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LASU Suspends Examinations, Campus Activities Amid Ongoing Staff Union Strike

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LASU Dominates National Kickboxing Championship with 19 Medals Haul

The Lagos State University, LASU Senate has suspended all second-semester examinations and other socio-academic activities for the 2024/2025 academic session until further notice.

This is in response to the ongoing industrial action declared by the university’s Joint Action Committee (JAC) of staff unions.

The resolution was reached during an emergency virtual Senate meeting held on Saturday, August 2, 2025, where the leadership reviewed the implications of the strike action embarked upon by the LASU chapters of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT).

The Senate noted that the core demands of the Joint Action Committee are directed at the Lagos State Government.

According to the Vice-Chancellor and Chairman of Senate, the University Management has engaged consistently in dialogue and peacebuilding efforts, facilitating meetings between the unions and state officials.

A key meeting convened by the Lagos State Government on Friday, August 1, 2025, at the Office of the Head of Service in Alausa, Ikeja, brought together stakeholders including university management, union representatives, and officials from relevant ministries.

The meeting, chaired by Head of Service Mr. Olabode Agoro, ended with a resolution to reconvene for further consultations on Thursday, August 7, 2025.

Following deliberations, the Senate resolved to place all second-semester examinations initially slated to begin on Monday, August 4 on hold. All students are also directed to vacate university hostels across the Ojo, LASUCOM, Epe, and Badagry campuses by 6:00 a.m. on Monday, August 4, 2025.

The university has advised students and staff to remain calm and law-abiding as discussions continue toward a peaceful resolution.

Fearless Fund Launches Global Advocacy Initiative to Tackle Economic Inequality

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Fearless Fund Launches Global Advocacy Initiative to Tackle Economic Inequality

A bold new chapter in the fight for financial equity has begun with the official launch of Fearless Freedom, a global advocacy initiative dedicated to ending economic inequality and expanding opportunities for underserved communities worldwide.

Launched today, August 2, 2025, Fearless Freedom is backed by the founder of the Fearless Fund, the first U.S.-based venture capital fund created by women of color for women of color. The initiative builds on a legacy of challenging systemic barriers and promoting inclusive economic progress.

The launch comes nearly a year after the dismissal of a widely publicized federal lawsuit that targeted the Fearless Fund’s mission. Filed on August 2, 2023, the case was permanently dismissed on September 11, 2024, marking a key legal victory for the organization and its broader mission of economic empowerment.

“Fearless Freedom is our global declaration, a refusal to be silenced, erased, or sidelined,” said HM Queen Wa Arian Simone, CEO of the Fearless Fund. “We’re not just funding change anymore—we’re amplifying the voices that have always driven it. This initiative is about power, presence, and rewriting the rules of who gets seen, supported, and heard.”

Simone added that the August 2 launch date carries symbolic weight: “August 2nd was once about legal resistance. From now on, it marks something else: a day of fearless expression and global visibility.”

More than just a campaign, Fearless Freedom is positioned as a movement. It aims to foster global conversations on economic inclusion through storytelling, creative programming, and policy discourse—amplifying the experiences of marginalized voices while spotlighting grassroots solutions.

At its core, Fearless Freedom seeks to reclaim narrative space, highlight the systemic challenges faced by underrepresented groups, and drive transformative change on a global scale.

WAPA Commissioner Leads Closing Ceremony of LEEP in Agbowa

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WAPA Commissioner Leads Closing Ceremony of LEEP in Ikorodu

The Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, WAPA has concluded another impactful round of its Life Skill Economic Empowerment Programme,LEEP, a four-week short-term training initiative aimed at equipping residents, particularly women and vulnerable groups with practical, income-generating skills for self-sufficiency and economic independence.

At the graduation ceremony held across several communities in the Ikosi-Ejirin in Agbowa, Honourable Commissioner for WAPA, Hon. Bolaji Cecilia Dada, applauded the resilience of the participants and reaffirmed the State’s commitment to inclusive empowerment.

“Today is a day of celebration not just for the Ministry, but for every beneficiary seated here who has successfully completed this impactful training journey,” she said. “You have not just received knowledge; you have gained a lifelong asset.”

Hon. Dada expressed gratitude to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for his unwavering commitment to grassroots empowerment and poverty alleviation through sustainable, people-oriented programmes.

“Today marks the beginning of new possibilities for our latest beneficiaries from Ikosi Ejirin Centre, Owu-Ikosi, Ajeregun, Agbowa-Ikosi, Ado, Otta-Ikosi, Odo-Ayandelu especially persons living with disabilities. Thanks to the generous support of Mr. Governor, over 250 participants will walk away with start-up packs to immediately begin their entrepreneurial journey,” she stated.

According to her, the LEEP initiative is part of a broader state-wide effort to reduce unemployment, foster financial independence, and promote inclusive economic growth among women and youth.

Hon Bolaji Dada stated that, “In the past, We have taken this training to various locations across IBILE division and we have trained residents in Parafa community Ikorodu, Meiran community Alimosho, Women Development Centre, Agege, Parents of out of school children at SUBEB, Ikeja and residents of Eti-Osa East, LCDA”.

WAPA Commissioner Leads Closing Ceremony of LEEP in Ikorodu

The Honourable Commissioner also encouraged the graduating participants to remain focused, consistent, and to make good use of the skills and startup packs provided to them.

In her closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary MWAPA, Mrs. Rianat Ajibike Onigbanjo who represented by Director of Women Affairs, Mrs. Funke Shyllon thanked the Governor for supporting women across Lagos State, she thanked the Honorable Commissioner for her tireless efforts and Director’s role in ensuring the success of this program.

She added, “Economic empowerment remains one of the strongest pillars for poverty alleviation, and with continued support from the government, we are confident that lives and communities will be transformed.”

Also speaking, the Olowu of Owu-Ikosi Kingdom, Oba Obayomi Ogunlari, praised Governor Sanwo-Olu and Commissioner Dada for delivering inclusive governance that touches every corner of the State. He urged the beneficiaries to apply their new skills productively, not just for personal advancement, but also for the growth of their communities and Lagos State at large.

The event featured an exhibition of products made by the trainees and the official presentation of certificates and starter packs to the beneficiaries.

The LEEP programme continues to serve as a beacon of hope for residents in underserved areas, aligning with the vision of the Sanwo-Olu administration to build a more resilient and economically vibrant Lagos.

ANSEC Affirms Near Completion of AMIC Power Project

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Anambra Government Sets Up Committee to Recover Encroached Lands

The Anambra State Executive Council, ANSEC has asserted that the power project for Anambra Mixed-Use Industrial City, AMIC will be completed soon.

The Council stated that the project signals a major step towards activating the Anambra Industrial Park, which would be ready for investors.

The State’s Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, made this known after the Council’s deliberations at the 17th ANSEC meeting held on the 30th of July 2025, at the Light House, Awka, where other critical decisions of the state’s matters were also reached.

Other transformational initiatives embarked upon at the session include the construction of the Nri-Agbanabo-Nimo Road as part of efforts to turn the state into the Dubai-Silicon Valley of the country.

ANSEC also came up with the restoration of the name, Abakaliki Street, which was renamed Club Road in 2018, by the then administration, a move made to reinstate the historical significance of the street.

According to Mefor, the Council at the meeting reiterated the oneness of the Igbo ethnic group, seeing states in the zone as mere administrative conveniences and not identities.

This signposts the vision of Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s administration in ensuring unity in the Southeast, as demonstrated in his appointment of Igbo citizens from other states in key positions, signaling the exemplary spirit of brotherhood for the ethnic nationality. 

The governor’s incredible leadership in making Anambra a destination is also evident in vital sectors of the state’s economy including infrastructure with numerous road constructions and flyovers connecting various communities in Anambra, the regeneration of towns, and cities with modern drainages to ease flooding and erosion, and in health where the governor was recognised as the most performing governor in primary healthcare in the Southeast region and overall, nationally.

Governor Soludo has built five new general hospitals with telemedicine and employment of skilled healthcare personnel, and in education, with the construction of smart schools with free education and employment of 8,115 teachers for improved learning.

Other achievements include the digitalization of the state’s judicial system, the provisioning of pipe-borne water to communities across Anambra, in transportation, innovation, security, and agriculture, among others.

NCSP Partners BORBDA To Tackle Food Security, Livestock Feed Challenges

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NCSP Partners BORBDA To Tackle Food Security, Livestock Feed Challenges

In a bid to accelerate agro-industrial development in Nigeria, the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership, NCSP engaged with Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority, BORBDA on large-scale agricultural collaboration, with a strong focus on food security and sustainable livestock feed production.

The high-level meeting, held at the NCSP office in Abuja, brought together top executives from both organisations. The engagement aimed to explore mutually beneficial partnerships aligned with key bilateral agreements under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), as well as Nigeria’s broader economic transformation agenda.

Welcoming the BORBDA delegation, the Director General of NCSP, Mr. Joseph Tegbe, outlined the agency’s strategic role in coordinating and monitoring over 55 China-Nigeria bilateral agreements across priority sectors, including agriculture, mining, education, infrastructure, and healthcare. He highlighted NCSP’s deliberate shift from transactional engagements to integrated, development-driven partnerships with China, positioning Nigeria to unlock long-term value from the cooperation.

Speaking on behalf of BORBDA, the Managing Director, Dr. Olufemi Samuel Adekanmbi, commended NCSP’s strategic alignment with national priorities. He spotlighted the persistent challenge of livestock feed shortages in Nigeria and presented BORBDA’s flagship proposal, the National Feed Development Initiative.

This initiative proposes the establishment of feed production centres across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, utilising an innovative combination of Juncao grass, soybean meal, and black soldier fly larvae. Dr. Adekanmbi explained that the project is designed to enhance food security, promote nutritional improvement, create jobs, especially for youth through collaboration with the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), and mitigate herder-farmer conflicts. He noted that BORBDA already possesses land and irrigation assets needed to commence implementation and called for NCSP’s coordination in mobilising Chinese technical expertise and investment.

Both organisations expressed strong optimism about the partnership’s potentials, with NCSP reaffirming its readiness to facilitate investment, engage relevant Chinese government agencies and private sector players.

This engagement reinforces NCSP’s commitment to transforming bilateral agreements into catalytic, high-impact programmes that support Nigeria’s industrial and agricultural renaissance, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

ASR Africa Donates ₦250 Million Administrative Block to Al-Qalam University, Katsina

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ASR Africa Donates ₦250 Million Administrative Block to Al-Qalam University, Katsina
L-R: Alh. Bilya Sanda, Chairman, Katsina Islamic Foundation; Prof. Nasiru M. Yauri, VC, Al-Qalam University, Katsina; Dr. Ubon Udoh, MD/CEO, ASR Africa; Barr. Abdullahi Faskari, Secretary to the State Government, Katsina representing the State Governor; Justice Musa Danladi, Chief Judge, Katsina State; Alhaji Aminu Lawal Marafa, Marafa Katsina, representing the Emir of Katsina during the tape-cutting at the official commissioning of the Abdul Samad Rabiu Administrative Building for the College of Allied Health Science in Al-Qalam University, Katsina recently.

In a major boost to educational infrastructure in northern Nigeria, the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative, ASR Africa has donated a fully completed ₦250 million Administrative Block to Al-Qalam University’s College of Allied Health Sciences in Katsina State.

The project, commissioned on July 31, 2025, is part of ASR Africa’s Tertiary Education Grant Scheme (TEGS), which is aimed at bridging infrastructure gaps and fostering academic excellence across African tertiary institutions.

Since its launch, the scheme has supported 30 institutions with grants ranging from ₦250 million to ₦2 billion.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Vice Chancellor of Al-Qalam University, Prof. Nasiru Musa Yauri, expressed gratitude to ASR Africa for the significant contribution. He described the donation as strategic, aligning with the university’s plans to expand into allied health programmes.

“This building will serve as a launchpad for our new College of Allied Health Sciences,” Yauri said. “We have already formalized partnerships with healthcare facilities across Katsina State to support clinical training for our students.”

Managing Director of ASR Africa, Dr. Ubon Udoh, commended the university for its cooperation throughout the project’s execution. He noted that the synergy between ASR Africa and the university’s project management team was key to timely completion.

“We are proud of this collaboration and urge the university community to make the most of this facility,” Udoh said.

Representing the Executive Governor of Katsina State, Dr. Dikko Umaru Radda, the Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Faskari, lauded ASR Africa Chairman Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu for his ongoing investments in education.

“Education remains a cornerstone of our development agenda, and we welcome this support from ASR Africa,” Faskari said.

The new administrative block includes furnished offices for academic and administrative staff, along with two fully equipped conference halls, and is designed to support the launch of degree programs in Nursing Science, Public Health, Radiography, Physiotherapy, Optometry, and Medical Laboratory Sciences.

This donation reaffirms Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu’s commitment to empowering African institutions through homegrown, impact-driven solutions in health, education, and social development.

About ASR Africa

The Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) was established in 2021 by African industrialist and philanthropist Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, Chairman of BUA Group. The foundation focuses on delivering sustainable, locally driven interventions in health, education, and social development across Africa.

Waka International Foundation Makes History with Times Square Billboard Feature

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Waka International Foundation Marks 4th Anniversary With Times Square Billboard Feature

Nigerian-founded nonprofit, Waka Community International Foundation has become the first Nigerian Non-Governmental Organisation to independently secure a paid advertisement on the iconic Times Square billboard in New York City.

The milestone campaign, unveiled in celebration of the foundation’s fourth anniversary, places Waka Community International Foundation on one of the world’s most recognizable digital stages, spotlighting its global health and wellness movement.

Founded in 2021 by Nigerian health advocate and community leader, Lorenz Mba, the foundation has rapidly evolved into a worldwide force for promoting holistic well-being.

Now active in over 48 countries with more than 58,000 members, Waka champions healthy living through walking, nutrition education, mental health awareness, hydration, and rest.

“This billboard is not just a celebration of our 4th anniversary,” said Mba. “It’s a signal to the world that African-led community initiatives can shape global conversations about health, wellness, and purpose. Waka makes sense and now the world is watching.”

The Times Square appearance further buttressed Waka’s growing international impact and aligns with its broader push into digital wellness platforms and cross-continental community outreach, particularly in Africa, North America, and Europe.

About Waka Community International Foundation

Waka Community International Foundation is a Nigerian-founded nonprofit dedicated to promoting holistic wellness through community-driven health practices. Since 2021, the Foundation has connected tens of thousands through walking events, nutritional support, and lifestyle education. Its signature campaign, #WakaMakesSense, continues to inspire healthier, happier living across generations and continents.

Visit www.wakacommunity.com to learn more.

Fidelity Bank’s ICAN Chapter Inaugurates New Chairman

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Fidelity Bank’s ICAN Chapter Inaugurates New Chairman
L-R: Chairman of the Occasion and Regional Bank Head -Ikeja, Fidelity Bank Plc, Jude Monye, FCA; Associate Prof. & Member, Governing Council, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Dr. Mrs Obal Usang Edet Usang, FCA; 4th Chairman, ICAN Fidelity Bank Chapter, Audifax Onuoha, FCA; 61st ICAN President, Mallam Haruna Yahaya MNI, PhD, FCA; and Immediate Past Chairman, ICAN Fidelity Bank Chapter and Chief Financial Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Victor Abejegah; during the 4th Investiture and Patron Conferment Ceremony of the ICAN Fidelity Bank Chapter, held at the Fidelity Bank Head Office in Lagos recently.

The Fidelity Bank Chapter of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, ICAN has inaugurated Mr. Audifax Onuoha as its new Chairman, ushering in a new era focused on capacity building, technical excellence, and strategic alignment with the evolving financial landscape.

The formal investiture ceremony, held at Fidelity Bank’s Head Office in Lagos, also featured the swearing-in of the Chapter’s newly constituted Executive Committee for the 2025–2027 term.

Mr. Onuoha, who currently serves as Group Head of Compliance Risk Management at Fidelity Bank Plc, succeeds Mr. Victor Abejegah, the bank’s Chief Financial Officer.

In his acceptance speech, Onuoha pledged to enhance continuous learning and professional development among both ICAN members and non-members across the bank.

“Our administration will focus on continuous learning and skill development to equip our members with the cutting-edge knowledge needed to thrive in today’s fast-evolving financial services landscape,” he said.

A seasoned Chartered Accountant, data science expert, and anti-money laundering specialist, Onuoha also committed to expanding the Chapter’s membership and strengthening ties with ICAN nationally.

“We will deepen the synergy between Fidelity Bank and ICAN as a foundation for a resilient financial ecosystem. We also aim to grow the Chapter’s membership by attracting more Chartered Accountants, thereby enriching the intellectual capital of the bank,” he added.

Delivering the opening address, Mr. Jude Monye, Regional Bank Head (Ikeja) at Fidelity Bank Plc and Chairman of the Occasion, encouraged the new executive to prioritise capacity building.

“Capacity building is no longer optional—it is imperative. Let your tenure be marked by programmes that empower members to lead with insight, resilience, and relevance,” Monye advised.

He credited the Chapter’s success to Fidelity Bank’s corporate support, particularly from Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, noting that the bank’s strong belief in professional excellence has transformed the Chapter into a dynamic hub for skill development.

Reflecting on his tenure, outgoing Chairman Mr. Victor Abejegah highlighted achievements in entrepreneurship training—covering fish farming, snail farming, poultry, and export processing as well as initiatives that improved member welfare and facilitated insurance claims for bereaved families.

A highlight of the event was the conferment of the Chapter’s Patron Award on Mr. Stanley Amuchie, Executive Director/Chief Operations and Information Officer at Fidelity Bank, in honour of his over 25 years of exemplary service in the banking sector. In his response, Amuchie described the recognition as:

“A call to serve as a mentor, advocate, and bridge-builder within the ICAN community and the broader Fidelity Bank family.”

The investiture ceremony concluded with the swearing-in of the new executive committee by Mallam Haruna Yahaya, the 61st President of ICAN, marking the beginning of what many anticipate will be a transformational period for the Chapter.

Wema Bank’s ALAT Emerges Nigeria’s Best Digital Bank at 2025 Euromoney Awards

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Wema Bank’s ALAT Emerges Nigeria’s Best Digital Bank at 2025 Euromoney Awards

Wema Bank’s groundbreaking digital banking platform, ALAT, has been named Nigeria’s Best Digital Bank at the prestigious Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2025, further cementing its reputation as a leader in digital banking innovation on the African continent.

The award was presented at a ceremony held on Thursday, July 17, at The Peninsula Hotel, London, and is a recognition of ALAT’s pioneering role in revolutionising banking in Nigeria and across Africa.

Introduced in 2017 by Wema Bank, Nigeria’s oldest indigenous financial institution, ALAT became the first fully digital bank in Africa.

Since then, it has evolved into a comprehensive lifestyle and financial platform offering a broad suite of services that include not only traditional banking features like transfers, bill payments, and loans, but also international flight bookings, group savings, investment options, and even health consultations.

Speaking after receiving the award, Wema Bank’s Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Moruf Oseni, expressed gratitude to Euromoney for the recognition and reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to driving digital transformation in Africa.

“The world is moving fast and so is the permeation of ‘digital’ into the most critical aspects of our lives,” Oseni said. “Eighty years ago, typewriters were the extent of banking technology. Today, we have pioneered a fully digital bank and possess technology advanced enough to power over 150 FinTechs.”

He emphasised Wema Bank’s commitment to innovation and societal empowerment through technology:

“Wema Bank will never relent in empowering lives through innovation. We will continue to pioneer, empower, and bridge the gap between traditional and digital banking, generating meaningful impact across Nigeria, Africa, and the world.”

The Euromoney Awards for Excellence, considered one of the most respected benchmarks in the global financial industry, celebrate institutions that demonstrate leadership, innovation, and performance in banking. Wema Bank’s win signals global recognition of its commitment to redefining financial services through digital transformation.

As Wema Bank celebrates its 80th anniversary this year, and ALAT marks eight years of redefining banking experiences for millions, this award comes as a timely testament to the bank’s legacy of resilience and innovation.

From humble beginnings in 1945, Wema Bank has grown into a digital-first institution shaping the future of African banking one innovation at a time.

FirstBank Retains Top Spot as Nigeria’s Best Bank for ESG At 2025 Euromoney Awards

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FirstBank Partners NTA, Others for 2026 Children’s Day Activities

FirstBank, the West African premier financial institution and financial inclusion services provider, has emerged as Nigeria’s Best Bank for Environmental, Social, and Governancec, ESG at the prestigious Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2025, held recently in London.

This marks FirstBank’s second consecutive win in the ESG category, affirming its leadership in sustainable finance and responsible banking across Nigeria.

The Euromoney Awards for Excellence are regarded as one of the most coveted accolades in the global financial industry. The highly competitive selection process involves rigorous analysis and assessment, measuring performance against strategic and impact-oriented criteria.

The Bank earned the award through its deepened sustainability commitments embedded across its operations and community initiatives. In 2024, FirstBank screened 237 transactions worth over ₦3 trillion for sustainability risks, integrating ESG considerations into its credit framework.

Among its flagship sustainability initiatives, FirstBank commenced a tree planting campaign in partnership with Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF), planting over 30,000 trees in 16 locations across Nigeria. This was the first phase of its 50,000-tree initiative, projected to absorb approximately 720 tonnes of CO₂ by the end of 2025, contributing to climate resilience and supporting biodiversity preservation.

FirstBank has been proactive in gender inclusion through the Gender Market Strategy, disbursing over ₦43 billion FirstGem loans to women-led businesses in 2024. The Bank’s commitment to inclusive banking saw a significant increase in the worth of transactions facilitated by FirstMonie agents to over ₦9 trillion.

The Bank prioritises ESG/sustainability capacity building, evidenced by the training of over 9000 employees, and its webinars and workshops reaching over 2,000 SMEs and corporates.

The bank’s investment in leadership for over 2,000 female employees through the FirstBank Women Network has demonstrated a dedicated structural commitment to cultivating a knowledgeable and diverse workforce catering to the dynamic ESG landscape.

Commenting on the award, the Chief Risk Officer of the Bank as well as the Chairman of the FirstBank Sustainability Committee, Patrick Akhidenor said, “We are honoured to receive this prestigious award for the second time in a row, which is a validation of our efforts to create a sustainable and inclusive future for all our stakeholders.

Our approach to sustainability is hinged on three pillars: education, health and welfare; diversity and financial inclusion; responsible lending, procurement and climate initiatives”

He added: “We remain focused on driving impact through purposeful initiatives and inclusive growth, ensuring that our ESG efforts continue to create meaningful change in communities across Nigeria and beyond.”

The continued success in ESG and sustainability is driven by FirstBank’s vision to be Africa’s bank of first choice, leading with purpose, responsibility, and innovation.

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