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FirstBank: Nigeria’s Premier Eco-Friendly Financial Brand.

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FirstBank: Nigeria’s Premier Eco-Friendly Financial Brand.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Concerning FirstBank, As the world gears up to celebrate World Environment Day (WED), Brand Communicator’s focus on Eco-Friendly Brands in the Nigerian market falls on Nigeria’s premier and perhaps the strongest financial institution, FirstBank of Nigeria Limited. The focus is on the Bank’s environmental policies and their impact on global environmental issues.

 

 

FirstBank: Nigeria’s Premier Eco-Friendly Financial Brand

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This brings to fore the importance of environmental sustainability in our world today. Environmental sustainability is one of the biggest challenges and most important targets of the present times. Stakeholders (researchers, academicians, scholars, governments, and non-government organizations involving individuals, communities, countries, and the continents, are increasingly focusing their attention on how to tackle the challenges associated with driving environmental sustainability. Key stakeholder concerns include the constant exploitation of the environment due to economic development. While the current generation is enjoying the fruits of economic development, they tend to be oblivious of the uncertainty and dangers that future generations would confront as a result of scarce natural resources and a polluted environment. It is, therefore, our responsibility to leave the planet as a self-sustainable system providing equal opportunities for survival not only to our future generations but also to all other species co-habiting with us.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Nigeria, studies have shown that various sectors of the economy are vulnerable to climate change. These include human settlements and health; water resources, wetlands and freshwater ecosystems; energy, industry, commerce, and financial services; agriculture, food security, land degradation, forestry, and biodiversity; coastal zone and marine ecosystems.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Because of the seriousness of climate change and the impact, it poses to the environment, an organization like First Bank of Nigeria Limited is leaving nothing to chance in ensuring an eco-friendly society. Its recognition of the environmental and social impacts of its operations has made it adopt policies and procedures that minimize negative environmental and social impacts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In doing business, the Bank, which is Nigeria’s first and arguably its most prestigious, takes cognizance of potential environmental risks to nip them in the bud. This has done by constant interactions with stakeholders, driving sustainable insurance, and put necessary frameworks in place towards ensuring that its actions as a corporate entity do not impact negatively the environment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As such, the sustainability of the societies and physical environments in which the Bank operates is critical to its own sustainable success. Therefore, the Bank has shown over the years that it is committed to making a positive contribution wherever it does business while avoiding or minimizing any direct or indirect negative impact on communities and the environment resulting from its activities, beyond its responsible lending and investment efforts. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The acknowledgment of the fact that its environmental impacts can be indirectly linked to climate change and its global effects have led the bank to adopt an approach to environmental sustainability which is two-fold based on its direct and indirect impacts. The approaches to reducing the direct impacts of its operations include the approach to minimizing carbon footprints and carbon offsetting; work towards carbon neutrality as well as promote wildlife and biodiversity conservation and preservation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In minimizing waste, the Bank works to improve energy efficiency in its data centers and offices as well as reduce air travel and implement safe paper use initiatives. It also increased the use of conference calls for meetings as against attending physical meeting schedules thereby minimizing fuel consumption and carbon emission from vehicles. It’s Going Green’ efforts have also seen the Bank purchase renewable energy; promote tree planting initiatives and the indirect impact of its activities focuses largely on responsible lending.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Bank’s key objectives of minimizing carbon footprints through the planting of trees, creating awareness among school children of the need to preserve wildlife and biodiversity, developing and educating environmentally conscious students through partnerships with reputable NGOs and institutions, are huge. The challenge in implementing this project is not just in identifying suitable locations with the right soil and climatic conditions for tree planting, but also in ensuring students’ participation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These objectives and FirstBank’s responsible approach to protecting the environment have seen it partner with Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), Nigeria’s premier non-governmental environment conservation foundation dedicated to nature conservation and sustainable development in Nigeria. Its ongoing partnership with the NCF has seen it actively support annual activities promoting conservation and preservation of wildlife and biodiversity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The FirstBank Conservation Initiative is part of our long-term approach to promoting sustainability, which involves minimizing our direct and indirect impacts on the environment. And the success of this initiative is dependent on our meaningful engagement with our stakeholders.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With its huge expertise in environmental issues, the Bank found a worthy and perfect partner in the NCF to help implement this program successfully. The NCF used its experience and influence to engage the various stakeholders to support the program. This included utilizing its conservation clubs, which provided educational sessions for the students on the importance and benefits of conservation and supporting biodiversity. The subsequent enthusiastic participation of the students, and the encouragement they received from the Ministry of Education and school authorities, enabled the program’s objectives to be achieved.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So far, 240 trees have been planted at the Lagos State Civil Service Model College Igbogbo in Ikorodu, and Evboesi Mixed Secondary School, Benin City. More than 1,000 environmental sustainability champions have also been appointed in these locations. These champions are young people who look after the trees and ensure that they are adequately cared for to help the bank achieve its afforestation goals. “The planting of trees is just part of our efforts to contribute to Nigeria’s green economy and to combat deforestation/desertification while recognizing the key role of children and young people in the sustainability agenda,” the Bank in a statement disclosed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Through its partnership with Junior Achievement Nigeria (JAN), FirstBank sponsored the National Company of the Year (NCOY) Competition. The competition is an extension of the COY program that brings secondary students together to form a company, choose a business name and elect officers to oversee operations of the company for the program duration. It teaches students to put theory into practice to fully understand what financial literacy and entrepreneurship are.  At the end of the program, the students that complete the program successfully, compete in the regional competition and represent their school in the National Company of the Year competition in Lagos. In 2020, the New Phase from Brookstone Secondary School, Port-Harcourt, Rivers state emerged winner, producing an eco-friendly block. The eco-friendly construction blocks were made from plastic waste. These sustainable blocks are the next wave of sustainable construction.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beyond the initiatives above, responsible lending remains one of the strategic pillars in delivering the sustainability goals of the FirstBank Group. FirstBank has put in place an Environmental, Social and Governance Management System (ESGMS) to help the Bank integrate environmental social, and governance considerations into its decision-making processes. This includes an ESG policy and procedures for screening transactions. The ESG policy is based on existing policy documents and international best practices, while procedures to screen transactions are aimed at conducting ESG due diligence on potential transactions. These are based on Central Bank of Nigeria’s Sustainable Banking Principles, IFC Performance Standards, and international best practice and are tailored to FirstBank’s procedures, risk management framework, risk appetite, and tolerance, and adapted to its strategic objectives

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The key objective of this policy is to ensure that all the transactions that FirstBank is considering funding, include adequate provision for actions necessary to prevent, control and mitigate negative impacts on the environment and communities, and improve environmental quality.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With this, FirstBank has shown its commitment to integrating social and environmental principles in all its operations; promoting good corporate governance and ensuring social and environmental considerations are included in the business decision making; reviewing and managing potential social and environmental risks in its lending and investment processes and activities and reviewing all borrowers against the criteria like exclusion list; the International Finance Corporate Performance Standards, and other applicable international standards as well as the Nigeria Sustainable Banking Principles (NSBP) requirements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other initiatives are, providing constant education and training for all staff on issues of environmental and social responsibility relevant to the business; regularly communicating to all stakeholders on the progress of commitments including achievements, challenges, and future direction; continuous improvement on how it identifies, assesses and manages Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) risks within its businesses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The successful and productive implementation of the ESGMS has propelled the bank to integrate the associated checklist (which is usually completed by a relationship manager and verified by an analyst against the EIA report), into the bank’s credit application platform designed for reviewing credits. The goal is to ensure efficiency through automation as relevant implementation documents such as the environmental, social, and governance risks screening checklist will be fully automated.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These initiatives over the years and activities have shown that environmental sustainability remains a key corporate responsibility & sustainability focus for FirstBank.

 

 

Business

Global Trailblazers to Be Honoured as Expatriates Business Awards 2025 Unveils Grand Celebration in Lagos

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Global Trailblazers to Be Honoured as Expatriates Business Awards 2025 Unveils Grand Celebration in Lagos

Global Trailblazers to Be Honoured as Expatriates Business Awards 2025 Unveils Grand Celebration in Lagos

The stage is set for the 2025 Expatriates Business Awards (EBA), a prestigious celebration of global enterprise and diversity shaping Nigeria’s economic landscape. Scheduled for Sunday, July 6th, 2025, at the Grand Ballroom of the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, the event promises to be a night of elegance, culture, and recognition of foreign excellence driving local growth.

Speaking at the unveiling, Miss Odunola Abayomi, Director of Awards, highlighted the event’s bold vision: to honour the transformative contributions of expatriates, foreign businesses, and migrant communities in Nigeria.

“Today, we celebrate a vision that transcends borders,” she said. “This award is a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to those who have invested, innovated, and contributed immensely to Nigeria’s economy.”

Now in its fifth year, the Expatriates Business Awards—originally launched in 2020 as The Ethnic Business Awards (TEBA)—has evolved into a premier platform spotlighting global entrepreneurship within Nigeria’s borders. Past editions have featured high-profile hosts like media personality Daddy Freeze and Ghanaian actress Ella Mensah, setting a benchmark for excellence and inclusivity.

This year’s ceremony will feature a vibrant mix of exhibitions, music, comedy, and cultural performances, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and celebrating shared economic progress. The selection process is already underway, combining public nominations, opinion polls, and independent research to ensure transparent, merit-based recognition.

Powered by Pun Communications Ltd. and presented under the TEBA Foundation for Humanity, the event continues to uphold values of integrity, excellence, and impact.

“Nigeria is not just a destination; it’s a global opportunity hub,” Miss Abayomi added. “We invite the media, diplomatic corps, business leaders, and the international community to join us in celebrating the global heartbeat of Nigerian enterprise.”

For sponsorships, media inquiries, or ticket information, visit: www.theethnicbusinessawards.com

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BUA Group Donates Headquarters to NWDC, Boosts Tinubu’s Regional Development Agenda

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BUA Group Donates Headquarters to NWDC, Boosts Tinubu’s Regional Development Agenda

BUA Group Donates Headquarters to NWDC, Boosts Tinubu’s Regional Development Agenda

 

In a bold gesture of private-sector support for regional growth, BUA Group has officially handed over a fully equipped multipurpose building to the newly created North-West Development Commission (NWDC) to serve as its temporary headquarters in Kano State.

The handover ceremony, held at the facility on Court Road, Kano, drew prominent figures from the public and private sectors, including Commission officials, community leaders, and BUA representatives.

Speaking on behalf of the Founder and Executive Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, his son Khalifa Abdul Samad Rabiu described the gesture as a practical show of BUA’s commitment to inclusive national development.

“At BUA, we believe inclusive development starts with providing institutions the tools to succeed,” Khalifa said. “This donation by my father is more than just bricks and mortar—it’s about laying a foundation for people-centred growth in support of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”

Chairman of the North-West Development Commission, Alhaji Lawal Sama’ila Abdullahi, hailed the donation as “strategic and timely,” adding that it would help the Commission hit the ground running in its mandate to accelerate infrastructure and economic growth across the North-West.

“This support from BUA is not just generous—it is strategic. It gives us the necessary momentum as we commence the Commission’s work to transform lives and unlock the immense potential of the North-West,” he said.

The donation complements an earlier ₦3 billion land parcel provided by the Kano State Government for the Commission’s permanent headquarters, underscoring a growing coalition of support for the NWDC.

With this move, BUA Group continues to champion public-private collaboration as a critical driver of sustainable development in Nigeria.

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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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