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As Fidelity Bank Remains Investors’ Toast

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As Fidelity Bank Remains Investors’ Toast

 

As Fidelity Bank Remains Investors’ Toast

 

 

It is an increasingly uncertain macroeconomic environment, Fidelity Bank Plc has remained appealing in the banking sector. This is evident in its full year 2022 financial results which showed a better-than-expected performance amid the headwinds in the economy.

 

As Fidelity Bank Remains Investors’ Toast

 

 

 

Specifically, in the full year 2022 results, Fidelity Bank’s gross earnings increased to N337,050 billion as of December 31, 2022, significantly higher than the N250,776 billion recorded at the end of 2021. Also, Fidelity Bank’s Net Interest Income climbed to N152 billion in the year under review, up from N94.879 billion the previous year.
Also, its profit before income tax stood at N53.677 billion in the year under review, higher than N25.215 billion the previous year. Fidelity Bank’s profit after tax for the year under review stood at N46.724 billion, higher than the N23.104 billion it realised in 2021. Additionally, its total assets increased to N3.989 trillion in 2022, up from N3.278 trillion in 2021.

 

 

 

 

 

 

While its loans and advances to customers in the year under review stood at N2.116 trillion in the year under review, up from N1.658 trillion the previous year, customers’ deposits grew to N2.580 trillion, higher than N2.024 trillion the previous year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Owing to this, the Board of Directors of the bank have proposed a final dividend of 40 kobo per share which in addition to the 10 kobo per share earlier declared as interim dividend amounts to N0.50 per Ordinary Share of 50 kobo (2021: Dividend of N0.35 per Ordinary Share of 50 kobo each amounting to N10,136,904,992.20) from the retained earnings account as of 31 December 2022.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On the back of an impressive first half 2022 results, Fidelity Bank had declared an interim dividend payment of 10 Kobo per 50 Kobo ordinary share, subject to appropriate withholding tax, to shareholders whose names appear in the Register of Members as at the close of business on September 12, 2022. The interim dividend payment was the first in the bank’s 34 years history. Fidelity Bank had reported a remarkable 21.6 per cent growth in its half-year 2022 profit to N25.1 billion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Since she assumed the position of the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc in 2021, Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe has made it clear that her target is to deliver a financial institution that meets all stakeholders’ expectations, even as she continues to push the bank to rise to be among the tier-one banks in the country.
In August 2022, Fidelity Bank intimated the public of its proposed acquisition of Union Bank United Kingdom as part of its expansion plans and in line with regulatory stipulations. The bank’s plans to acquire a 100 per cent stake in Union Bank UK marked its first foray into the international market.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commenting on the transaction, Onyeali-Ikpe stated, “This transaction aligns with our strategic plan of expanding our service touchpoints beyond the Nigerian market and providing straight-through services that meet and exceed the needs of our growing clients.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Indeed, the Nigerian banking sector is evolving, with the changes being driven by competition, accelerated adoption of technology and the move by banks to meet the banking lifestyle of an evolving demography.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This has seen a lot of banks, including Fidelity, embrace innovative means to satisfy their customers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

It also organised the Fidelity International Trade and Creative Connect (FITCC), which is the largest trade exhibition by Nigerian-based businesses in the United Kingdom in recent times. It was a major move in increasing Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings.

 

 

 

 

 

At the end of the maiden edition which held in London, it recorded pipeline deals of over $200 million, more than 100 exhibitors from Nigeria with product offerings ranging from processed food to fashion, fintech and the arts and over 2,000 attendees over two days.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“In collaboration with our strategic partners, we have created this platform to connect Nigerian exporters with UK buyers. This inaugural edition of the FITCC hosts more than 100 exhibitors from Nigeria with product offerings ranging from processed food to fashion, fintech and the arts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Fidelity Bank is a leading financial institution in Nigeria and a market leader in supporting small and medium scale enterprises and export-oriented businesses. This event is therefore an extension of the support that we provide to the business ecosystem in Nigeria as work to help them compete favourably on the global stage,” Onyeali-Ikpe said in her welcome remarks at the event.

 

 

 

 

 

It is expected that the impressive financial would continue to attract investors to the bank even as it continues to meet the expectations of its customers.

Source: Thisdaylive.Com

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Adron Homes Celebrates Eid-al-Fitr, Wishes Nigerians Peace and Prosperity

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Adron Homes Celebrates Eid-al-Fitr, Wishes Nigerians Peace and Prosperity

 

Adron Homes and Properties extends warm greetings to the Muslim community across Nigeria and beyond as we celebrate the joyous occasion of Eid-al-Fitr.

As we mark the end of Ramadan, a season of faith, sacrifice, and devotion, we reflect on the values of unity, gratitude, and generosity that define this celebration. The blessings of fasting and prayers bring peace, progress, and abundance to our beloved nation, and we pray for continued harmony, stability, and prosperity for Nigeria and its people.

At Adron Homes, this season is also a time to express our heartfelt appreciation to our esteemed customers. Your trust, loyalty, and commitment to choosing Adron Homes as your partner in the journey to homeownership mean everything to us. Your belief in our vision inspires us to continue providing affordable, luxurious, and accessible housing solutions, making homeownership a reality for all.

As you celebrate Eid with your loved ones, may your homes be filled with peace, joy, and countless blessings. We remain dedicated to building vibrant communities where families can thrive and create lasting memories.

Eid Mubarak! Thank you for being part of the Adron Homes family.

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FRESH: GTCO Plc Releases 2024 Full Year Audited Results…..…Pays Shareholders Record Dividend of N8.03k for 2024 Financial Year

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FRESH: GTCO Plc Releases 2024 Full Year Audited Results…..…Pays Shareholders Record Dividend of N8.03k for 2024 Financial Year

Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (“GTCO” or the “Group”) has released its Audited Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2024, to the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) and London Stock Exchange (LSE).

The Group reported profit before tax of ₦1.266trilion, representing an increase of 107.8% over ₦609.3billion recorded in the corresponding year ended December 2023. This performance reflects not just strong earnings but also the quality and sustainability of our earnings, underpinned by a well-diversified revenue base, robust risk management practice, and disciplined capital management.

The Group recorded growth across all financial and non-financial metrics, and continues to maintain a well-structured, healthy, and diversified balance sheet. The Group’s loan book (net) increased by 12.3% from ₦2.48trillion in December 2023 to ₦2.79trillion in December 2024, while deposit liabilities grew by 37.8% from ₦7.55trillion to ₦10.40trillion during the same period. Total assets and shareholders’ funds closed at ₦14.8trillion and ₦2.7trillion, respectively. Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) remained very robust and strong, closing at 39.3%, likewise, asset quality was sustained as evidenced by IFRS 9 Stage 3 Loans which closed at 3.5% at Bank Level and 5.2% at Group in December 2024 (2023: Bank, 2.5%; Group, 4.2%) and cost of risk (COR) closed at 4.9% from 4.5% in December 2023.

Commenting on the results, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO Plc), Mr. Segun Agbaje, said; “Our strong performance for 2024 underscores the resilience and depth of our business, driven by a well-diversified earnings base across our banking and non-banking subsidiaries, all of which are P&L positive. Our capacity to generate sustainable high-quality earnings, maintain strong asset quality, and drive cost efficiencies reflects the soundness of our long-term strategy and disciplined execution. We have also prudently provided for all our forbearance loans, well ahead of the June 2025 timeline, whilst fully accruing for the windfall tax, further strengthening our balance sheet and enhancing financial resilience.

He further added; “The total dividend of N8.03k for the 2024 FYE is underpinned by the quality of our earnings and is in line with our long tradition of increasing dividend pay-out year-on year. Looking ahead, we remain committed to building a Financial Services Group that thrives on innovation, operational efficiency, and sustainable profitability. We will continue to deepen our relationships with customers, leverage technology to deliver cutting-edge financial solutions, and accelerate the growth of all our business verticals—Banking, Funds Management, Pension, and Payments—to unlock new opportunities and create more value for our shareholders.”

Overall, the Group continues to post one of the best metrics in the Nigerian Financial Services industry in terms of key financial ratios i.e., Pre-Tax Return on Equity (ROAE) of 60.5%, Pre-Tax Return on Assets (ROAA) of 10.3%, Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) of 39.3% and Cost to Income ratio of 24.1%.

Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO Plc) is a leading financial services group with operations across Africa and the United Kingdom. Renowned for its strong corporate governance, innovative financial solutions, and customer-centric approach, GTCO Plc provides a wide range of banking and non-banking services, including payments, funds management, and pension fund administration. The Group is committed to delivering long-term value to stakeholders while driving growth and development across its markets.

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Court Crushes Fraud Allegations Against Zinox Boss, Labels Case ‘Campaign of Persecution’

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Court Crushes Fraud Allegations Against Zinox Boss, Labels Case ‘Campaign of Persecution’

 

In a dramatic courtroom turn, Justice Akpan Okon Ebong of the FCT High Court has once again cleared billionaire tech magnate Leo Stan Ekeh, Chairman of Zinox Technologies, alongside his wife Chioma Ekeh and 11 others, dismissing the ₦162 million fraud allegations filed against them as a “gross abuse of court process.”

The high-profile suit was spearheaded by renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), who purportedly acted on the authority of a fiat granted by Nigeria’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi. The case alleged fraudulent diversion of funds linked to a laptop supply contract with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), on behalf of Benjamin Joseph, CEO of Citadel Oracle Concept Limited.

However, Justice Ebong delivered a scathing rebuke, highlighting that the case had already been exhaustively investigated by multiple courts and law enforcement agencies, all of which found the allegations unsubstantiated.

“One intriguing aspect of this matter is that none of the law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation of the nominal complainant’s (Mr. Joseph) numerous petitions has found merit in any of his allegations against the defendants,” Justice Ebong remarked, sharply critiquing the persistence of the plaintiff. The judge added, “When called upon before Senchi J. (Justice Danlami Z. Senchi) to prove his said allegations to the court, he failed to turn up in court. One then wonders on what premise he wants to maintain this campaign of persecution against the defendants.”

In his certified ruling dated March 20, 2025, Justice Ebong unequivocally stated:
“It is my conclusion based on the foregoing that this charge (No. FCT/HC/CR/985/2024, Federal Republic of Nigeria v Leo Stan Ekeh and 12 ORS) constitutes a gross abuse of court process and is liable to dismissal. I accordingly hereby dismiss it.”

Defense lawyer Chris Eze Ozims welcomed the ruling, noting, “This judgment aligns with previous court decisions, reaffirming that these allegations are baseless.”

Chief defense counsel Matthew Burkaa (SAN) went further, describing the verdict as a “victory for integrity and the rule of law.”

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