LAGOS/Nigeria: Polaris Bank has reinforced its commitment to youth development, education, financial literacy and corporate social responsibility by supporting the 2026 Media Practitioners’ Capacity Building Programme organised by the Nigerian Online Media Alliance (NOMA) to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
The capacity-building programme, held on Thursday, June 25, 2026, brought together journalists, media executives, public health experts, policymakers, anti-drug advocates, students and representatives of government agencies to examine the pivotal role of the media in combating substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking. The event was organised by NOMA in collaboration with the International Society of Substance Use Prevention and Treatment Professionals (ISSUP Nigeria), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, under the theme, “Responsible Media, Drug-Free Nigeria: The Journalist’s Role in Prevention and Advocacy.”
As part of its support for the initiative, Polaris Bank donated an assortment of branded items, including cable chargers, umbrellas, water bottles, piggy banks and mathematical sets. While the cable chargers, umbrellas and water bottles were distributed to journalists and other participants, the piggy banks were presented to encourage savings culture and financial discipline among young people, and the mathematical sets were donated to students to promote learning and academic excellence.
Chairperson of the Nigerian Online Media Alliance, Theresa Moses, commended the bank for identifying with the programme, describing the intervention as a demonstration of Polaris Bank’s enduring commitment to youth empowerment, education and sustainable community development. She noted that the institution’s contribution extended beyond material support, reflecting a broader investment in initiatives that strengthen society and empower the next generation.
“We sincerely appreciate Polaris Bank for partnering with us to make this programme a success. Beyond their practical value, these branded items reflect the bank’s unwavering commitment to education, financial literacy, youth development and social impact. Their support has added tremendous value to this important initiative and underscores the importance of strategic partnerships in addressing national challenges,” she said.
Participants at the programme engaged in expert presentations and panel discussions that examined how responsible journalism can strengthen public awareness, prevent substance abuse, reduce stigma and support national efforts aimed at curbing illicit drug use. Speakers also emphasised the need for the media to serve as credible advocates for prevention through ethical, factual and solution-driven reporting.
The organisers observed that Polaris Bank’s intervention aligns with its long-standing corporate social responsibility agenda centred on education, financial inclusion, youth development and community empowerment. They stressed that stronger collaboration between the private sector, the media and civil society remains critical to advancing sustainable solutions to social challenges, with stakeholders commending the bank for its continued investment in programmes that promote positive values, informed citizenship and national development.
