A wave of outrage has swept through Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, following the shocking killing of an 18-year-old boy, Chinedu Abimbor, allegedly at the hands of police operatives. The tragic incident unfolded on Wednesday at a police checkpoint in the bustling university town, sparking widespread …
Read More »MAGGI Presents Tales of Ramadan: A Journey of Transformation and Connection
Six Stories, One Month of Transformation Ramadan is a period that brings families and communities together in Muslim communities worldwide. It is a season that connects loved ones from Suhoor to Iftar, through shared moments and meals that nourish both body and soul. During this time, food is more than …
Read More »Allegations of Fraud Unfounded and False
We have been made aware of a recent publication by Thisday Newspaper, Arise Television and a circulating video regarding a court case filed by a customer, Dr. Agbai Eke, against FirstBank. We can affirm that the allegations of fraud in the Bank as alluded to by ‘Dr. Agbai Eke’ are …
Read More »Unity Bank Hosts IWD Webinar, Commits to Accelerating Action Towards Gender Equality
Unity Bank Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to women’s empowerment with a series of high-impact initiatives designed to inspire action toward gender equality and sustainable development. The Bank hosted a webinar with the theme: “Unleashing Women’s Potential,” pivoted by the Unity Bank Women Network as it was marking this year’s …
Read More »FG to US: Don’t fall for misinformation on religious killings in Nigeria
The Nigerian government has strongly dismissed claims of targeted killings of Christians in the country, describing them as misleading and designed to manipulate foreign perceptions. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on Friday, warning against misinformation aimed at pressuring the United States and other international bodies into designating …
Read More »ASIAN BANKER AWARDS: FIRSTBANK MAINTAINS DOMINANCE IN SME BANKING ACROSS NIGERIA, AFRICA By Tosin Ajayi Through a legacy of excellence and Innovation, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, the country’s oldest and most distinguished financial institution, has once again solidified its reputation as a leader in the banking industry. The Bank was recently crowned the Best SME Bank in Nigeria and the Best SME Bank in Africa at the 2025 Asian Bankers Awards for the second year running. The Asian Banker Global Excellence in Retail Finance Awards are renowned for their rigour, prestige and transparency, celebrating excellence across financial services, technology, risk management and transaction finance. These prestigious recognitions reaffirm FirstBank’s unwavering commitment to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), a sector that serves as the backbone of Nigeria’s and Africa’s economy. For over a century, First Bank of Nigeria Limited has been instrumental in the nation’s financial evolution, pioneering innovative banking solutions and fostering economic growth. The awards underscore the efficacy of its strategic focus on empowering SMEs through tailored support programs and an inclusive economic environment where small/medium businesses can thrive and also grow to compete globally. Winning these distinguished awards is no small feat. FirstBank stood out among its competitors across the continent due to several of the Bank’s key initiatives which have effectively transformed the SME banking landscape in all the countries where the bank operates. Some of the Bank’s Tailored Financial Solutions include customised loans and flexible credit facilities to cater to SMEs at various growth stages. From microloans for startups to large-scale funding for expanding businesses, FirstBank has ensured that small businesses have access to the capital they need to thrive. The bank’s SMEConnect platform, a digital hub that provides SMEs with access to financial resources, business advisory services, and networking opportunities, has been a game-changer. This initiative has helped thousands of entrepreneurs navigate challenges and scale their operations effectively. Beyond financial support, FirstBank has invested in entrepreneurship training programs to equip SMEs with knowledge in financial literacy, business management, and technology adoption. Partnerships with organisations like the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Nigerian government have further strengthened these initiatives. Women-Led and Youth Entrepreneurship Support is another tool which he Bank has deployed to its benefit. By recognising the role of women in economic development, the Bank has a dedicated product – FirstGem, which provides financial support to women entrepreneurs. In addition, the Retail Temporary Overdraft (RTOD) product, tailored to SMEs aims to provide financial support for their businesses. These strategic efforts have set FirstBank apart, positioning it as the ‘go-to’ financial partner for SMEs across Africa. The recognition of FirstBank as the Best SME Bank in Nigeria is not just a win for the Bank but also for the entire Nigerian economy. SMEs account for over 90% of businesses in Nigeria and contribute significantly to employment and GDP. By providing robust financial solutions and business support, FirstBank is fostering job creation, innovation, and sustainable economic growth. With access to better funding, training, and technology, more SMEs can scale their operations beyond local markets and compete on the global stage. This award also highlights Nigeria’s potential as a hub for entrepreneurship and business expansion. FirstBank’s achievement is expected to set a new benchmark for banking excellence in Africa. Other financial institutions will likely follow suit, improving their SME-focused initiatives, leading to a more vibrant and competitive business environment. FirstBank will continue to champion SME growth, affirm its legacy as a trusted financial partner whose commitment remains unshaken. This award serves as both recognition of past efforts and a call to push boundaries further in supporting African businesses. For small business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, and the Nigerian economy, FirstBank’s success story is a beacon of hope, proving that with the right financial backing, the possibilities are limitless for the average businesses. For the African continent, First Bank of Nigeria Limited’s win at the Asian Banker Awards for Excellence in Retail Finance Global Award 2025 marks a significant milestone in African banking history. It showcases the Bank’s relentless commitment to empowering SMEs, driving digital transformation, and fostering economic prosperity across the continent. As the Bank continues to innovate and expand its reach, the future for SMEs in Nigeria and Africa looks brighter.
By Tosin Ajayi Through a legacy of excellence and Innovation, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, the country’s oldest and most distinguished financial institution, has once again solidified its reputation as a leader in the banking industry. The Bank was recently crowned the Best SME Bank in Nigeria and …
Read More »The Tony Elumelu Foundation Set to Announce 2025 Cohort of TEF Entrepreneurship Programme
Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurs have collectively created 1.5 million jobs and generated $4.2 billion in revenue Over 2 million Africans lifted out of poverty The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), Africa’s leading philanthropy empowering entrepreneurs is set to announce the 11th cohort of the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme on Saturday, March 22, 2025. The …
Read More »Dangote Foundation Flags Off N16B 2025 National Food Intervention Programme
…It Reflects his Unwavering Commitment To lift The Poor -Kano Gov Over one million Nigerians nationwide will receive a 10kg bag of rice each as the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) Thursday commenced the distribution of the staple food as part of the 2025 Annual National Food Intervention Project …
Read More »Stanbic IBTC Infrastructure Fund Partners SIFAX Group for Ijora Terminal Development
Stanbic IBTC Asset Management Limited, Fund Manager of the Stanbic IBTC Infrastructure Fund has partnered SIFAX Group through its subsidiary, SIFAX Shipping ICT Limited, to facilitate the development of an ultra-modern port terminal on 8.3 hectares of land (~82,846 m²) in Ijora, Lagos. The project encompasses the development of a …
Read More »Shyllon Museum, Others Empower Itamapako Women Leaders to Mark International Women’s Day
The Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art (YSMA), Pan-Atlantic University has reaffirmed its commitment to using art education as a catalyst for empowerment and social development with the successful hosting of the “Leadership Orientation Programme: Cultural Inclusion through the Arts” for rural women. The one-day programme, held on March 6, 2025, …
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