E-Financial
Polaris Bank Provides Free Breast Cancer Screening for 250 Nigerian Women
Polaris Bank, Nigeria’s leading digital retail commercial Bank, has announced the sponsorship of free breast cancer screening for 250 Nigerian women, in commemoration of 2024 October Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Polaris Bank
This initiative underscores Polaris Bank’s unwavering commitment to women’s health and is part of the Bank’s long-standing efforts and intervention to support breast cancer awareness behavioral change, advocacy and prevention in Nigeria.
For over a decade, working with its NGO Partner, Care Organisation Public Enlightenment (C.O.P.E), Polaris Bank has been a leader in breast cancer advocacy, behavioral change communication, funding support and the screening of more than 20,000 women across the country.
This year’s sponsorship further supports the Bank’s mission to ensure that more women, particularly those with limited access to healthcare, have the opportunity for early detection, which is vital for successful treatment and survival.
“Breast cancer continues to pose a significant threat to women, not just in Nigeria, but globally.
“As a responsible corporate organization, we understand the importance of early detection, and we are committed to empowering women with access to this life-saving screening.
“Our partnership with C.O.P.E. is integral to making this service accessible to more women,” the Bank stated.
Aligned with United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3), which focuses on preventing needless suffering from preventable diseases and premature death, Polaris Bank is taking a crucial step by funding free breast cancer screenings for women in underserved regions.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), early detection of breast cancer increases survival rates and reduces treatment costs, making Polaris Bank’s initiative a vital contribution towards improving health outcomes and reducing breast cancer-related mortality in Nigeria.
This year’s screening programme reflects Polaris Bank’s broader Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) agenda, which focuses on key areas like health, education, and youth/women empowerment; and community development.
The Bank has consistently invested in causes that positively impact the lives of Nigerians, and this screening effort is yet another testament to its commitment to improving public health.
In addition to the screenings, the Bank continues to champion breast cancer awareness through education, advocacy, behavioural change and outreach, encouraging women to engage in regular self-examinations and seek medical attention promptly. This holistic approach to advocacy aims to build a healthier society where early detection becomes the norm.
The 2024 free screening intervention, marks another milestone in the fight against breast cancer, as the brand remains at the forefront of efforts to combat the disease, ensuring that Nigerian women have access to the critical health resources they need.
In over decade, Polaris Bank’s footprint in the fight against cancer in Nigeria, has been described by commentators as phenomenal:
In collaboration with the Care Organisation Public Enlightenment (C.O.PE) Foundation, Polaris Bank has sponsored treatment for over 30 indigent cancer patients and provided free breast cancer screenings for over 20,000 women, including its own female staff and customers.
The Bank has also donated three state-of-the-art breast cancer screening machines, improving the quality of diagnosis and clinical practices nationwide. To further raise awareness, Polaris Bank organized a 10-kilometer walk with over 2,500 participants to draw attention to the breast cancer crisis.
The Bank, as part of its ongoing commitment to health awareness and community support, previously organized an impactful event for breast cancer survivors themed ‘Celebrating Our Pink Heroes’ at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
The event brought together over 50 survivors and featured music, networking, and educational and experience sharing sessions. Same exercised was repeated just last year Oct with in Ikoyi with added spice where another 50 breast cancer survivors were treated to a full spa and wellness session involving sauna bath, manicure, pedicure, healthy meals, movie and experience sharing sessions.
It provided a meaningful platform for survivors to share their experiences, raise awareness about breast cancer, survival techniques and encourage positivity among their community.
The initiative also sought to educate the public and demystify myth by reducing the stigma associated with the cancer, reinforcing Polaris Bank’s dedication to social responsibility and health advocacy.
The Bank had in making life more beautiful to breast cancer survivors had in 2019, presents over a 100 units of Prosthetic bra to cancer survivors registered under the Bank’s NGO Partner @copebcnigeria C.O.P.E.
Polaris Bank, in partnership with C.O.P.E, hosted a special full spa outing for some breast cancer survivors. The event strengthened the bond between the Bank and Cancer Survivors as it offered therapeutic services such as; steam baths, massages, manicures, pedicures, and a healthy meal, along with a health talk. Experiences were also shared amongst the survivors
In addition, Polaris Bank part financed the establishment of arguably sub-Saharan best Cancer Hospital, Marcelle Ruth Cancer Centre and Specialist Hospital (MRCC).
Overall, the Bank’s initiatives reflect its dedication to responsible business practices, integrating social and environmental considerations into its operations, and ensuring a net positive impact on both society and the environment.
Women interested in taking part in the free screening exercise should visit our website or click the link below, or follow us on our social media pages @polarisbankltd for more information and registration details: https://www.polarisbanklimited.com/breast-cancer-screening-2024/ and thereafter visit the C.O.P.E. Center at 39B, Adeniyi Jones Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria. Screening is scheduled for third and fourth Saturday of October, 2024 and every third Saturday of every other month.
Polaris Bank was adjudged Nigeria’s Digital Bank of the Year in 2023, 2022 and 2021 in Business Day’s Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.
ChatPay has launched Africa’s conversational banking platform, enabling individuals and businesses to access financial services through WhatsApp.
The Lagos-based fintech startup, is in controlled rollout, connecting WhatsApp to linked-bank management, airtime and supported electricity payments through simple conversations.
The company said the platform is designed to enable users to send money, pay bills, buy airtime and manage business transactions within WhatsApp conversations, subject to the completion of regulatory approvals and integration with licensed banking partners.
According to ChatPay, the platform is operated by CP Technology Limited and is currently undergoing a phased rollout ahead of its planned public launch.
The company said the initiative is intended to simplify access to financial services by leveraging WhatsApp, which it estimates is used by more than 50 million Nigerians monthly.
Speaking on the idea behind the platform, Adeoluwasubomi Odebunmi, product lead and co-founder, said the concept emerged while she was studying Software Engineering at Babcock University.
“I saw the gap while I was still in school—how much friction there was just to move money. I didn’t want to just study the problem. I wanted to help fix it,” she said.
Odebunmi said she had previously worked on software solutions spanning e-commerce, real estate management, school administration and artificial intelligence applications before co-founding ChatPay.
Aseoluwa Siyanbola, growth lead and co-founder, said his experience managing Nigerian bank accounts while studying abroad highlighted some of the challenges users face with digital banking services.
According to him, difficulties such as one-time password (OTP) failures and inconsistent banking applications inspired the team to explore conversational banking solutions.
“We each encountered similar challenges and came together to build a solution that simplifies everyday financial transactions,” he said.
cAbraham William, tech lead and co-founder, said the company is focused on improving access to financial services through a platform that many Nigerians already use daily.
“We want to make financial services easier to access by allowing people to carry out transactions through a familiar messaging platform,” he said.
William said he oversees the company’s engineering, technology strategy and system architecture.
ChatPay said its services will be introduced in phases as regulatory requirements are met and integrations with banking partners are completed.
The company added that its newly launched “Founding 2,500” programme will enable selected early users to test features, provide feedback and participate in product development before the platform’s wider rollout.
According to the company, interested users can register for the waitlist and the Founding 2,500 programme through its website.
Founded by Odebunmi, Siyanbola and William, ChatPay said its long-term goal is to expand conversational banking services beyond Nigeria into other African markets after its domestic rollout.
United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has been named Nigeria’s Best Bank for Retail Banking and Best Bank for Sustainability Leadership (ESG) at the 2026 Euromoney Awards for Excellence, reinforcing its position as one of Africa’s leading financial institutions.
The awards were presented on July 17 at The Peninsula London in the United Kingdom, recognising financial institutions that have demonstrated outstanding performance, innovation, customer impact and sustainable banking practices.
The double recognition highlights UBA’s growing influence in retail banking and its commitment to advancing environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles across its operations.
According to Euromoney, UBA distinguished itself through a series of sustainability initiatives, including the introduction of a Green Financing Facility designed to support households and businesses transitioning to renewable energy.
The publication also cited the bank’s ₦5 billion financing programme, implemented in partnership with the Bank of Industry (BOI), to provide funding for women-owned businesses.
Euromoney further recognised UBA’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, describing it as a demonstration of the bank’s long-term sustainability strategy.
The publication also highlighted the bank’s efforts to integrate sustainability into its operations through the deployment of solar-powered energy solutions across 50 branches and comprehensive ESG capacity-building programmes that have trained more than 16,000 employees across the UBA Group.
In the retail banking category, Euromoney noted that UBA continued to consolidate its position as one of Africa’s largest retail banking institutions.
According to the publication, the bank expanded its customer base to more than 37 million by the end of 2025, while retail banking revenue increased more than fourfold to ₦429.5 billion.
The awards also recognised UBA’s continued investment in digital banking innovation, particularly enhancements to its artificial intelligence-powered chatbot, LEO.
Euromoney noted that LEO became Africa’s first AI-powered banking platform to facilitate cross-border money transfers in local currencies through the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS).
Commenting on the awards, UBA’s Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Oliver Alawuba, described the recognition as a validation of the bank’s commitment to delivering value to customers while promoting sustainable development across Africa.
“To be recognised as Nigeria’s Best Bank for both ESG and Retail Banking in the same year sends a powerful message that sustainable banking and commercial success are mutually reinforcing.
“At UBA, we are committed to financing Africa’s future, supporting businesses and communities, promoting financial inclusion, and delivering innovative banking solutions that improve lives.
“These awards belong to our customers for their confidence in us and to every member of the UBA family whose dedication continues to make our vision a reality,” he said.
Also speaking, UBA’s Group Head, Marketing, Brand and Corporate Communications, Mrs Alero Ladipo, said the awards reflected the bank’s unwavering commitment to putting customers at the centre of its operations.
According to her, every innovation, investment and banking solution introduced by UBA is aimed at creating exceptional value for customers while expanding access to financial services.
“These awards are a powerful affirmation of our Customer First philosophy.
“Whether it is supporting entrepreneurs with access to finance, enabling seamless digital payments, advancing clean energy financing or expanding financial inclusion across Africa, UBA remains focused on delivering meaningful impact.
“We are honoured that one of the world’s most respected financial publications has recognised these efforts,” she said.
UBA currently operates in 20 African countries, as well as the United Kingdom, United States, France and the United Arab Emirates, serving more than 45 million customers through a combination of digital banking platforms and physical branch networks.
The bank said it remains committed to strengthening financial inclusion, driving innovation and supporting sustainable economic development across Africa and beyond.
Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has begun paying insured deposits to customers of the 46 recently failed microfinance banks.
Mr Thompson Sunday, managing director and chief executive, NDIC, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
The interview took place on the sidelines of the International Association of Deposit Insurers Africa Regional Committee meeting.
Sunday said the corporation was using the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBBS) and customers’ Bank Verification Numbers (BVN) for the payments.
He said the NDIC had traced depositors’ alternative bank accounts and credited them directly without requiring physical visits.
He advised depositors without BVNs to visit the nearest NDIC zonal office for verification and payment processing
“The CBN revoked the licences of the 46 microfinance banks on July 1, 2026,” he said.
He said the NDIC automatically became the provisional liquidator after the revocation, in line with the law.
Sunday said the corporation had commenced payment of the insured maximum deposit of N2 million to eligible customers.
He explained that further payments would depend on the recovery of the failed banks’ assets and outstanding debts.
He said proceeds realised from recoveries would be distributed as liquidation dividends to eligible depositors.
Sunday cited Heritage Bank, Aso Savings and Union Homes as examples of the NDIC’s prompt reimbursement efforts.
He said insured depositors of Heritage Bank were paid within four days of the revocation of its licence.
He added that customers of Aso Savings and Union Homes received payments within 72 hours.
“The law allows us 30 days, but we are working to surpass our previous records,” he said.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) revoked the banks’ licences for failing to meet regulatory requirements for continued operations.
The apex bank said the action was aimed at protecting depositors, strengthening financial stability and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Nigeria Leads Africa in Online Gambling Regulation – GCI
CBN Has Not Published Annual Financial Statements Since 2022 despite Legal Requirement
ChatPay Unveils Public Waitlist for WhatsApp-Based Banking Platform
GSMA Says High Smartphone Costs Threatens Africa’s AI Future
Dangote Refinery Completes Landmark $2.5bn Private Equity Placement
NRC, Ponzi Scheme Collapses Resulting Loss of Billions of Naira
NASENI Moves to Digitize CCB’s 5m Assets Declaration and Operations
Tokenization, Blockchain Technology will Transform Financial Institutions – IMF
EFCC Busts NIS Visa Overstay Racket, Uncovers N700m in an Account
From Scarcity to Scale: What Africa Can Learn from India’s Agricultural Transformation
General News2 days agoFG Launches C.L.I.C.K.D., Consumer Credit Scheme for Tech Devices
Telecom2 days agoAirtel Nigeria Expands Retail Footprint to Strengthen Customer Access Nationwide
Telecom2 days agoMTN Nigeria Opens Applications for Next Afrobeats Star Season 2 with Bigger Prizes
News2 days agoNPC Opens Nationwide Digital Birth, Death Registration Platform
Telecom2 days agoKaspersky Survey Highlights the Need for Smartphone Security
E-Business2 days agoOvaloop Technologies Unveils Digital Tools to Formalize SMEs Operations Across Africa
E-Financial2 days agoCBN Retains Interest Rate at 26.5% as Cardoso Cites Global Uncertainty Despite Inflation Drop
Telecom1 day agoCourt Dismisses Pan African Towers’ Bid to Halt Ex-CEO’s Suit, Awards ₦500,000 Costs