We are aware that a customer service executive assigned to us by one of our vendors is helping the police with their investigations into the attempted robbery that happened last week in one of our branches in Abuja.
We remain grateful that none of our staff or customers lost their lives during the incident.
We will however refrain from commenting further at this time until the relevant authorities conclude their investigations and we urge all to cooperate fully to enable seamless investigations.
As a responsible organisation that has built trust on the pillar of security and safety for over 125 years, continuous improvement involves taking learnings even from unfortunate situations to further strengthen our security protocols.
Folake Ani-Mumuney,
Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications
First Bank of Nigeria Limited sponsored the sixth edition of the Africa Fashion Week, Nigeria which held on Friday and Saturday, 20 – 21 December 2019 at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. The Africa Fashion Week, Nigeria, is a convergence of fashion entrepreneurs and the general public to promote the creativity and innovation of Nigerian and African brands through worldwide visibility, distribution and manufacturing. The 2019 event was themed ‘Africa Unites’.
The Africa Fashion Week, Nigeria has consistently been recognised internationally due to the unique African styles displayed by entrepreneurs across the dynamic and versatile African fashion landscape. With the growing interest by the public and fashion enthusiasts using fashion as an instrument of sustainability and social change, the event, provided a platform to help raise awareness around the Sickle Cell disorder. The event featured runway shows (comprising designers and runway models with Sickle Cell disorder), Marketplace exhibition and Panel session of Fashion Talks.
Dignitaries at the event include First Ladies of Ekiti, Ogun and Kwara states, Mrs Bisi Adeleye – Fayemi, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun and Mrs Folake Abdulrazaq respectively. The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, former Director-General of Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, Mrs Omotayo Omotosho; popular television presenter and model, Idia Aisen; model and beauty influencer, Whitney Madueke were also in attendance. FirstBank was represented by Helen Ogboh, Business Manager, Corporate Banking.
Leading fashion designers that showcased their wares at the 2-day event were Daviva, Zephyr’s Atelier, Caroline 1942, Ashor by Bumz with exhibitions from Bee Fab, Moon by me, Bolams Aso oke amongst others.
In the course of the event, the Bank showcased the FirstBank Ankara in “The FirstBank Collection” segment at the event where FirstBank staff wore the Bank’s 125th-anniversary fabric and walked the runway.
Speaking on the event, the Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Folake Ani-Mumuney, said “We are pleased to identify with Africa Fashion Week, Nigeria as it showcases creativity by African fashion designers to the teeming public, leading players and enthusiasts of African fashion whilst promoting their contribution to the growth of the fashion industry.”
“We will continue to drive advocacy for this as it can create jobs that will deepen opportunities for the revival of our textile industry resulting in SME growth along the value chains especially, with the growing demand in the fashion industry.” she concluded.
Only recently, the Bank promoted the use of local fabric with a ‘What If’ campaign to commemorate Nigerian’s Independence. The campaign was ran across the social media channels; Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, to promote the versatility and creativity of sewing local fabrics as a national symbol vis-a-vis our outfits, clothing accessories, household furniture and so forth which is line with the Bank’s celebratory 125th anniversary, themed, “Woven into the Fabric of Society”.
Christmas is typically a fun-filled season for everyone; for parents it’s a time to spend time with their children, for friends it’s a time to enjoy the company of one another and for kids it’s a time to see Santa Claus. For everyone, it’s generally a time of merriment. Regardless of which category you belong, one thing is clear – Christmas is the busiest time of the year; with holidays, travel, shopping, and festivities.
With so many activities to engage in during this season, the last thing you want to worry about is how to carry out your transactions, seamlessly and effortlessly. To help you get around this season the merry and mobile way, we have made exciting new updates to our mobile banking app, Ecobank Mobile. It offers a brand-new, better, faster experience. The Ecobank Mobile version 4.0 is already available for download at Apple and Android app stores. If you’re wondering why you need to download this new version, here are some cool reasons why:
Less clicks more bliss; you now get your registration and log in done faster coupled with more exciting, intuitive and interactive interface.
No need for account numbers. Send money to anyone via email or SMS. Simply select the recipient from your Contacts and send money to their email or phone number. They will be able to get the money even if they don’t have an Ecobank account.
Need some raise to get through this season? Request money from friends and loved ones via the app.
Create virtual cards for safe shopping. Enjoy the convenience of a virtual card without worrying about it being linked to your account. No strings attached! Create as many virtual cards as possible and gift them this season.
Split the bill fuss-free. Going out with buddies this season? We make it easy. Share the expenses as you desire, your friends will get notifications on what they need to refund you. It’s a smart way to get your money back without hounding.
Personalised experience- this app knows you, recognises your face and fingerprints. The new version comes with biometrics and Face ID to ensure super safe login.
Pay like a Boss withEcobankPay: Don’t let long queues disrupt your rhythm this holiday. Pay the fast and stress-free way with EcobankPay on Ecobank Mobile. Simply scan the QR code or dial 3266AmountTerminal ID# to pay. Cash and POS are not the only way, save yourself POS charges; make the switch to EcobankPay. When next you are at the store and need to pay, ask the merchant for Ecobank.
Union Bank has embarked on its 2019 UnionCares charity drive, spreading cheer. to the less privileged, and putting smiles on the faces of thousands across the country. This is in line with the financial institution’s commitment to support the communities within which it operates.
UnionCares is an annual initiative jointly sponsored and carried out by Union Bank and its employees, to give back to the society. This year, 7,500 care bags containing staple food items were distributed to people living in underserved communities nationwide.
The Bank also made financial donations to a total of 60 Non-Governmental Organisations(NGOs) in support of their activities. Some of the recipients include Zinnok Initiatives for Women
and Children, Abia; Ishiba Development and Empowerment Centre, Abuja; NazaAgape Foundation, Plateau and Wesley Schools for the Hearing impaired, Lagos.
The Bank’s Head of Corporate Communication and Marketing, Ogochukwu Ekezie-Ekaidem described the exercise as one of the ways in which the Bank supports charitable causes and contributes to the wellbeing of the needy, particularly during the festive season.
According to her; “Union Bank has a strong legacy of supporting the communities we serve.
We remain focused on leading the charge for social responsibility and impact, anoutlook that underpins our choice of Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.
Our UnionCares initiative gives us the opportunity to touch as many lives as possible during the festive season and it is rewarding to see the level of impactthe initiative has created.” Since its inception in 2016, UnionCares has come to be regarded as a viable platform which supports the less privileged in the society. In 2018, Union Bank received the ‘Peoples’ Choice Award for the Most Outstanding Company in CSR/Sustainability’ at the Sustainability, Enterprise and Responsibility Awards (SERAS), and emerged 2nd Runner up in the Most Responsible Company award category at SERAS 2019, underscoring Union Bank’s role as a socially conscious organisation, actively supporting its host communities.
It is raining promos with your FirstBank Cards this season. The Bank recently announced its Verve Card Reactivation Promo to reward three customers with all-expense paid trips to Dubai for reactivating and using their Verve Cards to transact on PoS and online. The ongoing promo kicked off on December 2, 2019 and would end on January 25, 2020.
In addition to the Dubai trip, 600 customers will be rewarded with N3,000 worth of airtime and 60 customers with N50,000.00 cash prize during the 2-month promo period. The airtime and cash prizes will be delivered weekly and winners have begun to emerge already. Winners of the grand prize of a trip to Dubai will be announced at the end of the FirstBank Verve Card Promo.
In the same vein, FirstBank is also rewarding its customers for all transactions done with their Visa Gold and Naira Credit cards this season. Customers can get a percentage of their total spend with FirstBank Visa Gold and Naira Credit cards this season. This promo runs until January 8, 2020.
Speaking on the promo, Chuma Ezirim, Group Executive, e-Business & Retail Products, FirstBank said “we are pleased to reward our customers for the use of their FirstBank Verve, Visa Gold and Naira Credit cards this season. It is our own way of giving our customers more reasons to smile. We encourage our customers to reactivate their FirstBank Verve cards and keep transacting with their Verve, Visa Gold, and Naira Credit cards to enjoy these yuletide benefits from FirstBank.
Mr. Ezirim also noted that the promo supports the cashless policy whilst assuring customers of the safety and security of their transactions with FirstBank cards. For more information on the promotions, visit the Bank’s website at www.firstbanknigeria.com.
Receives Best SME Supporting Bank from Tribune Newspapers
Fidelity Bank Plc has remained a leading financial institution among Micro Small Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) for deposit transaction, credit facilities and overall customer service experience, recording significant improvements in a recent survey. The bank which has grown its reputation for supporting small business, moved up four (4) places to reach second on the 2019 Nigeria Banking Industry Customer Experience Survey, recently published by the renowned audit and consultancy firm, KPMG.
This remarkable achievement was followed by the award of ‘Best SME-Supporting Bank of the Year’ by African Newspapers of Nigeria; Publishers of Tribune Newspapers in recognition of “its efforts to stimulate economic growth by empowering small and medium-sized businesses, which are the engine of economic growth of any nation”. The award was bestowed on the bank at the 70th anniversary of the newspaper, which was founded by the late Nigerian sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
Speaking on both developments, Fidelity Bank CEO, Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo said the MSME sub-sector is a niche area of focus for the bank. “As critical agents for economic development, we will continue to deploy resources to support the sector, from structured financing, to advisory, capacity building and market access.
“Our unique approach to serving the market segment is multi-faceted, including robust business advisory, practical handholding and guidance of aspiring and existing entrepreneurs to build sustainable businesses. We are encouraged by the survey results as well as the recognition by Tribune, to do more for individuals and business in this area”, he stated.
Fidelity Bank is a full-fledged commercial bank operating in Nigeria with over 5 million customers that are serviced across its 250 business offices and various digital banking channels. The bank focuses on select niche corporate banking sectors as well as Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and its currently driving its retail banking businesses through its robust digital banking channels.
United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, through its Corporate Social Responsibility arm, the UBA Foundation, has launched an initiative to feed the less privileged across Africa during the festive season.
UBA’s Brand Ambassador, Wizkid, handing over food items and other goodies to the helpless and under-privileged at the Food Bank organised by UBA Foundation at the Foundation’s Garden and Roundabout in Marina, Lagos on Friday
The UBA Foundation Food Bank is an annual event that aims to give back to society during the yuletide season and this year, thousands of indigent were beneficiaries of the community service freely offered by the bank simultaneously across the African continent.
From Senegal to Ghana, Côte D’Ivoire, Cameroon and many of UBAs subsidiaries, the focus of the food bank is to feed the poor and homeless. The UBA Foundation Garden at Marina, Lagos was the location of the food bank in Lagos.
UBA Brand Ambassador, Wizkid was delighted to contribute his time and effort to the UBA Foundation’s food bank as he fed the poor and destitute, many who were fans and felt really blessed to be receiving food and other gifts from the star boy. Expressing his joy at being able to give back meaningfully, he said
“I am excited to be a part of this initiative which is aimed at putting smiles on the faces of the needy. This is one of my passions and I am fully aligned with Africa’s global bank’ said Africa’s star boy.
UBA’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka and CEO, UBA Foundation, Mrs. Bola Atta handing over food items and other goodies to the helpless and under-privileged at the Food Bank organised by UBA Foundation at the Foundation’s Garden and Roundabout in Marina, Lagos on Friday
UBA’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka who also joined staff of the Foundation and volunteers to feed the needy, explained that the Food bank initiative is one of the ways that the bank, through its foundation appreciates and supports the communities in which it operates, adding that it will be a continuous event.
Uzoka who is also the chairman of UBA Foundation, said, “As you know, giving back is one of our key tenets and we have over the years, engaged in various activities aimed at appreciating our host communities all around Africa and especially in countries where we operate’.
“At UBA , we care for the people in our societies and will continue to do all we can to ensure that we touch lives meaningfully,” Uzoka stated.
The CEO, UBA Foundation, Mrs Bola Atta, said that empowerment is one of the key pillars of the Foundation, adding that the UBA foundation aims to impact positively the lives of those living around the host communities.
According to her, “Over the years, we have embarked on a number of activities that have positively impacted the people who live in our communities. To be able to feed those who have little is a small gesture that goes a long way. Those who all lined up to collect their food packs and toiletries seemed happy that someone remembered them. We wanted to let them know that all lives matter. I hope we made many smile and that we gave a glimmer of hope during a special season like this’ Atta said.
One of the beneficiaries who simply gave his name as Abdul said, “I am very happy with what you people are doing. This morning I didnt even know what I was going to eat. I am really surprised. You people have done very well, we didnt expect this at all. In fact, when my people came to call me, I didnt believe it until I got here. I am here with my three children. This was very unexpected, and we are very happy,” he said excitedly.
UBA staff members were on ground to volunteer their time and services, while a few donated food items to give back to the society in the spirit of the yuletide season.
Access Bank PLC has once again cemented its position as the leading bank in Nigeria by winning the most improved bank award at the 70th Anniversary of Africa Newspaper of Nigeria (ANN), publishers of the Nigerian Tribune in the capital city of Oyo State, Ibadan.
At the event which has notable personalities from all sectors gathered at the University of Ibadan International Conference Centre to celebrate the 70th anniversary with the oldest newspaper in Nigeria.
Abdul Imoyo, Head, PR & Media Relations of Access Bank, receiving the award on behalf of the Bank, said the Bank’s leadership position to its vision of becoming Africa’s gateway to the World at large.
According to him, ”We are delighted to be honoured by the special award and we want to thank the board and management of Nigeria Tribune. The Merger gave us this award and you will agree with me that the merger between Acccess Bank and the old Diamond Bank was the fastest and the most efficient merger ever in the history of banking in Nigeria .
“The merger today has transformed Access Bank to be the leading Bank. I must also say that the merger was informed by our corporate strategy of being Africa’s gateway to the World and that has simplified the process and everything we have achieved even after the merger, now we have more than 31 million customers and over three thousand ATMs ”.
Imoyo further stated that the achievement so far recorded by the bank is as result of the support and the trust which the Bank is getting from its customers and from media houses like the Nigerian Tribune stressing that the Bank wil do more in the coming year and will continue to grow in order to satisfying the yearnings of Nigerians.
Meanwhile the Bank recently expanded its digital lending portfolio, which gives Nigerians quick and 24/7 access to funds for emergencies without any collateral, has hit a record N1billion daily in loan value.
Access Bank’s digital loans are accessible 24hours, 7 days a week service and can be accessed via the short code *901*11#.
FirstBank has announced its sponsorship of an array of initiatives to empower the society as well as promote the growth and development of entertainment genres including music, fashion and arts in the country. The yearly partnership tagged FirstBankIssaVybe which kicked off in 2018, is designed by the Bank to create an enthralling and enabling experience for Nigerians especially the young ones in the Yuletide season to bond with family and friends, whilst connecting with their favourite superstars.
From the exciting Alternative Sound 4.0, held at Terra Culture on 5 December 2019 to the unforgettable “An Evening with FBNHoldings” held on 13 December, 2019 to the pleasure overload of Island Block Party at Oniru Lagos on 14 December, lucky customers and followers of the Bank’s social media handles were given free tickets to have loads of fun!
Also, in the bouquet of fun extravaganza was Teni – The Billionaire Experience musical concert held at Eko Hotel on Monday, 16 December 2019 which had many customers thrilled to the finest of tunes by the Billionaire crooner and other guest artistes present.
Youth and teenage fashion lovers are not left out; as with Street Souk, they were exposed to the current trends in the world of creativity in the fashion industry. The event held on Wednesday, 18 December 2019. Keen on getting exposed to the best and latest designs, wears and fabrics in fashion, then the African Fashion Week Nigeria would be your port of call. The event, billed for 20 – 21 December 2019 attracts leading players in the fashion industry and promises to deepen the fashion appetite and interest of participants.
On the 27th of December, it would be the turn of Davido’s Good Time Concert to take Centre Stage and provide opportunities for FirstBank customers to win tickets to have a good time this season. FirstBank will then round up the year in grand style with the much anticipated concert with the Future Live in Concert scheduled for 29 December 2019 at the Eko hotel.
On the Bank’s commitment to vybing the society in December, the Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications said “2019 has indeed been a significant year for the FirstBank family being our 125th –anniversary with the celebratory theme ‘Woven into the Fabric of Society’. DecemberIsAVybe is an avenue for us to appreciate our stakeholders for their support by promoting and providing opportunities to grow entertainment industry and empowering young people as jobs are created in this period. It’s an opportunity for those who cannot afford passes to attend key events through giveaways. It is our way of further showing that we are indeed well woven into the fabric of society.”
To win tickets for any of these events, join the conversation ‘#DecemberIsAVybe’ by following FirstBank on any of its respective social media handles; @firstbanknigeria on Instagram; @firstbankngr on twitter and FirstBankofNigeriaLimited on Facebook.
The management of Fifth Chukker Polo and Country Club have commended First Bank of Nigeria Limited for their support of the prestigious African Patrons Cup; a polo tournament which holds annually at the Club in Kaduna.
The commendation came at the closing ceremony of the 2019 edition of the competition which featured notable polo teams drawn from across the country.
The Bank was lauded for its contribution to the development of Polo at the club. A statement by the club’s management stated “We will like to recognise the sterling efforts of our esteemed sponsors FirstBank, the African Patrons Cup Polo Tournament will never be the same without your support.”
“We sincerely hope that this association will be maintained and that you will continue to support us in our future endeavours”, the statement concluded.
The Africa Patrons Cup Polo Tournament is an annual event put together by Fifth Chukker Polo and Country Club to create awareness about the prevalence of Breast Cancer among women in the society.
The weeklong competition which had the participation of over 10-teams saw YY Kangimi defeat Keffi Pony’s by 12-goals to 4-goals for the prestigious Patrons trophy.
Only recently, FirstBank sponsored the prestigious Georgian Cup of Kaduna Polo Tournament for the 100th year, possibly the longest-running sports sponsorship in the world and a Guinness Book of Records potential.
Idowu Thompson, Group Head, Private Banking, First Bank of Nigeria Limited (middle) with some players at the 2019 Fifth Chukker Polo championship held in Kaduna.
