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FALEKE: Understanding Trust and Loyalty in Leadership

Published

4 months ago

August 21, 2025

Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke stands as a towering figure of loyalty and transformative leadership, his name etched in the annals of Nigeria’s history for his unwavering commitment to public service. Faleke’s career radiates strategic brilliance and selfless dedication.

As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s steadfast ally, his pivotal leadership in the 2023 presidential campaign and resolute embrace of the Renewed Hope Agenda have solidified his title as the “dependable ally.” Through his sharp legislative insight, profound humility, and remarkable ability to unite diverse stakeholders, Faleke not only drives Nigeria’s progress but also forges a lasting legacy of trust and sacrifice, paving the way for a united and prosperous future.

Born on December 25, 1959, in Ekinrin Adde, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Chief Faleke has built a remarkable career defined by dedication, integrity, and loyalty. Rt. Hon. Faleke’s political journey began with his appointment as the pioneer Executive Secretary of Ojodu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Lagos State, a role he held from 2003 to 2004. His diligent service earned him the trust of the people, who subsequently elected him as the substantive chairman of the LCDA for two tenures, serving until 2011.

In 2011, Rt. Hon. Faleke was elected to represent Ikeja Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, a position he has held with distinction. His legislative contributions, marked by insightful debates and impactful work, have been notable. He has served as Chairman of the House Committee on Anti-Corruption, National Ethics and Values, and later as Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, earning widespread respect for his commitment to public service.

Rt. Hon. Faleke’s exemplary performance, patriotism, and steadfast support for both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) culminated in his appointment as the National Secretary of the APC Presidential Campaign Council for the 2023 election. His strategic leadership and dedication were pivotal to the campaign’s success.

If a new word were to be added to the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary as a synonym for loyalty, it would undoubtedly be Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke. His unwavering faithfulness to President Tinubu is legendary, comparable to few in Nigeria’s political history. For instance, the bond between Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto and Premier of Northern Nigeria, and Alhaji Maitama Sule, a close associate, exemplified such loyalty.

Maitama Sule’s dedication to Bello’s vision for Northern Nigeria mirrors the commitment Faleke demonstrates. Similarly, Anthony Enahoro’s unwavering loyalty to Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s ideals reflects the same steadfast allegiance Faleke shows toward Tinubu’s vision.

In the complex dynamics of principal-agent relationships in politics, where loyalty can waver amid power and wealth, Rt. Hon. Faleke remains a beacon of trust and dependability. His loyalty to President Tinubu has been proven time and again, most notably through his strategic and decisive contributions to Tinubu’s emergence as president during the 2022–2023 campaign. Despite daunting challenges, criticism, and opposition, Faleke’s resolute support for Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda has earned him the moniker “dependable ally” and “workhorse” from the President himself.

Faleke’s commitment is further reflected in his alignment with Tinubu’s governance priorities, including transparency, anti-corruption, and youth empowerment. As Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, he has consistently championed these ideals, demonstrating his belief in the President’s vision through his public stands and legislative efforts.

A man of integrity and reliability, Faleke has never taken his decades-long relationship with President Tinubu for granted. Instead, he has worked tirelessly as a servant of the President’s agenda, prioritizing empowerment, inclusivity, and teamwork. His leadership style mirrors Tinubu’s, reflecting a shared commitment to building a united and progressive team without pursuing personal political ambitions.

Faleke’s trustworthy demeanor has inspired confidence in others, who rely on his sense of responsibility, compassion, and understanding. His humility and approachable nature have become a source of strength, drawing many to President Tinubu’s camp. By valuing others’ input and consistently following through on commitments, Faleke has earned respect and built a strong track record as a leader.

Strategically aligned with President Tinubu’s vision, Faleke’s legislative contributions and innovative insights make him an effective confidant and advisor. His ability to navigate complex challenges and deliver results has solidified his reputation as a dependable leader. President Tinubu trusts Faleke’s judgment, often seeking his counsel on critical issues, leveraging his deep experience to shape policies and decisions.

Faleke’s emotional intelligence, humility, and collaborative spirit have positioned him as a vital bridge between President Tinubu and various stakeholders. His ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds has earned him recognition as a unifying force in Nigerian politics. His tireless work ethic and passion for results underscore his commitment to public service.

Indeed, Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke has proven beyond doubt that he is willing to go to great lengths for President Tinubu. As a kingmaker in Abuja, he works relentlessly to achieve results, embodying the essence of trust and loyalty in leadership.

Ochonu is a public affairs analyst writing from Abuja.

By William Ochonu

Related Topics:90's James Abiodun Faleke

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Fidelity Bank Receives Customs Service Award for Pioneering Role in UCMS Implementation

Published

3 days ago

December 3, 2025

Olumide Ojo

Fidelity Bank’s leadership in digital innovation and public sector collaboration has once again been spotlighted as the tier-one lender was honoured at the Comptroller General of Customs Award Night 2025.

At the ceremony, which took place at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel Grand Ballroom, Abuja, on Friday, 21 November 2025, Fidelity Bank was presented with a prestigious award by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for being the first bank to successfully process Customs Duty and the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) on the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS).

The award, presented under the leadership of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi (MFR), serves as a formal recognition of the bank’s “Distinctive Performance and Commitment to the Ideals and Vision of the Nigeria Customs Service.”

Receiving the award on behalf of the bank, the Executive Director, FCT & North, Mr. Sufiyanu Garba, stated, “This award is a testament to our commitment to operational excellence and our resolve to support the digital transformation of Nigeria’s trade and customs ecosystem. We are proud to be at the forefront of this historic milestone and remain dedicated to delivering innovative solutions that drive Nigeria’s economic development.”

The bank’s quick adoption of the UCMS stems from its vision for a truly seamless and borderless African trade. Earlier this year, the bank officially launched the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), following a successful onboarding and over N46 billion in early transactions. PAPSS enables instant, local currency cross-border payments across Africa, particularly benefiting SMEs. By integrating PAPSS into its core operations, Fidelity Bank continues to dismantle trade barriers, empower businesses, and expand its impact across the continent.

This latest recognition by the Nigeria Customs Service adds to Fidelity Bank’s impressive streak of achievements in 2025, including its double win as “Best Bank for Export & Trade Finance” and “Most Innovative Bank of the Year” at the BusinessDay Bank and Other Financial Institutions’ (BAFI) Awards. These accolades underscore the bank’s commitment to empowering businesses, driving innovation, and supporting Nigeria’s economic advancement. The Comptroller General of Customs Award further affirms Fidelity Bank’s pivotal role in modernizing trade processes and aligning with the Federal Government’s digital transformation agenda.

Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.

The Bank is a recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.

L – R: Head, Central Collections Unit, Olaide Adeyemo; Executive Director -FCT & North, Sufiyanu Garba; and Regional Bank Head, Abuja 3 Regional Bank, Martin Ayodele (all of Fidelity Bank Plc); at the Comptroller General of Customs Award Night 2025 in Abuja where Fidelity Bank PLC was recognized as the first bank to successfully process Customs Duty and the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) on the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS) recently.

Business

Fidelity Bank Reaffirms Support for Indigenous Oil, Gas Development

Published

2 weeks ago

November 25, 2025

Olumide Ojo

Fidelity Bank Plc has restated its commitment to advancing Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, with a strong focus on supporting indigenous operators. This was highlighted by the bank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe,OON, during a first oil presentation event for Emadeb Energy at Fidelity Place, the bank’s corporate headquarters in Lagos.

At the event, Emadeb Energy’s Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Adebowale Olujimi, expressed appreciation for the bank’s role in enabling the company’s progress.

“What makes Fidelity Bank unique is its willingness to take calculated risks. Many banks prefer to work with companies only after they have achieved first oil because they want already-established customers. Fidelity Bank reviewed our proposal thoroughly, including legal, technical, financial and character assessments. We met these requirements and that is why they supported us,” Olujimi said.

Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe congratulated Emadeb Energy on its milestone and reaffirmed Fidelity Bank’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s energy sector.

“At Fidelity Bank, we are dedicated to supporting indigenous companies in developing oil and gas assets that enhance energy security and promote sustainable growth. Our interventions include financing Nigeria’s first privately built and operated onshore crude export terminal in over fifty years at the Otakikpo Marginal Field in Rivers State.

“We also led funding for the Pinnacle Oil and Gas Terminal in Lekki, Lagos, which improves petroleum product distribution and reduces costs. In addition, we part-financed the production of a 23,000-cubic-meter Liquefied Petroleum Gas carrier for Temile Development Company Limited, which supports cleaner energy use and strengthens local maritime participation,” she said.

Emadeb Petroleum Exploration and Production Company Limited, operator of Petroleum Prospecting License (PPL) 236, recently achieved first oil from the Ibom Field, a milestone regarded as a significant breakthrough in Nigeria’s upstream sector.

“Our next phase will be exciting. We plan to drill two additional wells and increase production to 12,000 barrels per day by the end of 2026. After that, we aim to expand our gas business and raise oil output to 30,000 barrels per day,” Olujimi added.

L – R: Executive Director -South, Mrs. Pamela Shodipo; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe,OON (both of Fidelity Bank Plc); Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Adebowale Olujimi; Group Executive Director, Mrs. Olugbesoye Olujimi (both of Emadeb Energy); Executive Director -Lagos and South West, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Ken Opara; and Group Executive Director, Finance/Strategy, Emadeb Energy, Mr. Tosin Adewuyi; at the First Oil presentation event by Emadeb Energy at the Fidelity Bank headoffice in Lagos recently.

Business

Q3 2025: Fidelity Bank Grows Interest Income by 33%, Fee Income by 47%

Published

2 weeks ago

November 22, 2025

Olumide Ojo

Fidelity Bank Plc, a leading financial institution, has released its unaudited financial statements for the third quarter ended September 30, 2025. The results show impressive performance across key income lines and operational metrics.

According to the statements published on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) portal on November 21, 2025, the Bank reported Gross Earnings of ₦366.1 billion for Q3 2025. This represents an 8 percent increase from the ₦338.9 billion recorded in Q3 2024. The growth was driven by strong interest income and sustained momentum in fee-based revenues.

Interest Income, calculated using the effective interest rate method, rose by 33 percent to ₦285.6 billion in Q3 2025, compared to ₦214.7 billion in Q3 2024. Other Interest Income more than doubled, rising from ₦13.0 billion in the corresponding period of 2024 to ₦34.2 billion. This underscores significantly improved returns from non-core lending activities.

Year-to-date, the Bank achieved a major milestone with Gross Earnings surpassing ₦1.1 trillion, the highest in its history. This is an increase from ₦772.5 billion in Q3 2024. The Bank’s total assets also crossed the ₦10 trillion mark, driven by robust growth in cash, customer loans, and investment securities; this compares to ₦8.8 trillion in Q3 2024. Net Interest Income for the nine-month period reached ₦565.3 billion, while fee and commission income totaled ₦84.5 billion. The respective figures for Q3 2024 were ₦470.5 billion and ₦56.3 billion.

Credit Loss Expenses moved to ₦900 million from ₦32.8 billion in Q3 2024; however, Net Interest Income remained flat at ₦144.8 billion, compared to ₦143.7 billion in Q3 2024. This reflects improved asset quality and effective risk management practices. Fee and Commission Income grew by 47.2 percent to ₦31.1 billion, up from ₦21.1 billion in Q3 2024, driven by increased transaction volumes and digital banking adoption. Foreign currency revaluation gains contributed ₦14.1 billion to Non-Interest Revenue, while other Operating Income rose to ₦1.1 billion from ₦447 million in Q3 2024.