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FIRSTBANK HOSTS FINTECH SUMMIT 5.0

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FirstBank Bounces Back to its Leadership Position, Delivers a Fantastic Performance in 2021

FIRSTBANK HOSTS FINTECH SUMMIT 5.0, HIGHLIGHTS THE IMPACT OF OPEN BANKING ON FINANCIAL INCLUSION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sahara Weekly Reports That FirstBank of Nigeria Limited, Nigeria’s leading financial inclusion services provider, has announced that the 2021 edition of its annual FINTECH Summit is scheduled to hold on Thursday, 7 October 2021 by 10:00 am. The virtual event is opened to everyone, but participants are required to register via the link https://firstbanknigeria.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_NmkYfeckQqu4vjTWy5lr5w

 

 

 

 

 

FIRSTBANK HOSTS FINTECH SUMMIT 5.0

 

 

 

 

The 2021 edition of the summit which is the fifth in its series is themed; “Open Banking and its Derivative Opportunities for the Financial Ecosystem” and will be discussed by experts, policy influencers, regulatory officials as well as key and leading players in the Nigerian financial, banking and technology climate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prof Ndubuisi Ekekwe, the Lead Faculty of Tekedia Institute with a PhD in engineering from John Hopkins University, USA, will be leading the discussion as the Keynote speaker alongside other panelists; Ankit Sharma, Director at Strategy&, a part of the PwC network, based out of Mexico; Ope Adeoye, CEO (Chief Plumber) at One Pipe; Aminu Maida, Executive Director, Technology & Operations at Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System Plc (NIBSS), Musa Jimoh, Deputy Director, Payment Systems, CBN and Olayinka Situ, Head, Corporate Transformation, FirstBank.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The need for Open Banking in Nigeria cannot be overemphasized as the importance goes beyond just convenience to its game-changing impact in transforming value creation, product conceptualization and closing the financially excluded gap.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Through standardized and accessible open API technologies, innovators and product developers alike are now availed a wealth of big data and attendant insights, with the potential to completely redefine standards for product conceptualization, customer satisfaction and service delivery across Africa’s largest economy. This is the focus of this year’s theme; exploring the depth and range of these derivative opportunities set to be triggered by the application of an Open Banking regime in the country.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Building up conversations into the event, the Bank recently hosted several podcasts with speakers sharing insightful tips that will impact an end–to–end growth of financial technology in the country. The podcasts are enhanced with useful nuggets as there is new and useful information for everyone.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guests discussants in the podcasts include; Joshua Chibueze, Co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer of PiggyVest, a Nigerian FinTech company committed to giving everyone the power to better manage their growth and finances; David Peterside, Chief Operating Officer of Okra, a fintech company committed to empowering companies and developers to build products with seamless access to inclusive financial data and secure payments. The podcasts which are opened to everyone are available on the Bank’s official Instagram handle – firstbanknigeria.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Speaking on the event, the Chief Executive Officer of FirstBank, Dr Adesola Adeduntan said, “our annual FinTech Summit in the past four years has been a platform of leading conversations and practices that have impacted the financial technology and electronic banking eco-system which has been integral to bridging the gap and digital divide of modern banking in today’s global village. Participants at our summits have been enlightened on ways to optimally carry out their digital transactions and business activities in safe and seamless ways.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial services have continually evolved in Nigeria and the world over and we intend as in previous years to use our FinTech summit this year to discuss different views on Open Banking and its associated opportunities with the goal of building on the successes achieved in the past’’.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

About FirstBank

First Bank of Nigeria Limited (FirstBank) is the premier Bank in West Africa and the leading financial inclusion services provider in Nigeria for over 127 years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With over 750 business locations and over 130,620 Banking Agents spread across 99% of the 774 Local Government Areas in Nigeria, FirstBank provides a comprehensive range of retail and corporate financial services to serve its over 30 million customers. The Bank has international presence through its subsidiaries, FBN Bank (UK) Limited in London and Paris, FBNBank in the Republic of Congo, Ghana, The Gambia, Guinea, Sierra-Leone and Senegal, as well as a Representative Office in Beijing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Bank has been handy at promoting digital payment in the country and has issued over 10million cards, the first bank to achieve such a milestone in the country. FirstBank’s cashless transaction drive extends to having more than 10million people on its USSD Quick Banking service through the nationally renowned *894# Banking code and over 4.5 million people on FirstMobile platform.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Since its establishment in 1894, FirstBank has consistently built relationships with customers focusing on the fundamentals of good corporate governance, strong liquidity, optimised risk management and leadership. Over the years, the Bank has led the financing of private investment in infrastructure development in the Nigerian economy by playing key roles in the Federal Government’s privatisation and commercialisation schemes. With its global reach, FirstBank provides prospective investors wishing to explore the vast business opportunities that are available in Nigeria, an internationally competitive world-class brand and a credible financial partner.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FirstBank has been named “Most Valuable Bank Brand in Nigeria” six times in a row (2011 – 2016) by the globally renowned “The Banker Magazine” of the Financial Times Group; “Best Retail Bank in Nigeria” for seven consecutive years (2011 – 2017) by the Asian Banker International Excellence in Retail Financial Services Awards and “Best Bank in Nigeria” by Global Finance for 15 years. Our brand purpose is always to put customers, partners and stakeholders at the heart of our business, even as we standardise customer experience and excellence in financial solutions across sub-Saharan Africa, in consonance with our brand vision “To be the partner of the first choice in building your future”. Our brand promise is always to deliver the ultimate “gold standard” of value and excellence. This commitment is anchored on our inherent values of passion, partnership and people, to position You First in every respect.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Elite 18 global golfers honours Aare Adetola Emmanuelking with Nigeria’s first ever Noble Golfer award

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Elite 18 global golfers honours Aare Adetola Emmanuelking with Nigeria’s first ever Noble Golfer award

In a landmark celebration of sportsmanship, leadership, and vision, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, the esteemed Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Adron Homes and Properties, has been honored with Nigeria’s inaugural Noble Golfer Award. This prestigious accolade was conferred upon him by the renowned Elite 18 Global Golfers during a high-profile event that brought together key figures from the sports, real estate, and business sectors.

The Noble Golfer Award recognizes individuals who have shown steadfast dedication to advancing the game of golf and promoting sports culture in their communities. Aare Emmanuelking’s nomination exemplifies his exceptional commitment to enriching the golfing landscape in Nigeria, alongside his broader initiatives aimed at fostering sports development across the nation.

Aare Emmanuelking is not merely a business leader; he is a pioneer in integrating golf into modern lifestyle experiences. Currently, he is leading the ambitious development of a state-of-the-art golf course in Nigeria a monumental project that aspires to redefine leisure, tourism, and sporting excellence within the country. This golf course aims to provide a premier playing experience while also serving as a social hub for golfing enthusiasts and the community at large.

In a bid to make golf more inclusive and accessible, Aare Emmanuelking has also initiated the construction of advanced golf driving ranges in all Adron Homes Estates across Nigeria. This visionary project is designed to encourage participation in the sport among Nigerians of all ages and backgrounds, fostering wellness, recreation, and community engagement as integral parts of Adron’s residential developments.

At the award presentation, Aare Emmanuelking conveyed his heartfelt gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing his belief in the transformative power of sports as a vehicle for national development and youth empowerment. He remarked, “Golf is not just a game; it exemplifies discipline, a distinct lifestyle, and a pursuit of excellence. Through Adron Homes, we are not merely constructing houses—we are nurturing communities built on the foundations of wellness, unity, and opportunity.”

The Elite 18 Global Golfers commended Aare Emmanuelking’s innovative approach, highlighting how he effectively merges real estate advancements with world-class sports infrastructure. They acknowledged that his efforts have the potential to inspire a new generation of golfers and to position Nigeria as a premier destination for international golfing events.

As Aare Adetola Emmanuelking continues to break new ground in both the real estate and sports development arenas, receiving this award serves as a testament to his lasting influence—not only in the realms of business but also in cultivating a legacy of excellence, one fairway at a time. His contributions are poised to create lasting change, inspiring future generations and fostering a vibrant culture of sport and community in Nigeria.

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WHO IS AFRAID OF FIDELITY BANK -By Udeme Etukeyen

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WHO IS AFRAID OF FIDELITY BANK -By Udeme Etukeyen

Leading up to the recent superlative annual reports showcasing one of the most significant growth experienced by a Nigeria Financial Institution in recent years I was forced to ask “what is Fidelity Bank” doing right?

My banking and financial sector experience got me digging deeper into the statistics of the report-Fidelity Bank recorded a substantial 210.0% growth in PBT, reaching N385.2 billion in FY 2024. Deposits increased by 47.9%, from N4.0 trillion in 2023FY to N5.9 trillion in 2024FY, Gross earnings shooting by 87.7% to N1,043.4 billion which was primarily caused by a 106.9% increase in interest and similar income. Was I impressed? Absolutely

Now to the scary part, they opened the year with a bang implying that 2025 year end results was going to be nothing but spectacular; check this out-Fidelity reported a whooping 167.8% increase in PBT (Profit Before Tax)to N105.8 billion in Q1 2025, compared to N39.5 billion in Q1 2024. Gross earnings from January to April had reached some N315.421 billion signaling a 64.21% increase year-on-year.

These results were nothing short of astonishing and with great hope I sat my team to review our Investment Strategy to accommodate taking up equities in Fidelity and advising our portfolio investors to do same.

We quickly appraised the fundamentals and Key Success Factors to include their focus on the strategic youth economy that the Creative and Digital Transformation sector promises, the banks bullish inroads in MSME promotion and financing, their glowing penchant for Gender inclusion without abandoning the core sectors of Mining, Renewables and other key industries

Then came the dissecting of Leadership, my team of analysts mostly female went on about Fidelity MD being one of the most experienced and affable Amazons in the industry; done this, achieved that and all the entreaties you’d expect from smart ladies who feel mentored from a distance. I didn’t hesitate to draw their attention to the experience of the menfolk within the organization like I had any measurable data to establish that mix…truth remains you can’t but admire the Banks Leadership and strides

A deeper look at the banks expansion globally could reveal a strategic and noiseless acquisition of Union Bank,London and their planned incursion into African and other European financial markets, you just can see that such daring strides and impact would give competition and detractors sleepless nights. Not in an era where sleeping pills are sold strictly by prescription and no thanks to the high cost of medication for peddlers of cheap propaganda

Within barely 30days of announcing such magnificent results little wonder how pundits would cook or spin a narrative to suggest a bank that has announced herself as First Tier with shoulders leveled up with other Banking giants would shudder over a judgement against her customer G.Cappa or even the contribution they would be required to cough out over that said Sagecom saga. With that judgement not going the way of pundits a contemptuous attempt at calculating interest at unclassified rates from an initial N14b to cause an unnecessary scare or negative press on the bank speaks volumes of how we unrepentantly strive to destroy value in our economy.

One would think that interpretation of the judgment and computation of due figures which will understandably come with a payment plan be awaited instead of the usual bad blood generated and envisaged by toddler media characters.

It is not in doubt that the discerning public sees through the cruise and flat falling attempt of dramatic clout chasers ever ready to stain Fidelity’s white apparel which savvy Investors and analysts are filled with bridal admiration

Like Joseph Campbell hinted in his famous quote “The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.” We cast our treasures and bets on Fidelity Bank as the Nigerian treasure house to beat in the years ahead!

*Udeme Etukeyen is an Abuja based Pan African Investment Advisory Expert*

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Jemras Homes Unveils Treasure Mall in Lekki with a Star-Studded Grand Opening Ceremony

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Jemras Homes Unveils Treasure Mall in Lekki with a Star-Studded Grand Opening Ceremony

Jemras Homes, one of Lagos’ fastest-growing real estate firms, held a vibrant and star-studded grand opening of its debut commercial property, Treasure Mall, on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at Abijo GRA, Lekki-Ajah.

The colourful ceremony brought together top political figures, industry leaders, celebrities, and business stakeholders to celebrate the launch of this landmark development.

The event was graced by notable personalities, including Hon. Moshood Aro, member of the Lagos State House of Assembly; Hon. Fatiu Salisu, the immediate past Chairman of Ijede LCDA; and veteran actor and brand ambassador of Jemras Homes, Alhaji Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo.

While addressing the press, Ogogo shared his deep connection with the brand “My relationship with Jemras Homes goes beyond mere brand representation — it’s a partnership rooted in trust, shared values, and a commitment to excellence. I believe in what the company stands for and the vision it’s bringing to life in the Nigerian real estate space.”

The Founder of Jemras Homes, Mr. Tayo Razaq, also delivered a heartfelt speech during the event, describing the company’s mission and the long-term value Treasure Mall offers “Treasure Mall is more than a building — it is a statement of our dedication to quality, innovation, and strategic investment. We are creating not just spaces, but opportunities that empower businesses and elevate communities.”

The grand opening was a lively affair, complete with music, entertainment, and testimonials from satisfied clients and partners who praised the transparency, quality, and professionalism of Jemras Homes. The atmosphere reflected the company’s growing reputation for delivering smart and stylish real estate developments.

Treasure Mall is a 1,350-square-meter, three-floor commercial complex offering business spaces ranging from 25 to 110 square meters. Located in the heart of Lekki’s flourishing Abijo GRA, it features ample parking, 24/7 security, and cutting-edge infrastructure — ideal for retail outlets, cafés, restaurants, and office spaces.

Strategically positioned near landmarks such as Lagos Business School, Novare Mall, and over 15 private estates, Treasure Mall also shares a boundary with the soon-to-be-completed Treasure 2 Residence — adding significant residential appeal to the area.

With this successful launch, Jemras Homes has not only unveiled a premium commercial destination but also reinforced its position as a visionary leader in Nigeria’s real estate sector.
[5/16, 8:41 AM] Peace: Pix

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