Tag: Alert Group

Alert Group has reiterated its commitment to women’s empowerment that extends beyond its workforce to the communities where it operates, its Group Chief People Officer, Priscilla Okoko has said.

In a report to commemorate the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD) held on March 8, and titled: “Celebrating Women at Alert Group: Driving Progress, Empowerment, and Leadership”, she said that women make up a significant portion of its client base, and the company takes pride in supporting their entrepreneurial journeys.

“Through our tailored microfinance solutions, we help women access the capital they need to start, expand, and scale their businesses. Whether in retail, agriculture, manufacturing, or services, these women are transforming their ideas into thriving enterprises, creating jobs, and fuelling economic growth,” she said.

“Beyond financing, we provide financial literacy workshops and advisory services to equip women with essential knowledge on money management, investment strategies, and business sustainability. By strengthening their financial independence, we are contributing to a more resilient and inclusive economy,” Okoko added.

She said the 2025 IWD theme, “Accelerate Action,” resonates deeply with Alert Group’s ongoing efforts.

Okoko said the company is committed to taking deliberate steps to ensure lasting change by expanding leadership roles for women, strengthening financial inclusion , promoting work-life balance and championing diversity and inclusion.

She said that at Alert Group, gender equality is not just an aspiration—it is embedded in our leadership, workforce, and the financial solutions we provide to female entrepreneurs. Our commitment to action has driven real progress, from fostering women’s leadership within our company to empowering female business owners across various industries.

Read Also: Building strong, resilient financial system for economic growth

 “Across Alert Microfinance Bank Limited, Auto Bucks Lenders, and Bucksfield Asset Management, women occupy over 40% of management roles. They are not just participants in decision-making but are shaping the strategic direction of our organization. Whether leading branches, innovating in digital banking, or driving financial solutions, these women are at the forefront of transformation”.

 “Their journeys speak of resilience and excellence—balancing leadership, professional growth, and personal responsibilities. They are trailblazers, mentors, and role models, setting new standards in the financial services sector. By investing in their growth, we ensure that more women rise, lead, and redefine what is possible,” she said.

She said: “In an industry where women remain underrepresented, Alert Group stands as a beacon of inclusion and empowerment. Our commitment to gender equality is not just about compliance—it is a strategic advantage that fuels innovation, economic growth, and sustainable progress. As a financial institution, we are breaking barriers and setting new benchmarks in the sector. Our actions speak louder than words: we do not just discuss change—we make it happen.”

“On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate every woman who has been part of Alert Group’s journey—our employees, our clients, and our partners. Your resilience, determination, and leadership inspire us to do more. But this is just the beginning”.

“Accelerating action means ensuring that every woman has the opportunity to rise, lead, and create a lasting impact. To the women of Alert Group and beyond: You are the innovators, the changemakers, and the future. Together, we will continue to break barriers, defy expectations, and accelerate progress. When women rise, we all rise,” she said.

Alert Group granted loans worth N40 billion to businesses across its 16 branches in different states of the federation in 2024, Alert Group President, Olanrewaju Kazeem has said.

Speaking during a media briefing held at the bank’s headquarters in Lagos, he said Alert Group will be expanding further this year, unveiling new subsidiaries and lending N72 billion to business in support of Nigeria’s economic growth.

He highlighting the group’s strategy meant to impact multiple sectors and meet the growing needs of Nigerians.

“Our mission is to empower Nigerians through accessible financial services,” Dr. Kazeem said. In 2025, we aim to launch several subsidiaries and achieve N72 billion in loan disbursements to support businesses, create jobs, and contribute to the Nigeria’s economic development,” he said.

He added that the group’s expansion will focus on digital solutions, sustainability, auto financing, and microfinance.

Read Also: AAC alerts INEC of planned convention by factional group

Kazeem highlighted the bank’s growth trajectory, with total assets rising from N10.3 billion in 2023 to over N22 billion in 2024. The bank’s deposits also saw a 59 per cent surge, while loans grew by 109 per cent, marking a period of strong financial performance.

He said in addition to its financial success, the bank has made strides in digital transformation, improving its services for both customers and MSMEs. The microfinance bank has also remained committed to its corporate social responsibility initiatives, which include providing eyeglasses to those in need and supporting teachers and local football teams.

Speaking on the ongoing tax reforms, he called for modern tax policies that encourage production and reduce multiple taxation, saying the current system hinders business growth and economic development.

The bank’s continued focus on digital transformation, MSME support, and social initiatives is expected to drive further growth and solidify its role in the financial ecosystem.

Also speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of Alert Microfinance Bank, Raji Saheed reiterated the bank’s commitment to boosting financial inclusion and taking financial services closer to the people.

“We expect the N72 billion loan disbursement target to significantly support small businesses and individuals across urban and rural areas,” Saheed said, emphasizing the bank’s commitment to providing accessible financial services to underserved communities.

Also speaking, the CEO of Green Bucks Limited, Hachem Bdeir, discussed the company’s focus on financing projects that promote environmental sustainability.

“Green Bucks is committed to funding businesses that align with global trends toward sustainability,” he stated.

He added that the company aims to combine environmental impact with economic benefits, supporting projects in renewable energy, agriculture, and waste management.

The CEO of Auto Bucks Lenders Limited, Olaoye Olasunkami, affirmed the company’s role in transforming the MSME sector.  “Auto Bucks will offer affordable and flexible financing options to entrepreneurs in Nigeria,” he said. The company will expand physically and digitally in 2025 to provide more support to entrepreneurs.

The Chief Technology Officer at Alert Group, Adegoke Izekeo, discussed the group’s ongoing investment in digital technology, which she believes is essential to expanding the group’s reach and efficiency.

Izekeo revealed that the company is launching a new mobile application designed to simplify the delivery of financial services.

 “Our new mobile platform will make it easier for customers to access financial services, including loan applications, bill payments, and account management, all from the convenience of their smartphones,” Izekeo explained.

She added that the app is expected to revolutionize how the group engages with its customers, allowing users to seamlessly interact with services without the constraints of physical locations.

Izekeo stressed that the platform is not just a tool for digital banking but a key part of the group’s strategy to provide financial inclusion for Nigerians in both urban and remote areas. “We believe that technology is a key driver of financial inclusion, and our app will play a pivotal role in reaching Nigerians who may otherwise have limited access to traditional banking services,” he said.