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  • Zenith Bank raises N350.4b from combined offers

    Zenith Bank raises N350.4b from combined offers

    • CBN, SEC approve new capital

    Zenith Bank Plc has raised a total of N350.4 billion through its recently concluded hybrid Rights Issue and Public Offer.

    In a statement released yesterday to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Group, the bank announced that it has secured the full regulatory approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in respect of its recently concluded Hybrid Offer.

    The offer comprises of a Rights Issue of 5,232,748,964 Ordinary Shares of 50k each at N36.00 per share and Public Offer of 2,767,251,036 Ordinary Shares of 50k each at N36.50 per share.

    The Public Offer was 160.47 per cent subscribed, with a total of 4,440,587,250 Ordinary Shares allotted based on the terms of the Offer and the CBN’s Capital Verification Exercise. The Rights Issue was also 100.18 per cent subscribed with a total 5,232,748,964 ordinary shares allotted.

    Lauding the development, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive of Zenith Bank Plc, Dame Adaora Umeoji, said: “The success of our combined Rights Issue and Public Offering is a testament to the strong confidence and trust that our shareholders, investors, and stakeholders have in Zenith Bank’s vision, strategy, and brand. This landmark transaction underscores our commitment to strengthening our capital base, enhancing our competitive edge, and positioning ourselves for sustainable growth and profitability. We deeply acknowledge the invaluable and strong support of our regulators, the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Securities and Exchange Commission, and are grateful for their guidance in ensuring the integrity and efficacy of the exercise. This successful transaction will enable us to continue delivering value to our stakeholders, while also contributing to the growth and development of the economy.”

    Proceeds from the Hybrid Offer will be strategically deployed to solidify the bank’s position as the leading financial institution in Nigeria. Additionally, the funds will support the Bank’s expansion into other markets in Africa and Europe, investment in technology and other Group-wide growth initiatives.

    Read Also: Zenith Bank expands global reach with Paris branch

    The offer, which opened on August 1, 2024 and closed on September 23, 2024 and sought to raise N290 billion through a combination of a Rights Issue and Offer for Subscription, was successfully executed largely as a digital Offer, embracing the power of technology to improve access to the equity capital market as it seamlessly leveraged the Nigerian Exchange Limited’s e-Offer platform.

    The results of the Hybrid Offer, which garnered substantial interest from domestic and international investors, has positioned the bank as one of the few banks in Nigeria to meet and even surpass the CBN’s N500 billion minimum capital requirements for banks with International Authorisation well ahead of the March 2026 regulatory deadline. The bank’s share capital will now rise to N614.65 billion, which is N114.65 billion above the regulatory minimum requirement.

  • Zenith Bank Women B’ball  MVP tipped for  World Cup glory

    Zenith Bank Women B’ball  MVP tipped for  World Cup glory

    The profile of the Most Valuable Player of the 2024 Zenith Bank Women Basketball League, Hembam Wandoo, continued to rise as she is set to lead Nigeria cadet team to the world stage after her historic performance for MFM Women Basketball team, helping them to win back-to-back league titles.

    It has been an interesting year for the 16-year-old leading both the MFM team and the U-16 J’Tigress to great height and is ready to take her stock further at the 2025 FIBA U-18 Women’s World Cup in Czech Republic.

    In recognition of Wandoo’s contributions to the success of the team, MFM catalogued the various individual and team honours the national U-18 J’Tigress’ star attained in recent time.

    The Benue State- born Wandoo played pivotal roles in MFM’s championship winning performances in 2023 and 2024, winning the Most Valuable Player award in the later.

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    At National Sports Festivals, she picked up silver while representing Benue State in 2020 and gold with Delta State in 2022.

    Speaking about the exploits of the talented basketballer, MFMWBBC’s chairman, Godwin Enakhena, described  the exploits of Wandoo in glowing terms.

     “One of the most dedicated players in the team. We’ve a team made up of very committed players, and she’s one of them,” Enakhena said. “A team player. The world is at her feet.”

  • Zenith Bank expands global reach with Paris branch

    Zenith Bank expands global reach with Paris branch

    Zenith Bank Plc has expanded its global operations with the opening of Zenith Bank (UK), Paris Branch.

    The official commissioning, held yesterday at the 21 Rue de la paix, Paris, France was performed by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun.

    The opening of Zenith Bank, Paris, a Third-Country Branch (TCB) of Zenith Bank (UK) Limited, a subsidiary of Zenith Bank Plc, represents a milestone in the bank’s global growth strategy and underscores its commitment to serving clients in the European region.

    Dignitaries at the ceremony include Governor, Kwara State & Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; Governor, Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Governor, Ogun State, Adedapo Abiodun; Governor, Enugu State, Peter Mbah; Chairman, BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu; Honourable Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite; Chief Executive Officer/Executive Secretary, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Aisha Rimi and Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) Nonye Ayeni, who joined Zenith Bank Executives in celebrating this significant milestone.

    In a statement, the bank said the event highlighted its commitment to delivering exceptional financial solutions and fostering economic growth across the globe.

    In her welcome address, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive of Zenith Bank, Dame Adaora Umeoji , thanked the Founder & Chairman, Jim ovia, for his inspiration and vision in setting up an award-winning and record-breaking brand.

    She also highlighted the rationale for the bank’s strategic move to Paris. According to her, “The opening of this Paris branch is part of the broad strategy of the bank to extend its footprints across the major global financial centres and our efforts at following our customers’ businesses,” she said.

    According to her, the Paris branch opening underpins the need to serve its customers and bolster trade and finance relationships between our customers in France and other countries.

    Zenith Bank’s expansion to France is a very strategic move as Nigeria accounts for 20 per cent of France’s trade with Sub-saharan Africa according to the Franco-Nigeria Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) Having successfully dominated large parts of Anglophone Africa, we will leverage Zenith Bank Paris operations to lead the Francophone market starting from Ivory Coast and Cameroon where we will be establishing subsidiaries very soon.

    “This will facilitate business and trade flows between the African region and France, which is a major business partner to several African countries,” she said.

    Speaking at the ceremony, Edun said: “I feel that one of the dividends of building trust for Nigerian institutions around the world is this event today, the opening of Zenith Bank in Paris. The presence of Zenith here can only help to engender trust of the French business community. They can learn about the opportunities in Africa, and of course, the entry into Nigeria can be facilitated. We are happy and we are glad that we are all here to participate in this historic occasion.”

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    President and Chief Executive of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, congratulated the bank for the milestone achievement. Expressing his optimism for this strategic initiative, he said: “I really want to congratulate Zenith Bank for achieving this feat by opening a branch here in Paris. I can guarantee you, without the likes of Zenith Bank and other Nigerian banks, we as a group, wouldn’t have been where we are today because there is no country that can grow without a very strong banking sector.”

    Director General of the Treasury, France, Bertrand Dumont, said: “This is a crucial asset when it comes to doing business between our two countries, or when it comes to doing business between our two continents. So, I would like to wish you the best in this endeavor, in this creation, and I hope that in the coming months or the coming year, you will invite me again for the integration of larger buildings as a sign of the success that you would have encountered.”

    The Chairman, France-Nigeria Business Council (FNBC), Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, during his remark said, “15 years ago, Jim Ovia, then as the CEO of Zenith Bank welcomed me as CEO Access Bank into the UK to join him and other banks that had blazed the trail in opening banking businesses in the UK. 15 years later, to the glory of God, your young brother in banking welcomes you to Paris with pride on the significance of this occasion. Such intentional leadership, such partnership and collaboration speaks to the nature of endeavor that we at the France-Nigeria Business Council are trying to drive. So, on behalf of the French people, I simply say to Zenith – Bonne Arrivee!”

    The opening of Zenith Bank, Paris followed the granting of the final approval by France’s banking regulator, the Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution (ACPR), in September 2024, allowing the branch to commence operations. Earlier in November 2023, Zenith Bank strengthened ties with France by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the French Government to establish a subsidiary in France. The MoU was signed in Lagos by the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, and the French Minister for Trade, Attractiveness and French Nationals Abroad, Mr. Olivier Becht during the French envoy’s visit to Nigeria.

    Zenith Bank, Paris is positioned as a global financial hub for strengthening trade, accelerating trade flows and facilitating connectivity between Europe and Africa. The branch will provide a wide range of services currently being offered by the UK home-office including corporate banking, trade finance and treasury services to individuals and corporate clients in France and the wider European market. The branch will also leverage the bank’s strong global network and expertise to provide tailored solutions to its clients.

  • Zenith Bank lights up Ajose Adeogun for Yuletide

    Zenith Bank lights up Ajose Adeogun for Yuletide

    Zenith Bank has once again set the stage for the Yuletide season with the Light-Up of Ajose Adeogun Street and Roundabout, Victoria Island, Lagos on Saturday, November 23.

    The Light-Up ceremony performed by the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive of Zenith Bank Plc, Dame Adaora Umeoji, aligned with the bank’s annual tradition.

    The Light-Up ceremony is a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of Zenith Bank. Now in its 18th year, the beautiful Christmas decoration, which transforms the entire stretch of Ajose Adeogun Street (home to Zenith Bank’s Corporate Headquarters) and Roundabout into a breathtaking yuletide wonderland.

    The exercise has come to be recognized as an iconic tourist attraction, bringing visitors from far and wide who visit with their families and friends to take pictures and enjoy the ambience of the street.

    Speaking during the ceremony, Umeoji said “Over the years, Zenith Bank has hosted this spectacular event, transforming the entire Ajose Adeogun Street into a breathtaking yuletide wonderland. Our beautiful and elaborate Christmas decorations have become a centre of attraction and shared on social media platforms globally.

    As we light up the street tonight, we celebrate the essence of Christmas and Zenith Bank’s unparalleled CSR. Our customers will always be at the centre of all that we do in Zenith Bank.” She urged everyone to imbibe the message and spirit of Christmas which is about love, kindness, generosity and respect for humanity, and thanked the Lagos State Government for creating an enabling environment for the initiative.

    She also praised the efforts of Quantum Markets, who have been responsible for the annual decorations, for their expertise and creativity in putting together the lovely decorations. In her words, “I want to thank the management of Quantum Markets for all the beautiful, creative and innovative ideas they keep coming up with. Quantum Markets always make it bigger and better every year, and we are always looking forward to it.”

    Read Also: Ogbomro Grammar School win Zenith Bank/Delta Principals’ Cup:

    Zenith Bank remains committed to furthering the economic, cultural and social development of its host communities. The bank’s sustainability and CSR initiatives are hinged on the belief that today’s business performance is not all about the financial numbers – the bank believes that an institution’s social investments, contributions to inclusive economic growth and development as well as improvements in the condition of the physical environment, all constitute a balanced scorecard.

    As a testament to its contributions and social investments in its host communities and the society at large, the bank was recognised as the “Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria” in the 2023 and 2024 International Banker Banking Awards and “Most Responsible Organization in Africa” at the Sustainability, Enterprise, and Responsibility (SERAS) Awards 2021.

  • Zenith Bank assures customers of service delivery following infrastructure upgrade

    Zenith Bank assures customers of service delivery following infrastructure upgrade

    Zenith Bank Plc has assured its teeming customers of exceptional service delivery and improved customer experience following the successful completion of its Information Technology infrastructure upgrade.

    In a statement, the Group Managing Director/CE of Zenith Bank Plc, Dr. Adaora Umeoji, expressed her immense gratitude to all customers of the bank for their patience and support during its recent IT infrastructure migration to a new and more robust operating system.

    Emphasising the bank’s commitment to delivering unparalleled service experience, Dame Adaora said: “We undertook such an extensive endeavor in order to better position Zenith Bank Plc for improved service delivery to all our valued customers and provide memorable banking experiences at all our touchpoints,” adding that the bank now has one of the best technology infrastructure in the Nigerian banking industry, and is well positioned to ensure customers experience exceptional service delivery going forward.  

    Zenith Bank has continued to distinguish itself in the Nigerian financial services industry through superior service offering, unique customer experience and sound financial indices.

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    She said the bank has remained a clear leader in the digital space with several firsts in the deployment of innovative products, solutions and an assortment of alternative channels that ensure convenience, speed and safety of transactions.

    The 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 15th consecutive year in the 2024 Top 1000 World Banks Ranking, published by The Banker Magazine. The Bank was also awarded the Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards for 2020 and 2022; and Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria 2023 and 2024 in the International Banker Banking Awards.

    Further recognitions include being recognised as Best Bank in Nigeria for the fourth time in five years, from 2020 to 2022 and in 2024, in the Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards; Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria for four consecutive years from 2021 to 2024 in the World Finance Banking Awards.

    Additionally, Zenith Bank has been acknowledged as the Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria, in the World Finance Corporate Governance Awards for three consecutive years, from 2022 to 2024, ‘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 Magazine Top 500 Banking Brands for 2020 and 2021; Bank of the Year for 2023 and 2024, and Retail Bank of the Year for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022 and in 2024 at the BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (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, Bank of the Decade (People’s Choice) at the ThisDay Awards 2020, Bank of the Year 2021 by Champion Newspaper, Bank of the Year 2022 by New Telegraph Newspaper, and Most Responsible Organisation in Africa 2021 by SERAS Awards.

  • Zenith Bank/Delta Principals’ Cup final holds Thursday

    Zenith Bank/Delta Principals’ Cup final holds Thursday

    All is now set for the final of the 2024 Zenith Bank/Delta Principals’ Cup with expectation of a new champion as the two Schools taking part in the final have never gotten this far since the reintroduction of the secondary school football competition.

    The competition which is in its 7th  edition is being sponsored by Zenith Bank Plc. in partnership with the Delta State Government.

    In the final taking place tomorrow  at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, Umutu Secondary School, Umutu, will take on Ogbomro Grammar School, Ogbomro, Uvwie, for the coveted trophy.

    To get to the final, Umutu Secondary School fought hard for their place in the final, securing a 1-0 win against Utagbe-gbe Government School, Kwale, leaving their opponent with only the third place trophy to fight for.

    However, it was different story at Oleh Township Stadium, Oldham, with Ogbomro Grammar School, Ogbomro, Uvwie, whitewashing Okene m/s/s, Okuokoko , Okpe, 3-0 for a place in the final and a date against Umutu Secondary School.

    Prior to the final, Utagbe-gbe Government School will play against Okene m/s/s, Okuokoko , Okpe for the losers trophy at the same venue on the day.

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    Meanwhile, the sponsors of the competition, Zenith Bank Plc., have praised all the teams that participated in this year’s championship while urging the finalists to give it their best shot in the final.

    According to the GMD/CEO of Zenith Bank, Adaora Umeoji OON, all the schools are winners and they should work harder ahead of next year.

    “All the schools and players that took part are all winners and they must take the positives from their experience this year,” she said. “It was a great tournament and as you can see, all the four semi-finalists are all new teams which show the competitive nature of the tournament.”

    Also, according to the organisers, Hideaplus, the four teams expected to feature in the Third Place and Final games are expected to arrive in Asaba on Wednesday November 6th in preparation for the matches.

    Tony Pemu, CEO Hideaplus said a total of 21 persons are expected from each of the schools.

    He added: “We have written them and our preparations are in top gear for a quality final on November 7.”

  • Zenith Bank records N1tr profit in third quarter

    Zenith Bank records N1tr profit in third quarter

    Zenith Bank Plc has recorded N1 trillion profit before tax in its unaudited results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024.

    The performance represented 99 per cent growth from N505 billion reported in third quarter of 2023.

    The bank stated that the performance underscored its resilience and market leadership in spite of the challenging macroeconomic environment.

    According to the bank’s unaudited third quarter financial results presented to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), the triple-digit growth in the topline also led to an increase in the bottom line.

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    Profit after tax equally grew by 91 per cent from N434.2 billion to N827 billion in the same period.

    The growth in the topline was driven by the expansion of both interest income and non-interest income.

    Interest income saw a notable 190 per cent rise to N1.95 trillion, attributed to the high-yield environment.

    Non-interest income rose by 41 per cent to N856 billion, bolstered by substantial growth in fees and commissions, which highlighted the strength of Zenith Bank’s retail growth and the robust performance of its digital channels during the reporting period.

    The bank stated that the increase in profitability reflected its focus on operational efficiency and strong risk management practices. Earnings per share (EPS) nearly doubled, rising to N26.34 from N13.82, underscoring Zenith Bank’s strong value creation for shareholders.

    The bank’s balance sheet grew significantly, with total assets growing by 49 per cent to N30.4 trillion, largely supported by customer deposits, which rose by 42 per cent to N21.6 trillion.

    Further analysis showed that growth in deposit was broad-based across corporate and retail segments, highlighting the bank’s deepening reach and customer loyalty. Gross loans increased by 46 per cent to N10.3 trillion, underscoring the commitment to supporting strategic sectors in the economy.

    Capital adequacy ratio remained strong, improving to 21.9 per cent , well above regulatory requirements. The return on average equity (ROAE) stood at 37.8 per cent, up from 35.1 per cent, while return on average assets (ROAA) also improved to 4.3 per cent as Zenith Bank maximized its asset base.

    Cost of funds increased to 4.3 per cent, reflecting the broader market trend of rising interest rates, while the cost of risk was maintained at 7.3 per cent, underscoring the Bank’s proactive approach in provisioning for credit risk.

     The bank’s cost-to-income ratio rose to 39.5 per cent, reflecting the impact of strategic investments in technology and capacity building aimed at supporting long-term growth, even as it continues to strive for greater operational efficiency.

    Zenith Bank’s asset quality remains a cornerstone of its strength, with a non-performing loan (NPL) ratio of 4.5 per cent, within regulatory limits. A high coverage ratio of 198.4 per cent underscores the Bank’s disciplined approach to risk management, positioning it for resilience in the face of market volatility while supporting stable loan growth.

    Zenith Bank remains steadfast in its commitment to sustainable growth and value creation. The bank had launched a capital raising programme on August 1, 2024, consisting of a combined rights issue and public offer.

    This capital raise was driven by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s recapitalisation directive for commercial banks issued in March 2024. While the bank awaits final capital verification approvals from authorities, the fundraising exercise was successful, reflecting strong confidence in Zenith Bank’s brand.

    The additional capital will enhance the Bank’s ability to expand its product offerings, deepen its penetration in strategic sectors, boost lending to the real sector and pursue its African and global expansion plan.  In furtherance of this, the bank in September 2024 received regulatory approval for the establishment of a Zenith Bank branch in Paris, France, which is fully operational and will enhance the bank’s product offerings in international markets.

    With a strengthened capital base, Zenith Bank is well-positioned to navigate the evolving economic landscape, while putting best-practice sustainability standards at the heart of its business. The bank will also continue to prioritize opportunities that enhance stakeholder value and a strong compliance and corporate governance culture, which will reinforce the its leadership position within Nigeria’s financial sector and drive long-term growth.

  •  Zenith Bank/Delta Principals’ Cup Q-finals hold today

     Zenith Bank/Delta Principals’ Cup Q-finals hold today

    The 2024 Zenith Bank/Delta Principals’ Cup enters crucial stage today as eight schools fight it out in the quarter final stage of the annual competition organised for secondary schools in Delta State after making it through their various zones.

    Igumbor-Otiku Secondary School, Agbor from Ika South Local Government made it from Zone A and will be up against Utagba-Ogbe Grammar School, Kwale from Ndokwa West who emerged winner from Zone G with the game taking place at the Ogwashi-Uku Stadium.

    At the Agbor Stadium, it will be a battle between the winners of Zone B, Zappa Basic Secondary School, Asaba, from Oshimili South and Zone C champions, Umutu Mixed Secondary School, Umutu, Ukwuani, for a place in the final four.

    Read Also: Zenith Bank / Delta Principals’ Cup: Football teaches perseverance, says Delta Deputy Governor

    Taking place at the Kwale Stadium will be the quarterfinal game between Ogbomro Secondary School, Ogbomro, from Uvwie Zone H and Destiny Secondary School, Ughelli, who emerged from Zone D, Ughelli North.

    The final quarterfinal game will be taking place at the Oleh Stadium, and it will be between Okene Secondary School, Okuokoko and Okotie-Eboh Grammar School, Sapele, both emerging from Zone F (Okpe) and Zone E (Sapele) respectively.

    The four quarter-final games will take place today at the various centres  with the winners making it through to the semifinal stage of the competition which is billed to take place on October 30.

  • Zenith Bank/NBBF Women’s B’ball League: First Bank, Customs seek final spot in clash of past champs   

    Zenith Bank/NBBF Women’s B’ball League: First Bank, Customs seek final spot in clash of past champs   

    Sponsors vow continuous  support for women’s  game

    It  will be a battle of former champions today  in one of the semifinal games of the 2024 Zenith Bank/NBBF Women’s Basketball League with nine-time winners, First Bank, facing off against Nigeria Customs at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos .

    First Bank returned to the Final 8 after losing out of the last edition and they have been on fire since the start of the tournament, winning all their Group B Games to finish top of the group while setting up a semifinal duel against Customs who after losing against defending champion, MFM of Lagos, had to settle for second position.

    In the first semifinal of the day, defending champion, MFM will be up against the surprise team of  this season, Royal Aces, who would be looking forward to creating an upset against the Olukoya girls.

    The winners of the two semifinals will face-off tomorrow for the coveted title while the losers would be engaging themselves in the third place game same day.

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    Meanwhile, the sponsors of the league, Zenith Bank Plc, has re-affirmed its commitment to invest in women basketball as the corporate outfit look forward to the final four.

    According to the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive of the organisation, Adaora Umeoji, it has been a worthy investment and looking at the performances of the teams during this year’s event, which clearly shows that women basketball has come to stay.

     “We are further encouraged with the performances of D’Tigress at the recent Olympic Games in France in which one of our recent products in the league, Murjanatu Musa, featured for Nigeria,” Umeoji said.

  • Zenith Bank hailed as women’s league final eight dunks off in Lagos

    Zenith Bank hailed as women’s league final eight dunks off in Lagos

    The President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, Musa Kida, has lauded  the sponsors of the national women’s Basketball League, Zenith Bank PLC, for the company’s support to the game.

    Kida stressed that over the years, Zenith Bank has been a big boost to the game and the results have been evident in the entire basketball scope.

    The 2024 edition of the national women’s league enter the final stage in Lagos today with eight teams competing for honours for the ultimate prize for the year.

    The NBBF boss said: “The final eight is a testament of Zenith Bank’s commitment to basketball and the Girl Child development.

    “We commend them for standing alongside with the NBBF, to grow the game of basketball. The global achievements of D’Tigress, can only go to show how Zenith Bank’s commitment has helped to turn around the game in Nigeria and Africa, as a continent.”

    All the roads will lead to the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, where the final 8 teams after two phases in the Atlantic and Savannah Conference will vie for honours to emerge the eventual champion for the season.

    In the qualifying phases played simultaneously in the Atlantic and Savannah Conferences held in Enugu and Abuja, respectively.

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    First Bank led the Atlantic conference qualifiers and joined by MFM, Dolphins and Bayelsa Whales while Nigeria Customs as leaders in the Savannah conference is leading other teams, Titans, Royal Aces and Air Warriors to Lagos.

    Zenith Bank CEO, Adaora Umeoji, said this competition  was the number one sports and youth development initiative of the organization.

    Umeoji said: “In about two decades, we have been consistent with this competition with many national team stars coming up from the completion. In the last Olympic Games in France the most valuable player of the 2022 edition, Marjinatu Musa, was one of the key players of D’Tigress,

     “We are also proud that in the last four editions of the AfroBasket, D’Tigress have emerged champions. We congratulate all the eight finalists and we expect a very good contest that will produce true champion for the season.”