Business

FirstBank CEO, Others Laud, Empower Women at FirstGem 4.0

Published

5 years ago

April 1, 2021

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The Chief Executive Officer, First Bank of Nigeria Ltd and Subsidiaries, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, has lauded the qualities of African women, saying a woman who knows how money works is in a vantage position to change the world for the better.

Dr Adeduntan made this assertion while delivering his speech at the First Gem Annual Conference 4.0 with the theme, “The Art of Negotiation”, held both on location and via the web.

This year’s event, which fell into the month of March appears symbolic as it represents two wonderful occasions including the celebration of the International Women Day, which provides opportunity to discuss and proffer solutions to gender parity issues and women empowerment challenges, and the 127th anniversary of the bank, FirstBank of Nigeria Limited. Of more importance is the fact that the 4.0 edition took place on the very day the company marked its birthday.

In his speech, Adeduntan paid glowing tributes to women, citing the fact that First Gem is tailor-made to suit the financial inclinations of women in business. He reiterated that “FirstBank, through the FirstGem initiative, is committed to supporting the contemporary woman’s financial services needs across the various stages of her life,” adding that “Our FirstGem value proposition provides real solutions to challenges faced by female entrepreneurs and working professionals.”

The FirstBank’s CEO eulogised the enterprising African woman, using an African proverb, which says, “If you educate a man you educate an individual, but if you educate a woman, you educate a family (nation)” stressing that “If you teach a woman how money works, provide her with the right products and funding support; she can transform the world.”

Further in his narrative, Adeduntan went down memory, bringing to the presence the moments that birth FirstGem as a preferred platform for the empowerment of women financially and numerous achievements recorded overtime.

He said: “In the last five years, our FirstGem initiative has served to foster the empowerment of women across the socio-economic strata with implementation across three pillars.

“The FirstGem platform for women (access to leadership programs/ workshops/trainings on women empowerment, business skills on wealth management and investment plans) Value proposition including capacity building, affordable finance, access to infrastructure, market visibility for women MSMEs

“A strong commitment as a financial institution to support women by leveraging the Bank’s resources in developing unique and mutually rewarding solutions.

“Today, our work is more important and impactful than ever! A review of the performance of the FirstGem initiative shows the effectiveness of our efforts to elevate and empower the Nigerian woman. In 2020, we gave out loans of NGN 58 billion to over 81,000 female entrepreneurs and professionals.
Empowering women via agent banking proposition is one of the outcomes of the FirstGem initiative. Across our agent banking network – the largest verified bank-led agent banking network in Nigeria – , we have about 24,500 female agents representing 28 percent of the agents in our network. It gives us much joy to see that more women are embracing this proposition and getting empowered.

“The FirstGem Initiative takes an inclusive approach to empowering women to make confident and sound decisions with respect to their business, family, and future. Whether you are the primary financial decision maker, a partner or financially independent, the time is now to power your own financial success by being part of the FirstGem Initiative – Open a FirstGem account and join the FirstGem community!

“Finally, as we close out on the activities that celebrate women folks, this March, I would like to restate that, at FirstBank, we remain committed to providing products and services that will allow our female customers and employees to thrive and attain their maximum potentials in business and career. Let us work together to make 2021 count for women, everywhere!

He advised women entrepreneurs to take advantage of the opportunities the FirstGem offers, noting that “we are leveraging the Agent banking proposition to close the gender gap and tap into the rich and overlooked base of the pyramid customer segment (that is predominantly women) with the realization that failure to fully harness women’s productive potential represents a missed opportunity to drive accelerated global economic growth.”

Recognising that the post- COVID-19 pandemic economic indices do not in any way favour women, Adeduntan informed that FirstBank has devised a veritable approach to support women’s wealth creation and financial independence.

“It has become imperative to match the scale and urgency of this challenge with financial products that address the lifecycle financial needs of women. The products should holistically address the needs of women by providing them with integrated access to savings as well as short and long-term credit, capacity building, and wealth management advisory. This suite of products will improve the earning capacity and reduce poverty levels amongst the women folk, in the medium to long term. Success will be dependent on everyone playing a part!” The FirstBank CEO said.

Firstgem is an exclusive FirstBank initiative to inspiresl and empower women to take charge of their financial future through the provision of access to resources and interactive workshops and advisory that help women to make informed financial decisions and build wealth management competences.

Other speakers at the event were the Chairman Board of Directors, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Mrs. Ibukun Awosika, who spoke on the theme of the International Women’s Day, “Choose to Challenge”, Professor of Economics at IESE Business School, Prof Pedro Videla, who spoke on the current state of the Global Economy and how it Impacts Business Decisions, and Senior Lecturer, IESE Business School, Prof Mehta Kandarp, who lectured on Negotiation as a Tool for Winning in Business and Career.

Business

FirstBank, Subsidiary of FirstHoldCo, Meets ₦500bn Regulatory Capital Requirement

Published

7 days ago

January 6, 2026

Eric

First HoldCo Plc (“FirstHoldCo” or “the Group”) has announced that its commercial banking subsidiary, First Bank of Nigeria (FirstBank), has successfully met the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) minimum capital requirement of ₦500 billion. This milestone was achieved following the completion of a series of strategic capital initiatives, including a Rights Issue, a Private Placement, and the injection of proceeds from the divestment of the Group’s merchant banking subsidiary.

This successful capitalisation underscores strong market confidence in FirstHoldCo Group’s business model, long-term strategy, and growth prospects. With a fortified capital base, FirstBank is positioned to accelerate its support for the real sector, enhance financial inclusion, and deliver innovative, digitally driven customer experiences.

The recapitalisation strengthens the Group’s overall financial resilience, providing a robust platform for earnings growth through business expansion, technological innovation, and the pursuit of new opportunities.

In March 2024, the CBN directed commercial banks to raise their capital base to a minimum of ₦500 billion within a 24-month period to bolster the Nigerian banking sector’s stability and capacity. FirstBank has now fulfilled this requirement well ahead of the regulatory deadline.

In a related development, FirstHoldCo have expressed its desire to raise fresh funding and inject additional capital into the Group’s existing subsidiaries and new business adjacencies in 2026. This forward-looking commitment is aimed at further enhancing service offerings and facilitating strategic expansion.

Commenting on the achievement, Mr. Femi Otedola, CON, Chairman of First HoldCo Plc, said: “On behalf of the Board, I extend our profound gratitude to our shareholders for their trust and unwavering support throughout this capitalisation programme. From the oversubscribed Rights Issue to the seamless Private Placement, investors have demonstrated resounding confidence in our strategic direction. Securing FirstBank’s capital base ahead of schedule is a testament to our collective commitment and positions us firmly for our next growth phase. We also appreciate the professional guidance of the CBN and SEC throughout this process.”

Mr. Wale Oyedeji, Group Managing Director of First HoldCo Plc, added: “This successful capital raise is a pivotal milestone for FirstHoldCo. It provides us with the financial strength to execute our core strategic priorities: driving innovation, delivering superior customer value, and enhancing sustainable profitability. With this solid foundation, we are focused on accelerating performance, improving competitive returns, and delivering lasting value to all our stakeholders.”

Business

Heirs Energies Executes $750m Afreximbank Financing to Drive Long-Term Growth

Published

3 weeks ago

December 22, 2025

Eric

Heirs Energies Limited, Nigeria’s leading indigenous integrated energy company, has executed a USD 750 million financing with the African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank).

The transaction was concluded at a signing ceremony in Abuja on Saturday 20th December 2025, attended by Mr. Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, Chairman of Heirs Energies, and Dr. George Elombi, President and Chairman of Afreximbank.

The transaction represents one of the largest financings secured by an indigenous African energy company and demonstrates lender confidence in Heirs Energies’ operating performance, governance standards, proprietary brownfield excellence capability, and long-term growth trajectory.

Since assuming operatorship of OML 17, Heirs Energies has delivered a disciplined transformation programme, focused on restoring production, strengthening asset integrity, and improving operational efficiency. Through targeted brownfield interventions and infrastructure optimisation, the Company has successfully transitioned from acquisition-led financing to a capital structure aligned with the long-term development profile of its reserves.

Oil and gas production has doubled, from an acquisition production level of 25,000 barrels of oil per day (bopd) and 50 million standard cubic feet of gas per day (mmscf/d). Today, OML-17 produces over 50,000 bopd and 120 mmscf/d. All the gas production goes into the Nigerian domestic gas market and has been catalytic for power generation in Nigeria. Community relations have been transformed and the highest standards of health and safety implemented.

The Afreximbank facility will accelerate field development, optimise production, and allow Heirs Energies to pursue value-accretive growth opportunities, while maintaining disciplined capital management.

Speaking at the signing, Mr. Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, Chairman of Heirs Energies, said:

“This transaction is a powerful affirmation of what African enterprise can achieve when backed by disciplined execution and long-term African capital. It reflects the successful journey Heirs Energies has taken – from turnaround to growth – and reinforces our belief in African capital working for African businesses. This is Africa financing Africa’s future.”

Dr. George Elombi, President and Chairman of Afreximbank, stated:

“Afreximbank is proud to support Heirs Energies at this pivotal stage of its growth. This financing reflects our confidence in the Company’s leadership, governance, and asset base, and aligns with our mandate to support African champions that are driving sustainable economic transformation across the continent.”

The transaction further reinforces Afreximbank’s role in enabling indigenous operators with the scale and capability to deliver sustainable energy development, energy security, and long-term economic value across Africa.

With this milestone achieved, Heirs Energies is firmly positioned to advance into its next phase of growth, focused on operational excellence, responsible resource development, and enduring value creation for stakeholders.

Heirs Energies Limited is Africa’s leading indigenous-owned integrated energy company, committed to meeting Africa’s unique energy needs, while aligning with global sustainability goals.  Having a strong focus on innovation, environmental responsibility, and community development, Heirs Energies leads in the evolving energy landscape and contribute to a more prosperous Africa.

The African Export-Import Bank is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra- and extra-African trade. The Bank plays a critical role in supporting Africa’s industrialisation, trade expansion, and economic transformation.

Picture: Chairman, Heirs Energies, Mr. Tony O. Elumelu CFR and President and Chairman of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), Dr. George Elombi, during the signing ceremony to mark the execution of a USD 750 million Financing Transaction between Heirs Energies and the Afreximbank in Abuja on Saturday

Business

NNPCL Slashes Fuel Price by N80

Published

4 weeks ago

December 19, 2025

Eric

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has effected another reduction in the pump price of petrol, marking the third cut this December.

A survey of filling stations in Abuja on Thursday showed that the state-owned oil company lowered the price to N835 per litre from N915, reflecting a N80 reduction.

The latest adjustment follows similar moves by independent marketers, including MRS, BOVAS and AA Rano, which recently reviewed their pump prices to between N739 and N865 per litre across the Federal Capital Territory.

Findings indicate that the downward review by NNPCL and other marketers was triggered by a drop in ex-depot prices, after Dangote Refinery and depot owners reduced rates to between N699 and N800 per litre.

NNPCL and several filling stations had earlier reduced fuel prices on December 4 and December 10, 2025, as competition and supply dynamics continued to influence pricing in the downstream sector.