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Access Bank Partners Japan International Cooperation Agency to Advance Climate Change Measures

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1 year ago

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Access Bank Plc, Nigeria’s largest commercial bank, has taken a significant stride towards environmental sustainability with the signing of a historic loan agreement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) can report.

Valued at US$ 75 million, the agreement is JICA’s first private sector investment finance in the banking sector in the Sub-Saharan African region. Citi acted as the sole coordinator and agent.

The ceremony, which held on Monday, February 5, 2024, underscores a commitment of Access Bank, JICA and Citi to support climate change measures in Nigeria. The use of proceeds of the loan are expected to be used to finance a wide range of sub-projects such as renewable-energy projects, energy-saving projects and agriculture-related projects that contribute to climate change measures.

Roosevelt Ogbonna, Managing Director/CEO of Access Bank PLC, commented on the significance of this partnership, stating:
“At Access Bank, we recognise the urgent need for sustainable solutions to combat climate change. This landmark agreement with JICA reaffirms our commitment to leveraging financial resources for impactful initiatives that promote environmental resilience and contribute to Nigeria’s climate action agenda. By investing in renewable-energy, energy-saving, and agriculture-related projects, we aim to create a positive ripple effect, not only mitigating the effects of climate change but also fostering economic growth and improving livelihoods within our communities. Indeed, this partnership represents a shared commitment to a greener, more sustainable future for Nigeria and beyond.”

Jin Wakabayashi, Deputy Director General, Private Sector Partnership and Finance Department at JICA commented on the importance of implementing this project:
As this project is positioned as the first bank loan facility by JICA’s private sector investment finance in the country, this significantly marks a new milestone in the long history of JICA’s cooperation with Nigeria and has a very special meaning indeed. In addition, we are delighted to have an opportunity of working with such a reputable and quality partner, Access Bank, which has a sophisticated business platform and established track record of climate finance. Under the partnership with Access Bank, JICA’s Facility is expected to be used for projects which contribute to climate change measures in Nigeria, and we expect that this collaboration will be further deepened for the years to come.

Richard Hodder, Global Head of Export Agency Finance (EAF) at Citi commented on the impact of this international partnership:
“At Citi, we are committed to bringing solutions to our clients which facilitate investment linked to the energy transition, to energy security and to the key drivers of economic growth. Citi is proud to partner as the sole coordinator and agent in facilitating JICA’s first transaction in Sub-Saharan Africa under the Private Sector Investment and Finance scheme. Following on from the Citi-arranged DFC (U.S. International Development Finance Corporation) facility to Access Bank in 2022, this partnership is a meaningful roadmap towards TICAD 9 (Tokyo International Conference on Africa Development) to be held in Tokyo in 2025.”

Nigeria, a signatory to the Paris Agreement, has set ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, requiring substantial investments in climate change mitigation and adaptation measures.

Furthermore, the implementation of the deal aligns with Nigeria’s efforts to mobilise private sector funds for climate action, in line with Sustainable Development Goals 2 (Zero hunger), 7 (Affordable and clean energy), 13 (Climate action), and 17 (Partnerships for the goals). Moreover, it resonates with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio’s vision for a more climate-resilient and sustainable society, as announced at the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, a side event of the G7 Summit in Hiroshima in May 2023.

Through strategic collaborations and innovative financing mechanisms, Access Bank and JICA together with Citi are pioneering efforts to address climate change challenges, setting a precedent for sustainable development in the region.

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Ecobank Nigeria Unveils New Premier Branch in Victoria Island

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13 hours ago

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June 30, 2025

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Ecobank Nigeria has announced the opening of a new branch dedicated solely to Premier Banking clients. This branch located No 25. Akin Adesola Street in Victoria Island is dedicated to serving high-net-worth individuals, providing personalized world-class banking services and amenities.

This location offers a bouquet of carefully curated premium banking services enjoyed in the comfort of an exclusive VIP Lounge staffed with dedicated team of relationship managers and supported by a 24X7 contact centre.

Announcing this in Lagos, Adeola Ogunyemi, Head, Distribution Channels/Sales, Consumer & Commercial Banking at Ecobank said “in Nigeria, Ecobank’s mission is to deliver on its promise as the preferred platform for accessible, affordable, and instant banking services to customers. Ecobank remains the go-to bank for pan-African trade and payments.

“Our medium-term goal is to establish ourselves as the leading gateway for facilitating pan-African banking services to our customers in Nigeria. This new premier branch is designed to provide our high-net-worth customers with a suit of exclusive benefits and privileges. This is part of Ecobank’s strategy to cater to the evolving needs of its affluent clientele, offering them a tailored banking solution with enhanced features and privileges.

Ecobank Nigeria Ltd. is a subsidiary of the Ecobank Group, the leading pan-African banking group with operations in 35 African countries and an international presence in four locations (London, Paris, Beijing, and Dubai). Ecobank’s unique pan-African platform is designed to help unlock the opportunities of the continent, for the continent, facilitating regional integration, trade, and investment across borders.

Ecobank utilizes a broad range of digital platforms such as the Ecobank Mobile App, USSD *326#, Ecobank Online, Ecobank OmniPlus, Ecobank Omnilite, EcobankPay, Ecobank RapidTransfer, ATMs, POS terminals, and a vast distribution network with over 250 branches and approximately 50,000 agency banking locations.

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FirstBank Wins Gold for Best Corporate University in Social, Climate Change Impact

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4 days ago

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June 26, 2025

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FirstBank, the West Africa premier bank and financial inclusion services provider, has announced that its Corporate University, FirstAcademy, has bagged the Gold Award for Best Corporate University in Social & Climate Change at the Global Council of Corporate Universities (GlobalCCU) Awards 2025.

This highly acclaimed award recognises FirstAcademy’s outstanding commitment to driving social and climate change learning initiatives, aligning its learning and development programs with internal stakeholder needs, and promoting Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

The GlobalCCU Awards is a prestigious, biannual recognition of excellence in corporate universities, setting the highest standard for the industry. With a rich 12-year history dating back to its inaugural ceremony in Paris in 2013, the awards have consistently honoured outstanding Corporate Universities, learning and development structures worldwide. The GlobalCCU Awards celebrate institutions that create remarkable value for people, businesses, society and the planet.

FirstBank’s FirstAcademy exemplifies this mission by earning the Gold Award for Best Corporate University in Social & Climate Change at the 2025 ceremony in Paris, France. This distinction reflects FirstAcademy’s dedication to fostering sustainability and environmental responsibility; developing impactful learning initiatives that transcends traditional corporate training, with broader societal goals; integrating climate action into its portfolio and operations;  expanding climate finance offerings and developing a climate action capacity building training program.

FirstAcademy was inaugurated in 2012 as the Bank’s designated corporate academy designed to provide structured talent development, knowledge management and culture change initiatives. One major objective of the academy is to equip staff with the requisite knowledge and skills required to deliver on the Bank’s strategic aspirations and to thrive in an ever-evolving work environment while contributing to social and environmental responsibility.

According to the Founder and Chairman of the GlobalCCU Awards, Annick Renaud-Coulon, “FirstAcademy is an outstanding Corporate University that is clearly the Best Corporate University globally for driving social and climate change learning initiatives.”

Congratulating FirstAcademy, the Founder and Chairman of the GlobalCCU Awards, Annick Renaud-Coulon, said “FirstAcademy is a very mature Corporate University which demonstrates a strong alignment with FirstBank’s vision of responsible banking and sustainable development, with clear support from senior leadership and a governance model that strategically connects learning to business priorities. Congratulations to FirstAcademy for setting a visionary standard in advancing meaningful social and climate change impact through learning and inclusive capacity building!”

In the words of Olayinka Ijabiyi, the Acting Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, FirstBank “We are delighted to receive this international recognition for our efforts in promoting social responsibility and climate action. This award serves as a testament to our belief that businesses can be a force for good, driving transformation that extends beyond profit to create sustainable and equitable futures for all.  FirstAcademy’s programs have not only enhanced employee skills but also contributed to the well-being of society and the environment.”

As FirstBank’s FirstAcademy continues to bridge the gap between corporate initiatives and community needs, it sets a leading example for corporate universities around the globe, inspiring others to follow suit in the quest for meaningful change.

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Fidelity Bank Hits N1trn Market Capitalisation after Share Price Increase

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4 days ago

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June 26, 2025

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The market capitalisation of Fidelity Bank has crossed the N1 trillion mark as the share value of the company appreciated by 1.27 percent at the close of trading.

According data from the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX), the bank’s market capitalisation hit N1 trillion after its share price rose from N19.75 on Tuesday to N20 on Wednesday.

The increase moved the company’s valuation from N991.6 billion to N1 trillion.

With the development, Fidelity Bank joins the list of financial institutions with a market capitalisation of over N1 trillion.

The companies are Zenith Bank, Access Bank, United Bank of Africa (UBA), Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), and First Bank.

On May 21, Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, the managing director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO) of Fidelity Bank, acquired an additional 18 million shares in the bank.

Two days later, Onyeali-Ikpe bought additional 2 million units of shares in the bank.

According to a regulatory filing on the NGX, the shares were acquired on May 22, at N18.6 each — amounting to a total value of N37.2 million.

The acquisitions increased her shareholding in the bank to 114.64 million shares — from 94.64 million held as at December 31, 2024.

In its latest financial performance report, Fidelity Bank said it reported a 167.8 percent year-on-year increase in profit before tax (PBT), which increased to N105.8 billion in the first quarter (Q1) of 2025

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