Nollywood actor Uzor ‘Odogwu’ Arukwe has thrown his weight behind Sterling Bank’s recent decision to eliminate digital transaction fees, describing the move as a practical and people-focused initiative rather than just another celebrity-backed campaign.
Arukwe made a high-profile visit to one of the bank’s branches, where he was met with excitement from fans, Sterling Bank customers, and staff.
The actor didn’t just make an appearance—he also opened two new accounts, signalling his full support for the policy.
“This isn’t celebrity endorsement; it’s common sense,” he declared.
Arukwe urged his fellow creatives and small business owners to join him in supporting what he called a groundbreaking customer-first initiative.
“If a bank finally puts people first, we should reward that. My fellow creatives, small business owners, please join me!,” he said.
Sterling Bank recently became the first major Nigerian bank to completely remove digital transaction fees via its OneBank platform. The move has been widely praised, gaining further momentum after being endorsed by former Aviation Minister, Osita Chidoka. Social media users have rallied behind the campaign using hashtags like #NigeriansDeserveBetter and #BankWithSterling, transforming it into a grassroots movement.
The atmosphere at the bank during Arukwe’s visit was anything but routine, with the mood likened to a victory rally celebrating the policy shift.
Sterling Bank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Abubakar Suleiman, recently addressed the initiative at a press conference.
“This isn’t a marketing gimmick. It’s an economic statement. We are removing this burden for Nigerians, and by doing so, we’re opening the door for more Nigerians to confidently participate in the formal economy,” Suleiman said.
Other top executives at the bank, including Chief Operating Officer Temitayo Adegoke and Growth Executive Obinna Ukachukwu, echoed the importance of the move.
Ukachukwu stated, “We’re hacking the system… every Naira saved on bank fees is Naira for food, school fees, or reinvestment. That’s real economic impact.”
The policy has been hailed as a significant step towards more inclusive, transparent, and customer-focused banking in Nigeria.
