Zenith Bank Plc has released its Group financial results for the half year ending June 2025, posting an impressive profit before tax of N625.629 billion. Following this robust performance, the Board has approved an interim dividend of N1.25 per share, a 25% increase over the N1.00 paid in the first half of 2024, maintaining the Bank’s position as a leading dividend-paying Bank and reinforcing its longstanding commitment to rewarding its esteemed shareholders.The substantial dividend payout reflects exceptional underlying performance. Despite higher provisioning requirements from the industry-wide exit of the CBN forbearance regime, the Bank recorded a robust 20% year-on-year increase in gross earnings, rising from N2.1 trillion to N2.5 trillion in H1 2025. Interest income drove this performance with an impressive 60% growth, climbing from N1.1 trillion to N1.8 trillion. The Bank achieved this impressive increase in interest income through strategic repricing of risk assets and effective treasury management.Commenting on the H1 2025 results, Group Managing Director/CEO, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, noted that Zenith Bank’s performance reaffirms the creativity and innovation of our unicorn workforce in a dynamic operating environment. “Despite the huge provisioning requirements as the industry exits the CBN forbearance regime, we’ve seen substantial improvement in our asset quality. Our balance sheet remains robust with adequate capital buffers, positioning us well to seize opportunities across our key markets,” she said.Building on this strong foundation, the GMD/CEO indicated that the Bank expects to accelerate its growth trajectory in the second half of the year. She assured shareholders that the robust performance, combined with the improved asset quality, positions the Bank to deliver exceptional returns, with expectations of a quantum year-end dividend for 2025. “Our shareholders can look forward to continued value creation as we leverage emerging opportunities and maintain our strategic growth with strong corporate governance culture,” she noted, highlighting the Bank’s track record of improving dividend payments even during challenging periods.Looking beyond H1 2025, she reinforced her optimistic outlook: “We’re on a solid growth path that we expect to maintain through the rest of 2025 and into 2026. Our focus remains on innovation, digital transformation, and developing solutions that address our clients’ changing needs. With improving market conditions, we’re well placed to sustain this momentum whilst maintaining responsible leadership and delivering exceptional value to all our stakeholders.”The Bank’s financial performance indicates strong fundamentals in a transitioning macroeconomic environment, with profit after tax reaching N532 billion and earnings per share standing at N12.95 for the period under review. Net interest income demonstrated exceptional growth, surging 90% year-on-year from N715 billion to an impressive N1.4 trillion, whilst non-interest income contributed N613 billion in H1 2025.The Bank’s total assets expanded to N31 trillion in June 2025, representing steady growth from N30 trillion in December 2024, underpinned by a robust and well-structured balance sheet. Customer confidence remained strong, with deposits growing by 7% from N22 trillion to N23 trillion in June 2025. The loan book stood at N10.2 trillion in June 2025 against N11 trillion in December 2024., reflecting the Bank’s prudent risk management approach.

The Bank delivered strong returns with ROAE at 24.8% and ROAA at 3.5% as at June 2025. The cost-to-income ratio stood at 48.2%, reflecting necessary provisioning for regulatory compliance and the impact of inflationary pressures. Asset quality improved significantly, with the NPL ratio dropping to 3.1% in June 2025 from 4.7% in December 2024. The Bank maintains a fortress balance sheet with capital adequacy at 26% and liquidity ratio at 69%, both comfortably exceeding regulatory requirements.Zenith 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 sixteenth consecutive year in the 2025 Top 1000 World Banks Ranking, published by The Banker and “Nigeria’s Best Bank” at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2025. 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 five consecutive years from 2021 to 2025 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 four consecutive years from 2022 to 2025 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’s 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

Every December in Nigeria is a whole mood. The harmattan breeze and the Christmas themed red and white decorations all over the cities and towns; the cousins returning from the UK, US and Europe with “I just came back” stamped on their accents — and of course, the unmissable lineup of street carnivals, concerts, plays, and festivals that keep Lagos, Abuja, Warri and Port Harcourt buzzing deep into the New Year. Since its launch, FirstBank’s “DecemberIssaVybe” (DIAV) campaign has stood at the centre of this cultural energy, giving Nigerians more than just access to premium entertainment — it’s been about creating awesome shared moments, uniting families, and giving the creative industry the big boost it deserves.

For almost a decade, DIAV has quietly shaped the last few months of the year especially December as the season of vibe, through its First@arts initiative, and if you’ve ever danced shoulder-to-shoulder with thousands at a FirstBank-sponsored event, you’ll know exactly what that means.

2018: When the Vybe Began

December 2018 felt different. Nigerians were beginning to embrace “Detty December” as a tradition, and FirstBank cleverly caught the wave. The bank rolled out DecemberIssaVybe with free and discounted tickets to mega concerts and stage plays, pulling crowds that wanted premium vibes without premium stress. Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy were headlining the big music festivals, while stage productions like “Moremi the Musical” got a new audience thanks to FirstBank’s push.

For the over 130-year-old FirstBank, “DecemberIssaVybe is a way of giving back during the festive season. It’s not just about music or theatre; it’s about connecting people, supporting the creative industry, and ensuring families make memories together.

Families who hadn’t been to the theatre in years found themselves seated side by side at Terra Kulture, watching Nigerian history come alive on stage. And for diaspora kids back home with “I just came back” energy? DIAV became their shortcut into Nigeria’s hottest events.

2019: The Year of Mega Concerts

By 2019, the Vybe was unstoppable. DecemberIssaVybe became synonymous with front-row seats at Davido’s “A Good Time” concerts, Kizz Daniel’s explosive Lagos show, and of course, the unforgettable Wizkid Starboy Fest. But it wasn’t just music. DIAV sponsored families into “Mad About You”, a romantic stage play that had couples rediscovering love, and rolled out tickets to AY Live Comedy Show, proving that December isn’t just about music — it’s about laughter too. By year’s end, DIAV had cemented itself as a December passport.

2020: The Pandemic Pause

2020 was strange for everyone. COVID-19 clipped the wings of live entertainment. But even then, FirstBank didn’t fold its arms. DIAV adapted by sponsoring virtual concerts and livestreamed plays, ensuring families could still bond over art and entertainment from the safety of their homes. It wasn’t the usual sweaty concert hall, but for many, DecemberIssaVybe campaign was proof that even in tough times, music and theatre are powerful connectors.

2021: The Big Comeback

With restrictions easing, Nigerians were desperate for a proper December. DIAV answered in full colour. Imagine a December where Adekunle Gold (AG Baby) sang his heart out at sold-out shows, Simi serenaded lovers, and Fireboy lit up the stage with “Peru” before it became an international anthem.

Families returned to KAKADU the Musical, friends reunited at comedy festivals, and for diasporans who hadn’t been home since 2019, the Vybe was a welcome mat rolled out in sound and laughter.

2022: The Golden Year

By 2022, DIAV wasn’t just an add-on to December, it was the main dish. That year, Asake’s breakout concerts shook Lagos, Burna Boy’s Love, Damini show was an electric storm, and the theatre scene — from The King Must Dance Naked to Awo The Musical — had DIAV stamping tickets for culture lovers.

2023: A Night of Queens

DecemberIssaVybe 2023 brought something fresh to the table with “A Night of Queens”, an all-female musical showcase at Eko Convention Centre. It was a dazzling lineup: Tiwa Savage, Simi, Teni, Yemi Alade, Waje, Niniola and Dope Ceaser all shared the stage in one unforgettable night of music.

FirstBank also sponsored the revival of Kakadu the Musical at MUSON Centre — a play that blends highlife, Afrobeat, soul and pop with the turbulent history of 1960s Nigeria. Meanwhile, families trooped out for Ali Baba’s January 1st concert and Basketmouth Unprovoked, while diaspora returnees shared DIAV tickets proudly on Instagram.

2024: From Comedy to Culture

Last December opened with a bang: Kenny Blaq’s Reckless Musicomedy Festival at Onikan Stadium. The crowd roared as Kenny Blaq, DJ Neptune, Aproko, MC Monica, and OvyGodwin delivered a high-energy mix of music and stand-up.

At the same time, FirstBank sponsored Motherland the Musical, Street Souk at Harbour Point, A True Christmas Story, and family-friendly events like Eko Hotel Pride Land Adventures and the Calabar Carnival Festival.

Reflecting on the season, Olayinka Ijabiyi, Acting Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications said: “FirstBank is facilitating memorable homecoming and unforgettable experiences in December with family reunions, concerts and festivals. DecemberIssaVybe isn’t just about entertainment — it’s about the cultural glue for Nigerians everywhere.

Across the years, DIAV has done more than hand out tickets. It has fuelled the creative economy by investing in theatre, comedy, and music. Families and friends have been reunited, turning concerts into bonding sessions. Given the diaspora a homecoming anchor, it has blended the “I just came back” energy with Nigerian hospitality.

In a country where December is both the busiest and most joyful month, DIAV has positioned FirstBank not just as a financial giant, but as a lifestyle brand that understands culture.

2025: The Vybe Is Loading

Now here we are, on the cusp of another December. Whispers are already flying: who will headline the 2025 DecemberIssaVybe experience? Will it be another electrifying Davido Timeless Experience? Will Asake shut down Lagos again? Will Burna Boy, Rema, Tems, or Ayra Starr bring home the global magic? Or will DIAV surprise everyone with a mix of music legends and fresh new voices?

What’s certain is that FirstBank will once again hold the keys to the hottest tickets in town — concerts, fashion, culture, musicals, plays, comedy shows — all to be rolled out on their social media handles, where lucky fans can get premium access.

So, whether you are keeping it real in Naija or you are planning to visit, DecemberIssaVybe 2025 is coming, and FirstBank is about to make it unforgettable.

By Bolaji Israel