New Sentinel

Category: Brands

  • Sterling Bank Renewable Energy Colloquium Urges Stakeholders… …to Unlock Nigeria’s Clean Energy Potential

    Sterling Bank Renewable Energy Colloquium Urges Stakeholders… …to Unlock Nigeria’s Clean Energy Potential

    Sterling Bank Limited has brought together stakeholders in the renewable energy industry to explore ways to accelerate action in the sector.
    The premier colloquium, held in Lagos on Monday, aimed to identify priority areas for action to increase energy access and drive economic growth in the quest to attain a one trillion-dollar economy.
    Managing Director and CEO of Sterling Bank Limited, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman, gave the charge in his address at the colloquium organized with the theme: Beyond The Grid; Unlocking New Frontiers in Renewable Energy.
    The   CEO,   who   was   represented   by   Dele   Faseemo,   Group   Executive, Corporate & Investment Banking, explained that Sterling Bank will be paying closer attention to policy actions in two or three key priority areas, especially regulation and financing.
    He noted that by focusing on these areas, the Bank can do more  to   drive   progress  and expand access to energy, which he described   as   essential   for   supporting   economic   growth   and   overall development.
    In a keynote address titled Scaling Electrification in Nigeria, The REA Impact, Managing Director and CEO of The Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Dr. Abba Aliyu, spoke on the vision, mission and mandate of the agency.
    He noted that Nigeria requires about $26 billion to address its energy deficit. He said the energy transition in Nigeria is a strategic shift towards achieving universal, reliable and sustainable energy access by integrating the grid, mini-grid and off grid technologies while aligning with national development and climate goals.
    The CEO who was represented by Mr. Abba Hayatudden, Senior Advisor to the   MD,   said  “REA  is  strategically  expanding  and  optimizing  channels  to accelerate the adoption and sustainable growth of renewable energy acrossthe   country   in   the   areas   of   value   chain   development,   regulation enhancement,   funding   windows,   alternative   resources   and   technical standardization.”
    Minister   of   Power,   Adebayo   Adelabu,   commended   Sterling   Bank   for convening the conversation on renewable energy.
    He stated that the Federal Government has placed renewable energy and rural electrification at the heart of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
    The minister who was represented by Engineer Samuel Ayangeaor said, “The Federal   Ministry   of   Power   has   continued   to   expand   electricity   access   to underserved communities in a bid to drive economic growth, foster industrial activity and create jobs across the nation.”
    In his goodwill message, Mr. Biodun Ogunleye, Lagos State Commissioner for Energy   and   Mineral   Resources,   noted   that   the   current   administration   is implementing the most ambitious energy transformation ever undertaken.
    He highlighted the state’s efforts in renewable energy and sustainability, including the two-gigawatt Lagos grid scale solar project.
    The CEO of Sterling One Foundation, Mrs. Olapeju Ibekwe, emphasized the need for collective action. She urged participants not to allow the day’s deliberations   to   end   as   mere   conversations   or   points   documented   in   a communiqué.
    Instead, she encouraged everyone to leverage the strength of their   networks,   act   with   intention,   and   remain   focused   on   delivering meaningful impact.
    The colloquium featured two panel sessions on financing and scaling green energy solutions in Africa, among others.
  • Experts Call Gold a “Metal of Strategy” and Inflation Firewall

    Experts Call Gold a “Metal of Strategy” and Inflation Firewall

    The Executive Director at Tropical General Investments (TGI Group), Mudassir Amray, has described gold as “a metal of strategy” and “an inflation firewall” for African economies.

     

    Mr. Amray made this remark during his keynote address at the Gold Roadshow Africa, held on November 7, 2025, which brought together central bankers, policymakers, and institutional investors to explore Africa’s growing role in the global gold value chain.

     

    In his presentation, titled “The Bridge Between Trust, Value and Financial Sovereignty for Africa,” Mr. Amray highlighted that the recent rally, which saw gold cross the $4,300 mark for the first time in history, reflects a broader global shift in trust, capital, and power.

     

    “For years, gold was seen as a metal of beauty,” he said. “Today, it stands as a metal of strategy, politically neutral, instantly liquid, and a firewall against inflation and currency depreciation.”

     

    He stated that Africa produces over 40% of the world’s gold but captures less than 2% of its financial value, calling for a stronger focus on domestic value addition. “We export raw and import finished wealth,” Mr. Amray noted. He commended ongoing local initiatives by Kian Smith Gold Refinery as important steps toward sustainable value capture and industrial growth.

     

    Following his keynote, Mr. Amray joined a high-level dialogue with Bolaji Balogun, Founder and CEO of Chapel Hill Denham, moderated by Bode Oyetunde of the African Development Bank (AfDB). The discussion focused on the policy, infrastructure, and investment frameworks needed to integrate gold into Nigeria’s financial system.

     

    The Gold Roadshow Africa concluded with a shared commitment among participants to strengthen policy alignment, promote private sector investment, and advance local processing to drive inclusive and sustainable growth across the continent’s gold value chain.

  • Union Bank Unveils “Save & Gain” Campaign to Reward Smart Savers

    Union Bank Unveils “Save & Gain” Campaign to Reward Smart Savers

    Union Bank of Nigeria, one of Nigeria’s most trusted financial institutions, is excited to announce the launch of its new customer reward initiative designed to deepen engagement, drive premium account activity, and promote consistent savings behaviour among its customers.
    Open to new and existing customers, the Save and Gain promo requires participants to open accounts, maintain and grow a monthly average balance of ₦50,000, complete at least five transactions monthly, and actively use digital channels such as cards, USSD, mobile, or internet banking.
    Top deposit contributors will receive monthly rewards ranging from free debit cards, cash prizes of N50,000 and N100,000, respectively, within each level of participation. A special reward of ₦30,000 cash vouchers will be awarded to top depositors and contributors for December. The grand prize of ₦5 million will be awarded to the highest average deposit contributors over the six-month campaign period.
    The campaign builds on the success of the Save & Win Palli Promo, through which the bank has disbursed over ₦330 million in cash and prizes to more than 5,000 customers since 2021.
    Unlike previous campaigns, Save & Gain demonstrates the bank’s focus on digital adoption and inclusion, with a performance-based reward system that prioritises transparency and consistency. Customers who reflect responsible account usage, maintain savings discipline, and embrace digital banking channels will be rewarded.
    Prospective customers can download the UnionMobile app on their smartphones to open accounts or walk into any Union Bank branch. Returning customers can call the 24-hour Contact Centre on 07007007000 or visit any Union Bank branch nationwide to reactivate dormant accounts.
  • ARCON DG, Interswitch, Vault Hill Executives, express readiness to speak at 2025 Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria conference, Friday November 28

    ARCON DG, Interswitch, Vault Hill Executives, express readiness to speak at 2025 Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria conference, Friday November 28

    All is now set as ARCON DG, Interswitch, Vault Hill Executives, express readiness to speak at 2025 Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria conference, Friday November 28

    Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria (BJAN) has announced the theme and line up of speakers at its 2025 Annual Conference, themed: “AI and Future of Marketing Workflow: Disruption or Opportunity.”

    The conference will hold on November 28, 2025, at Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos and bring together key stakeholders from Nigeria’s integrated marketing and communications industry.

    The event will be chaired by Mr. Udeme Ufot, Group Chief Executive Officer, SO&U Limited, one of Nigeria’s foremost advertising agencies. Under his leadership, the conference will provide a platform for industry professionals to explore how AI is transforming marketing strategies, advertising, and consumer engagement.

    According to BJAN Chairman Mr. Daniel Obi, the conference is designed to foster robust dialogue among professionals across public relations, brand and reputation management advertising, integrated marketing communications (IMC), and related sectors.

    “AI is no longer a futuristic concept; it is a present reality reshaping industries and economies. This year’s conference will help stakeholders understand how to adapt, leverage opportunities, and navigate the ethical considerations of AI adoption,” Obi stated.

    The speakers and panel members are: Dr. Cherry Eromosele, Executive Vice President, Group Marketing & Corporate Communications, Interswitch Group; Mr. Folajimi Daodu, Chief Executive Officer, Vault Hill; Dr. Lekan Fadolapo, Director-General, Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) and Bethel Obioma, Head, Corporate Communications, Sahara Group

    The conference will also feature a panel discussion with experts from advertising, technology, banking, and telecommunications, including Emma Adeniran, an ICT Expert; Morolake Emokpaire, Marketing Lead, Cadbury Nigeria Plc; Lanre Basamta, CEO/Co-founder, Optimus AI Labs; Austin Onyebuchi Akosa, Chief Information Officer, UBA and Dr. Seyi Akindeinde, Founder Hyperspace Technologies.

    The panel will examine emerging trends, ethical concerns, and strategic opportunities for AI adoption in marketing and business operations.

    As the foremost group of journalists converting the integrated marketing terrain in Nigeria, BJAN’s annual conference has become a veritable platform for learning, networking, and robust dialogue on industry issues.

    The 2025 edition will bring together business leaders, regulators, marketers, consumers, and journalists to explore how AI can drive innovation, efficiency, and competitiveness in Nigeria’s marketing and communications landscape.

    Participants will also be afforded network, collaboration opportunities, along with vibrant ideas towards developing strategies for responsible and effective AI integration into marketing workflows..

  • Firewood Jollof Nigeria unveils Firewood Jollof Festival 2.0 on November 29 in Lagos

    Firewood Jollof Nigeria unveils Firewood Jollof Festival 2.0 on November 29 in Lagos

    L-R: Marketing Advisor, Firewood Jollof Nigeria, Chibuzor Chukwueke; Assistant Brand Manager, Devon Kings, Voke Emeje; Chief Executive Officer, Firewood Jollof Nigeria, Chizoma Chukwueke;  Head, Regional Branch Operations, Firewood Jollof Nigeria, Feyisayo Akiwotu, and Chief Executive Officer, Penzaarville Africa, Olufemi Oguntamu, at the press briefing unveiling Firewood Jollof Festival 2.0 in Lagos on Tuesday.

    This year’s edition of Firewood Jollof Festival will hold on November 29, 2025 at the Muri Okunola Park in Lagos.
    Speaking at a crowded press conference on Tuesday in Lagos, CEO of Firewood Rice Nigeria, Chizoma Chukwueke, revealed the driving force behind the event.
    According to her, “We created Firewood Jollof in response to the nostalgia for the traditional smoky taste of firewood-cooked Jollof Rice. She further said that the event would showcase African culinary heritage, food innovation and cultural heritage.
    She also explained that the event is more than a food festival; a cultural preservation project that pays homage to traditional methods of cooking Jollof over firewood adding that the festival has evolved significantly since its inception while thanking and acknowledging the growing interest from partners and sponsors who believe in the vision. The 2025 edition has attracted strong corporate backing from Access Bank (Official Sponsor), Devon Kings Oil (Silver Sponsor), MTN Nigeria, and Nestlé Pure Life, she disclosed.

     

    The festival organized by Firewood Jollof Nigeria, has the theme: “Unifying African Jollof” and is built on the success of its inaugural edition of last year, which drew thousands of food lovers, chefs, and cultural enthusiasts from across the country. The 2025 edition aims to go a step further by promoting unity through one of West Africa’s most iconic dishes: Jollof rice.

    The festival will feature a variety of activities including live cooking demonstrations, music and entertainment, interactive food experiences, and for the first time, a “West African Jollof” collaboration; a signature dish combining key ingredients and cooking influences from Ghana, Senegal, and Kenya. The initiative seeks to highlight the shared culinary identity that connects African nations, while celebrating their unique regional variations.

    According to Marketing Advisor, Chibuzor Chukwueke, this year’s event will offer an enhanced experience for attendees, focusing on both cultural immersion and entertainment. The team, he noted, has implemented new structures and partnerships to elevate the festival to international standards.

    Head of Regional Operations, Feyisayo Akiwotu, emphasized the festival’s continued commitment to sustainability and authenticity, stating that the use of firewood in cooking remains central to the brand’s identity.

     

    Industry thought leader and founder of Penzaarville Africa, Olufemi Oguntamu, who has been part of the festival since its debut, commended the organizers for creating an event that bridges culture, community, and creativity. He described last year’s edition as “energetic and impactful” and predicted that this year’s would be “bigger, better, and richer in experience.”

    Since its inception, Firewood Jollof Festival has sought to preserve African storytelling and communal traditions through food. From live performances to the smoky aroma of Jollof cooked over wood fires, the event has grown into one of Nigeria’s most anticipated cultural showcases; an authentic celebration of taste, tradition, and togetherness.

    Dancers and Entertainers during the Press Conference on Tuesday.

     

  • Coca Cola re-introduces its “Share a Coke” Campaign as different Customers names now on Coca-Cola bottles and cans

    Coca Cola re-introduces its “Share a Coke” Campaign as different Customers names now on Coca-Cola bottles and cans

     

    Coca-Cola has re-introduced its & quot;Share a Coke" campaign, in which customers can find different names on Coca-Cola bottles and cans.
    The company said at an event recently that the brand relaunch would be on an
    unprecedented scale of shareability and personalization for a new generation, pushing the
    boundaries of innovative brand experiences.
    In 2011, the brand launched this first-of-its-kind campaign in which you could find your name in
    place of the logo – an industry-first in personalization. Now the brand wants customers to “share
    a Coke” with their friends to celebrate friendship and create memories that will last a lifetime.

    At an event held on 23rd October, 2025 the Company said the new campaign will have a focus on Gen Z, whom, according to the company, were very young when the first campaign hit the market in 2011. The company statement said further that it had found out that 72 per cent of Gen Z crave authenticity and want to connect with real people in everything they do, and the current campaign.
    Valerie Odubogun, Director, Frontline Marketing, Coca-Cola Nigeria said: “In today's digital
    world, it is important to celebrate the unique bonds of friendships and celebrate this important
    human connection. ‘Share a Coke’ reminds us that memories happen when we come together
    and experience the real magic of human connection; those spontaneous moments of laughter,
    stories, and genuine connection, shared over a Coca-Cola can, make life so special."
    Under the current campaign, the brand’s unique customisation platform offers more names to
    choose from and the ability to add one’s personal touch and create a truly unique Coca-Cola
    can or bottle to express appreciation for friends, family, and loved ones.
    According to the statement. in a world where interactions online can feel momentary, sharing a
    Coke offers a tangible way to show you care.
    “Meaningful connections thrive both online and offline. While digital spaces keep us close, it’s
    those shared moments in real life that make for long -lasting memories, yet the physical ‘third
    spaces’ that nourish these meaningful connections are in decline. “Share a Coke” is celebrating
    the connections and experiences that define this generation in spaces that allow moments of
    togetherness to thrive, “ the company stated.

  • Access Bank Integrates PAPSS into AccessMore App, Deepening Pan-African Payment Connectivity

    Access Bank Integrates PAPSS into AccessMore App, Deepening Pan-African Payment Connectivity

    Access Bank Plc has taken a major step toward seamless intra-African payments with the recent integration of the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) into its flagship mobile application, AccessMore. This strategic move underscores Access Bank’s commitment to enhancing cross-border payment experiences for its customers across the continent.

     

    To mark the launch, the Chief Executive Officer of PAPSS, Mike Ogbalu III, paid a courtesy visit to the Bank’s head office in Lagos, where he held high-level discussions with Chizoma Okoli, Deputy Managing Director of Access Bank, and Seyi Kumapayi, Executive Director for African Subsidiaries at Access Bank. The discussions centered on deepening collaboration and optimizing the capabilities of PAPSS within the AccessMore ecosystem to deliver real-time, cost-effective, and secure cross-border transactions.

     

    Speaking on the partnership, Chizoma Okoli, Deputy Managing Director, Access Bank said, “The integration of PAPSS into the AccessMore app is a significant milestone in our mission to unify Africa’s payment landscape. With Access Bank’s extensive footprint across the continent, this collaboration ensures that millions of our customers can now experience fast, efficient, and transparent cross-border payments like never before.

     

    Our goal is to leverage what we are building together to unlock innovations that seamlessly connect the continent, and we are delighted to partner with PAPSS in making this vision a reality”

     

     

     

     

    Mike Ogbalu, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), commenting on the collaboration said, “Our partnership with Access Bank is a game-changer for cross-border trade and payments across Africa. With the integration of PAPSS on AccessMore, we are enabling customers, individuals, SMEs, and corporates alike to transact effortlessly across borders, thereby supporting the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

    We’ve created a rail, and Access Bank has the network and customers. Within that, our rail can be used for all sorts of innovations. Access Bank can create products that we can carry on our network for every customer to use”.

     

    Also speaking on the broader strategy, Seyi Kumapayi, Executive Director, African Subsidiaries at Access Bank, commented, “Access Bank’s vision is to be the world’s most respected African bank, and collaborations like this are essential to achieving that. By embedding PAPSS into AccessMore, we’re unlocking a new era of financial connectivity for our customers across our subsidiaries in over a dozen African markets.

    PAPSS is significantly cost effective for cross border transactions, which makes it a highly valuable opportunity. To fully harness its potential, we need greater communication, stronger engagement, and coordinated rollouts across multiple countries at the same time. With the right momentum, we can accelerate adoption and achiever the scale this innovation deserves.”

     

    This partnership between Access Bank and PAPSS is a step forward in realizing a fully interconnected Africa, where payments and trade move without friction. Customers can now enjoy a simplified, reliable, and faster method to send and receive money across African borders—directly from their AccessMore app.

     

     

    The Access Bank Payments and Remittances Group manages AccessAfrica — the Bank’s proprietary cross-border payments platform — and oversees all remittance activities between Access Bank’s subsidiaries and international money transfer partners. At the core of its operations, AccessAfrica simplifies global transactions with speed, affordability, and reliability.

    Currently available in Nigeria and 11 Access Bank subsidiaries across Africa, AccessAfrica enables cross-border payments to over 140 destinations worldwide through multiple channels, including branches, AccessMore, USSD, and Internet Banking. Access Bank is a leading force in African cross-border and remittance solutions, we facilitate a broad spectrum of international transfers — P2P, P2B, B2P, and B2B — reaching over 140 countries, connecting with more than 20,000 banks, and operating in over 20 global currencies. The Group also drives remittance services in partnership with licensed International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs), enabling customers worldwide to send funds to beneficiaries in Nigeria either as cash payouts or direct bank credits.

     

     

     

     

    –Ends–

  • Pivot Nigeria 2025: ‘Reframing the Lens’ Inspires A Positive National Narrative 

    Pivot Nigeria 2025: ‘Reframing the Lens’ Inspires A Positive National Narrative 

    Pivot Nigeria: Reframing the Lens is a national thoughtleadership platform created to reset Nigeria’s reputation agenda. Powered by HighStakes Public
    Relations Professionals (HighStakes PR Professionals), Pivot Nigeria catalyses dialogue to inspire
    pride, amplify authentic narratives, and co-create a stronger, more balanced Nigeria narrative.
    The inaugural Pivot Nigeria Conference held recently, brought together thought leaders, innovators,
    journalists, entrepreneurs and youth to emphasize the urgent need for Nigerians to own and shape
    Nigeria’s narrative. The conference blended high-impact keynotes, panels and hands-on co-creation
    labs to inspire action.
    Urging attendees to become ambassadors of truth and optimism for Nigeria, Pivot Nigeria convener,
    Victoria Uwadoka-Anyianuka set the tone: “We are not here to complain or to lament; we are here to
    reframe the lens on how we see ourselves as Nigerians. Changing how others see us starts with how
    we present and represent ourselves. Our mission is to challenge the prevailing narratives, to spotlight
    authentic stories, and to co-create a narrative that reflects Nigeria’s true story.”
    The conviction that Nigerians must first change how they see themselves before looking for external
    validation echoed throughout the day, from the keynote and plenary sessions to the co-creation labs.
    The conference focused on culture as capital, who tells our story and why it matters, reconciling
    criticism with commitment, and the role of the media in changing the narrative.
    Mr. Richard Mofe-Damijo, Nigerian actor, lawyer, filmmaker, and cultural icon popularly known as
    RMD spoke about the paradoxes of Nigeria: “Nigeria is a beautiful country. It is a great country. On
    the one hand, it can frustrate you to the point where you feel like ‘I’m getting out.’ But on the other
    hand, it can give you so much that you’ll be wondering why it took you so long to unlock the keys
    that give you entrance to the bountiful opportunities that you find in Nigeria.”
    He added that Nigeria, as a country, needs to go back to the drawing board, to see who we are, “It is
    when you have articulated who you are that your people can see.”
    On his part, Mr. Emeka Mba, Founder and CEO of AfiaTV said, “Who tells your story and how it is
    told is often how you are seen. Too often, our stories are told by outsiders. Building inclusive national
    narratives, consistent cultural diplomacy, and deliberate policies to rebuild trust are essential to shaping
    how the world perceives us. If you look at emerging news platforms like AfiaTV and News Central,
    there is a deliberate editorial direction, a recognition of the power the media wields, and the duty it
    has to project balanced, accurate, and responsible portrayals of Nigeria, particularly to international
    audiences.”


    Speaking in the same vein, Rosemary Egabor-Afolahan, Director, Commercial and Communications,
    News Central TV said, “The story of Nigeria, in all its complexity, courage and brilliance, must no
    longer be told by others, through filters of fear or foreign bias. It must be told by us: boldly,
    responsibly, and completely. For far too long, the image reflected of Nigeria has been distorted,
    reduced to the cliches of conflict, corruption, disease, and despair.”
    Emphasizing the critical role of the media in changing the narrative, Rosemary added, “At News
    Central TV, we took a stand. We chose to change the narrative not by ignoring the challenges, but by
    contextualizing them, by highlighting progress alongside problems, and most importantly, by
    amplifying voices that are too often silenced and overlooked.”


    Pivot Nigeria conference participants converted ideas into action in the co-creation labs and proffered
    solutions: reclaim Nigeria’s story through citizen action; promote balanced, indigenous storytelling;
    embed civic education and national values in school curricula; leverage creative industries (film, music,
    fashion, tech) as soft-power engines; push for stronger accountability in governance; and scale Pivot
    Nigeria through campus ambassadors and community chapters to sustain awareness about the
    currency of reputation as capital.
    Nneka Isaac-Moses, Meche Isaac-Moses, Nina Anyianuka, Temitope Aina, and Nneamaka Nwadei
    highlighted narrative power as a tool of diplomacy, trade, and cohesion, urging collective action by
    the media and all stakeholders to reclaim the Nigeria story.
    The “Pivot Nigeria: Reframing the Lens” initiative is a call for citizens, creatives, media houses,
    government institutions, the private sector and the diaspora to interrogate and reframe their
    presentation and representation of Nigeria, and to use their everyday platforms (including social
    media) responsibly to reflect a balanced, authentic Nigeria narrative.

    ____________________________________________________________________

  • Hilda Baci completes jollof rice world record attempt, awaits Guinness verdict

    Hilda Baci completes jollof rice world record attempt, awaits Guinness verdict

    Nigerian celebrity chef and Guinness World Record holder, Hilda Baci, has completed her ambitious attempt to set a new world record for cooking the largest pot of jollof rice.

    She is now awaiting official confirmation from Guinness World Records (GWR).

    The feat took place on Saturday at Car Park B of Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, during the ‘Gino World Jollof Festival’.

    Baci prepared about 200 bags of rice in a custom-built 22,619-litre pot measuring six metres wide and six metres tall.

    The cooking process lasted roughly nine hours.

    Although she initially announced plans to cook 250 bags of Basmati rice, the chef scaled down to 200 due to weighing limitations of the crane and equipment used for the measurement.

    The event attracted a massive turnout of fans, food vendors, and entertainers, with Nigerian influencers and Nollywood stars such as Funke Akindele, Bamike Olawunmi-Adenibuyan, Enioluwa Adeoluwa, and Tomike Adeoye joining the celebration.

    Students of Bethesda Home and School for the Blind were also present to support the chef.

    BPP, ELRA, move to collaborate on policy implementation

    After the cooking, over 30,000 people were served the meal in takeaway packs, while attendees were encouraged to come with coolers to collect portions of the excess food.

    The Federal Government praised Baci’s effort, describing it as another example of Nigeria’s global excellence.

    Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, represented by Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, Director-General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, commended the chef’s creativity and resilience.

    “We encourage more young Nigerians to channel their creativity and talents into ventures that will not only benefit them personally but also contribute to national development and global recognition,” Idris said.

    Baci’s latest feat adds to her growing list of accomplishments, cementing her place as one of Nigeria’s leading culinary figures while further spotlighting Nigerian cuisine on the world stage.

  • FIRSTBANK LAUNCHES FIRSTMONIE MERCHANT SOLUTION TO ADVANCE DIGITAL PAYMENTS ACROSS NIGERIA

    FIRSTBANK LAUNCHES FIRSTMONIE MERCHANT SOLUTION TO ADVANCE DIGITAL PAYMENTS ACROSS NIGERIA

    FirstBank, the leading financial institution and provider of financial inclusion services in West Africa, has officially launched its FirstMonie Merchant Solution. This innovative platform is designed to enable merchants and businesses across Nigeria to seamlessly accept digital payments with efficiency and ease.

    The FirstMonie Merchant Solution responds to the increasing need for dependable digital payment systems by offering a streamlined and automated onboarding process, an integrated referral system, and customizable features such as Pay with Transfer and Purchase. Additional capabilities include instant settlement, concession management with flexible and competitive pricing, automatic terminal registration, and a comprehensive suite of products spanning all pricing tiers. The solution comes equipped with pre-configured, ready-to-use POS terminals, as well as a network dashboard offering real-time monitoring, dispute resolution, and complaint management. These functionalities contribute significantly to improving the merchant experience by enhancing liquidity, accuracy, and operational control, while effectively minimizing chargebacks.

    Chuma Ezirim, Group Executive, E-Business and Retail Products at FirstBank, remarked on the launch: “FirstMonie Merchant Solution is set to transform digital payments in Nigeria. With its advanced features and seamless onboarding, we are empowering businesses of all sizes and locations to thrive in the digital economy.”

    He further emphasized that the FirstMonie Merchant Solution will enhance operational efficiency within Nigeria’s payments industry. “This is not merely a product introduction; we are simplifying payment processes and providing merchants with improved transparency, control, and speed for daily transactions. At FirstBank, our commitment remains steadfast in building financial ecosystems that offer value, convenience, and trust to all stakeholders.”

    Both new and existing FirstBank account holders can access the FirstMonie Merchant Solution through a straightforward online registration at www.firstbanknigeria.com/getyourpos.

    Leveraging FirstBank’s established technological infrastructure, the FirstMonie Merchant Solution demonstrates the Bank’s dedication to fostering growth and financial inclusion by delivering scalable, reliable, and user-friendly digital solutions tailored to the evolving needs of Nigerian enterprises.

    Beyond enabling seamless digital payments, the FirstMonie Merchant Wallet Solution reinforces FirstBank’s commitment to the safety and security of merchant funds, a critical assurance that many Fintech alternatives do not provide.

    With a heritage spanning 131 years, FirstBank continues to drive innovation in African banking. The introduction of the FirstMonie Merchant Solution reaffirms the Bank’s leadership in digital banking and underscores its mission to broaden access to financial services nationwide. Supported by a network of over 300,000 FirstMonie agents, FirstBank maintains its position at the forefront of accessible and innovative financial solutions for individuals and businesses throughout Nigeria.

    About FirstBank

    First Bank of Nigeria Limited “FirstBank”, established in 1894, is the premier bank in West Africa, a leading financial inclusion services provider in Africa, and a digital banking giant.

    FirstBank’s international footprints cut across three continents ─ Africa, Europe and Asia, with FirstBank UK Limited in London and Paris; FirstBank in The Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, The Gambia, Guinea and Sierra Leone; FBNBank in Senegal; and a FirstBank Representative Office in Beijing, China. All the subsidiary banks are fully registered by their respective Central Banks to provide full banking services.

    Besides providing domestic banking services, the subsidiaries also engage in international cross-border transactions with FirstBank’s non-Nigerian subsidiaries, and the representative offices in Paris and China facilitate trade flows from Asia and Europe into Nigeria and other African countries.

    For over 13 decades, FirstBank has built an outstanding reputation for solid relationships, good corporate governance, and a strong liquidity position, and has been at the forefront of promoting digital payment in the country with over 13 million cards issued to customers (the first bank to achieve such a milestone in Nigeria). FirstBank has continued to make significant investments in technology, innovation and transformation, and its cashless transaction drive has been steadily accentuated with virtually over 25 million active FirstBank customers signed up on digital channels including the USSD Quick Banking service through the nationally renowned *894# Banking code.

    With over 43 million customer accounts (including digital wallets) spread across Nigeria, UK and sub-Saharan Africa, the Bank provides a comprehensive range of retail and wholesale financial services through more than 820 business offices and over 280,000 agent locations spread across 772 out of the 774 Local Government Areas in Nigeria.

    In addition to banking solutions and services, FirstBank provides pension fund custody services in Nigeria through First Pension Custodian Nigeria Limited and nominee and associated services through First Nominees Nigeria Limited.

    FirstBank’s commitment to Diversity is shown in its policies, partnerships and initiatives such as its employees’ ratio of female to male (about 41%:59%; and 37% women in management roles) as well as the FirstBank Women Network, an initiative that seeks to address the gender gap and increase the participation of women at all levels within the organization.  In addition, the Bank’s membership of the UN Women is an affirmation of a deliberate policy that is consistent with UN Women’s Women Empowerment’s Principles (WEPs) ─ Equal Opportunity, Inclusion, and Nondiscrimination.

    For six consecutive years (2011 – 2016), FirstBank was named “Most Valuable Bank Brand in Nigeria” by the globally renowned The Banker Magazine of the Financial Times Group and “Best Retail Bank in Nigeria” eight times in a row, 2011 – 2018, by the Asian Banker International Excellence in Retail Financial Services Awards.

    Significantly, FirstBank’s Global Credit Rating was A+ with a positive outlook while ratings by Fitch and Standard & Poor’s were A (nga) and ngBBB+ respectively both with Stable outlooks as at September 2023. FirstBank maintained the same level of international credit ratings as the sovereign; a milestone that was achieved in 2022 for the first time since 2015.

    In 2024, FirstBank received notable international awards and accolades. Some of these include Nigeria’s Best Bank for ESG 2024 and Nigeria’s Best Bank for Corporates 2024 both awarded by Euromoney Awards for Excellence; Best SME Bank in Africa and in Nigeria by The Asian Banker Global Awards; Best Private Bank in Nigeria and Best Private Bank for Sustainable Investing in Africa by Global Finance Awards; Best Corporate Bank in Nigeria 2024, Best CSR Bank in Nigeria 2024, Best Retail Bank in Nigeria 2024, Best SME Bank in Nigeria 2024 and Best Private Bank in Nigeria 2024 all awarded by the Global Banking and Finance Awards.

    FirstBank has continued to gain wide acclaim on the global stage with several international awards and recognitions received so far in 2025 which includes Best SME Bank in Nigeria 2025 and Best SME Bank in Africa 2025 by The Asian Banker; Best Private Bank in Nigeria 2025 and Best Private Bank for Sustainable Investing in Africa 2025 by Global Finance Awards; SME Financier of the Year in Nigeria 2025 by The Digital Banker Global SME Banking Innovation Awards; Best Retail Bank in Nigeria 2025 and Best Bank for Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in Nigeria 2025 all by The Annual Global Economics Awards.

    Our vision is “To be Africa’s Bank of first choice” and our mission is “To remain true to our name by providing the best financial services possible”. This commitment is anchored on our core values of EPIC – Entrepreneurship, Professionalism, Innovation and Customer-Centricity. Our strategic ambition is “To deliver accelerated growth in profitability through customer-led innovation and disciplined execution.”