Bank
Heritage Bank, others canvass adequate Agric Financing for finance services repositioning
Heritage Bank, others canvass adequate Agric Financing for finance services repositioning
Heritage Bank Plc has affirmed that adequate agricultural financing is critical in defining Nigeria’s trade competitiveness, which guarantees sustainable agricultural systems, generates foreign exchange – a critical aspect that equips the financial sector to respond to changing market requirements and address critical sector needs for global competitiveness.
The Executive Director of Heritage Bank Plc, George Oko-Oboh disclosed this, during the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria’s (CIBN)15th Annual Banking and Finance Conference, tagged: “Repositioning the Financial Services Industry for an Evolving Global Context” in Abuja.
He disclosed that Heritage Bank has been at the forefront of financing Agric value chains that have upped its competitiveness in the global market and helping to boost local production, conserve scarce foreign exchange and enhance food security, and ultimately result in the creation of hundreds of new jobs.
According to Oko-Oboh, the bank’s involvement in the sector dated back to many years ago and it has always been at the forefront of ensuring overall growth and development of commodities products in Nigeria. For these feats, Heritage Bank disbursed the CBN’s N41billion intervention in wheat production in Nigeria for commodity associations and anchor companies.
“We have continued to create market linkages between smallholders’ farmers and Anchors/Processors, create an ecosystem that drives value chain financing, improve access to credit by the smallholders’ farmers by developing credit history through the scheme and many more.
“As a Bank, we partnered CBN and other stakeholders such as wheat farmers association of Nigeria, wheat farmers, processors and marketers’ association of Nigeria, Lake Chad Research Institute and other development partners, flour mills of Nigeria and several seed companies and others to support over 100,000 farmers in wheat production.
“Also, Heritage Bank further factored consideration of value addition of financial services and products flowing to and/or through value chain participants to address and alleviate constraints to growth that have distorted product financing, receivables financing, physical-asset collateralization, risk mitigation products and financial enhancements,” said the executive director.
Also, the Chairman, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, Farouk Gumel has said Nigerian banks must invest in modernising agriculture, helping it to be more resilient, more dynamic and better able to adapt for the banking sector to favourably compete in the evolving global context. “Modernisation means much more than technology alone. It is also about farming techniques, he said.
Gumel noted, “to reposition the industry for a ‘Glocal context, we need also to look more inwards,” saying repositioning is not an option. It is a necessity Nigerian has begun an agricultural renaissance over the past seven years. To be truly Glocal, we must commit the same resources and investments to rural-local customers as we have done to urban global clients.”
He agreed that the local players must keep an eye on what global happenings to stay in tune with international best practices, while asking that local/rural farmers should never be forgotten.
President/chairman of council for CIBN Dr. Ken Opara said the financial services industry needs to adapt to much faster pace of change in advancement in technology and innovation, saying services, products, and technologies that were new and useful in the past will not necessarily be so soon.
Opara said advancement in technology and innovation is bringing about another wave of revolution that will change the landscape of the financial services sector more than ever.
FirstBank Introduces Exclusive 500-Seater Bleacher at Carnival Calabar & Festival 2025
Lagos, 26 December 2025 – FirstBank, West Africa’s premier financial institution and financial inclusion services provider, has officially announced its sponsorship of the Carnival Calabar & Festival 2025, unveiling a landmark addition set to redefine the carnival experience — the first-ever private premium seating area at the event.
The highlight of FirstBank’s participation is the construction of a 500-seater premium bleacher, designed to provide comfort, safety, and an elevated viewing experience for carnival enthusiasts.
Speaking on the sponsorship, the Acting Group Head Marketing and Corporate Communications, FirstBank, Olayinka Ijabiyi, noted that the carnival aligns with the Bank’s First@Arts initiative, a platform dedicated to supporting the creative arts value chain across Nigeria. He said, “We recognise the transformative power of the arts, including carnivals, in inspiring people and strengthening national unity. For more than 131 years, we have supported platforms that promote self-expression, social reflection and cultural exchange. Our investment in the Carnival Calabar & Festival demonstrates our commitment to preserving the nation’s rich cultural heritage through First@Arts.”
“As part of our sponsorship this year, we are introducing the first-ever private 500-seater premium bleacher to further elevate the carnival experience. This exclusive seating is designed to provide exceptional comfort and an unforgettable viewing experience for attendees,” Ijabiyi added.
The Chairman of the Cross River State Carnival Calabar Commission, Gabe Onah, also commented on FirstBank’s sponsorship. “FirstBank’s involvement is a strong demonstration of private-sector support for culture and tourism. This partnership not only enhances the overall quality of the carnival but also strengthens its global appeal,” he said.
The Carnival Calabar & Festival 2025 is officially marketed by Okhma Global Limited, the appointed Official Marketer responsible for brand partnerships, promotional engagements, and ticket sales. Okhma Global Limited has partnered with the Cross River State government in delivering Carnival Calabar & Festival for over ten years, playing a key role in strengthening the carnival’s commercial growth and global visibility.
Alpha Morgan Bank Backs Cultural Preservation at the 2025 Iganmode Festival
Alpha Morgan Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to cultural preservation and community development as one of the major sponsors of the recently concluded Iganmode Cultural Festival (Odun Omo Iganmode) held in Sango-Ota, Ogun State.
The annual festival, a landmark cultural celebration in the ancient town of Ota, showcased the rich heritage, history, and identity of the Awori people. The event came alive with vibrant displays of traditional music, dance, colourful regalia, and performances that reflected the deep-rooted customs and values of the community.
Alpha Morgan Bank’s sponsorship followed closely on the heels of the recent launch of its Sango-Ota branch, further underscoring the Bank’s dedication to supporting local initiatives, promoting indigenous culture, and fostering sustainable community development in Ota and its environs.
The ceremony attracted an impressive array of dignitaries, including former President of Nigeria, His Excellency Chief Olusegun Obasanjo; Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. (Mrs.) Noimot Salako-Oyedele; and the Olota of Ota, His Majesty, Prof. Adeyemi Obalanlege, alongside several other traditional rulers and members of royal households from across the state. Their presence highlighted the cultural and historical significance of the festival to Ogun State and the wider Yoruba nation.
Alpha Morgan Bank’s participation as a major sponsor reflects its broader corporate vision of strengthening community values and supporting initiatives that promote Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage. The Bank joined thousands of attendees in celebrating a festival that continues to serve as a symbol of unity, pride, and cultural continuity for the people of Ota.
The 2025 edition of the Iganmode Festival was widely acclaimed as a success, leaving guests and participants with lasting impressions of a colourful, well-coordinated celebration that honoured tradition while fostering communal harmony.
*12 Days of Christmas with 5 for 5 Rewards: Celebrating the Season the Wema Way*
December is a season built on gratitude, reflection, and giving. It is a time when small gestures carry deeper meaning and everyday moments turn into shared joy. At Wema Bank, this spirit of the season has inspired the launch of 12 Days of Christmas with 5 for 5 Rewards, a festive campaign created to celebrate customers who continue to make the Bank part of their daily lives.
Running from December 14 to December 25, 2025, the campaign is designed to reward simple, everyday banking while spreading cheer across homes and communities. For twelve days, 33 customers will be rewarded daily with five thousand naira each when they fund their accounts with five thousand naira.
The idea behind the campaign is simple in action but thoughtful in intent. It recognises that during the festive period, every extra support counts. Whether it is preparing for family gatherings, running errands, or planning end-of-year activities, Wema Bank is turning routine transactions into moments of delight.
To take part in the 12 Days of Christmas with 5 for 5 Rewards, customers only need to fund their accounts with five thousand naira through any of the following channels:
ALAT app
*945#
Debit cards
Once the account is funded with five thousand naira, they get an additional five thousand naira as a reward.
Beyond the rewards, the 12 Days of Christmas with 5 for 5 Rewards reflects Wema Bank’s broader commitment to customer-centric banking. It reinforces the Bank’s focus on creating experiences that go beyond transactions, especially during moments that matter most to customers.
As the year draws to a close, Wema Bank is inviting customers to enjoy the festive season knowing that their loyalty is valued and celebrated. With every transaction, the Bank continues to find new ways to connect, appreciate, and give back during a season defined by generosity.
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