Business

First Bank, NAOSRE & Internal Security

Published

5 years ago

December 17, 2020

FirstBank, NAOSRE and Internal Security is a contextual analysis of NAOSRE’s commitment to a safer Nigeria and the supporting role of First Bank through a philosophical approach to the relationship between media and corporate institution. Andy Ennette, a NAOSRE member, writes from Lagos.

Unarguably, the year 2020 has particularly been very contending for Nigeria as a country.
The year has been a very tough one for citizens, businesses and indeed, the security operatives.

For a country like Nigeria that has to daily contend with other variables, this could be worrisome.

Aside the problem of kidnapping, banditry, and armed robbery, which the people have been subjected to across the nation, Covid – 19 pandemic added to the dimension and took toll on the people.
There was the issue of ASUU strikes. There was the threat of Labour unrest. The culmination of these crises was the #ENDSARS Protests which recently took the country by storm.

However, when the country is faced with myriads of challenges, ranging from insecurity, food scarcity and infrastructural deficit, the role of the media as the fourth estate of the realm for objective presentation of facts and the banking system in providing financial succour for small and medium enterprises, SME cannot be over emphasized.

These two institutions are very central in the quest for solutions and ameliorating the problem.
First Bank Nigeria Plc, for instance, has, since the beginning of the pandemic, offered several financial succour to the banking public.

The bank has shown uncommon responsiveness and compassion towards customers and communities through various offerings.

Amongst them are the e learning for children in school when the foremost financial institution discovered that the recent lock down was going to negatively affect school children.
In like manner, First Bank , through its financial inclusion initiative, FirstAdvance, has disbursed over N17 billion as loans to individuals, across the country.

Just last Friday, December 11, 2020, First Bank made a remarkable showing at a security dinner summit organized by the National Association of Online Security Reporters, NAOSRE which held at Oriental Hotel, Lagos.

The security dinner was organized by NAOSRE to aggregate options for a secured Nigeria.

The physical presence of its staff and financial support were the needed convictions that First Bank’s commitment to the growth of Nigeria’s economy is proportionate to the efforts it deploys to the security of its personnel, deposits and assets.

These financial offering and innumerable Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, projects across the country and beyond have earned the bank, with over a century banking experience, many awards and rewards home including overseas.

Moreso, media anywhere in the world is central to the resolution of peace and tranquility necessary to the success of national development efforts.

The Media must be very responsible and responsive to the needs of the populace in information gathering, processing and dissemination to avoid spreading false and dangerous information referred to as ” Fake News” , which are capable of compromising national security.

Therefore, the choice of theme by the National Association of Online Security Reporters known as NAOSRE, for this year’s Annual Dinner Night Discourse which is tagged: 2021 Nigerian Security Issues, Funding and Prospects” is apt, and the ideas generated from the deliberations would no doubt assist greatly in finding lasting solutions to the security challenges which the country is currently facing.

Interestingly, NAOSRE has successfully established a sustainable working relationship with key security players in the corporate world and security agencies in the country, including but not limited to Nigeria Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Airforce, Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Civil Defence Corps, Nigerian Customs Service, Federal Road Safety Corps, the Executive/ Legislative Arms of government as well as the traditional institution across the country.
This, we hope, would organically shape policy direction in 2021 for a safer Nigeria.

Related Topics:Featured firstbank Lifestyle NAOSRE

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Bank

Union Bank Honoured by ASBON at Nigeria National SME Business Awards

Published

5 hours ago

May 13, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Union Bank Honoured by ASBON at Nigeria National SME Business Awards

Lagos, Nigeria – Union Bank of Nigeria has reaffirmed its reputation as a strong supporter of Nigerian businesses, receiving the Best SME Growth Banking Initiatives Award for 2025 from the Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria (ASBON) at the Nigeria National SME Business Awards, held recently in Lagos.

The award was presented to the Bank in recognition of its strategic leadership in advancing the growth and resilience of small and medium-sized enterprises, through a differentiated suite of solutions designed to enable business expansion and long-term value creation.

Receiving the award on behalf of the Bank, Ayokunnumi Abraham, Head of SME Segment at Union Bank, described the recognition as a strong endorsement of the Bank’s commitment to supporting small and medium-sized businesses. He said:

“We are honoured to receive this recognition, which reflects Union Bank’s continued commitment to helping SMEs grow by making banking simpler, faster, and more accessible. Through enhancements to our specialised platforms such as Union360, we have meaningfully reduced the time it takes for businesses to come on board and begin transacting. These improvements have shortened onboarding, increased digital adoption among our SME customers, and supported the acquisition of new business clients. Our focus remains on delivering practical solutions that help Nigerian businesses thrive.”

Organised by ASBON in partnership with the Lagos State Government through the Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, the event convened stakeholders from the public and private sectors to recognise individuals and organisations driving meaningful impact across Nigeria’s SME ecosystem.

Union Bank remains focused on deepening its support for SMEs through customer-led solutions and processes that strengthen business growth across the ecosystem.

Bank

Atlantian Crown Bank Rebrands as Arizona Global Bank LLC, Begins Licensing for Global Expansion

Published

17 hours ago

May 12, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Atlantian Crown Bank Rebrands as Arizona Global Bank LLC, Begins Licensing for Global Expansion

_By AGP News

*UNITED KINGDOM OF ATLANTIS* — In a move signaling a push into international markets, the Royal Throne of the United Kingdom of Atlantis on Sunday announced the corporate transformation of Atlantian Crown Bank LLC into *Arizona Global Bank LLC*, as part of a wider restructuring to position the institution for global banking and financial innovation.

The announcement was made at a press conference in the UKA capital by *HRM Queen Amb. Cletus C. Leaticia*, Chief Executive Officer of the newly named bank. She told reporters the rebranding marks _“more than a name change”_ and reflects a strategic pivot toward digital finance, cross-border investment, and modern banking standards.

_“This transformation represents our commitment to innovation-driven banking and our vision to become a globally competitive financial institution,”_ Queen Leaticia said.

*Licensing Process Underway*

According to the Department of Financial Administration and Corporate Affairs, which issued the official communication, Arizona Global Bank LLC has formally begun the process of applying for a *Banking Operational Licence* under UKA’s financial regulatory framework.

Once licensed, the bank plans to operate as a modern financial enterprise focused on four pillars:

1. Innovation-driven banking and digital financial solutions

2. Corporate financing and structured investment services

3. International financial partnerships and cross-border trade facilitation

4. Financial inclusion initiatives

Bank officials stressed that the institution will _“maintain strict compliance with all banking regulations and supervisory standards”_ set by UKA financial authorities.

*Strategic Shift Amid Global Ambitions*

Management described the rebranding as part of a broader restructuring initiative to _“strengthen the bank’s international identity, expand its global financial footprint, and align operations with contemporary banking standards.”_

Representatives called the licensing and rebranding process a _“major milestone”_ aimed at supporting economic growth, international trade, and cross-border investment initiatives.

*No Disruption to Existing Commitments*

Addressing potential concerns from clients and partners, management reassured stakeholders that _“all existing institutional commitments, operational objectives, and long-term strategic plans remain fully intact throughout the transition process.”_

The Royal Throne indicated that further updates on the licence approval, commencement of operations, corporate partnerships, and investment programmes will be released through official UKA and Arizona Global Bank LLC channels.

_The Department of Financial Administration and Corporate Affairs, Royal Throne of United Kingdom of Atlantis, issued the official statement._

Bank

Fidelity Bank grows Gross Earnings by 45.6% for FY 2025

Published

18 hours ago

May 12, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Fidelity Bank grows Gross Earnings by 45.6% for FY 2025

Lagos, Nigeria – Fidelity Bank Plc, a leading Nigerian financial institution, has announced its audited financial results for the year ended 31 December 2025, reporting Gross Earnings growth of 45.6% from N1.04 trillion in 2024 to N1.52 trillion in FY 2025, reflecting stronger topline momentum across core business segments.

The Group recorded a Profit Before Tax of N347.7 billion. This performance was underpinned by a 38.7% year-on-year increase in interest income to N1.11 trillion (FY 2024: N803.1 billion) and a 44.7% year-on-year rise in fees and commission income to N113.4 billion (FY 2024: N78.4 billion).

On the balance sheet, total assets grew by 18.6% year-on-year to N10.46 trillion (FY 2024: N8.82 trillion), while customer deposits increased by 16.1% year on year to N6.89 trillion (FY 2024: N5.94 trillion), reflecting continued franchise strength and growing customer confidence in the brand. Net loans and advances declined by 2.4% year-on-year to N4.28 trillion (FY 2024: N4.39 trillion) as customers paid down on their mature obligations.

The Bank also strengthened its capital position during the period, with eligible capital rising to N561 billion, above the regulatory minimum of N500 billion for banks with international authorisation. In addition, capital adequacy remained robust, with Capital Adequacy Ratio of 30.94 percent as at 31 December 2025 (FY 2024: 23.47 percent).

Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.

The Bank is the recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.