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FIRSTBANK SUSTAINS POSITIVE IMPACT, WELCOMES BACK CUSTOMERS
FirstBank; Nigeria’s leading financial institution and Africa’s Bank of Choice has expressed its appreciation to the public – especially its customers – for their continued patronage of its services during the COVID 19 lockdown, whilst assuring the public that stringent measures have been implemented to ensure its branches and locations across the country operate in line with the health and safety guidelines issued by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control to mitigate the spread of coronavirus.
Expressing the Bank’s delight at welcoming customers to its branches and locations from Monday, 4 May 2020, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, the Bank’s CEO noted that these safety measures include ensuring personal protection, as wearing face masks is now mandatory; maintaining social distancing by reducing physical contact by at least one meter from the next person and queue guides and markings are in place to guide customers; as well as enhancing the practice of personal hygiene as hand washing stations and hand sanitisers have been provided.
Speaking on the impact made by the Bank across its sub-Saharan business Dr. Adeduntan said “We are glad that our investment in technology over the years has really borne fruit as many of our staff were able to work remotely during the lock down with effective IT support to hand. We were therefore able to actively support our customers, their families and businesses through these challenging times.
We ensured business continuity across eight countries – Nigeria, Ghana; Democratic Republic of Congo; Sierra-Leone; the Gambia, Guinea; Senegal and United Kingdom. We recognize that this has truly been a trying period and are poised to continue to provide as much support as we can to our customers and communities we operate in”.
Coming back home, the Bank’s Chief explained that during this period it proactively reviewed products and services to support customers better and expressed his appreciation to Nigerians for the whole hearted adoption and patronage of its electronic services, as these indeed demonstrated the trust which the public repose in the Bank and in return the Bank commits to always live by its resolve on being true to its mantra – You First.
He said “It is for this reason; putting our customers first, that our Bank working to regulatory, Federal and State Government directives worked assiduously to keep over 50 percent of our branches open across all nooks and crannies of the country.
At the same time the call centre was restaffed in the most efficient manner and retooled as we provided even more opportunities for our customers to reach us for their banking needs”.
He further provided a snapshot of transactions carried out across FirstBank’s e-banking channels during the five-week lockdown in various parts of the country:
• We recorded approximately 12.6 million withdrawals amounting to about N156bn across our ATMs well placed across the country.
• Nigerians with FirstBank cards used them 105 million times to make payments or withdrawals worth about N1.18 Trillion as they relied on us to settle their banking needs
• Our customers made transfers over 106 million times with a total value of about N8.18 Trillion across our digital channels.
• During this period, our 53,000 plus agents have processed over N512bn worth of transactions
• We have also recorded over 275,000 new sign-ups to alternative channels covering our Firstmobile; USSD and First-Online platforms.
As one of the leading SME banks in the country, with a drive to ensure SMEs are supported, Dr. Adeduntan, also stated that FirstBank has enhanced palliatives such as introduction of special waivers on repayment fees on its credit cards, and a 90-day loan moratorium on selected products across markets, to help cushion the impact of the toll on employment and livelihoods.
Our Wholesale business was also not left out as advisory services and a range of financial needs were met to the delight of our Corporate and Commercial customers.
On community impact, the Bank partnered with other organisations in the private sector to collectively help those most impacted by this pandemic. It has contributed N1billion and several volunteer staff towards the efforts of the Nigerian Private Sector Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID) to meet the intervention objectives in the key areas of health; testing, provision of much needed health infrastructure, isolation units and raising public awareness and where needed providing food to the most vulnerable.
This is a time when we all must step up and do our bit by our people and our communities.
In addition FirstBank in keeping with its long standing tradition and focus on educational support and talent development has partnered with several organisations in a bid to help 1 million students access e learning.
“It is important in all this not to forget the children whose needs can so easily be overlooked at a time such as this”.
‘’ As the lock down is lifted nationwide, we will continue to provide seamless service to our customers ensuring the highest levels of support whilst operating as efficiently as possible, ensuring safety of all is paramount and empowering our staff to drive these goals. We will do these with three things in mind: ensuring you are staying safe; supporting your business; and safeguarding our future’’ Dr, Adeduntan said.
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BANKING ON HER TOMORROW: ZENITH BANK EMPOWERS 300 GIRLS WITH EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE AND CONFIDENCE
Zenith Bank Plc has launched the maiden edition of its Girl-Child Empowerment Programme, themed “Banking on Her Tomorrow,” bringing together 300 schoolgirls aged 13 to 17 from selected schools across Lagos for a day of learning, mentorship and personal development.
Held on Monday, October 12, 2026, at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, the programme featured sessions on finance and investment, etiquette and personal development, social media ethics, and social relationships and interactions, equipping participants with practical knowledge and skills for their personal, educational and future career journeys.
The initiative, a brainchild of the Bank’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON, reflects Zenith Bank’s commitment to nurturing the potential of young girls and helping them make informed choices about their futures.
In her welcome address, Dame (Dr.) Umeoji urged the participants to believe in their abilities, pursue their ambitions and remain focused and disciplined. Drawing on examples of young girls who have achieved remarkable feats, she challenged them to look beyond their present circumstances and envision the women they aspire to become.
“To all my amazing young ladies here today, each of you possesses gifts, talents, and ideas that are capable of revolutionising the world. You can revolutionise the world with your ideas,” she said.
The GMD/CEO further encouraged the girls to explore their interests and resist societal limitations, stressing the importance of taking ownership of their futures.
“Never allow gender or age to limit your goals. Whatever interests you today, explore it. Whatever you choose to pursue in life, give it your best shot,” she said.
Delivering the keynote address, Her Majesty, Olori Atuwatse III, Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom, encouraged the girls to embrace their identities, develop resilience and use their abilities to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Using the mangrove tree as a metaphor for resilience, she reminded the participants that challenges need not define their futures and that their worth extends beyond academic results and external expectations.
“Every time you affirm the truth about who you are, you are building confidence. Every time the tide of life goes out and you are still standing, you are building resilience. And every time you use your gifts for another person, you are discovering your purpose,” Olori Atuwatse III said.
The programme featured interactive sessions led by accomplished professionals and personalities:
Ayanime Edem, founder of The Elite Finishing School and modern etiquette educator, discussed confidence, communication, self-presentation and etiquette.
Nigerian actress and content creator Bukunmi Adeaga Ilori, popularly known as Kie Kie, addressed responsible social media use, authenticity and digital boundaries.
Representing Zenith Bank, Thelma Okonye and Adesola Adeyemo introduced the girls to saving, responsible money management and investment, highlighting the importance of developing sound financial habits early.
While Nigerian filmmaker, creative executive and educator,Praise Onyeagwalam, Director Pink, led a session on healthy relationships, self-awareness and effective communication.
The sessions encouraged active participation, giving the girls opportunities to ask questions and engage with the speakers on issues relevant to their experiences and aspirations.
The programme also featured competitions, with cash prizes totalling over ₦1 million awarded to winners. The participants received books to encourage reading and personal growth, while musical performances by Nigerian singers Qing Madi and No. 11 added to the lively atmosphere. The event was hosted by Temi Badru, public speaker, communications coach and lawyer, with Darasimi Destiny Nadi serving as mini host.
Delivering the closing remarks, Executive Director, Zenith Bank Plc, Dr. Mrs. Adobi Nwapa, highlighted the GMD/CEO’s vision for the initiative and the Bank’s commitment to sustaining its impact.
“The programme is the vision of our GMD/CEO, who conceived and championed it, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to the empowerment of the girl child. Through her leadership, she has shown the girls what is possible when a woman dares to lead. At Zenith Bank, our commitment to the girl child extends beyond today, and we will continue to nurture their aspirations through this annual initiative,” she said.
Dr. Nwapa thanked the speakers and participants for contributing to the programme’s success and encouraged the girls to apply the lessons learnt, remain confident and pursue their aspirations with determination.
The initiative builds on Zenith Bank’s longstanding commitment to advancing opportunities for women and girls through programmes including its annual International Women’s Day Seminar, the Zenith Women’s Basketball League, the Women of Honour Awards in partnership with the Ford Foundation, the Pad-a-Queen Initiative and Z-Woman, which supports women-owned businesses through business support and access to credit at discounted rates.
Through “Banking on Her Tomorrow,” Zenith Bank is extending this commitment to a younger generation, equipping girls with the knowledge, skills and confidence to pursue their ambitions and contribute meaningfully to their communities and society.
Zenith Bank Plc is set to launch the maiden edition of its Girl-Child Empowerment Programme, an initiative aimed at inspiring young girls to dream boldly, develop the skills and confidence to pursue their aspirations, and prepare for meaningful opportunities in the future.
The event, themed “Banking On Her Tomorrow,” is the brainchild of the Bank’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, the first female GMD/CEO in Zenith Bank’s history and a strong advocate for girl-child education and empowerment. The event will be held virtually on Monday, October 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., a day after the International Day of the Girl Child, observed globally on October 11.
The programme, which will feature an impressive lineup of distinguished experts in various fields, seeks to provide girls with the inspiration, knowledge and practical perspectives needed to navigate their education and careers, while exposing them to opportunities in skills development, mentorship and leadership. As an annual platform, it will encourage girls to recognise their potential, broaden their aspirations and equip themselves to make informed choices about their future.
The initiative builds on Zenith Bank’s longstanding commitment to women and girls, demonstrated through programmes and platforms including the Bank’s annual International Women’s Day Seminar, its sole sponsorship of the Zenith Women’s Basketball League, the Women of Honour Awards in partnership with the Ford Foundation, and the Pad-a-Queen Initiative. These complement the Bank’s women-focused financial solutions, including the Z-Woman initiative, an empowerment programme that supports women-owned and women-led businesses through specialised funding, capacity building and networking. Together, these initiatives reflect the Bank’s broader commitment to supporting women and girls at different stages of their lives, and to contributing meaningfully to national development.
This maiden edition is open to all, with girls, parents, educators and other members of the public invited to participate. Interested participants can register via the link below. Those unable to join via Zoom can follow the live stream on Zenith Bank’s social media platforms.
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GTCO Plc Releases 2026 Half Year Audited Results …….. Reports Profit Before Tax of ₦603.03billion,Pays Interim Dividend of ₦1
Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (“GTCO” or the “Group”) has released its Audited Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements for the period ended June 30, 2026, to the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) and London Stock Exchange (LSE).
The Group posted a profit before tax of ₦603.03 billion, driven by strong performance recorded on the interest and trading income lines, which grew y-o-y by 7.5% and 24.7%, respectively. The strong earningsrecorded was moderated by a ₦46.2 billion fair value loss recognized in H1–2026, limiting y-o-y growth in PBT to 0.4%.
The Group grew across its asset lines, reinforcing a balance sheet that is well structured, liquid and diversified. This growth was recorded in each jurisdiction where we operate a banking franchise, and across our Payments, Pension and Funds Management businesses.”
Group’s Total assets and shareholders’ funds closed at ₦18.6trillion and ₦3.3trillion, respectively. Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) remained very strong, closing at 34.9% (Bank 29.2%), and asset quality improved as evidenced by IFRS 9 Stage 3 Loans which closed at 3.5% and 4.6% % at both Bank and Group Level in H1-2026 (Bank -3.4%, Group 5.0% in FY-2025). Cost of Risk (COR) improved to 0.6% from 2.2% during the same period.
The Group’s Loan book (net) grew marginally by 0.5% from ₦3.13trillion as of December 2025 to ₦3.15trillion in June 2026, converse for improved performance on Deposit liabilities which grew by 10.3% from ₦12.87trillion to ₦14.19trillion during the same period.
Commenting on the results, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO Plc), Mr. Segun Agbaje, said; “Our half year results speak to the strength of what we have built: a resilient franchise, a strong balance sheet and a business that no longer depends on banking alone. Fair value movements weighed on reported earnings, but the core business held firm. Interest and trading income grew, deposits strengthened, and asset quality improved at Group level. The priority now is to execute with discipline and grow responsibly. Digital is our lever for scaling across Banking, Payments, Pension and Funds Management, and for building a more diversified and resilient financial services group.”
Overall, the Group continues to post one of the best metrics in the Nigerian Financial Services Industry in terms of key financial ratios i.e., Pre-Tax Return on Equity (ROAE) of 35.9%, Pre-Tax Return on Assets (ROAA) of 6.6%, Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) of 34.9% (Bank: 29.2%) and Cost to Income ratio of 31.5%.
GTCO Plc is a leading financial services group with operations across Africa and the United Kingdom. Renowned for its strong corporate governance, innovative financial solutions, and customer-centric approach, the Group provides a wide range of banking and non-banking services including payments, funds management, and pension fund administration. The Group is committed to delivering long-term value to stakeholders while driving growth and development across its markets
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