Connect with us

Business

FIRSTBANK UPGRADES ITS MOBILE BANKING APPLICATION, REINFORCES ITS EDGE AT PUTTING CUSTOMERS AHEAD IN ELECTRONIC BANKING

Published

on

ADEDUNTAN: FIRSTBANK IS FUTURE-PROOF AND REMAINS COMMITTED TO THE GOLD STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE IN BANKING

First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Nigeria’s leading financial inclusion services provider, has announced that its mobile banking application, FirstMobile has been upgraded with new and improved features to promote safe and convenient Mobile Banking experience for customers.

The Bank’s award-winning and dynamic mobile banking application has been redesigned with improved security and self-service features to ease the navigation capability and proficiency of customers. Its unique cool blue colour background gives it a more appealing interface for customers to enjoy a unified and streamlined banking experience whilst going about their day to day activities.

FirstMobile is now embedded with a card protection service for customers to enable and disable cards on channels, account switch off as well as second-factor authentication and device registration.  With the upgraded FirstMobile, customers can remotely initiate the request for a new debit card as well as the replacement of a lost or damaged one, whilst managing activities on their card and account, thus balance enquiry and statement, amongst others.  

The biometrics for transactions is another innovative security upgrade on the application to validate transactions. This feature includes fingerprint for transactions, allowing the customer to use his or her fingerprint to consummate all transactions.  

Other added features include frequent transaction; dashboard flexibility and personalisation; smoother transaction experience and improved beneficiary management.

With the frequent transaction feature, the user is able to easily access his or her frequently completed transactions – airtime, transfers and bill payments – and reinitiate such with the clicks of a button. This is an additional menu which can easily be accessed from the dashboard.  Airtime top-up and data purchase have also been improved, as customers are able to select phone numbers directly from their phone contacts.

The application has been upgraded with a smoother experience on funds transfer, bill payments and airtime transactions as customers can add and delete beneficiary without having to repeatedly enter the recipients’ details over and over again. Users can also take a photo or select from the Avatar (available icons) to personalize their dashboard and beneficiaries for Transfers, Bills Payment & Airtime Transactions by uploading a picture to associate with their beneficiary, especially the more frequent ones.

The dashboard has been designed to reflect the lifestyle and social pattern of the user as it can be customized by adding any profile picture of choice. The dashboard also enables users to monitor their spending patterns over a period. It shows the inflow and outflow of funds on their account.

In need of a loan to meet that pressing need, FirstMobile has you covered and puts you at an advantage with the FirstAdvance and Nano Loan features.

Keen on watching the next blockbuster in your favourite cinema, with FirstMobile, you can book for movie ticket(s) ahead of time, thereby averting the risk of being told the movie is sold-out upon getting to the movie theatre. You can also book for flights at your earliest convenience on FirstMobile.

“The upgraded FirstMobile is built to reflect FirstBank’s resolve at reinforcing the digitisation of our payment systems, whilst putting our customers at an edge to conveniently meet their everyday needs at any time, irrespective of where they are. Indeed, this upgrade makes the application new, as it is designed to suit the social pattern and lifestyle of our customers.” said Chuma Ezirim, Group Executive, e-Business & Retail Products.

“With over 3.7million active users on FirstMobile across android and ios devices, we remain steadfast at regularly reinventing our services on the App with dynamic and innovative capabilities to resonate our focus to deliver state of the art digital solutions to all our customers at all times, irrespective of where they are” he concluded.

Only recently, FirstMobile was awarded the “Best Mobile Banking App” in the country at the Global Business Outlook Awards.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Business

Dangote Sugar grows turnover by 51%, to provide 75,000 jobs

Published

on

Dangote is committed to operational sustainability

Dangote Sugar grows turnover by 51%, to provide 75,000 jobs

The chairman of Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, Alikoa Dangote has revealed that the company’s turnover increased by 51 per cent to N665.6 billion for the year ended December 31, 2024, as against the corresponding figure of N441.5 billion recorded for the 2023 financial year.
Speaking at the 19th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday, Mrs Bennedikter Molokwu, who chaired the AGM in an acting capacity, to represent the Aliko Dangote, noted that the company’s performance in 2024 was impacted by various macro-economic challenges, but that despite that, the future of the company is very bright.
Dangote said the company’s outlook for 2025 and beyond is to build a sustainable business, target the production of 1.5 million metric tonnes of refined sugar annually and at the same time generate over 75,000 employment opportunities, in the company’s value chain.
In the same vein, shareholders at the AGM, applauded the Board and management of Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc for maintaining its leadership in the Nigerian sugar industry, despite prevailing economic challenges.
The shareholders acknowledged Dangote Sugar as one of the largest sugar refineries in Sub-Saharan Africa and the leading player in Nigeria’s sugar sector. This position is underpinned by a combined installed refining capacity of 1.49 million tonnes per annum.
President of the Association for the Advancement of the Rights of Nigerian Shareholders,  Dr. Farouk Umar, commended the company’s performance in its 2024 report. He highlighted that, despite numerous economic hurdles, the company has remained on a solid growth trajectory.
“Our turnover of N665.6 billion represents a 51% increase compared to N441.5 billion in the same period in 2023. Earnings per share rose from N6 to N15.80. In the current economic climate, many companies are struggling to grow revenues or maintain profitability. We must commend the Board for their efforts in expanding operations and increasing shareholder value. Alhaji Dangote has pledged that the company will make Nigeria self-sufficient in sugar production,” he said.
President of the De-Impressive Shareholders’ Association of Nigeria, Pastor Olagoke Samson Olusegun, praised the Chairman, Aliko Dangote, and the executive team for steering the company to higher levels of success.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Trusted Shareholders Association of Nigeria (TSAN), Alhaji Mukhtar Mukhtar, acknowledged the economic difficulties facing businesses in Nigeria. He described Dangote Sugar’s performance as commendable and expressed shareholders’ confidence in continued profits and dividends.
Another shareholder, Mr. Patrick Ajudua, attributed the company’s sustained success to its adaptability and ability to weather economic headwinds. He congratulated the company on its 25th anniversary, remarking that Dangote Sugar has come of age and is poised for even greater achievements.
Several shareholders also lauded the company’s impact on broader society through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, which they said have benefited not only shareholders but Nigerians at large.
Group Managing Director/CEO of Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, Ravindra Singh Singhvi, reiterated the company’s goal of achieving self-sufficiency in sugar production for Nigeria, with a target of producing 700,000 tonnes of sugar locally within the next five years.
Executive Director Hajiya Mariya Dangote noted that the company is expanding its Backward Integration Projects (BIPs) and commissioning a new power plant, among other projects, to enhance operational efficiency.
In the Chairman’s statement contained in the Annual Report & Accounts, Aliko Dangote stated that the company remained focused on its strategic initiatives during the year, despite persistent volatility and external pressures. He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to maintaining high standards of corporate governance.

Continue Reading

Bank

Supreme Court sets aside N22trn judgement against Union Bank

Published

on

Supreme Court sets aside N22trn judgement against Union Bank

Supreme Court sets aside N22trn judgement against Union Bank

The Supreme Court has set aside a Federal High Court judgement in which over N22 trillion was awarded against Union Bank and other parties since 2014.
The judgement arose from a suit instituted by a company known as Visana Nigeria Limited which claimed that Union Bank was indebted to it in the sum of approximately $8 million at an interest rate of 2.5 per cent per month compounded from January 2000 until judgement and thereafter at 10 per cent per annum from the date of judgement until the sum was fully paid.

Supreme Court sets aside N22trn judgement against Union Bank

Delivering the lead judgement of the Supreme Court, with which four other Justices agreed, Justice Stephen Jonah Adah regretted how non-adherence to a settled judicial precedent by the two lower courts had caused a simple matter to be in court for over 25 years.
The final determination of the case is expected to lay to rest the discomfort of the CBN and other regulators of Union Bank, its auditors and rating agencies on the possible impact of the judgement on the going concern status of the bank.

Visana instituted the suit against the defendants, alleging that Metalloplastica Nigeria Limited, a Borrower from Union Bank was indebted to it in the sum of $7,616,188.94 as at December 1993 and that the purported Deed of Debenture made on 24th February 1989, pursuant to which Continental Merchant Bank appointed Chief R. U. Uche as Receiver/Manager of Metalloplastica was invalid, same having been procured “without the prior written consent of Universal Trust Bank and its successors-in title or assigns (being Union Bank) as provided in paragraph 13(f) of the original Debenture issued by Metalloplastica in favour of Universal Trust Bank.

Judgment was delivered against Union Bank on 16 December 2014 for the sum of USD7,616,188.94 or its equivalent in Naira with pre judgement compound interest at the rate of 4.25 per cent per month from 26th January 2000 till the date of judgement and thereafter at the rate of 10 per cent on the judgement sum per annum from the date of the judgement till final liquidation of the debt.

The Court of Appeal later heard the application filed by the 1st respondent (Visana Nigeria Limited) to rely on fresh evidence. The Appeal was heard, and judgement was delivered on the 16th of April 2021. Judgement was reduced to the sum of USD 365, 605.32 or its equivalent in Naira with pre-judgement with interest at 4.25 per cent per month simple interest from 31st December 1993 to 16th December 2014 and thereafter at the rate of 10 per cent per annum from the date of the judgement at the court below until final liquidation of the Judgment debt.

Still dissatisfied by the judgement of the Court of Appeal, Union Bank further appealed to the Supreme Court in 2021. Union Bank’s persistence paid off in the judgement delivered on Friday, 25 April 2025.

Continue Reading

Business

From Vision to Empire: How Mujahid Turajo Built Til Group into a Multisector Giant

Published

on

*From Vision to Empire: How Mujahid Turajo Built Til Group into a Multisector Giant*

What started as a single company with a bold vision has grown into one of Nigeria’s most dynamic business conglomerates. Founded by the visionary Mujahid Turajo, Til Interiors began as a modest interior design company, bringing elegance and functionality to residential and commercial spaces.

Today, that vision has expanded far beyond design—Til Interiors has evolved into Til Group, a powerful conglomerate spanning food production, construction, global trade, and beyond.
With Til Foods, Til Interiors, Til Construction, and Til Global under its umbrella, Til Group is now a driving force in Nigeria’s economic landscape, fostering job creation, innovation, and industrial growth.

Til Interiors: The Foundation of an Empire
The journey of Til Group began with Til Interiors, a company that set out to revolutionise interior design and space transformation in Nigeria. Through innovative designs, premium materials, and expert craftsmanship, Til Interiors quickly gained a reputation for creating luxurious, functional, and aesthetically superior spaces for homes, offices, and commercial properties.

“Til Interiors was our foundation—it taught us the importance of detail, innovation, and excellence. Those same principles now define everything we do across all sectors,” says Mujahid Turajo.

Til Foods: Feeding Nations, Empowering Farmers
As Til Interiors flourished, Mujahid identified a critical need for self-sufficiency in food production and distribution, leading to the creation of Til Foods, which has now grown into a leader in Nigeria’s agribusiness and food industry.

Til Foods is dedicated to sustainable agriculture, food processing, and distribution, ensuring that Nigerians have access to high-quality, locally produced food products. The company oversees the entire value chain, from farming and production to retail and exports.
Within Til Foods, two major brands stand out:
Tomatil – A multi-billion naira state-of-the-art tomato processing factory in Kano, transforming fresh tomatoes into premium tomato paste and products, reducing Nigeria’s reliance on imports.

Til Grills & Restaurant – A high-end restaurant located in Ahmadu Bello Way, Kado, offering a unique dining experience that blends traditional flavours with modern culinary expertise.

“Til Foods is not just a business—it’s a mission to achieve food security, support local farmers, and put Nigeria at the forefront of global agribusiness,” says Mujahid.
Til Construction: Building the Future, One Structure at a Time
Recognising the urgent need for quality infrastructure and housing solutions in Nigeria, Til Construction was established to provide innovative, durable, and sustainable building solutions.

Today, it stands as a major player in real estate development, civil engineering, and large-scale construction projects.

One of Til Construction’s flagship projects is Concord, a residential development located in Life Camp, Abuja. Designed to redefine modern living, Concord features premium residential blocks that blend contemporary architecture with luxury, comfort, and sustainability. The project is set to transform Abuja’s skyline, offering state-of-the-art amenities, top-tier security, and elegant living spaces tailored for families and professionals alike.
“We are not just building structures; we are creating communities where people can thrive. Concord is a testament to our commitment to quality and innovation in Nigeria’s real estate sector,” notes Mujahid.

Til Global: Connecting Nigeria to the World
To support the group’s expansion into international markets and cross-border trade, Til Global was established as the conglomerate’s trade and logistics arm. This division ensures that African goods, resources, and services reach the world stage efficiently and competitively, fostering stronger trade relationships and expanding market access for Nigerian products.

A Legacy of Growth, Excellence, and Impact
From a single interior design company to a multisector empire, Til Group’s journey is a testament to strategic vision, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Under Mujahid’s leadership, the company continues to expand, innovate, and set new benchmarks in food production, design, construction, and global trade.
“Our story is about growth, impact, and transformation. We started with a passion for design, and today, we are shaping industries and changing lives across multiple sectors,” Mujahid affirms.
As Til Group enters its next phase of expansion, the company remains committed to its core values of innovation, sustainability, and economic empowerment, ensuring that its legacy continues for generations to come.

*About Til Group*
Til Group is a diversified Nigerian conglomerate with subsidiaries in food production (Til Foods), interior design (Til Interiors), construction (Til Construction), and global trade (Til Global). The group is dedicated to driving industrial and economic growth through innovation, sustainability, and excellence.

Continue Reading

Cover Of The Week

Trending