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FBN HOLDINGS PLC ANNOUNCES NEW BOARD APPOINTMENTS

Published

4 years ago

February 4, 2021

FBN Holdings PLC (“FBNHoldings), Nigeria’s leading financial holdings company, has announced the appointments of Mr. Seni Adetu and Mrs. Juliet Anammah as Independent Non-Executive directors, while Mr. Otu Hughes has been appointed as a Non-Executive director. These appointments are subject to the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria (“CBN”).Speaking on the appointments, the Group Chairman of FBN Holdings Plc, Dr. Oba Otudeko, CFR, said, “On behalf of the board, management and staff of FBNHoldings, I am delighted to welcome the trio of Seni Adetu, Mrs. Juliet Anammah and Otu Hughes to the FBNHoldings board as they bring on board their combined professional experience and expertise of over 97 years, cutting across various industries and institutions of global repute.”

“I am certain that these rich experiences will have immediate and long-term impact on the group and its subsidiaries across Africa and beyond,” he added further.SENI ADETU

Seni Adetu, a former Managing Director/CEO Guinness Nigeria Plc, has 35 years of private sector experience garnered at the highest levels primarily with John Holt Plc, Coca-Cola International and Diageo (Guinness) Plc in various countries within and outside Africa. He holds a first degree in Chemical Engineering and Masters in Business Administration (with specialization in Marketing), both from the University of Lagos. Adetu was at various times Marketing Director, Coca-Cola Nigeria Ltd, Managing Director of Coca-Cola, and the first African Managing Director/CEO and Executive Vice Chairman of Guinness Ghana Plc.

In 2009, Adetu was appointed Group Managing Director/CEO East African Breweries (EABL), the biggest company in East Africa, based in Kenya, during which time he was named Runner-up Forbes/CNBC CEO of the Year 2012 in East Africa. He was subsequently appointed MD/CEO of Guinness Nigeria Plc and Executive Chairman Diageo Brands Nigeria thus, again becoming the first Nigerian in nearly 20 years to lead that company. Adetu has had working stints in Hungary and the UK and has been exposed to various high-profile leadership courses globally including at the prestigious Harvard Business School.

He has served on the boards of various multinational companies in both Executive and Non-Executive capacity in Nigeria and abroad and was until recently an Independent Non-Executive Director on the Board of Fidelity Bank Plc and Non-Executive Director at APT Pensions Ltd among others.

Adetu is the Founder/Group CEO of Algorithm Media Limited and Ogilvy Nigeria Limited, two leading Marketing Communications agencies in Nigeria, in partnership with WPP, the world’s largest advertising and media agency network. He is a member of many reputable social clubs including the Metropolitan Club Lagos. He is also the immediate past National Vice President of the University of Lagos Alumni Association.

JULIET ANAMMAH

Juliet Anammah is Chairwoman Jumia Nigeria & Head of Institutional Affairs Jumia Group. Jumia is the largest eCommerce platform in Africa and the first African Tech start-up to be listed on the NYSE

She is an experienced executive with 28+ years of professional experience including 7 + years at Partner / Chief Executive level.

Before her current role, she was the CEO of Jumia Nigeria. Prior to joining Jumia, Juliet spent 16 years at Accenture and was the Partner managing Accenture’s Consumer Goods Practice in West Africa.

A Pharmacist by training, she started her career in Sales & Marketing with May and Baker (Sanofi-Aventis) in 1991 before joining Accenture as a Senior Strategy Consultant in 1999.

Juliet also serves on Corporate and non-profit Boards in a non-executive capacity. She is currently on the Boards of Flour Mills of Nigeria and APT Pensions as Independent non-executive member. She is also an EXCO member of Consultative Action Group for the Poor (CGAP) a not for profit agency funded by the World Bank, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and several Bilaterial/ Multilateral agencies.

She holds a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree, an MBA (Finance track) and is an alumnus of both Wharton College University of Pennsylvania (AMP) and Yale University.

OTU HUGHES

Otu Hughes has over 25 years’ experience in operations and strategy, principal investment, mergers and acquisition as well as capital raising in both the US and Sub-Saharan Africa. He started his career in 1993 with Lehman Brothers, providing strategic and financial advisory services to government entities and companies in privatisation and empowerment issues, notably Brazil (power and mining), Ghana (mining), South Africa (empowerment programmes), amongst others.

Otu joined Deutsche Bank in 1998 as Associate– Mergers, Acquisitions and Corporate Advisory Group with the oversight responsibilities of providing mergers, acquisitions, corporate and strategic financial advisory services to companies and government agencies across industries and countries, rising to Vice President. He is the Co-founder and Principal of Rofgam/Hughes Consulting and also worked at KeyBanc Capital Markets, amongst many others.

Otu is the Co-Founder & Managing Director of Candesco Limited, set up with the primary responsibility of developing and managing off-grid and independent power projects for Sub-Sahara Africa market, providing affordable, clean and stable power to clusters of communities.

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ZENITH BANK TO EXIT CBN’S REGULATORY FORBEARANCE BY 30TH JUNE, ASSURES SHAREHOLDERS OF CONTINUED DIVIDEND PAYOUT

Published

1 day ago

June 19, 2025

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Zenith Bank Plc, Nigeria’s biggest bank by Tier-1 Capital, has assured shareholders and investors of its readiness to satisfy all relevant conditions to exit the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) regulatory forbearance by June 30, 2025. The bank also expressed confidence in meeting shareholders’ dividend expectations in the 2025 financial year.The clarification comes on the back of heightened scrutiny of Nigerian banks’ capital health following the new CBN directive that suspends dividend payments and tightens oversight for banks with outstanding forbearance-related loans or breaches of the Single Obligor Limit (SOL).In a statement presented to the Nigeria Exchange (NGX) Group on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, the Bank stated that its exposure under the Single Obligor Limit (SOL) forbearance relates solely to a single obligor, pointing out that this exposure will be brought within the applicable regulatory limit on or before June 30, 2025. The bank also confirmed that the forbearance granted on other credit facilities applies to only two (2) of its customers, noting that it has made substantial provisions in respect of these facilities and taken appropriate and comprehensive steps to ensure full provisioning by June 30, 2025.The bank further emphasized its strong financial footing, stating that it has successfully raised and surpassed the new regulatory capital requirement of N500 Billion, and is therefore well positioned to continue delivering value to all its key stakeholders.Zenith Bank has continued to distinguish itself in the Nigerian financial services industry through superior service offering, unique customer experience and sound financial indices. The bank has remained a clear leader in the digital space with several firsts in the deployment of innovative products, solutions and an assortment of alternative channels that ensure convenience, speed and safety of transactions.The Bank’s track record of excellent performance has continued to earn the brand numerous awards including being recognised as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital for the fifteenth consecutive year in the 2024 Top 1000 World Banks Ranking, published by The Banker Magazine. The Bank was also awarded Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards for 2020, 2022 and 2024; Best Bank in Nigeria from 2020 to 2022, 2024 and 2025, in the Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards; Best Bank for Digital Solutions in Nigeria in the Euromoney Awards 2023; and was listed in the World Finance Top 100 Global Companies in 2023.Further recognitions include Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria for four consecutive years from 2021 to 2024 in the World Finance Banking Awards and Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria in the International Banker 2023 and 2024 Banking Awards. Additionally, Zenith Bank has been acknowledged as the Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria, in the World Finance Corporate Governance Awards for 2022, 2023 and 2024 and ‘Best in Corporate Governance’ Financial Services’ Africa for four consecutive years from 2020 to 2023 by the Ethical Boardroom. The Bank’s commitment to excellence saw it being named the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria in the Banker Magazine Top 500 Banking Brands for 2020 and 2021, Bank of the Year 2023 and 2024 at the BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards, and Retail Bank of the Year for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022 and in 2024 at the BAFI Awards. The Bank also received the accolades of Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria and Best Innovation in Retail Banking, Nigeria, in the International Banker 2022 Banking Awards. Zenith Bank was also named Most Responsible Organisation in Africa, Best Company in Transparency and Reporting and Best Company in Gender Equality and Women Empowerment at the SERAS CSR Awards Africa 2024; Bank of the Year 2024 by ThisDay Newspaper; Bank of the Year 2024 by New Telegraph Newspaper; and Best in MSME Trade Finance, 2023 by Nairametrics. The Bank’s Hybrid Offer was also adjudged ‘Rights Issue/ Public Offer of the Year’ at the Nairametrics Capital Market Choice Awards 2025

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National Credit Guarantee Company Limited: Powering Inclusive Growth Through Risk-Sharing Guarantees

Published

1 week ago

June 13, 2025

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The National Credit Guarantee Company Limited (“NCGC” or the “Company”) is set to commence operations on 01 July 2025, as a specialised financial institution established to unlock access to credit and drive inclusive economic growth across Nigeria’s real economy. With an initial capital commitment of ₦100 billion, recently announced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the NCGC is positioned to reshape how Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), manufacturers, and strategic sectors access much-needed financing.

For decades, Nigerian businesses especially micro, small and medium scale enterprises have faced significant challenges accessing loans due to collateral barriers and high-risk perception. NCGC is bridging that gap. By providing partial credit coverage, the company will offer banks and other financial institutions a safety net, allowing them to lend more confidently to eligible borrowers, particularly in underserved and high-growth sectors.

NCGC does not lend directly to businesses. Instead, it partners with Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs) including commercial banks, microfinance banks, fintechs, CBN-licensed institutions and other development financial institutions to share lending risk and support broader financial inclusion. The model is simple but powerful: enable lenders to do more by reducing the risk that prevents them from reaching viable, underfunded borrowers.

Key Beneficiaries

NCGC’s framework targets a wide range of beneficiaries:

· MSMEs across all regions

· Local manufacturers and value chain operators

· Credit consumers

· Youth and women-led enterprises

· Export-oriented and non-interest-based businesses

· Large enterprises within priority sectors

Our Core Services

NCGC offers three primary services:

· Partial Credit Guarantees – Covering up to 60% of outstanding principal on qualifying loans.

· Co-Guarantees – Collaborating with other institutions to jointly share lending risk.

· Technical Assistance – Providing capacity-building support for lenders and borrowers to enhance credit readiness and portfolio quality.

Guiding Principles

The company’s operations are underpinned by globally accepted credit risk-sharing principles:

· Risk-sharing, not risk transfer

· Strategic issuance to preserve borrower discipline

· Tiered eligibility to promote inclusion and developmental impact

· Full alignment with CBN regulations

These principles ensure every guarantee issued is responsible, irrevocable, and impact-driven.

Product Suite

NCGC offers a diverse set of guarantee products:

· Individual Guarantees – For high-value, project-specific loans.

· Portfolio Guarantees – For pool of loans in homogeneous sectors (e.g., agro-processing, creative economy).

· Performance Bond Guarantees – For businesses seeking to meet contract-based obligations.

Sectoral Coverage

Our guarantees are available across critical sectors including:

· Agriculture & Agribusiness – From inputs to processing and logistics.

· Renewable Energy & Green Economy – Including solar, clean tech, and mini-grids.

· Manufacturing & Infrastructure – Targeting value-added production and light industry.

· Digital & Tech Enterprises – Including startups, fintechs, SaaS, and logistics tech.

· Solid Minerals and Metal – Metal fabrication, recycling, beneficiation, coating, etc.

· Textile – Fashion, leather works, jewelry

· Export-Oriented SMEs – Especially in non-oil sectors.

· Women & Youth Enterprises – Including all women-owned businesses (promoter age not more than age 65).

· Islamic Enterprises (coming soon) – Non-interest, Shariah-compliant financing models.

A New Era of Credit Confidence

NCGC is more than just a financial institution; it is a catalyst for Nigeria’s economic transformation. By incentivizing lenders to serve more businesses safely and sustainably, NCGC is enabling job creation, driving productivity, and fostering a more self-reliant economy.

Its operational model is built to:

· Unlock access to finance for real sector growth

· Create jobs and alleviate poverty

· Drive inclusive economic outcomes

· Strengthen the MSME ecosystem

· Build trust and scale in Nigeria’s credit markets

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Ecobank Adire Lagos Exhibition Fair Opens in Grand Style … Dignitaries Grace the Venue

Published

2 weeks ago

June 7, 2025

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Left: Founder, Chief Responsibility Officer, Ruff ‘n’ Tumble/ Founder, Betti-O School of Fashion, Adenike Ogunlesi; Managing Director/Regional Executive, Ecobank Nigeria, Bolaji Lawal and Lagos State First Lady, Her Excellency, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu at the ongoing Adire Lagos Exhibition Fair holding at Ecobank Pan African Centre, Lagos

Ecobank Nigeria has officially launched the much-anticipated fourth edition of its Adire Lagos Exhibition Fair, a vibrant cultural and commercial event dedicated to promoting Nigeria’s indigenous fashion industry and supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The four-day fair runs from June 5 to 8, 2025, at the Ecobank Pan African Centre, 270B1 Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, Victoria Island, Lagos. Visitors are welcomed daily from 10:00 AM.

Over 130 vendors are showcasing a diverse range of Adire designs, fashion items, and lifestyle products. The fair attracts a wide audience, including fashion enthusiasts, cultural professionals, creatives, entrepreneurs, and shoppers from across Nigeria and beyond.

Notable dignitaries who have so far graced the fair include the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, who represented the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Lagos State First Lady, Her Excellency Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; the wife of the former Ekiti State Governor,Erelu Bisi Fayemi ; Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Adijat Motunrayo Adeleye-Oladapo; former Chairman of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, Emmanuel Ikazoboh; founding President of the FinTech Association of Nigeria (FANI), Dr. Segun Aina; and the owner of Nike Art Gallery, Nike Davies-Okundaye, among others.

Omoboye Odu, Head of Small and Medium Enterprises at Ecobank Nigeria, expressed delight at the strong turnout, stating, “This year’s exhibition promises a dynamic blend of established brands and emerging designers who embody innovation, cultural pride, and export potential.” She further emphasized the fair’s role as a major Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative by Ecobank.

“The Adire Lagos Exhibition Fair is a key CSR initiative, offering SMEs a platform to showcase their products free of charge while fostering economic growth and national unity. Last year’s event attracted over 20,000 visitors in four days, with one vendor making N30 million in sales—equivalent to six months’ revenue—demonstrating the fair’s strong commercial potential.”

Exhibitors also praised the growing appeal of Adire designs. Ms. Fadilat Lawal, Managing Director of Sanyaolu Trading Stores, Abeokuta, highlighted the durability and cultural symbolism of Abeokuta Adire. Ms. Cynthia Uma, Creative Director of Cecesignature Unisex Clothing, Lagos, emphasized Adire’s growing global recognition as a revenue driver for her business.

The Adire Lagos Exhibition Fair continues to serve as a premier platform for celebrating Nigeria’s cultural heritage while empowering local artisans and entrepreneurs to thrive.

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