Business

FirstBank: Much More than a Brand

Published

6 years ago

March 18, 2019

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

In 1894, a brand was not just created; a brand was given birth to for the sole function of taking over the leadership of not only the financial world but the entire corporate business inclusion. The process was tailored through the provision of custom made quality services that beat the imaginations of competitors and would-be rivals. That brand is FirstBank, Nigeria’s primus inter pares in corporate business.

The invincibility of FirstBank cuts across the African sub regions towards achieving for itself continental and global accolade. Consequently, for 125 years and counting, the brand has remained one indivisible brand with no record of ever being acquired merged or put on hold for any period. It has maintained unbroken and uninterrupted service delivery and never changing its name. It was birthed in 1894 as FirstBank, and today is still FirstBank with a conglomeration of subsidiaries which gave it the impetus to be addressed in the superlative as first among equals.

Among many of the qualities that set First Bank of Nigeria Limited aside and make it the premier Bank in West Africa, is its ability to provide first class banking services solutions in Nigeria, a task it has performed effortlessly for 125 uninterrupted years.

It is therefore not a fluke that the brand boasts of about 15 million customer accounts, to whom it provides a comprehensive range of retail and corporate financial services in well over 750 business locations across the globe.

Over the years, the Bank has evolved, consequent upon unimaginable beneficial services to all and sundry, and developed subsidiaries through which it has developed wholesome international presence. These subsidiaries include but not limited to FBN Bank (UK) Limited in London and Paris, FBNBank in the Republic of Congo, Ghana, The Gambia, Guinea, Sierra-Leone and Senegal, as well as a Representative office in Beijing.

The hallmark of FirstBank’s ingenuity since its advent in 1894 lies in its ability to consistently build relationships with customers focusing on the fundamentals of good corporate governance, strong liquidity, optimised risk management and leadership.

The high flying FirstBank flag

It is worthy of note that over the years, the Bank has led the financing of private investment in infrastructure development in the Nigerian economy by playing key roles in the Federal Government’s privatisation and commercialisation schemes. With its global reach, it provides prospective investors wishing to explore the vast business opportunities that are available in Nigeria, an internationally competitive world-class brand and a credible financial partner. Little wonder the only financial institution on the lips of investors and business oriented minds is FirstBank.

The bank, over the years has been blessed with splendid leadership that has stood the test of time, exhuming confidence far from intimidation, corrupt practices and anti-welfarism. Some of this leaders include Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi who from the stable of the bank became the Central Bank of Nigeria’s governor and went ahead to sit on the reverred stool of Kano Emirate. There is also Joseph Sanusi, who also became the Central Bank governor as well as the immediate past Managing Director of the bank, Mr. Bisi Onasanya; these men portray a brand discipline and professionalism which only FirstBank can bestow.

FirstBank’s domineering efforts has not escaped the eagle eyes of industry watchers, and the entity has on six consecutive occasions been named “Most Valuable Bank Brand in Nigeria” (2011 – 2016) by “The Banker Magazine” of the Financial Times Group, a renowned global outfit.

Furthermore, it won Best Retail Bank in Nigeria for seven consecutive years (2011 – 2017) as presented by the Asian Banker International Excellence in Retail Financial Services Awards, and followed it up wit “Best Bank in Nigeria” award by Global Finance for 15 years.

FirstBank, as a brand has no other mission other than to always put customers, partners and stakeholders at the heart of its endeavour. Primarily speaking, the customers are the centrepoint of the Bank’s local and international relations.

Noted for so many firsts, the bank in 1996, distinguished itself with the highly celebrated Century II transformation project which made it rise heads and shoulders above its peers. Consequently, It has continuously transformed and projected for the future by reinventing, re-engineering and creating value for customers by rethinking next generation solutions ahead of others in the industry.

This is a bank strategically positioned to always put the Customers current and future needs at the core of its business.

In 2016, the bank floated PR1MUS, a Brand name for it’s new Enterprise Transformation program. This has articulated an ambitious strategy to maintain position as undisputed industry leaders through profitable growth by leveraging technology to drive innovation.
The project cuts the brand away from a culture of silos and manual operations while aligning with the basic strategic pillars of business objectives in a more structured and targeted way. The following are some of intentions of the scheme:

• More deliberate and aligned business objectives and strategic initiative.
• More collaborative engagements with stakeholders across all levels.
• And finally, embarking on projects and initiatives with clear set and well defined objectives with a new set of ambitious end goals in sight.

Not resting on its oars, FirstBank is working tiredlessly to standardise customer experience and excellence in financial solutions across sub-Saharan Africa, in consonance with the brand vision.

Moving assiduously to a common goal, FirstBank’s wholesome ambition is to be the partner of first choice in building the future of anyone who comes in contact with it, promising to always deliver the ultimate “gold standard” of value and excellence.

What else can anyone say… FirstBank in 125 years, has really lived up to its billing as ‘truly the first’.

Business

Fraud Allegations Against Us False – FirstBank

Published

7 days ago

December 15, 2024

Eric

The management of First Bank of Nigeria Limited has dismissed allegations of fraud reported against it in a recent publication by an online platform, Tech Cabal, describing the claims as baseless and unsupported by evidence.

In a corporate statement titled ‘Correction of Misleading Information Regarding Fraud Allegations,’ Olayinka Ijabiyi, the Acting Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, addressed the issue on behalf of the bank.

“We have been made aware of a recent publication by Tech Cabal containing allegations of fraud involving our institution. We wish to categorically state that the story is entirely unfounded and not supported by any factual evidence,” Ijabiyi stated.

The bank reaffirmed its commitment to ethical practices and transparency, urging the public to disregard the allegations. It emphasized its dedication to maintaining trust with its customers and stakeholders while upholding its longstanding reputation as a leader in Nigeria’s financial sector.

First Bank reiterated its focus on delivering reliable and trustworthy banking services, dismissing the report as misleading and lacking merit.

Business

UBA Group to Commence Full Banking Operations in France

Published

3 weeks ago

November 29, 2024

Eric

As part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to France, the Chairman of UBA Group, in the presence of President Tinubu and the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, signed a landmark business cooperation agreement with the French Finance Minister, Antoine Armand. The agreement is a significant indication of support by the French Government for the development of UBA’s full banking operations in France.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Tony Elumelu, the Chairman of UBA Group commented: ”This partnership reinforces our commitment to seamless international banking services for our customers, not just across the 11 Francophone African countries we serve, but Africa as a whole; and French and European customers transacting with Africa. Expanding into France is a natural progression, with Paris serving as our European Union hub, as we continue to bring Africa and the world together, through innovative financial solutions. Paris will join London, New York and Dubai, as a critical component of our unique global network.”

United Bank for Africa is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees group wide and serving over 45 million customers globally. Operating in twenty African countries and the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting edge technology.

Business

Built to Last: UBA Set to Empower MSMEs with Wealth Management Strategies

Published

1 month ago

November 20, 2024

Eric

As part of its commitment to deepen the growth and sustainability of micro, small and medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs) on the continent, Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, is set to host the last edition of its quarterly business series for the year.

This edition of the business series, “Profit with Purpose, Business Continuity,” will be held on Thursday, November 21st 2024, by 12 PM (noon) at the Tony Elumelu Amphitheatre, UBA House, Marina, Lagos and intending participants are expected to register via the Registration Link at https://ubagroup.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_UG0EUWSLTZqu91jSMSih5w

The UBA Business Series is a regular seminar/workshop organised by the bank as capacity-building initiatives for small businesses, where leading business leaders and professionals share well-researched insights on relevant topics and best practices for running successful businesses, especially in a challenging business environment.

This edition seeks to showcase businesses that are resilient and have done well through generations, adapting to political and economic changes.

Renowned leaders from diverse industries, including a prominent lawyer, award winning film director, and producer, Bolanle Austen-Peters whose work has significantly impacted Nigerian Cinema, and theatre will headline this last quarter’ series. Her recent film House of GA’A has achieved a major milestone, reaching Netflix’s Global 10 list for indigenous language films.

Other prominent entrepreneurs who will be on ground to give insightful tips are, Founder and Chief Executive of Asadtek Group Limited, Ghana; Dr. James Asare-Adjei; Award winning TV Personality & Multi Media Entrepreneur, Frank Edoho, Celebrated multimedia personality, Toke Makinwa and founder of Nigeria’s pioneering indigenous premium coffee brand, Happy Coffee, Princess Adeyinka Tekena.

UBA’s Group Head, Retail and Digital Banking, Shamsideen Fashola who spoke on the upcoming workshop, said the vast knowledge and experience of the panellists, will give business owners more insight towards the importance of personal finance, wealth management and most importantly how to navigate the frailties of the harsh economy to ensure business growth.

“We know small businesses are vital to the growth and advancement of every economy, that is why at UBA, we constantly look for ways of ensuring that these business owners and operators are well-equipped to grow their businesses successfully,” he said.

“This edition provides a platform for SMEs to learn from experienced entrepreneurs who have built and sustained businesses through the decades.

“Hearing their stories and strategies will be invaluable for any business owner looking to build a lasting enterprise,” Fashola said.

Also speaking ahead of the event, UBA’s Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, noted that the business series is an invaluable learning opportunity, targeted at helping young and aspiring entrepreneurs scale up their businesses.

Ladipo further said, “At UBA, we are committed to empowering businesses of all sizes, and this business series is one way we are fulfilling that commitment.

“To this end, we have assembled an esteemed panel of speakers who will share their wealth of experience and insights on building a generational business. This is a must-attend event for anyone serious about the long-term success of their enterprise,” she said.

United Bank for Africa Plc is a leading Pan-African financial institution, offering banking services to more than forty-five million customers, across 1,000 business offices and customer touch points in 20 African countries. With presence in New York, London, Paris and Dubai, UBA is connecting people and businesses across Africa through retail, commercial and corporate banking, innovative cross-border payments and remittances, trade finance and ancillary banking services.