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Emefele, Olugbemi, Akinwuntan Insist Banks Must Play a Critical Role to Restore Stability to Nigeria’s Economy
Banking stakeholders have in unison insiisted that banks must play a critical role to restore the Nigerian economy from the negative effects of COVID-19. Speaking at the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) 13th Annual Bankers Conference in Abuja, the bank chiefs that included Godwin Emefiele, Governor Central Bank of Nigeria, Bayo Olugbemi, President/Chairman of Council, CIBN and Patrick Akinwuntan, Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Bankers (CIBN) Consultative Committee organizing the 13th Annual Bankers Conference and Managing Director Ecobank Nigeria noted that that it is imperative from an economic as well as a security perspective that banks work to support growth in sectors that have significant growth potential. These sectors they noted include Agriculture, Information Communication Technology and Infrastructure Finance amongst others.
In his presentation, the CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele said that our banking and financial system can enhance the resilience of the Nigerian economy, in the face of external shocks. According to Emefiele “we have witnessed the disruptions COVID-19 has had on global supply chains and food supply. If measures had not been taken earlier to improve cultivation and processing of staple crops in Nigeria prior to the onset of the pandemic, we would have had to deal with a major food crisis in the country. The banking sector therefore has a significant role to play as a facilitator of growth through its intermediation function”. He stated that “over the next 4 years, the banking sector should consider ways under which it could increase its loans to the agriculture sector from 4 percent to 10 percent by 2024”.
Further the apex bank Governor noted that “opportunities in the agriculture sector that banks should explore include addressing some of the existing gaps in the agriculture value chains, such as storage centers, transport logistics, and technology platforms, that can enable rural farmers to sell their produce directly to the markets. More importantly, he said the “agricultural sector also offers significant opportunity for the nation to earn foreign exchange through the exports of processed agricultural products. With declining foreign exchange earnings from crude oil, banks should consider supporting agro processing companies that are export oriented. These measures would help to improve productivity of farmers, increase our foreign exchange earnings, reduce post-harvest losses, while supporting the growth of other sectors of our economy such as manufacturing, and transportation”. He noted
According to Emefiele, another sector which has emerged as a significant source of resilience in mitigating the impact of Covid-19 on the economy, is Information and Communications Technology (ICT). He said in the “second quarter of 2020, the ICT sector made contributions of over 17.8 percent to GDP growth, 20 percent higher than its contributions a year earlier. It is important that we leverage ICT as an enabler for growth in key sectors of the economy”. He said “ICT start-ups are emerging to support SMEs, farmers, and in providing quality learning to students affected by the shutdown in schools. It is important that the banking sector consider viable IT firms in these areas that have the potential to not only serve the needs of the local market but are also able to export ICT related services to countries across the world”.
In his address, Bayo Olugbemi, President/Chairman of Council, CIBN, noted that “given the recent disruption caused by the impacts of the Covid-19 Pandemic, the role of banks have become more important now than ever before. According to him this year’s edition of the Conference aims to uncover and articulate the roles of the banking and finance sector in achieving a sustainable future for the country. He said the conference gives everyone the opportunity for an assessment of inclusive banking and the way forward, articulation of the risks of facilitating a sustainable future and positioning of banks in tackling risks, discussion on how Fintech is shaping the future through innovation and disruption, discussion on Green Banking and Economic Growth and the Impact of Finance on Emerging Sectors, spotlighting MSMEs, Manufacturing, Creativity and Agriculture Industry amongst others.
For Patrick Akinwuntan Nigeria need to move to the level of wealth creation, not just talking of poverty aliviation because we have the human capital and natural resources. We must therefore levarage technology, levarage access to fianance to be able to sopport the developing economy. He noted that the banks needs to support those who needs to grow their businesses, support those who need to invest in productive capacity. This according to him are some of the purpose of the 2020 annual conference, a message the institute is bringing to Nigeria. Further the Ecobank Nigeria Managing Director, reiterated that banks are unleashing digital platform to take financial services to the underbanked. He said the banks are determined to place Nigeria at the forefront of economic development in Africa.
The 2020 Annual Bankers conference themed; “Facilitating a Sustainable Future: The Role of Banking and Finance” has prominent bankers; major economic players; captains of industry; regulators; policy makers; members of the academic community and other stakeholders in the banking and finance industry in attendance.
The CIBN had adopted a hybrid approach for the two day event taking place simultaneously, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja and the Bankers’ House, Adeola Hopewell Street, Lagos and through Zoom teleconferencing. I n line with the theme, participants are evaluating the role of the Banking and Finance Industry in engendering an inclusive sustainable growth as well as offering a direction on how to reposition the Industry for relevance in the new world order, by leveraging on digitalization to boost Nigeria’s economy.
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Body of Bank CEOs Delivers Critical Relief to Flood Victims in Niger State, Pledges Continued Support
Pix 1 L-R: Registrar & Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) Akin Morakinyo; Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Keystone Bank Limited, Mr. Hassan Imam; Group Managing Director/Chief Executive, Zenith Bank, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji; The Executive Governor of Niger State, His Excellency, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago; Chairman, Body of Bank CEOs and Group Managing Director/CEO, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Oliver Alawuba; Managing Director Taj Bank Mr. Hamid Joda; and Secretary to the Government of Niger State (SSG), Alhaji Abubakar Usman during the donation of relief materials from the Body of Bank CEOs in Nigeria, aimed at supporting victims of the recent devastating floods in Mokwa Local Government Area held at the Niger State House in Abuja at the weekend.
The Executive Governor of Niger State, His Excellency, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago; Chairman, Body of Bank CEOs and Group Managing Director/CEO, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Oliver Alawuba during the donation of relief materials from the Body of Bank CEOs in Nigeria, aimed at supporting victims of the recent devastating floods in Mokwa Local Government Area held at the Niger State House in Abuja at the weekend
Pix 3: L-R: Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Keystone Bank Limited, Mr. Hassan Imam; Group Managing Director/Chief Executive, Zenith Bank, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji; The Executive Governor of Niger State, His Excellency, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago; Chairman, Body of Bank CEOs and Group Managing Director/CEO, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Oliver Alawuba; and Managing Director Taj Bank Mr. Hamid Joda, during the donation of relief materials from the Body of Bank CEOs in Nigeria, aimed at supporting victims of the recent devastating floods in Mokwa Local Government Area held at the Niger State House in Abuja at the weekend.
In a heartwarming display of corporate social responsibility and solidarity, a consortium of Nigerian Bank CEOs, has pledged significant support to alleviate the suffering of flood victims in Niger State
The Executive Governor of Niger State, His Excellency, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago on Saturday in Abuja received relief materials from the Body of Bank CEOs led by its Chairman, Mr Oliver Alawuba.
The gesture is aimed at supporting victims of the recent devastating floods in Mokwa Local Government Area of the state.
Oliver Alawuba who is also the Group Managing Director/CEO of United Bank for Africa(UBA), led the delegation to the Niger State Government house Abuja, where they presented essential relief items, including bags of rice, beverages, vegetable oil, and mattresses, valued at millions of naira.
The devastating floods, which have affected thousands of families in the region, have prompted the banking community to come together in a show of empathy and support to those displaced and affected by the disaster.
In his address, Alawuba expressed the banking industry’s deep sympathy for the affected communities and reaffirmed their dedication to sustainable support while pointing out that the gesture underscores the banking sector’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and humanitarian intervention especially in times of crisis.
He said, “Today, we stand with the people of Niger State in their time of need. We want you to know that we feel your pain and we give you our firm resolve to assist in rebuilding lives. This donation is just the beginning; we pledge continued collaboration with the Niger State Government to ensure long-term recovery and resilience.”
Other top CEOs and executives at the presentation included by the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive of Zenith Bank, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, the Registrar and Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Mr. Akin Morakinyo, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Keystone Bank Limited, Mr. Hassan Imam; Managing Director Taj Bank Mr. Hamid Joda; Secretary to the Government of Niger State (SSG), Alhaji Abubakar Usman senior government officials, banking executives, and media representatives, marking a significant step in public-private collaboration for humanitarian relief.
Governor Bago, who received the relief materials on behalf of the state, commending the banking sector for its timely intervention.
“This gesture reinforces the critical role of private-sector partnerships in disaster response,” Governor Bago stated. “We are grateful for this support and look forward to deeper collaboration in safeguarding our communities against future challenges. On behalf of the good people of Niger State, particularly the affected families in Mokwa, I extend our sincerest thanks for this timely and compassionate intervention,” Bago stated.
“The recent floods in the state brought immense hardship to the people, displacing families, destroying livelihoods, and disrupting communities and the banking sector, under the leadership of Alawuba and his esteemed colleagues, has demonstrated that beyond financial stewardship, they are true partners in national development and humanitarian service.
This donation is not just about the physical items; it is a symbol of hope, resilience, and the unwavering support of Nigeria’s financial institutions in times of need. It reassures our people that they are not forgotten, the governor stated.
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FirstBank, the West Africa premier bank and financial inclusion services provider, is thrilled to announce that its Corporate University, FirstAcademy, has been awarded 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.
Access Holdings PLC has been ranked the Tier 1 bank
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www.accessbankplc.comAccessHoldingsdemonstratedstrongfundamentalsacrossalltheseparameters.Itclosed Full Year 2024 with total assets of 41.5 trillion and a loan book of 13.1 trillion.₦ ₦The Group’scapitaladequacyratiostoodat20.46percent,whileassetgrowthfortheperiodreached55.49percent.Itscostofriskwasheldat1.25percent,netinterestmargin recorded at 6.80 percent, and earnings growth was an impressive 88.05 percent,all indicators of a business built on financial soundness and execution excellence.Speaking at the launch event, Olufemi Awoyemi, Chairman of Proshare, described thereport as a vital mirror into the shifting dynamics of Nigeria’s financial services industry.“AccessHoldingshasprovenitselfasastrong,adaptiveinstitution.Itsrobustcapitalbase, successful fundraising, and continental expansion efforts show a group that is notonlygrowingbutevolving.Asrecapitalisationreshapesthebankinglandscape,institutions like Access Holdings will continue to define the future of finance in Africa.”He further remarked on the nuance behind E
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