Business
FirstBank: Standing Strong on the Enviable Heritage of Firsts
By Eric Elezuo
It is often said that the child that would be great begins very early to manifest the traits, and in doing so, takes along the entire community, who are awed by his acts. These are acts that are tested, and trusted to last ages. This is the story of FirstBank of Nigeria Plc; a financially oriented company that manifested the traits of glory, customer satisfaction and all round first from birth, and has not looked back ever since.
In March 1894, in the quiet corner of Broad Street, Lagos, the brand was conceived and given birth to for the public gain. It was the first of its kind in the country, and deservedly got the best name appropriate – FirstBank.
FirstBank as the oldest bank in Nigeria, spanning 125 years and still counting, has grown in leaps and bounds, creating new frontiers, breaking barriers, constantly coming up with diverse firsts, bringing smiles to families with its cut to size promos and products as well as forging an enviable image for the Nigerian nation, both from within and across the globe.
As the premier and leading banking institution, not only in Nigeria, but the entire West African sub-region, FirstBank has fully revolutionalised the banking business, developing tip of finger-like ease of doing business and accessing funds. Consequently, the bank manages with ease over 15 million customer accounts in well over 750 business locations globally from where it provides a comprehensive range of retail and corporate financial services. The customers are also availed of the more than 2700 Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) across the banks and other locations.
Among the very many firsts the bank is endowed with is the launch in 2011 of the first cash deposit ATM in Nigeria thereby granting customers the pleasure of depositing cash without entering the banking hall. This service has helped in reducing the handling of cash and supporting the Federal Government cashless policy.
The Chief Executive Officer, FirstBank, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan; Group Managing Director, FBN Holdings Plc., Mr. UK Eke; Group Chairman, FBN Holdings Plc., Dr. Oba Otudeko, CFR and Company Secretary, FBN Holdings Plc. Mr. Seye Kosoko, at the 7th Annual General Meeting of FBN Holdings Plc held in Lagos.
With its XploreFirst promo, FirstBank has also regenerated banking and savings culture in the day-to-day activities of many customers, especially the students who are rewarded with potent scholarships. Recently, about 18 students were rewarded with N150, 000 scholarship each. This, the bank has used in promoting financial inclusion at all levels with about 18, 000 agent banking spread across the country. That’s quite a huge statement in putting the customer first as the slogan goes – You First!
Little wonder, in the tradition of firsts, the company performed a historical flag hoisting on March 1, 2019 to mark its 125 years in existence. If FirstBank had been a Dutch oriented company, it would have been dubbed Royal FirstBank, having hit the 100 years mark.
Talking about firsts, FirstBank is among the first banks (no pun intended) in the country to launch whatsapp banking as an alternative channel to ease banking stress. This is in addition to firstmobile, FirstMonie and firstonline, which have proved to be veritable tools to making banking more like a past time, accessible from almost anywhere. With its *894# code, FirstBank has reduced banking to mere touch of buttons.
FirstBank’s innovations and consistency has earned it recognitions from far and wide, chiefly among it is being named “Most Valuable Bank Brand in Nigeria” for six consecutive times between 2011 and 2016 by the globally renowned “The Banker Magazine” of the Financial Times Group.
Again, between 2011 and 2017, the bank was recognized as the “Best Retail Bank in Nigeria”. The honour was bestowed by the Asian Banker International Excellence in the category of Retail Financial Services. And for 15 years in a row, it won the “Best Bank in Nigeria”, an award sponsored by Global Finance.
In the words of the Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications, Mrs. Folake Ani-Mumuney “Our brand purpose is to always put customers, partners and stakeholders at the heart of our business, even as we standardise customer experience and excellence in financial solutions across sub-Saharan Africa, in consonance with our brand vision “To be the partner of first choice in building your future”. Our brand promise is to always deliver the ultimate “gold standard” of value and excellence. This commitment is anchored on our inherent values of passion, partnership and people, to position You First in every respect.”
Lending credence to the heritage of firsts of FirstBank, the Group CEO, Dr, Adesola Adeduntan said that “it is one of the ways FirstBank puts you first and enables you to stay connected with your contacts, loved ones, friends and finances all on the go while you chat with them because at FirstBank, we are driven to bolster relationships on all fronts, anywhere and anytime.”
A global bank by all standard, FirstBank is the second bank in Africa, and by all means the first in Nigeria to issue 10 million cards, in addition to being recognized as the first financial institution in Nigeria to achieve 100 million sustained monthly transactions in electronic payment, by Interswitch. This feat was achieved in December 2015 and again in May 2016.
The many firsts of FirstBank cannot be over-emphasized as in 2008, against all odds, it became the first Nigerian Bank as well as the first quoted company in the country to hit N2 trillion market capitalization.
It is worthy of note that over the years, FirstBank has led the financing of private investment in infrastructure development in the Nigerian economy by playing key roles in the Federal Government’s privatisation and commercialisation schemes.
To serve the customers better, the bank has international presence through its subsidiaries, FBN Bank (UK) Limited in London and Paris, FBNBank in the Republic of Congo, Ghana, The Gambia, Guinea, Sierra-Leone and Senegal, as well as a Representative Office in Beijing.
With its global reach, FirstBank provides prospective investors wishing to explore the vast business opportunities that are available in Nigeria, an internationally competitive world-class brand and a credible financial partner.
For 125 years, FirstBank has consistently built relationships with customers focusing on the fundamentals of good corporate governance, strong liquidity, optimised risk management and leadership.
The FirstBank Group is endowed with a rich blend first class human and material resources, which have helped in furthering the principle of placing the customer first ahead of every other thing. At the helm of affairs of FirstBank is Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, who is the Managing Director/CEO. The chairman of the group’s Board of Directors is Mrs. Ibukun Awosika while Oba Otudeko is the chairman, FBN Holdings.
Where would you rather bank? FirstBank…You First!
Access Bank Plc, Nigeria’s largest retail bank, is set to unveil DettyFusion, an innovative all-in-one digital platform designed to help Nigerians at home and in the diaspora seamlessly discover, plan, and enjoy entertainment events during the upcoming Christmas and New Year festive season.
Billed as the first-of-its-kind entertainment aggregator in the country, DettyFusion will serve as a centralized hub where users can explore event calendars, purchase tickets, access exclusive discounts, participate in curated festive experiences, and make safe, seamless payments throughout the holiday period.
Speaking on the forthcoming launch, Access Bank’s Head of Mobility, Ishmael Nwokocha, said the platform was inspired by the bank’s commitment to enhancing customer experience during the highly anticipated Detty December season.
“Every December, Nigerians look forward to moments that bring joy, connection, and unforgettable experiences. The launch of DettyFusion will create a single gateway that makes it easier, safer, and more convenient for customers to enjoy the thrills of Detty December,” Nwokocha stated.
He added that the platform reflects Access Bank’s drive to deliver innovative lifestyle solutions that extend beyond traditional banking services. “DettyFusion brings together key features that meet the needs of today’s digitally active and experience-driven audience,” he said.
With this initiative, Access Bank continues to reinforce its position as a leading lifestyle enabler, supporting Nigeria’s creative sector while empowering customers to enjoy top-tier entertainment during the festive season.
With DettyFusion, Detty December just got smarter, more convenient, and even more rewarding.
Across Africa, women are fast becoming the heartbeat of economic transformation. From bustling open-air markets to high-tech boardrooms, women-led enterprises are redefining what is possible for the continent’s future.
Whether as market traders expanding their reach through digital platforms, tech founders scaling innovations across borders, or artisans turning local crafts into global brands, women’s contributions are now central to Africa’s economic resurgence.
Even as they break new ground, many still face formidable barriers. Access to finance, mentorship, business education, and supportive networks remains limited. Structural issues such as weak property rights, gender bias, and inadequate legal protections often hinder women from securing loans or expanding their businesses.
Consequently, many women-owned ventures remain small, informal, and vulnerable to economic shocks.
Recognising both the promise and the obstacles, Access Bank has positioned itself at the forefront of empowering women across the continent. Recently named Africa’s Best Financier for Female Entrepreneurs by the EMEA Finance Awards, the Bank has earned global recognition for its commitment to inclusion, innovation, and sustainable impact.
At the centre of this effort is the W Initiative, one of Africa’s most comprehensive women-focused banking programmes. Unlike conventional banking, it combines finance with mentorship, training, and community support, acknowledging that true empowerment requires more than access to capital. The initiative meets women wherever they are on their entrepreneurial journey, from start-ups to growing enterprises and corporate leadership.
The W Power Loan offers affordable credit with flexible terms, enabling women to invest in expansion, inventory, or technology. The W Academy provides leadership and business training on financial literacy, marketing, and regulatory compliance, while the W Community connects women to peers, mentors, and role models across industries.
Importantly, these offerings extend beyond urban centres. From microloans sustaining traders in rural markets to leadership programmes developing female executives in multinational firms, Access Bank’s approach is deliberately inclusive. By partnering NGOs, business associations, and government agencies, it reaches women in underserved communities, ensuring participation in Africa’s economic rise.
The results are evident. Thousands of women have accessed credit, training, and networks through the Bank’s initiatives, enabling them to launch and scale businesses, create jobs, and uplift their communities. The ripple effects are far-reaching: increased household income, improved family wellbeing, and greater economic resilience. Women who once faced daunting barriers now serve as role models and change-makers, inspiring others to follow their path.
Studies show that when women thrive, societies prosper. The World Bank and African Development Bank note that empowering women fuels GDP growth, improves health outcomes, and enhances social stability. By directly addressing structural gaps in access to finance and information, Access Bank helps to unlock this transformative potential.
Apart from supporting entrepreneurs, Access Bank promotes gender inclusion within its own organisation. Its leadership pipeline identifies and advances talented women, while mentorship and wellness programmes help female professionals thrive. The Bank also uses public platforms, from conferences to policy dialogues, to share success stories and advocate for gender diversity across sectors.
The EMEA Finance recognition thus goes beyond trophies and titles; it affirms that profitability and purpose can coexist. For Access Bank, supporting women’s advancement is smart economics. By embedding inclusion into its DNA, the Bank is shaping a financial ecosystem that views women as equal partners in progress.
Access Bank’s influence also extends into advocacy. Through forums, roundtables, and research collaborations, the Bank engages policymakers, civil society, and business leaders to identify and dismantle barriers facing women entrepreneurs. Its campaigns amplify women’s voices, spotlighting their achievements and driving conversations around inclusive growth.
In another demonstration of its commitment to corporate social responsibility, leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, has extended support to residents of the Makoko waterfront community in Lagos with the donation of boats, educational materials, food items and other essential relief items.
The donation was championed by the Achievers Inductees Class of 2025 under the Fidelity Helping Hands Programme (FHHP), the bank’s staff-led CSR initiative where members of staff identify areas of critical interventions in their communities, raise funds and receive matching support from the bank’s management to execute the projects.
Speaking on the donation, Divisional Head, Brand and Communications, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Meksley Nwagboh, reaffirmed the bank’s dedication to supporting communities and fostering sustainable development.
“At Fidelity Bank, we believe that when communities thrive, businesses prosper. Our commitment goes beyond banking, it is about improving lives, supporting education, and creating opportunities for growth. This donation reflects our dedication to nurturing the next generation and contributing to a better, more sustainable future,” He stated.
Expressing appreciation on behalf of the community, the traditional leader of Makoko, Baale Shemede Emmanuel Ajakaekun, commended Fidelity Bank for its compassionate donation.
“We are grateful that Fidelity Bank came down here to support us. May their work continue to flourish, and may God lift them higher. We hope they will not forget us but come back again to support our people,” he said.
Similarly, the Proprietor, Part of Solution Orphanage, Nursery and Primary School, Shemede Taiwo, described the donation as life-changing for the children and residents.
“Many children here struggle to attend school because boats are expensive to build or hire. Fidelity Bank’s donation will make a huge difference in ensuring our children get to school safely and in ensuring the improved welfare of the residents of this community. We truly appreciate this gesture,” Shemede Taiwo said.
Through the Fidelity Helping Hands Programme (FHHP), the bank continues to empower communities across Nigeria by addressing key social issues in education, health, and welfare. The Makoko outreach comes off the back of a similar FHHP outreach to Old People’s Home in Yaba, Lagos, reaffirming Fidelity Bank’s commitment to the sustainable development that begins with genuine care for people and their environment.
Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.
The Bank is a recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.
