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FIRSTBANK WINS FINANCIAL INSTITUTION OF THE YEAR AT THE AFREXIM BANK PAN-AFRICAN BUSINESS AND DEVELOPMENT AWARDS

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FIRSTBANK WINS FINANCIAL INSTITUTION OF THE YEAR AT THE AFREXIM BANK PAN-AFRICAN BUSINESS AND DEVELOPMENT AWARDS

FIRSTBANK WINS FINANCIAL INSTITUTION OF THE YEAR AT THE AFREXIM BANK PAN-AFRICAN BUSINESS AND DEVELOPMENT AWARDS

 

 

  • The award was bestowed on FirstBank in recognition of the Bank’s role in promoting trade and investment endeavours across the continent.
  • With its subsidiaries across the FirstBank Group, FirstBank has continued to play a leading role in boosting cross-border businesses, including trade and investment opportunities, essential to enhancing trade relations amongst countries.
  • In 2021, the Bank launched its First Global Transfer (FGT) initiative, specifically designed to ensure safe, timely and improved efficiency in the transfer of funds across the network of FirstBank subsidiaries in Africa.

 

First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Nigeria’s premier banking institution and leading financial inclusion services provider, has won the Financial Institution of the Year Award at the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) Pan African Business and Development Awards. The ceremony marked the 30th anniversary of Afreximbank as it hosted the inaugural Pan-African Business and Development Awards in association with the Business Council for Africa (BCA), in Accra, Ghana.

 

The award bestowed on FirstBank is in recognition of the Bank as an epitome of the Pan-African spirit through its leading role in promoting trade and investment across the continent which have been instrumental to strengthening the economic and multilateral business relationship across nations.

FIRSTBANK WINS FINANCIAL INSTITUTION OF THE YEAR AT THE AFREXIM BANK PAN-AFRICAN BUSINESS AND DEVELOPMENT AWARDS

Amongst its role in facilitating transactions across borders, in 2021, the Bank launched its First Global Transfer (FGT) initiative, specifically designed to ensure safe, timely and improved efficiency in the transfer of funds across the network of FirstBank subsidiaries in Africa. The FGT is not restricted to FirstBank Group’s Customers alone but it is also open to every individual resident in the country the funds transfer is originating from.

 

Speaking on the awards, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, CEO, FirstBank said: “We thank the organisers of the event (Afreximbank, BCA) for the recognition as it reinforces our commitment to promoting trade, finance and investment opportunities across borders which have been instrumental to the continued growth and development of the continent and the world. On behalf of the Board and Management, this award is dedicated to all employees at the FirstBank Group for their diligence and hardwork as well as to our esteemed customers for their loyalty and patronage in over 129 years of existence’’ he concluded.

 

Also commenting on the awards, Prof. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board, who has been at the Bank for over 29 years said: “Tonight we are recognising outstanding leaders and institutions. Having joined the Bank in 1994, I have been fortunate to have worked with many of them… At Afreximbank, contributing to Africa’s development is a lifetime vocation, as I know it is for all those that we have recognised tonight.”

In recognising these leaders and institutions, Arnold Ekpe, chair of the BCA and former Group CEO of Ecobank, said: “Too often our business leaders do not get the praise they deserve. Succeeding in business on the continent is not always easy, but it is rewarding and more importantly it is possible to build strong, profitable businesses that are globally competitive. Our winners tonight have demonstrated this.”

FirstBank has consistently been recognised by reputable global organisations for its steady outstanding performance and amongst the streak of recent wins is the award for Best Financial Inclusion Service Provider Nigeria 2023 by Digital Banker Africa as well as Best Private Bank for Sustainable Investing in Africa by Global Finance.

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AARE ADETOLA EMMANUELKING AT 50: REDAN PRESIDENT CELEBRATES HIS VISIONARY LEADERSHIP

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AARE ADETOLA EMMANUELKING AT 50: REDAN PRESIDENT CELEBRATES HIS VISIONARY LEADERSHIP

 

It is with great pleasure that I, Prince Akintoye Adeoye, President and Chairman of Council of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), on behalf of the entire Association, extend my warmest birthday wishes to you.

As you celebrate your birthday today, we recognize your outstanding contributions to the real estate industry. Your visionary leadership in making homeownership accessible and building Adron Homes & Properties into a leading brand sets a high standard for excellence. Your passion and dedication continue to inspire many of us in the real estate sector.

Today is not just a birthday; it is a celebration of your remarkable achievements, wisdom, and the abundant grace of God. From a visionary start to shaping the future of affordable housing in Nigeria, your leadership in the real estate sector has been ground-breaking.

REDAN is proud to recognize your invaluable contributions to the real estate sector and our association. As you step into this new age, may you be blessed with continued success and even greater accomplishments in all your endeavors.

Turning 50 is a momentous occasion, offering a time for reflection on the many successes and cherished memories that have shaped your journey. At REDAN, we wish you continued good health, wisdom, and divine grace as you keep contributing to the advancement of the real estate sector and our beloved nation.

May this year and the ones ahead be filled with even greater achievements, joy, and fulfillment.

Once again, happy 50th birthday, Aare Adetola Emmanuel King.

Thank you.

Yours faithfully,

FOR: REAL ESTATE DEVELOPERS’ ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA

Prince Akintoye Adeoye
President & Chairman of Council

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GGAN Lauds President Tinubu, Kyari’s Reforms on Food Security

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***Says Decrease in Prices of Food Commodities Good Sign for a Better Nigeria

 

The Good Governance Advocates of Nigeria (GGAN) has commended President Bola Tinubu and Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, for their efforts in transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

In a statement signed by its national president, Comrade Gideon Unazi, the group hailed the administration’s commitment to driving economic growth and positioning Nigeria as a key player in regional and global food markets.

According to Unazi, the country’s gradual shift from subsistence farming to a robust agribusiness ecosystem is a significant step towards empowering farmers and fostering private sector-led growth.

He noted that the declaration of a state of emergency on agriculture, temporary suspension of tariffs on imported grains and essential food items and other reforms have yielded positive results.

Unazi added: “The collaboration with international development institutions such as the African Development Bank, the World Bank, and the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has also been instrumental in driving growth in the agricultural sector.

“The lifting of the ban on importation of food across land borders, the firming up of the Naira, and the reported pausing of bulk purchase of grains that UN and US agencies distribute to IDP camps have all contributed to the recent decline in food prices.

“The election of Kyari as the Vice Chairman of the Governing Council of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is a testament to Nigeria’s leadership in global agricultural transformation.

“This recognition is a clear indication that the country is on the right path towards achieving food security and sustainable agricultural development.

“The Ministry’s efforts to distribute over 2.1 million bags of fertilizers to farmers and provide food aid to flood-affected communities have been particularly noteworthy. These initiatives have not only improved agricultural productivity but also provided relief to vulnerable populations.”

Unazi said the recent decline in food prices is a significant achievement and proof of the Federal Government’s efforts, with prices of some grains crashing by as much as 40% in the past month.

The statement stated: “The recent decline in food prices is a significant achievement, with prices of some grains crashing by as much as 40% in the past few weeks.

“The prices of beans, yam, rice, tomatoes, and garri have all declined, ranging from 10% to 70%. This trend is expected to continue, bringing relief to millions of Nigerians who have been struggling with high food prices.

“According to reports, the prices of major raw food items have declined significantly. Aljazeera reported that the prices of some grains crashed by as much as 40% in the past few weeks.

“BusinessDay highlighted a noticeable fall in the prices of beans, yam, rice, tomatoes, and garri, ranging from a decline of 23% for imported rice to 70% for tomatoes.

“The GGAN wishes to commend President Tinubu and Kyari for their leadership and vision in driving growth in the agricultural sector. We urge the administration to continue its efforts to drive economic growth and reduce poverty.

“We also call on all stakeholders to support the government’s initiatives aimed at achieving food security and sustainable agricultural development. With the current trend of declining food prices, we are optimistic that Nigeria is on the path to becoming a food-secure nation.”

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Between Primate Ayodele and Sacked NNPC Boss, Mele Kyari, Who Laughs Last?

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Between Primate Ayodele and Sacked NNPC Boss, Mele Kyari, Who Laughs Last?

By Shina Dayo

 

“Primate Ayodele may have taken sides in the ongoing misunderstanding in the nation’s hydrocarbon community. Using his platform to rally support for the oil cabal, he sends message to the President, who was not visible in his vission in 2023. Fortunately President Tinubu knows Primate Ayodele better than Kyari”, these were the words of Olabode, one of the defenders of the sacked NNPC Boss, Mele Kyari when Primate Ayodele told President Tinubu to sack him for incompetence.

Primate Ayodele had in August 2024 called on President Tinubu to replace the NNPCL Boss, Mele Kyari, due to the issues in the oil sector. The prophet had said that if President Tinubu doesn’t replace him, Nigeria’s oil sector will continue to be disorganized, and a continued crisis in the oil sector would lead to protests against the government.

These were his words:

“One of the major important things Tinubu should do if he wants to see the prayers of Nigerians. He should sack the GMD of the NNPC. If it is possible, he should be sacked before the end of this month; otherwise,another big protest is coming. This protest can sack Tinubu and can make Tinubu’s government ungovernable. If he doesn’t do this urgently, Tinubu would put himself into the hot pot. Sack the NNPC. There is a lot of rot in the NNPC. Protest not yet over. I’m seeing another protest that would seize the economy for 120 hours.”

This statement, which was contained in a video that went viral obviously didn’t sit well with the camp of the sacked NNPCL group CEO and in retaliation, they began to sponsor several publications against Primate Ayodele.

Among some of their publications were cooked up lies against the personality of the prophet, calling him different unprintable names, referring to him as one whose clients are oil bunkerers, twisting his past prophecies just to say they didn’t come to pass, and all sort of things.

Even when some followers of the prophet debunked some of their lies against the man of God, individuals in the camp of Mele Kyari went all out, paying several blogs to peddle false stories against Primate Ayodele. They even warned him to desist from mentioning Mele Kyari in his prophecies, but Primate Ayodele didn’t flinch.

Instead of listening to their rants, Primate Ayodele continued to warn President Tinubu to sack Mele Kyari, not because of personal issues but in the interest of Nigeria and what God has told him about the administration of the NNPCL boss. Due to his continued clamour for Kyari’s sack, his ‘boys’ thought the prophet had any relationship with oil cabals in the country, they tried to investigate him but found absolutely nothing. The prophet was only doing his job as God’s mouthpiece in the country.

One would have thought that as he advised President Tinubu to sack Mele Kyari, they would have at least sought spiritual guidance on how they can make things right for the good of Nigeria’s oil sector in order to avoid the embarrassment of being removed from office but rather, they started boasting of how the President will not listen to Primate Ayodele, listing the achievements of Mele Kyari including those that didn’t even benefit Nigeria, they were saying all sort of things to discredit Primate Ayodele.

However, months after, Mele Kyari has now been sacked by President Tinubu, alongside all members of the NNPCL Boss with replacements announced immediately.

I have just one question for the Mele Kyari’s camp, where has all the boastings now gotten them to? Primate Ayodele remains a major prophetic voice in Nigeria but what has Mele Kyari become? A sacked NNPCL Boss who may even face more persecutions. If there’s one thing these folks need to take away from this issue is the fact that pride goes before destruction.

“He who laughs last laughs longest”

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