifth successive Premier League home defeat of the season.

    Eighteen-year-old French forward Wilson Odobert marked his first Premier League start by drilling low and hard past Robert Sanchez to send home fans into raptures at Turf Moor.

    Read Also: Qatar 2022 : Raheem Sterling returns to Qatar

    Chelsea were disjointed for spells but were back on level terms before half-time thanks to an unfortunate own goal.

    A cross by Sterling, back in the starting XI after a virus, struck the knee of Belgium defender Ameen Al-Dakhil and looped over James Trafford into the net.

  • EPL: Sterling inspires Chelsea comeback win at Burnley

    EPL: Sterling inspires Chelsea comeback win at Burnley

    Raheem Sterling inspired Chelsea to an impressive comeback win as Burnley slumped to their fifth successive Premier League home defeat of the campaign.

    Eighteen-year-old French forward Wilson Odobert marked his first Premier League start by drilling low and hard past Robert Sanchez to send home fans into raptures at Turf Moor.

    Chelsea were disjointed for spells but were back on level terms before half-time thanks to an unfortunate own goal.

    A cross by Sterling, back in the starting XI after a virus, struck the knee of Belgium defender Ameen Al-Dakhil and looped over James Trafford into the net.

    Chelsea then scored three times in a strong second-half showing to take the points.

    Sterling, who has not featured for England since the World Cup, won a penalty after being fouled by Brazilian defender Vitinho, which allowed Cole Palmer to score his first goal for the Blues since moving from Manchester City.

    The four-time Premier League winner with Manchester City then scored his side’s third with an arrowed finish after Conor Gallagher had spotted his run.

    Read Also: Kompany issues verdict on £350m Chelsea transfer

    Play restarted after Sterling’s goal before referee Stuart Attwell stopped the game as a check by the video assistant referee (VAR) for a potential offside was continuing.

    However, the goal was eventually allowed to stand.

    Substitute Nicolas Jackson sealed the points with a spin and finish, with Sterling once again involved in the move.

    Having won at Fulham on Monday, it is the first time Chelsea have secured back-to-back away wins in the Premier League since October 2022.

    BBC 

  • Sterling named Nigeria’s Most Innovative Bank

    Sterling Bank Plc has won the Innovative Bank of the Year Award at the 2019 edition of the Electronic Payment Incentive Scheme (EPIS) Efficiency Awards organised by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBBS).

    The CBN EPIS Efficiency Awards, now in its fourth edition is held annually to celebrate financial institutions, merchants and all other stakeholders at the forefront of driving electronic payments in Nigeria.

    Sterling Bank beat all other Nigerian banks in the innovation and platform efficiency categories. The awards were presented by senior officials of CBN and NIBSS at an elaborate event which held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos over the weekend.

    Group Head, Transaction Banking at Sterling Bank Plc, Abidemi Asunmo, said the bank has always been at the forefront of efforts to provide customers with unique electronic payments channels that promote financial inclusion.

    “Understanding each customer while providing bespoke solutions to suit them is at the core of all we do at Sterling Bank and we are delighted to be recognised as the leading innovative bank of the year by the CBN and NIBSS. We will continue to ensure that our customers enjoy the best of services through our various portals including Specta and I-invest, among others.”

    According to NIBSS, the awards are based on objective analysis of all e-payment data collated by NIBSS over a full calendar year in addition to public voting and surveys administered to industry stakeholders for transactions within the year under review.

    Speaking at the awards ceremony, Mrs. Aisha Ahmad, Deputy Governor, CBN, said NIBBS would retain the vision for the future. She advised banks and other merchants to scale up their capacities to innovate as well as enhance capacity to handle large transaction values.

    The Deputy Governor enjoined stakeholders to look at issues of interoperability, cyber security framework, collaboration and shared threats to their security systems.

     

  • Sterling joins UN Global Compact

    Sterling Bank Plc has become a participatory member of the United Nations (UN) Global Compact –  the world’s largest sustainability initiative with more than 9,000 businesses and non- business participants in 135 countries.

    The Global Compact is a voluntary initiative to promote sustainable development and good corporate citizenship, a set of values based on universally accepted principles, a network of companies and other stakeholders as well as a forum for learning and exchange of experiences.

    The UN Global Compact Office said in a statement that as a participant, Sterling Bank has committed to set in motion changes to its business operations so that the UN Global Compact and her ten (10) principles become part of its business strategy, day-to-day operations and organisational culture.

     

     

  • Sterling, MTN Pay Small Small eyes 141m customers

    More than 141million mobile subscribers in the country using feature phones can now upgrade to smartphones courtesy of Sterling Bank-MTN Pay Small Small device financing scheme unveiled in Lagos yesterday.

    Introduced by Sterling Bank Plc, MTN Nigeria and Technology Distributions Limited (TD), the new scheme democratises the acquisition of smartphones as well as access to the digital ecosystem through smartphones pre-bundled with data.

    Only 13 per cent of Nigeria’s 162 million mobile phone subscribers use smartphones and have robust access to the internet, social and business applications, among others.

    Speaking at the media launch of the scheme  Group Head of Strategy and New Business, Sterling Bank Plc, Shina Atilola, said knowledge and information transforms economies.

    “Our collaboration with MTN Nigeria, Technology Distributions Limited and Payjoy to democratise access to smartphones will make knowledge and information accessible to millions of Nigerians which will improve their lives and well-being.

    “It is important that a lot more Nigerians have the opportunity to engage in societal dialogues irrespective of their social class and education. A person without access to information cannot effectively grow a business, live well and contribute to the economy. We are excited about the strong partnerships forged to deliver Pay Small Small to improve the lives of our people while delivering social impact.”

     

    Atilola further noted that the bank will continue to be at the forefront of seeking valuable partnerships that will enrich the lives of Nigerians. “At Sterling Bank, growing the economy remains our priority, and that is why we always design solutions that will translate into value for Nigerians. This alliance with MTN NIgeria, TD and Payjoy is a testament to the bank’s commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian is availed the opportunity to own a smart phone with all its attendant benefits which include Insurance cover and free data.”

     

    Also speaking at the event, Gozy Ijogun, Managing Director, Technology Distributions Limited, expressed delight that her organisation is part of the partnership that will increase smartphone penetration with its attendant benefits to Nigerians who ordinarily cannot afford to pay the lump sum that is required to acquire these devices. “Things required for optimum living are paid upfront which makes life difficult for many Nigerians. What we are unveiling today is a revolutionary partnership which makes it possible and affordable for anyone to visit the MTN Nigeria experience centre close to them and walk out with the latest smartphone device with as low as N7,000 (Seven thousand Naira) monthly payment in less than 10 minutes.”

     

    On his part, Abiodun Ajayi, Senior Manager, Data & Devices, MTN Nigeria, said “We believe everyday Nigerians deserve the benefit of a modern well-connected life. Nothing brings this to the fore more than a smartphone which eliminates the hassles associated with visiting cybercafes. However, 80% of Nigerian phone users are excluded and do not have access to smartphones because they cannot afford it. Today, we have unveiled a service that bridges the affordability gap. It will not only improve the lives of millions of Nigerians; this service will also ensure that Nigeria experiences rapid GDP growth.”

     

    Lauding the partnership which will put high quality smartphones in the hands of everyday Nigerians, Dominique Friedl, General Manager, Africa, PAYJOY, said “This is a novel partnership with all stakeholders involved coming to the table to leverage collective strengths to improve the lives of Nigerians through digital and financial inclusion. Financial services is the lifeblood of every economy. However, only 5.3% adults have access to credit in Nigeria. The great reach of mobile technology in the country, Sterling-MTN Pay Small Small service which deploys PAYJOY’s locking technology provides an opportunity to provide financial services to millions of financially excluded Nigerians at lower and more affordable costs thereby boosting financial inclusion. This is about providing financing to millions of Nigerians and helping grow the Nigerian economy.”