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Tag: FirstBank

  • Firstbank’s N30m prize money raises the bar in Pro/Am golf

    Firstbank’s N30m prize money raises the bar in Pro/Am golf

    With 63 years of golf sponsorship, a landmark no other has come close to, Firstbank Plc took it a notch higher in the 2024 Lagos Amateur Championship, which has fittingly earned the status of a Pro/Am, by virtue of a grand prize of N30million for 13 professional golfers that took part in the tournament.

    Played at the 18-hole challenging golf course of Ikoyi Club 1938, it raises the bar very high with the winner of the pro event walking away with a sumptuous N10million; the highest so far in any Pro/Am event in Nigeria. 

    Simply put, it was gold standard, exemplified by excellence. Coinciding with the 130th anniversary celebration of the banking institution, it was golf at its very best, from about 200 amateur players drawn from golf clubs in the country battling for the prestigious honour of 2024 best amateur player in the land.

    Thus, when the countdown to this year’s edition began months back, so much was expected. It was a roll call of the best amateurs and past winners that the country can boast of. There was Remi Olukoya, 3-handicaper, former champion Emmanuel Ojeabulu, Akeem Lawal, Samuel Emmanuel; the young man who lost to Isaac Umoru last year, the ever contending Olajide Owolabi and many more.

    However, it was Hameed Adenekan, Ikoyi based youngish player taking part in the competition for the second time that cleaned out the oldies, taking the initiative from Day-1.

    He on the light note by returning with an impressive level-par 71 followed Ojeabulu, who shot 2 over par 73. There was also Emmanuel Desmond at 74 and Michael Raillard one of the non-Nigerian on the course at 74.  

    Read Also: CBN reforms support strong, resilient African financial architecture – Cardoso

    Day-two was as seamless, great golf in display but when the trio of Adenekan, Emmanuel and Desmond stepped out for the final round on Sunday morning, the tension was palpable. Playing 5-shot going to the finals, it was sure not going to be easy day for Adenekan, somehow he managed his nerve securing victory with 225-score for 12-over par over 54-holes. Adenekan recorded 71-70 and a closing 82 to secure the top spot of a competitive Leaderboard.

    Akeem Lawal came second. He started his 54-hole journey with 75, 4-over par, a second round of 76 and a closing 76 finishing two shots behind the winner and pushing favourites Emmanuel and Desmond down the leaderboard.

    While the amateurs were pushing for the Firstbank Amateur gong and glory, somewhere on the course that sunny afternoon also were two former champions battling for money. As pros, the winning purse is always the attraction. This time around, the purse was unexpected. On offer was the biggest purse ever in the Nigeria PGA; a whooping N30million with the winner going home with the largest chunk of N10m. Now, if the amateur round was tension soaked, the Professional category was even more.

    Going right into the wire, Ajayi Tajudeen from Ikoyi Club triumphed in an exhilarating three-hole playoff.

    He had locked in a tie at par with former top seed Andrew Odoh, engaging in a sudden death showdown. The intense playoff which spanned three-holes led to Tajudeen hard fought victory.   

    Thrilled by the impressive display and turnout, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Bank Olusegun Alebiosu reaffirmed FirstBank dedication to sponsorship of not just Lagos Open but to continue to maintain their stand as being first with sports.

    As he rightly put it, “this is why we are FirstBank, this is why we are first at sports. We are committed to the ideal that uplifts the society. 

    It started with search for the stars, a section of the tournament geared towards discovering talent in their prime, to donation to Charities, down to quest for fame and honour on the course.

    Ever since its debut 63-years ago, winning the championship comes with huge rewards. It throws you up as a hero and opened sponsorship doors for winners.

    In 2003 Andrew Odoh savour such honors. The success got him sponsorship for a training tour of the more established Sunshine Tour in South Africa, got trained by Gary Polard and returned to Nigeria as a professional golfer. Similarly success in 2002 earned Port Harcourt based Willy Gift sponsorship package from an oil company.

  • Firstbank Pro/AmGolf Open raises bar with N30m jackpot

    Firstbank Pro/AmGolf Open raises bar with N30m jackpot

    With 63 years of golf sponsorship, a landmark no other has come close to as  Firstbank Plc took it a notch higher in the 2024 Lagos Amateur Championship.

    This  has fittingly earned the status of a Pro/Am, by virtue of a grand prize of N30million for 13 professional golfers that took part in the just concluded  tournament.

    Played at the 18-hole challenging golf course of Ikoyi Club 1938, it raises the bar very high with the winner of the pro event walking away with a sumptuous N10million; the highest so far in any Pro/Am event in Nigeria.

    Simply put, it was gold standard, exemplified by excellence. Coinciding with the 130th anniversary celebration of the banking institution, it was golf at its very best, from about 200 amateur players drawn from golf clubs in the country battling for the prestigious honour of 2024 best amateur player in the land.

    Thus, when the countdown to this year’s edition began months back, so much was expected. It was a roll call of the best amateurs and past winners that the country can boast of. There was Remi Olukoya, 3-handicaper, former champion Emmanuel Ojeabulu, Akeem Lawal, Samuel Emmanuel; the young man who lost to Isaac Umoru last year, the ever contending Olajide Owolabi and many more.

    Read Also: NFF congratulates Felix Owolabi on 70th anniversary

    However, it was Hameed Adenekan, Ikoyi based youngish player taking part in the competition for the second time that cleaned out the oldies, taking the initiative from Day-1.

    He on the light note by returning with an impressive level-par 71 followed Ojeabulu, who shot 2 over par 73. There was also Emmanuel Desmond at 74 and Michael Raillard one of the non-Nigerian on the course at 74. 

    Day-two was as seamless, great golf in display but when the trio of Adenekan, Emmanuel and Desmond stepped out for the final round on Sunday morning, the tension was palpable. Playing 5-shot going to the finals, it was sure not going to be easy day for Adenekan, somehow he managed his nerve securing victory with 225-score for 12-over par over 54-holes. Adenekan recorded 71-70 and a closing 82 to secure the top spot of a competitive Leaderboard.

  • New prodigy emerges at FirstBank Open Pro/Am

    New prodigy emerges at FirstBank Open Pro/Am

    The 63rd FirstBank Lagos Open Golf Championship enters the crucial stage today with the main Pro/Am event teeing off at the Ikoyi Club golf section.

    No fewer than 13 pros that have come through the oldest amateur event in the country will join over 200 top amateurs for the 54-hole event rounding off on Sunday.

    This is after the discovery of yet another golf talent in Olamide Afolabi, who grossed a score of 73, 2-over the course par to emerge winner in the Search for Stars category; aimed at discovering golf talents. 

    While Afolabi sits atop in the Search for Stars category, Ifeanyi Sylvester grossed 76 to come second, leaving Segun Olajide with 78-gross score in the third position.

    Read Also: AFCON 2025: Ghana, Togo, other teams that failed to qualify

    Known for growing sports at all levels, the championship has become a nursery of some sorts for would-be golf professionals, many of whom have gone on to join the elite professional cadre after winning the championship.

    In 2002, Port Harcourt based Willy Gift stunned book makers when he tore through the tight fairways of Ikoyi Course emerging victorious over on a field of over two hundred players. That victory earned Gift sponsorship and turned professional the following year.

    Andrew Oche Odeh, another amateur sensation stole the show in Ikoyi winning the 2003 edition.

    Today, Odeh is not just a professional golfer but one of Nigeria’s best ever.

    Danjuma Farouk, Ajayi Tajudeen, Bello Abiola Moruf, Austin Akpodiete are some golf talents that have passed through FirstBank Lagos Open.

  • FirstBank Lagos Open Golf tees off Monday

    FirstBank Lagos Open Golf tees off Monday

    FirstBank of Nigeria Limited, the sponsors of the annual Lagos Amateur Open Golf Championship is set to light up the golf section of Ikoyi Club 1938 as the 63rd edition of the annual championship tees off on Monday.

    Speaking ahead of this year’s competition, the CEO of FirstBank of Nigeria Limited, Olusegun Alebiosu, thanked the management of the club for their partnerships over the past 63 years, saying, the relationship has been worth the while. “We have enjoyed partnering on this remarkable initiative for 63 years and counting”, he said.

    Alebiosu who was represented by Patrick Iyamabo, ED/CFO of FirstBank said that the bank has additionally provided a steady platform to attract the best amateur golfers both locally and internationally, an initiative the financial institution will continue to pursue.

    Read Also: Juventus terminate Pogba’s contract

    “The FirstBank Lagos Amateur Open Golf Championship is one of the bank’s most prominent sponsorships under the First@sports initiative through which the Bank demonstrates its unwavering commitment to the development of sporting talents in Nigeria and globally.

    “For over 130 years, FirstBank has been a driving force in the promotion of sports in Nigeria and across the Bank’s subsidiaries all over the world. This has been accentuated by our legacy sponsorships of tournaments such as the Kaduna Polo tournament, currently in its 104th year of sponsorship, golf, tennis, football, and basketball, amongst others.

    “FirstBank’s partnership and long-standing sponsorship of the tournament is therefore one of the ways by which we demonstrate our commitment to building a legacy not only for golf and golfers, but sports in its entirety,” Alebiosu said.

    Isaac Umoru, a golfer with St. Marks Golf & Country Club, Otukpo, Benue State is the tournament defending champion.

  • ‘We’ll promote creative industry’

    ‘We’ll promote creative industry’

    FirstBank has said it is proud to sponsor Lagos International Theatre Festival (LITF) as part of its commitment to Nigeria’s vibrant arts sector.

    The festival will hold simultaneously inTerra Kulture and Muson Centre in Lagos, and others.

    Organisers said over 20 plays would be shown in the four days, with participation from South Africa, Zambia and United States.

    At a conference to herald the event, Managing Director, Olusegun Alebiosu, said FirstBank’s involvement would amplify the event’s outreach and deepen its impact on the arts community.

    Read Also: Mutfwang approves immediate implementation of N70,000 minimum wage

    Alebiosu, represented by Executive Director of Retail Banking South, Oluseyi Oyefeso, said for 130 years First Bank had been providing cultural and youth empowerment.

    Under the initiative, the bank sponsored Kurunmi, on stage, play written by renowned author, Ola Rotimi.

    Founder of LITF and Terra Kulture, Bolanle Austen-Peters, said outside oil, creativity was the country’s biggest export, hence the need to berth the festival to life.

    “With over 22 years in the industry and initiatives, such as Terra Academy for the Arts, we are using LITF to showcase that stage plays remain a vibrant part of Nigeria’s creative landscape.” 

  • FirstBank denies reported system upgrade

    FirstBank denies reported system upgrade

    FirstBank has refuted reports suggesting that it is undergoing a system upgrade, clarifying that the notice about transitioning to a new cloud-based platform was specifically intended for vendors, not customers.

    In a statement on Friday, Folake Ani-Mumuney, group head of marketing and corporate communications at FBN, said the upgrade will not affect banking services, such as digital transactions.

    Ani-Mumuney said reports had misunderstood its message to vendors about the transition from their current platform, I-Supplier — an automated platform that connects FBN to suppliers — to a new cloud-based supplier medium.

    “We wish to address a misleading report circulating in the media regarding a system upgrade at FirstBank,” Ani-Mumuney said.

    Read Also: FirstBank, FC Basira  battle for 2024 Afriskaut NLO Cup

    “The message which was incorrectly interpreted and reported was sent to, and intended for our vendors only and focused on transitioning from our current I-Supplier Platform (our automated platform that connects us to suppliers) to a new Cloud-based Supplier Platform (worldclass platform for managing suppliers), to enable additional capabilities and benefits for our vendors.

    “Please be informed that no system upgrade is currently underway, and all our customer applications are fully operational.

    “We are not experiencing disruption to our services, and our banking systems, customer transactions, channels, etc, will not be affected by the enhanced supplier platform,” the statement reads. 

    FBN assured the public of its commitment to seamless service delivery, promising uninterrupted access to all customer services.

  • FirstBank, FC Basira  battle for 2024 Afriskaut NLO Cup

    FirstBank, FC Basira  battle for 2024 Afriskaut NLO Cup

    FC Basira and FirstBank FC have set their sight to be crowned 2024 Afriskaut NLO Cup champions as the final holds tomorrow  in Abuja.

    Both teams are expected to bring excitement to Bwari Stadium in Abuja after remaining unbeaten in the Northern and Southern Conferences, earning their spots in the final stage of the Afriskaut NLO Cup.

    First Bank FC and FC Basira overcame tough play-off finals to get within reach of the ultimate prize after 13 days of intense football at the Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium and Bwari Stadium.

    First Bank FC secured their spot in the final through a thrilling penalty shootout against a 10-man Ahudiyannem FC, who managed to draw 1-1 with the last kick of the ball in 90+6 minutes.

    Meanwhile, FC Basira secured their place in the final by scoring the only goal against Jnr Danburan FC yesterday.

    Read Also: Super Eagles: Okumagba urges NFF to employ local coach

    The Afriskaut NLO Cup was organized for champions – teams that gained promotion in the regular Division One and U19 Youth League seasons.

    A total of twenty-five top teams from the nation’s third-tier football league participated in the 2024 Afriskaut NLO Cup edition, which began on October 5th.

    The 2024 campaign marked the 2nd  edition of the NLO Cup, the first under Afriskaut, which utilized its cutting-edge expertise in data-driven football scouting and player analytics.

  • FirstBank enlightens customers on ways to protect accounts against e-fraudsters  

    FirstBank enlightens customers on ways to protect accounts against e-fraudsters  

    FirstBank has educated businesses and customers on new techniques adopted by e-fraudsters to defraud customers of their funds. The bank also highlighted key advancements in payment technologies to protect customers from loosing their funds to hackers.

    Speaking during a cybersecurity webinar, Chief Information Security Officer of the bank, Harrison Nnaji, said that it was imperative to keep the bank’s customers knowledgeably equipped with essential strategies to safeguard themselves from cyber threats.

    The webinar which has the theme: “Unlocking Secure Convenience: Exploring the Future of Payments Technologies”.

    Nnaji said that customers would be protected from cyber threats if they practiced five to 10 per cent of measures from the quarterly webinar.

    Speaking on the topic, “Banking on Safety: Innovative Security Features on FirstBank Digital Products”, he appealed to participants to become ambassadors who would utilise the information and pass the knowledge to their communities.

    He highlighted the vulnerabilities of customer data to both internal and external threats and advocated for robust firewalls and enhanced privacy measures.

    He said that breakdown of global cybercrime damage costs predicted by cybersecurity   Ventures for 2024 indicated that 302,000 dollars would be lost to hackers per second, 18 million dollars per minute, 26 billion dollars daily and 9.5 trillion dollars a year.

    He outlined best practices for secure digital banking and detailed FirstBank’s commitment to cyber threat prevention through multi-factor authentication, end-to-end encryption, and real-time fraud detection.

    “Our dedication to maintaining the highest standards of security and privacy extends to every interaction and transaction.

    “It underscores FirstBank’s pledge to be the bank customers can always rely on for the utmost protection of their financial safety and personal privacy,” he added.

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    Nnaji also stressed the shared responsibility between the bank and its customers in preventing financial losses. “Our goal is to ensure your hard-earned money remains secure,” he said.

    Cyber and Intelligence Regional Manager, Mastercard, Mayowa Adewumi, discussed the evolution of the payment ecosystem and the associated risk factors due to technological advancements.

    He noted that it was imperative to prioritise over convenience, to prevent unauthorised access to funds.

    “As a customer, you play a crucial role in maintaining security by adopting best practices and staying informed and vigilant as payment technologies evolve,” Adewumi advised.

    Also speaking, Regional Manager Product Sales, Cyber and Intelligence Solutions (West Africa) at Mastercard, Peter Ehizogie, explained backend security measures that require active customer participation.

    He highlighted the importance of choosing the best authentication options tailored to individual needs, such as password authentication with Multi-Factor Authentication instead of biometric options.

  • FirstBank, firm partner on movie production

    FirstBank, firm partner on movie production

    FirstBank has through its First@arts initiative partnered with Creazioni Communications, a foremost one-stop Broadcast and Production center in Nigeria, to produce a modern adaptation of the classic Yoruba folklore, Oke Langbodo. This groundbreaking production aims to promote arts, entertainment, and cultural heritage, while connecting with the youth demographic and promoting talent in the creative sector.

    Oke Langbodo will come alive on stage at the prestigious Wole Soyinka Theatre, University of Ibadan on June 18; 19; 27; 28 and 29 2024 by 5pm respectively. Tickets are available at thevibewire.com.

    Oke Langbodo, a legendary tale of courage and resilience, inspired by the timeless classic ‘Ogboju Ode ninu Igbo Irunmole’ by D.O Fagunwa, reimagined in English as ‘Forest of a Thousand Demons’ by the legendary Wole Soyinka, and brought to life on stage by the visionary Wale Ogunyemi during Festac 77 as ‘Lagbodo’ is a collusion of ancient legends with modern technology of immense digital and technological experiential possibilities. This innovative approach will resonate with audiences across the continent and beyond by re-igniting the historical values of the country’s culture and showcasing the country’s cultural identities through the featured characters.

    The play Langbodo, is about a skilled hunter, who embarks into the forest of a thousand demons in search of game. Along the way, he encounters a series of trials, including encounters with mythical creatures like spirits, witches, and other supernatural beings. Despite the dangers, Langbodo remains courageous and resourceful, using his wit and skill to overcome each challenge. The legend of Oke Langbodo continues to be celebrated in Nigerian culture as a timeless tale of bravery, perseverance, and the triumph of good over evil.  Through the vibrant characters of Àkàrà Oògùn, Kàkó, Elégbèdè, Ẹ̀fò Ìyẹ́, Àràmọ̀ǹdà, Ìmọ́dòye, and Olóhùn Iyọ̀, the story comes alive under the directorship of Babatunde Ojobaro transporting us to a world of wonder and adventure.

    Read Also; FirstBank recognised for SMEs support in Nigeria, Africa

    Highlighting the Bank’s impact on the arts industry, the Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Ms. Folake Ani-Mumuney said, ‘’for over 130 years, FirstBank has been a steadfast supporter of the creative arts, consistently enabling the giants in our artists, by fostering creativity and national unity. This program serves as an umbrella platform encompassing a diverse range of artistic expressions that includes stage theatre productions that bring captivating stories to life; fashion shows that celebrate style and creativity; vibrant carnivals that showcase our cultural heritage; electrifying concerts that unite us through music. Oke Langbodo is another partnership opportunity for making a profound impact and reinforcing our commitment to empowering the creative sector’, she concludes.

    According to the CEO of Creazioni Communications, the producer of Oke Langbodo, Ropo Ewenla, “it is a delight producing this classic piece, Oke Langbodo, with the huge support of FirstBank at this auspicious moment in our national history.  A time to re-emphasise the need to shun our individuality and embrace the uniqueness of our diversity as people seeking national rebirth. On this enchanting and engaging artistic journey, our message is of peace, unity, selflessness, devotion, perseverance and commitment to enabling ideals that can sustain our humanity. Oke Langbodo is a play that will connect with us as a nation in our constant aspiration for energy and purpose”

    First@arts is FirstBank’s platform for consolidating all its efforts in the arts, supporting the entire value chain of the creative arts, providing much needed financing, showcasing, and facilitating the successes of the industry, as well as enabling customers explore the wealth of opportunities the creative industry has to offer. One of the unique initiatives under the First@Arts umbrella is FirstBank’s DecemberIssaVybe.  Through DecemberIssaVybe FirstBank provides opportunities and platforms for memorable Homecoming Experiences from across the world including for those coming for marriage ceremonies, friends, and family reunions; festivals, funerals, the I Just Got Backs (IJGBs); giving and communal engagement. It has always brought to friends and families of the Bank the best exciting, fun-filled, memorable experience in December.

  • FirstBank recognised for SMEs support in Nigeria, Africa

    FirstBank recognised for SMEs support in Nigeria, Africa

    FirstBank has  won the Best SME Bank in Africa and Best SME Bank in Nigeria at the Asian Banker Global Excellence Retail Awards 2024.

    The Excellence in Retail Finance Awards Programme, which includes the Global Excellence in Retail Finance Awards and The Annual Digital Bank Awards, is one of the most established awards of its kind, recognising exceptional innovation, leadership, management, and performance in the financial sector.

    The 130-year-old institution bagged these two awards because of its full suite of solutions across its franchise to serve the needs of medium and small enterprises in regard to core financial needs and offer flexible financing options across the entire lifecycle needs of customer’s business.

    According to The Asian Banker’s Strategic Business Intelligence for the Financial Services Community “FirstBank demonstrated exceptional performance, notably in its SME sector, by achieving more than 100 per cent revenue growth while maintaining a reduced cost-to-income ratio of 16.5 per cent. Small and medium-sized enterprises contributed 26 per cent of overall bank revenue. Furthermore, the institution’s SME customer base grew by seven per cent, reaching a total of more than one million. For its significant growth in the SME business, the award for Best SME Bank in Nigeria and in Africa goes to FirstBank”.

    FirstBank supports its customer by providing exceptional value proposition around each industry sectors, digital innovation of the bank’s processes and financing options, and a strong relationship banking approach to create best in class customer engagement.

    Read Also: FirstBank, Proparco partner on climate performance

    The Bank’s integrated platform not only help businesses grow and reduce operational costs but also facilitates expansion into regional and overseas markets through its Sub-Saharan Africa subsidiaries.

    Expressing her delight on the recognition, the Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications, Ms. Folake Ani-Mumuney said: “We thank the Asian Banker Awards for the recognition and dedicate these awards to our esteemed SME customers that have progressively impacted the socio-economic growth of not just Nigeria but also the African continent given their critical role as the engine of any economy.

    “For 130 years, FirstBank has continued to enable the giants in our customers including our SMEs as well as other stakeholders, and we remain committed to delivering the ultimate ‘gold standard’ of value and excellence.” she concluded. 

    Amongst other awards, FirstBank recently added to its awards kitty, Best Private Bank in Nigeria and Best Private Bank for Sustainable Investment in Africa by Global Finance, for its exceptional leadership in integrating sustainable practices into its banking operations.