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Polaris Bank Commences Phase IV of its Breast Cancer Screening Exercise for Staff, and Customers.

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Inside Sources Reveal True Situation at Polaris Bank Limited, Clarify Falsehood and Media Attacks against Bank

Polaris Bank Commences Phase IV of its Breast Cancer Screening Exercise for Staff, and Customers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

…restates commitment to stemming the scourge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sahara Weekly Reports That Polaris Bank has announced that it has commenced breast cancer screening for its staff and customers meant to reduce the incidence of breast cancer in Nigeria.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Polaris Bank Commences Phase IV of its Breast Cancer Screening Exercise for Staff, and Customers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Bank’s Group Head, Strategic Brand Management, Nduneche Ezurike, made this known in Lagos while reiterating the Bank’s unwavering commitment and partnership to stem the breast cancer scourge among women.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Polaris Bank notes that increased awareness, screening, advocacy, and support will go a long way to reducing the incidence of breast cancer in the country.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The screening exercise, which is in its 4th phase, commenced in April and will hold once every month. It is open to the Bank’s interested female staff and customers. The screening exercise is in Partnership with COPE and holds at the NGO’s, Adeniyi Jones, Ikeja, Lagos Office.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mr. Ezurike noted that healthcare is one of the pillars of Polaris Bank’s Corporate Social responsibility (CSR), stressing that its partnership with relevant public-spirited Non-Governmental Organisations, NGOs, like Care Organisation Public Enlightenment (COPE), Societal Healthcare Organisation (SHO), and Marcel Ruth Cancer Centre, has enabled it to contribute significantly to the reduction of breast cancer in the country.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Polaris spokesman further noted, “In partnership with the aforementioned NGOs, we have covered five key milestones, namely, awareness, advocacy, capacity-building, prevention, and treatment in an ongoing effort to reverse the negative impact and trend of the scourge and other related health complications.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“We have screened over 22,000 women, including female staff members of the Bank through our prevention program, donated three ultra-modern breast cancer screening machines to enhance quality diagnosis and clinical practices, sponsored the treatment of over 30 indigent cancer patients, and organized/Partnered on a 10-km/6-km walk with over 3,100 participants to draw public attention to the breast cancer scourge,” he said.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The President of COPE, Mrs Ebunola Anozie, commended Polaris Bank for the support, care, and encouragement they have so far received from the Bank, stressing that the Bank has been a strong partner behind their initiatives for nearly 20 years now.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“For some time, we had difficulty getting the required support for the women. Some of our women used handkerchiefs; some used tissues to fill up their bras. But we are grateful for the timely support of Polaris Bank. They were able to donate prostheses that ensured our breast cancer survivors lived better lives”, Anozie added.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Polaris Bank also has several other initiatives to improve the well-being of the womenfolk in general in the country. In 2021 it organized a 3-day intensive capacity-building workshop in Northern Nigeria on life-saving skills for 50 community midwives and health extension workers, randomly selected from 80 per cent public and 20 per cent private hospitals in Kano State in partnership with SHO.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additionally, in seeking ways to address social issues affecting women, and the most vulnerable groups in Northern Nigeria, Polaris Bank also worked in concert with a northern-based NGO and women-focused group, Sisters-Keepers Initiative, to organize a conference in Kano to exchange ideas on the scourge of child neglect, physical abuse, domestic violence, illiteracy, street begging, and child labour.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Bank was adjudged Digital Bank of the Year in 2021 and 2022 by BusinessDay Newspaper’s Banking and Finance Industry Awards (BAFI) alongside other Institutions that recognized VULTe as Nigeria’s best digital Bank, like Nigeria FinTech Awards, amongst others.

 

 

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ZENITH BANK DELIVERS REMARKABLE TRIPPLE-DIGIT GROWTH IN GROSS EARNINGS AS PBT HITS N1.0 TRILLION IN Q3 2024  

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Zenith Bank Enhances E-Channel Services for Customers

ZENITH BANK DELIVERS REMARKABLE TRIPPLE-DIGIT GROWTH IN GROSS EARNINGS AS PBT HITS N1.0 TRILLION IN Q3 2024

 

Zenith Bank Plc has announced its unaudited results for the third quarter ended 30 September 2024, recording a remarkable triple-digit growth of 118% from N1.33 trillion reported in Q3 2023 to N2.9 trillion in Q3 2024. This performance underscores the Group’s resilience and market leadership in spite of the challenging macroeconomic environment.

 

According to the Bank’s unaudited third quarter financial results presented to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), the triple-digit growth in the topline also led to an increase in the bottom line, as the Group recorded a 99% Year on Year (YoY) increase in profit before tax, growing from N505 billion in Q3 2023 to N1.0 trillion in Q3 2024.  Profit after tax equally grew by 91% from N434.2 billion to N827 billion in the same period.

 

The growth in the topline was driven by the expansion of both interest income and non-interest income. Interest income saw a notable 190% rise to N1.95 trillion, attributed to the high-yield environment. Non-interest income rose by 41% to N856 billion, bolstered by substantial growth in fees and commissions, which highlights the strength of Zenith Bank’s retail growth and the robust performance of its digital channels during the reporting period. The robust increase in profitability reflects the Bank’s focus on operational efficiency and strong risk management practices. Earnings per share (EPS) nearly doubled, rising to N26.34 from N13.82 in Q3 2023, underscoring Zenith Bank’s strong value creation for shareholders.

 

The Bank’s balance sheet grew significantly, with total assets growing by 49% to N30.4 trillion, largely supported by customer deposits, which rose by 42% to N21.6 trillion. This growth in deposits was broad-based across corporate and retail segments, highlighting the Bank’s deepening reach and customer loyalty. Gross loans increased by 46% to N10.3 trillion, underscoring the commitment to supporting strategic sectors in the economy.

 

Capital adequacy ratio remained strong, improving to 21.9%, well above regulatory requirements. The return on average equity (ROAE) stood at 37.8%, up from 35.1%, while return on average assets (ROAA) also improved to 4.3% as Zenith Bank maximized its asset base. Cost of funds increased to 4.3%, reflecting the broader market trend of rising interest rates, while the cost of risk was maintained at 7.3%, underscoring the Bank’s proactive approach in provisioning for credit risk. The Bank’s cost-to-income ratio rose to 39.5%, reflecting the impact of strategic investments in technology and capacity building aimed at supporting long-term growth, even as it continues to strive for greater operational efficiency.

 

Zenith Bank’s asset quality remains a cornerstone of its strength, with a non-performing loan (NPL) ratio of 4.5%, within regulatory limits. A high coverage ratio of 198.4% underscores the Bank’s disciplined approach to risk management, positioning it for resilience in the face of market volatility while supporting stable loan growth.

 

Zenith Bank remains steadfast in its commitment to sustainable growth and value creation. The Bank launched a capital raise program on August 1, 2024, consisting of a combined Rights Issue and Public Offer. This capital raise was driven by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s recapitalization directive for commercial banks issued in March 2024. While the Bank awaits final capital verification approvals from authorities, the fundraising exercise was successful, reflecting strong confidence in Zenith Bank’s brand.

 

The additional capital will enhance the Bank’s ability to expand its product offerings, deepen its penetration in strategic sectors, boost lending to the real sector and pursue its African and global expansion plan.  In furtherance of this, the Bank in September 2024 received regulatory approval for the establishment of a Zenith Bank branch in Paris, France, which is fully operational and will enhance the Bank’s product offerings in international markets.

 

With a strengthened capital base, Zenith Bank is well-positioned to navigate the evolving economic landscape, while putting best-practice sustainability standards at the heart of its business. The Bank will also continue to prioritize opportunities that enhance stakeholder value and a strong compliance and corporate governance culture, which will reinforce the its leadership position within Nigeria’s financial sector and drive long-term growth.

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Wema Bank Releases Q3 2024 Unaudited Results… Reports Profit Before Tax of ₦60.62billion, a 174% YonY Growth* 

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*Wema Bank Releases Q3 2024 Unaudited Results… Reports Profit Before Tax of ₦60.62billion, a 174% YonY Growth* 

 

Wema Bank Nigeria (“Wema” or “the Bank”)) has released its unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements for the period ended September 30th 2024, to the Nigeria Exchange Group (NGX). The Bank reported profit before tax of ₦60.62bn, representing an increase of 174% over the ₦22.13bn recorded in the corresponding period in 2023.

 

Wema Bank’s balance sheet remained well structured with total assets growing by 38% to

₦3,084.27 trillion in Q3 2024 from ₦2,240.06trillion in FY 2023. The bank also grew its deposit base year to date by 23% to ₦2,292.30bn from ₦1,860.57bn reported in FY 2023. Loans and Advances grew by 25% to ₦1003.28bn in Q3 2024 from ₦801.10bn in FY, 2023. NPL stood at 3.19% as at Q3 2024.

 

The bank recorded an improved 3rd quarter performance as Gross Earnings grew by 91% to

₦288.32bn (Q3 2023: ₦150.90bn)). Interest Income was up 81% y/y to ₦229.11bn (Q3 2023:

₦126.67bn). Non-Interest Income up 144% y/y to ₦59.21bn (Q3 2023: ₦24.23bn).

 

Return on Equity (ROAE) of 38.62%, Pre-Tax Return on Assets (ROAA) of 2.64%, Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) of 14.06% and Cost to Income ratio of 60.47%, speak to the resilience of the brand.

 

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the bank, Mr. Moruf Oseni said, ‘our Q3 2024 numbers speaks to our resilience despite a tough operating environment. We will sustain our growth trajectory into 2025. The performance is headlined by impressive improvements in Profit before Tax which grew strongly by 174%. The growth of Gross Earnings by 91.07%, Total Assets by 38% and earnings per share at 328.1kobo shows the core improvements to our balance sheet. In addition, our cost to income ratio at 60.48% has witnessed significant improvement from the previous period.

 

Wema Bank Releases Q3 2024 Unaudited Results… Reports Profit Before Tax of ₦60.62billion, a 174% YonY Growth* 

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FirstBank Joins Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials, Reinforces its Commitment to Climate Action

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FirstBank Joins Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials, Reinforces its Commitment to Climate Action

 

As part of its commitment to sustainable finance and taking active steps towards reducing its carbon footprint, FirstBank has joined the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF) to promote sustainable finance, combat climate change and advance sustainable socioeconomic development for the just transition.

 

PCAF is a collaboration between financial institutions worldwide to enable harmonised assessments and disclosures of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from loans and investments. With more than 530 financial institutions from six continents, the group is rapidly expanding in North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa and Asia-Pacific.

 

Joining PCAF aligns with FirstBank’s broader climate agenda, reinforcing its efforts to contribute meaningfully to global climate goals. By adopting PCAF’s globally recognised standards, FirstBank aims to enhance transparency in carbon accounting and reporting, integrate climate risk into its lending and investment decision-making, and support Nigeria’s transition to a low-carbon economy. This initiative complements FirstBank’s ongoing work on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues, underscoring its dedication to responsible banking practices.

 

PCAF will provide FirstBank with a standardised methodology and framework to measure and report the Bank’s GHG emissions and climate-related risks. By joining PCAF, the Bank’s capability in understanding and managing its exposure to climate risks and liabilities (physical and transition risks) will be enhanced. This will enable the Bank to make informed decisions and take proactive measures to mitigate these risks while leveraging on the opportunities for growth.

 

Dylan Hauser, regional lead For PCAF Africa said “We congratulate FirstBank on becoming a signatory of PCAF. We are absolutely delighted to have FirstBank on board sharing our commitment to driving positive change and reducing carbon footprints in the region through transparent and accountable practices.”

 

According to Patrick Akhidenor, Chief Risk Officer, FirstBank, “Joining PCAF is a significant milestone in our sustainability journey. It is not only a demonstration of our commitment to combatting climate change but also a step towards ensuring that we, as a financial institution, are accountable for the carbon emissions our activities finance. We are excited to collaborate with other global institutions in driving meaningful climate action”.

 

By joining forces with PCAF, FirstBank is poised to champion transparency and accountability in impact of the financial sector’s activities on climate change.

 

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