Following a rigorous and highly competitive selection process, FirstBank was awarded Nigeria’s Best Bank for ESG in 2024 by the respected and renowned Euromoney Awards for Excellence.

This award honours FirstBank’s contributions and unwavering commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance investments in Nigeria, facilitated through innovative financial solutions and initiatives.

Euromoney recognized FirstBank’s significant progress amongst other areas in the implementation of an ESG management system, which facilitated the screening of N4.2 trillion new transactions for potential ESG risks in 2024.

In support of Nigeria’s green transition, FirstBank funded a $10 million solar energy project, expanding access to off-grid solar solutions in Africa and Asia through a pay-as-you-go model; committing N16 billion to develop four modular independent power plants for a major beer manufacturer, enabling it to shift from diesel generators to more sustainable energy sources and significantly reducing production costs.

READ ALSO: Dangote Cement: Pan-African revenue for half-year grows by 139.9%

Additionally, FirstBank started a tree planting campaign in partnership with the Nigeria Conservation Foundation to plant over 50,000 trees in 2024 demonstrating the Bank’s dedication to ESG as a business agenda.

Expressing her delight on the recognition, the Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications, Mrs. Folake Ani-Mumuney said: “We are thrilled to receive the Euromoney Award for Nigeria’s Best Bank in ESG. This recognition is a testament to the power of enabling Giants in our employees, businesses, and communities to achieve success. At FirstBank, we believe that sustainability is a driver for growth and innovation. Our approach to sustainability is built on three pillars: Citizenship, Stakeholder Management, and Impact Management. This award validates our efforts to create a sustainable and inclusive future for all our stakeholders, and we are committed to advancing continuous positive impact in the marketplace, workplace, environment, and communities we serve.”

According to Euromoney, the “Awards for Excellence” – is the definitive annual awards programme of the global banking industry. The awards represent the highest distinction to the banks and bankers who matter most in an industry where differentiation is highly sought after and exceptionally difficult to demonstrate.”

Amongst other awards, FirstBank recently added to its awards kitty, Best SME Bank in Nigeria and Best Bank in Africa, Best Private Bank in Nigeria, and Best Private Bank for Sustainable Investment in Africa by Global Finance, for its exceptional leadership in integrating sustainable practices into its banking operations.

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The Excellence in Retail Finance Awards Programme, which includes the Global Excellence in Retail Finance Awards and The Annual Digital Bank Awards, is one of the most established awards of its kind, recognising exceptional innovation, leadership, management, and performance in the financial sector.

The 130-year-old institution bagged the two awards because of its full suite of solutions across its franchise to serve the needs of medium and small enterprises in regard to core financial needs and offer flexible financing options across the entire life cycle needs of customer’s business.

According to The Asian Banker’s Strategic Business Intelligence for the Financial Services Community “FirstBank demonstrated exceptional performance, notably in its SME sector, by achieving more than 100% revenue growth while maintaining a reduced cost-to-income ratio of 16.5%. Small and medium-sized enterprises contributed 26% of overall bank revenue. Furthermore, the institution’s SME customer base grew by 7%, reaching a total of more than one million. For its significant growth in the SME business, the award for Best SME Bank in Nigeria and in Africa goes to FirstBank”.

FirstBank supports its customer by providing exceptional value proposition around each industry sectors, digital innovation of the bank’s processes and financing options, and a strong relationship banking approach to create best in class customer engagement.

READ ALSO: Dupe Olusola to be awarded Hospitality Leadership Award at AHIF

The Bank’s integrated platform not only help businesses grow and reduce operational costs but also facilitates expansion into regional and overseas markets through its Sub-Saharan Africa subsidiaries.

Expressing her delight on the recognition, the Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications, Ms. Folake Ani-Mumuney said: “We thank the Asian Banker Awards for the recognition and dedicate these awards to our esteemed SME customers that have progressively impacted the socio-economic growth of not just Nigeria but also the African continent given their critical role as the engine of any economy.

“For 130 years, FirstBank has continued to enable the giants in our customers including our SMEs as well as other stakeholders, and we remain committed to delivering the ultimate ‘gold standard’ of value and excellence,” she concluded.

Amongst other awards, FirstBank recently added to its awards kitty, Best Private Bank in Nigeria and Best Private Bank for Sustainable Investment in Africa by Global Finance, for its exceptional leadership in integrating sustainable practices into its banking operations.

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This was disclosed by the Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Folake Ani-Mumuney, in a statement issued.

The robot is equipped with Video Banking and Artificial Intelligence, AI, taking on the role of a friendly branch staff.

The Humanoid Robot can engage customers in conversations as well as through a touch screen strapped to his chest.

The services performed by the robot include responding to customer enquiries on cash deposits, withdrawals and ATM cards.

The robot also aids complaint management as customers can log a complaint via QR with feedback generated within the advised time.

The Humanoid Robot also keeps customers up to date with happenings about the Bank, including products launch and upgrades designed to strengthen the customer experience and satisfaction.

The robot is a one-stop point to keep customers informed about the Bank.

It also effectively manages customers’ accounts.

Expressing his delight at the initiative, Dr Adesola Adeduntan, the CEO of FirstBank Group noted that “the addition of the Humanoid Robot to our state-of-the-art Digital Experience Centre represents a purposeful stride towards transforming the banking landscape in the country and further showcases the priority we give to innovation within the Bank. With its advanced capabilities, the robot is designed to elevate the quality of our customers’ lives in today’s rapidly evolving digital world. Our unwavering dedication to delivering unparalleled banking services remains steadfast, as we leave no stone unturned in innovating to fulfil our customers’ needs,” he concluded.

The introduction of the Humanoid Robot is among the phased configuration of the Bank’s state-of-the-art digitally led self-service branch called Digital Experience Centre, launched in December 2021.

Another Humanoid Robot will also be deployed in the Bank’s next and second Digital Experience Centre, soon to be announced in the coming months.

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The JA Africa Company of the Year, COY, Competition which returns for the 12th year in a row and the first in-person meeting post-COVID, after two successful virtual competitions is JA Africa’s annual celebration of winning teams from the JA Company Program, a programme which equips senior secondary school level students with the entrepreneurial skillset and mindset to solve problems in their communities by launching a business venture and unleashing their entrepreneurial spirit.

The young entrepreneurs who compete at JA Africa’s COY go through qualifying competitions at national and sub-national levels, competing against thousands of youth startups to qualify for the regional competition.

This programme transitions them into employment and transforms them into employers.

Having emerged as national winners, they will represent their countries on the continental stage where they have the arduous task to impress a panel of international business professionals who serve as judges.

FirstBank’s sponsored winners of the 2022 Junior Achievement Nigeria, JAN, National Company of the Year, NCOY, Competition – Green Apex from the International School, University of Lagos – will represent Nigeria in the JA Africa Company of the Year, COY, Competition.”

“Given the increasingly complex set of global challenges facing young people around the world from unemployment to climate change and food shortage, we focus on equipping our students to be solution providers who bring about positive change within their communities while developing businesses that generate wealth,” said Simi Nwogugu, JA Africa’s CEO.

“Our students have demonstrated great resilience and innovation in grappling with these challenges and I am extremely proud of all of them. I am also deeply grateful to all our sponsors who stayed with us throughout the pandemic period and contributed greatly towards making this a live event again.”

Also speaking on the forthcoming Africa Company of The Year Competition, Folake Ani-Mumuney, Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications, FirstBank said, “the 2022 Junior Achievement Company of The Year competition remains another viable opportunity to promote the entrepreneurship skills, spirit and talent innate in school children, across Africa. We commend Junior Achievement Africa on the COY initiative as it serves as an avenue to expose participants to inter-cultural values and traditions that will foster the unity of the continent.

“We wish all participants, particularly the Nigerian representatives – Green Apex from the International School, University of Lagos – the best as learnings from every initiative could solve critical problems facing mankind as we collectively make the world a better place.

This year, nine student startups representing Eswatini, Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe will put their business acumen to the test as they present the achievements of their businesses in numerous formats to win the prestigious title of JA Company of the Year and other amazing prizes from the sponsors. The highest among the prizes at stake will be the opportunity to represent the African region at the Ralph de la Vega Global Entrepreneurship Competition which will bring together COY winners from the six regions where JA Worldwide operates to compete for awards, $15,000, educational opportunities, and more.

The 2022 JA Africa COY Competition is made possible by the generous support of headline sponsors FedEx, Citi Foundation and PMIEF; Platinum sponsors: Bloomberg, Johnson & Johnson, Delta Air Lines and First Bank of Nigeria Limited; Gold sponsors: Tomorrow Foundation, Nascon, GB Foods and Rise, who by supporting this competition are demonstrating their commitment to job creation and youth empowerment on the African continent.

For more information, visit: www.ja-africa.org/coy2022

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The African Patrons cup is an annual polo tournament which features Low, Medium and High goal teams from all around the world.

The 2022 grand edition will be holding between November 1st – 6th, at the highbrow Fifth Chukker Polo Resort in Kaduna.

The week-long mini polo tournament will feature notable teams like Mohammed Babangida’s Kaduna El-Amin, Y.Y Kangimi, Abuja Rubicon, Lagos MRS, while star players like Sayyu Dantata; Patron of Lagos MRS, Hadi Sirika; Patron of Abuja Rubicon, Adamu Attah; Patron of Fifth Chukker Polo team, Dawule Baba of DEEBEE Farms Polo Team, Bello Buba; Nigeria highest ranked polo player, Suleiman Abubakar; Kashim Bukar Shettima; Babangida Hassan are the notable polo players expected in Kaduna competition.

The players and their teams will compete for glamorous Patrons Cup.

Apart from the star tournament, there is also the Hassan Katsina Cup that will feature medium-goal teams drawn from major polo centres across the country.

In addition to the activities, the annual Breast Cancer Awareness campaign will create awareness and promote education on breast cancer.

The event will provide essential screening services to many women who cannot afford it, as well as enlighten women on the early detection signs.

Commenting on the bank’s contribution to sports development in Nigeria, Folake Ani-Mumuney, Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, FirstBank, said “we are proud to have been associated with the African Patrons Cup Polo Tournament for many years, an event that truly captures the spirit of Sport which plays a crucial role to the socio-economic development of the society.

We commend Fifth Chukker Polo and Country Club for the Breast Cancer Awareness campaign as it underscores our commitment to the wellbeing of women, particularly with the indelible role they play to the growth of any nation”.

The First@Sport initiative remains part of the bank’s influence in the development of sports in Nigeria.

Added to the bank’s sponsorship of the African Patrons Cup Polo Tournament which has been for five years, other tourneys sponsored by FirstBank include the Georgian Cup of Kaduna Polo Club, for over 100 years; the Dala Tennis Hard Court in Kano Club for over 30 years; the FirstBank Lagos Amateur Open Golf Championship in Ikoyi Club for over 60 years; and the Obasanjo Pro-Amateur tournament of Abeokuta Club now in its 6th year.

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It is scheduled to hold at Radisson Blu Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Saturday, October 29, 2022.

The Universities Ethics Challenge is designed to increase students’ awareness of the ethical dilemmas and issues they may face when they become finance and investment management professionals.

During the Ethics Challenge, students are given adapted real life ethics case studies to analyze and evaluate ethical issues raised, then make recommendations and present same to a panel of judges from whom they field questions relating to the case presented.

The judges for the 2022 edition of the annual challenge include Oluropo Okunmuyide, Head, Litigation and Dispute Resolution, First Bank of Nigeria Ltd; Taiwo Olatunji, CFA, Head, Investment Banking, Coronation Merchant Bank; Tomilola Olakiigbe, CFA, Head Finance, All-On Energy; Eno Atoyebi, CFA, Managing Director, Valualliance Asset Management and Kazeem Alimi, CFA, Head Secondary Markets, NGX Limited.

22 universities registered and onboarded for the challenge which kicked off in May, 2022.

Subsequently, 13 universities, comprising 3 from the North and 10 from the South participated in the regional rounds.

The schools included Abia State University, Ahmadu Below University, Zaria, Clifford University, Coal City University, Covenant University, Madonna University, Obafemi Awolowo University and the University of Abuja.   Others were the University of Benin, the University of Ilorin, the University of Lagos, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and the University of Port Harcourt.

Following a stiffly contested and rigorous semi-finals, 4 of these schools namely: Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Lagos, University of Nigeria, Nsukka and University of Port Harcourt advanced to the grand finale.

READ ALSO: FirstBank: A triumphant return to the Nigerian banking frontline

According to Ibukun Oyedeji, CFA, the president of CFA Society Nigeria, “Strong ethics and high standards of professional conduct play a vital role in the integrity and ongoing success of the investment industry.

“As new talent joins the professional ranks, it is important that they do so with a commitment to operate according to these principles.

“Therefore, CFA Society Nigeria whose mission is to promote the highest standards of investment practice in Nigeria hosts this annual Ethics Challenge with the support of First Bank Nigeria Ltd to give university students a unique opportunity to learn about and apply the principles of the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct. A more ethical investment profession starts here!”

Expressing her delight at the forthcoming event, Folake Ani-Mumuney, Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications, FirstBank said: “Our sponsorship of the annual CFA Society Nigeria Ethics Challenge competition is one of the ways we contribute to youth empowerment. We commend the CFA Society for its continued commitment to this initiative.”

“As a financial institution that focuses on nation building, the relevance of ethical practices is demonstrated in our embedded policies and processes, in the initiatives we support such as Samuel Asabia Chair in Business Ethics in University of Lagos. This is because we know that ethical practices are beneficial to finance and investment professionals including all market participants and stakeholders which leads to increased investor confidence in global financial markets,” she concluded.

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The products – Petroleum Dealership Finance, PDF; Operational Vehicle Finance, OVF, and Commercial Mortgage – will strengthen the capacity of businesses to meet their immediate and long-term needs which are required to continually impact the socio-economic development of the country.

Commercial Mortgage, CM, is designed to meet the funding needs of established small and medium-scale enterprises in viable businesses to acquire Business/Office Premises.

This product is structured to part finance the acquisition of business /office premises and warehouses as the building itself is collateral.

With its competitive pricing entailing a tenor of 60 months, flexible repayment period as well as flexible collateral structure, the product is designed for SMEs across different sectors of the country including accounting, tech, legal and other specialised disciplines.

READ ALSO: FirstBank: A triumphant return to the Nigerian banking frontline

To access the product, customers must have been in business for at least five years and must have maintained an active account with either FirstBank or any reputable bank for a minimum of six months.

Operational Vehicle Finance, OVF, is intended to provide part finance to ease the acquisition of brand-new vehicle(s) essential for the day-to-day running of business activities.

Its flexible tenure is in two variants, comprising 1 – 24 months and 2 – 36 months which is dependent on the brand of the vehicle.

The product is also designed for SMEs as well as traders in all sectors of the economy with verifiable cash flow as they will be at an advantage in sustaining the distribution of goods from one location to another.

To be eligible for the service, the customer must have been in business for at least 12 months and should have maintained a healthy and active bank account with either FirstBank for a minimum of six months or 12 months with other banks.

Petroleum Dealership Finance, PDF, is created to offer working capital finance to filling stations with a DPR licence for the purchase of kerosene, DPK, petrol, PMS, and diesel, AGO.

This product facilitates access to financing opportunities to purchase products at competitive rates.

A 12 months facility tenor with a cash flow lending option up to N20M is also available.

The product is packed with lots of exciting benefits including access to up to N20 million without providing tangible collateral as it bridges the customers’ liquidity gap while also aiding the continuous replenishment of stock.

The product also provides the opportunity to increase the volume of business as well as margins through consistent growth in turnover through credit financing.

To take advantage of the product, interested customer(s) must have a valid DPR license, and maintained an account relationship with FirstBank or any bank for at least six months.

The dealer must have been in business for at least 24 months and the account must have been operated satisfactorily without a history of returned cheques or previous default on facility or facilities granted.

According to Folake Ani-Mumuney, Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications, FirstBank: “as a bank woven into the fabric of society, we are delighted with the indelible mark and role we have played in boosting businesses in the country, irrespective of the economic sector. Our Commercial Mortgage, CM, Operational Vehicle Finance, OVF, and Petroleum Dealership Finance, PDF, are integral to sustainably enhancing business operations while ensuring that our customers remain at an advantage in meeting their immediate and long-term business goals.”

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The FirstGem loan scheme is designed for female-owned or partnered SMEs in the following sectors – Food/Beverage processing & Packaging, Beauty and cosmetics, Confectionaries, Catering & Restaurants, Transportation (Logistics) and Agric/Agro-Allied (retail value chain).

With an interest rate of 9% per annum, FirstGem loan is a collateral-free loan that is available to the bank’s existing and prospective female customers.

Based on eligibility, customers can access loans from N500,000.00 to N3,000,000.00.

To access the loan, female owned or partnered SMEs can visit the Bank’s website –  https://www.firstbanknigeria.com/personal/loans/more-financing-options/firstgem-funds/ – to download and fill out the Retail Loan Application Form.

The completely filled form should be submitted to the nearest FirstBank branch with accompanying documents.

Speaking on the loan Folake Ani-Mumuney, Group Head, First Bank of Nigeria Limited said, “We are delighted with the role our FirstGem product plays in creating an avenue to enlarge the business activities and endeavours of female entrepreneurs across the country.

“Our FirstGem value proposition offers real solutions to constraints encountered by female entrepreneurs and working professionals, as it exposes women to opportunities for the advancement of their business. We implore every female business-minded individual to take advantage of the FirstGem loan as it puts them at an advantage to contribute their quota to the national economy.”

Launched in 2016, FirstGem has been impactful in driving financial inclusion, influencing women’s empowerment through gender-advancement programmes like savings culture, financial literacy, wealth management and building an investment portfolio.

FirstGem is designed specifically to meet the needs of the female gender, aged 18 years and above.

FirstGem  is targeted at a broad spectrum of women, working professionals, entrepreneurs or market women through an array of benefits such as free business advisory services, access to finance, specialized training on business development initiatives (virtual  and physical events),  regular insights on business / investment  opportunities, and mouth-watering discounts at partner merchant outlets (spas, salons, grocery stores) offering  lifestyle products and services.

Recently, FirstBank announced its partnership with CDC Group, the UK Government’s development finance organisation to economically empower women-owned and led businesses as well as local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria.

The facility, which is in the sum of US$100 million will have a minimum of 30% allocated in the form of credit lines to women entrepreneurs.

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The bank was recognized with the Best Bank in Nigeria 2022 award for its leadership role in promoting financial inclusion in Nigeria which has been integral to improving lives and stimulating businesses of individuals across the country.

Also, the Best Bank in Digital Transformation was awarded to FirstBank in recognition of its continued efforts at reinventing its digital banking channels which have been central to reinforcing the Bank’s leading role in promoting a cashless society in the country whilst putting customers at an advantage in enjoying a secured and seamless digital banking experiences.

The Bank’s digital banking channels include its recently unveiled fully automated branch (FirstBank Digital Experience Centre), *894# USSD banking, FirstMobile, First online, and WhatsApp banking amongst others.

Expressing delight at the Bank’s performance, Ms Folake Ani-Mumuney, Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications First Bank of Nigeria Limited said: “We thank International Investor Awards for the recognition, whilst dedicating these awards to our esteemed customers spread across the world for their unflinching patronage of our services through our 128 years of existence.

As a bank that is woven into the fabric of society, we remain committed to ensuring that our customers enjoy safe, secure and advanced financial services as they seamlessly carry out their banking transactions on the go, irrespective of where they are,” she concluded.

In 2021 financial year, the Bank received similar recognitions.

A few of these are: Most Innovative Retail Banking App Nigeria 2021 by Global Banking and Finance Awards; African Bank of the Year 2021 & Innovative Banking Product of the Year 2021 by African Leadership Magazine Awards; Best Internet Banking Nigeria 2021 by International Business Magazine; Best Financial Brand 2021 by Global Brands Awards.

Others are: Best Consumer Digital Bank 2021 by Global Finance; Alternative Delivery Channel of the Year 2021 by BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions Awards and 2nd Most admired financial services Brand in Africa by Brand Africa.

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