Business
FirstBank as Synonym for Growth of SMEs in Nigeria
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By Eric Elezuo
It is not by accident that banks need to be at the heart of the SME business, providing support, capital and innovative solutions to help small businesses prosper. It is also not accidental that most countries can boast of some quality banks that hold sway the prosperity of small and medium enterprises. In Nigeria, that bank is FirstBank Nigeria Plc, unarguably the best bank in the country going by its very many firsts, awards, honours and initiatives.
And in retaining their dominance, FirstBank has remained at the heart of the SME business, using technology to better understand the needs and context of the business.
As part of its efforts to further launch its specialized SME propositions to its customers, FirstBank cleverly designed a wide range of events and activities during its SMEs week, specifically targeted to and for the growth of SMEs operators. This includes the SME Masterclass with a mind boggling theme “Designing and Implementing a Growth Strategy for your Business”. There was also a specialized one on one sessions with renowned business coaches, culminating in the launch of seven unique pillars which make up the brand’s SME propositions. These and many more are available via SMEConnect – The FirstBank SME portal.
The SME portal is a platform through which SMEs can access FirstBank’s unique propositions specially tailored with the essential tools needed for the growth of their business. The SME portal, according to FirstBank, is also designed to help SMEs identify various gaps that hinder their business growth leveraging the brand’s innovative Business Diagnostics Tool, with a view to proffering tailored solutions and creating opportunities for business improvement, profitability and sustainability.
In addition, FirstBank through extensive research in the past years, has identified these seven strategic pillars to be essential for the sustainability and growth of the SMEs. These seven pillars are access to infrastructure, access to talent, capacity building, policy and regulation, access to resources, access to market as well as access to finance. The pillars, rightly named, have duly informed the bank’s strategy and propositions for SMEs.
To this end, FirstBank’s weeklong activity dedicated to operators of SMEs and held across six locations in Lagos, Abuja, Rivers, Oyo, Kano and Owerri in the month of August was practically centred on one on one coaching advisory sessions. The business owners came out of the sessions better equipped and prepared for the task ahead.
Buttressing FirstBank’s unalloyed leadership status in SME projection in Nigeria, the bank’s Deputy Managing Director, Gbenga Shobo, hinted thus:
“FirstBank has over the years, been at the forefront of supporting Businesses, especially the SMEs as we recognise that the SMEs are the engine of the economy. We are committed to ensuring that we leave no stone unturned as we connect with them in their continued contribution to national development in terms of the employment opportunities they create as well as their contribution to the nation’s GDP amongst many economic values.”
The event promoted the Bank’s SME proposition, and helped SMEs bolster their contribution to the growth and development of the economy.
Consequently, every SME operator can visit www.firstbanknigeria.com/SMEConnect/ to take the FirstBank SME Diagnostics test and get guidance for business improvement opportunities.
It must not be forgotten that in October, at the prestigious Oriental Hotel, Lagos, FirstBank celebrated some SME operators, better known as Firstmonie Agents, when it held the Agent Banking National award in an event themed Planting Community Heroes Nationwide. The Agent Banking Scheme was initiated in 2017, and ever since, has recorded giant strides at promoting financial inclusion across the nook and cranny of the country. There are about 40, 000 agents raised by FirstBank in the 774 local government areas of the nation. Through this medium, FirstBank is leading the effort at supporting the Federal government objectives to deepen access to financial services.
Summing it up, FirstBank’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Asesola Adeduntan noted “the unwavering efforts and remarkable contributions by our Firstmonie Agents at promoting financial inclusion in Nigeria, and indeed very much appreciated. Within the past two years, we have been able to create not only 40, 000 access points, but over 150, 000 indirect jobs. We remain committed to doing more, strengthening business activities, driving economic growth and development thereby reducing poverty.”
The CEO is of the opinion that FirstBank will never rest on its laurels as every individual’s contribution to national growth and development is important to the bank, and so will spiritedly continue to support the growth of SMEs.
Over the years, FirstBank has develop customer loyalty through development of a clear value proposition and strategy to partner with their SME customers, and offer them a broad range of solutions to run, control and grow their businesses. The following are some of the ways
- Helping SMEs connect with an ecosystem of suppliers, distributors and other SMEs
- Using their expertise across industries, channels and regions, to offer growth opportunities and insights
- Supporting business productivity by offering solutions, such as cash flow management, HR, talent and tax; and keeping their businesses safe through education on regulatory compliance.
With all these, FirstBank has got the basics right, and it is therefore not surprising that the bank has become a synonym for growth of SMEs in Nigeria.
Access Bank Plc has said that a social media post announcing a shutdown of the bank’s operations, is false and misleading.
In a statement signed by the bank’s management, and made available to the media, the Bank insisted that the notice is the handiwork of mischief makers, who impersonated the bank’s official handle.
It advised members of the public to disregard the notice, and pay attention only to verified information from the verified accounts of the bank.
Below is the full statement:
“A message impersonating Access Bank’s official handle is currently circulating on social media and WhatsApp. It is false and misleading.
“We wish to reassure our customers, partners, stakeholders, and the public that Access Bank is safe, financially strong, and fully operational across all our subsidiaries. Our services continue to run seamlessly, and we remain committed to serving our customers with the highest standards of excellence.
“We are working closely with the relevant regulatory and law enforcement authorities to identify those responsible for creating and spreading this false information to cause panic and business disruption. Appropriate legal action will be taken in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
“We also remind members of the public that creating, publishing, and disseminating false information capable of causing public alarm, damaging reputations, or undermining confidence in institutions constitutes an offence under Section 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.
“If you receive a false and misleading message, please do not share or forward it. Instead, disregard it and rely only on information communicated through Access Bank’s official and verified channels.
“We thank our customers, partners, and stakeholders for their continued trust and confidence in Access Bank.”
Business
Ecobank Nigeria Launches Scaling Up!!! Podcast to Champion African Entrepreneurship, Business Growth
Ecobank Nigeria has launched Scaling Up!!!, its flagship business storytelling podcast designed to inspire, educate and empower entrepreneurs, founders, business leaders and the next generation of African innovators through authentic conversations with some of the continent’s most accomplished business personalities.
The podcast, which will be available on Ecobank Nigeria’s official YouTube channel and other major digital streaming platforms, reinforces the Bank’s commitment to supporting businesses beyond banking by creating a platform where entrepreneurs can learn from the experiences of successful founders, creatives and industry leaders who have built thriving enterprises across diverse sectors.
Featuring compelling conversations on entrepreneurship, leadership, innovation, resilience and business growth, Scaling Up!!! offers practical lessons and real-life insights that aspiring and established entrepreneurs can apply in building sustainable businesses.
The inaugural season features an impressive lineup of distinguished guests, including beauty entrepreneur and Founder/CEO of Beauty by AD, Adeola Adeyemi (Diiadem); renowned filmmaker and Founder of Golden Effects Pictures, Kunle Afolayan; veteran music producer and Founder of Coded Tunes, ID Cabasa; luxury fashion entrepreneur Ejiro Amos Tafiri; celebrated commercial photographer Emmanuel Oyeleke; Co-founder and Lead Interior Designer of Siriano Limited, Adewunmi Adegbola; and Founder of Windsor Gallery and Nahous Creative Hub, Richard Vedelago.
Each episode explores the guests’ entrepreneurial journeys, highlighting the opportunities they embraced, the challenges they overcame and the strategies that enabled them to build enduring brands and successful businesses.
Speaking on the launch, Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications, Ecobank Nigeria, Austen Osokpor, said: “Scaling Up!!! reflects Ecobank’s belief that empowering entrepreneurs goes beyond providing financial solutions. Through authentic storytelling and insightful conversations, we are creating a platform where business owners can learn directly from people who have successfully navigated the realities of building sustainable enterprises. It is another way we are reinforcing our commitment to driving entrepreneurship, innovation and economic growth across Africa.”
Also speaking, Head, SMEs, Partnerships & Collaborations, Ecobank Nigeria, Omoboye Odu, said: “Entrepreneurs learn best from the experiences of those who have walked the journey before them. Scaling Up!!! provides practical insights, inspiration and valuable lessons that will help founders make better business decisions, overcome challenges and unlock new opportunities for growth. The podcast further strengthens Ecobank’s role as a trusted partner supporting SMEs at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey.”
Sharing the creative vision behind the initiative, the Producer of Scaling Up !!!, Jemimah Ugiagbe said: “Our goal was to create more than just another business podcast. We wanted honest, engaging and relatable conversations that reveal the realities behind success, the setbacks, the resilience, the bold decisions, and the lessons that every entrepreneur can learn from. Every episode is designed to leave listeners informed, inspired and motivated to build businesses that create lasting impact.”
The podcast further strengthens Ecobank Nigeria’s position as a trusted partner for entrepreneurs by providing a knowledge-sharing platform that extends beyond traditional banking services. Through meaningful conversations with accomplished founders and innovators, the Bank continues to demonstrate its commitment to fostering enterprise development, encouraging innovation and promoting sustainable economic growth across Africa.
Scaling Up!!! is targeted at SMEs, entrepreneurs, founders, startups, business executives, creatives, students and young professionals seeking practical business insights from some of Africa’s most respected industry leaders.
New episodes will be released regularly across Ecobank Nigeria’s YouTube channel and other major podcast streaming platforms, offering audiences thought-provoking conversations on entrepreneurship, leadership, innovation and business growth.
Wema Bank, Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has been named Nigeria’s Best Digital Bank for Consumers 2026 by Euromoney, one of the world’s most respected authorities on financial services and banking excellence.
The prestigious recognition affirms the Bank’s sustained leadership in digital innovation, customer experience and financial inclusion, reinforcing its position as one of Nigeria’s leading technology-driven financial institutions.
Presented annually, the Euromoney Awards for Excellence celebrate banks that are redefining financial services through innovation, measurable impact and outstanding customer value. In selecting Wema Bank for the award, Euromoney recognised the Bank’s successful digital transformation journey, its continuous innovation through ALAT, Africa’s first fully digital bank, and its unwavering commitment to delivering simpler, smarter and more accessible banking experiences for customers.
Commenting on the recognition, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Wema Bank, Moruf Oseni, said: “This award is a strong validation of the deliberate investments we have made over the years to build a truly digital bank that puts customers at the centre of everything we do. Innovation for us has never been about technology for its own sake. It has always been about creating solutions that make banking easier, faster, safer and more rewarding for every customer.
“From pioneering Africa’s first fully digital bank with ALAT to continuously evolving our digital capabilities, we have remained focused on anticipating customer needs and building experiences that create real value. We are honoured by this recognition from Euromoney and inspired to continue pushing the boundaries of innovation as we shape the future of banking in Nigeria,” he concluded.
A key milestone in Wema Bank’s digital transformation has been the evolution and upgraded version of ALAT, which introduced next-generation capabilities including voice banking, tap-to-pay functionality, personalised financial services and integrated investment opportunities through strategic partnerships. Together with faster digital onboarding, AI-powered fraud monitoring, intelligent customer personalisation and an expanding agency banking network, these innovations continue to enhance customer experience while extending financial services to more Nigerians.
Euromoney also recognised Wema Bank’s ability to leverage technology to build deeper customer relationships through data-driven personalisation, enabling customers to receive tailored recommendations across savings, investments and credit products based on their financial needs and behaviour.
For over eight decades, Wema Bank has remained at the forefront of innovation in Nigeria’s financial services industry. As the pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, the Bank continues to redefine banking by combining technology, customer insight and innovation to deliver seamless, secure and inclusive financial solutions for individuals, businesses and communities.
The Euromoney recognition further reinforces Wema Bank’s commitment to building the future of banking through continuous innovation, operational excellence and customer-centric solutions that create lasting value.
