First Bank of Nigeria Limited on Friday, 9th October 2015, officially unveiled the FBNBank Gambia refreshed identity. The event which took place at the Sheraton Hotels and Spa was well attended by dignitaries and stakeholders of the bank.
In her opening remarks, the Managing Director of FBNBank Gambia Limited, Mrs. Uloma Kings-Olikagu thanked the President of The Gambia, Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya A. J. J Jammeh for his quality leadership, which has led to a stable political and economic environment suitable for investment. Her gratitude was further extended to the Central Bank of the Gambia (CBG), the Nigerian embassy in The Gambia, parastatals, shareholders, customers and staff of the Bank that contributed immensely to the seamless integration of the Bank.
She highlighted the heritage of over 120 years of experience FBNBank is bringing to the banking industry in the Gambia and promised a partnership that would see an increase in foreign direct investment while meeting the financial needs of stakeholders.
In his speech, Mr. Basirou Njai, first Deputy Governor of the CBG, representing the Governor of the Central Bank of The Gambia described FBNBank as one of the “poster guards” of regulatory compliance within the Gambia banking industry. He stated that the approved acquisition of International Commercial Bank (ICB) by FirstBank was predicated on rigorous due diligence and the assurances by FirstBank to contribute significantly to the Socio-economic growth of the country. He pointed out the link between monetary policies and financial stability and noted the importance of banks in allocating resources and providing financial services to the general populace. He stressed the role of the CBG in ensuring low and non-volatile inflation rate and the provision of a robust risk management frame work to help banks withstand prolonged period of tightening regulatory headwinds. Mr. Njai praised the growth of the Gambia`s banking industry citing an increase in the number of commercial banks from 4 (four) in 2004 to 12 (twelve) in 2014 but noted that limited access to and high cost of finance, low patronage of banks and difficulties in obtaining loans are some of the challenges the industry still faces.
The Group Managing Director/CEOof First Bank of Nigeria Limited Mr. Bisi Onasanya while speaking, reiterated the pedigree of the FirstBank brand and its long standing policies in aiding its host countries in various geo-political locations in achieving Socio-economic growth and development. He applauded the Government and the people of the Gambia for their hospitality, friendly environment and invaluable support, which informed the decision to include the country as one of the destination for the expansion of the brand, having the biggest balance sheet in West Africa and being the largest African bank in the United Kingdom. Mr. Onasanya promised that the bank is in the process of rolling out state of the art IT solutions that would see better Internet banking services, mobile money applications and a host of other e- banking products that are second to none.
In his key note address, the President of the Gambia Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya A. J. J. Jammeh who was represented by the Hon Minister of Trade, Industry and Employment, Hon. Abdoulie Jobe congratulated the Board of the Bank on its official launch and various achievements in Nigeria and Africa at large. He thanked the bank for extending its operations to the Gambia and noted that it is a Gambian and Pan African bank not a Nigerian bank. He pointed out that the achievement of government`s goals vis-a-viz Vision 2020 is hinged on the private sector, thus government`s resolve in implementing policies and programmes to facilitate the growth of a vibrant private sector. The minister also acknowledged the presence of a number of Nigerian businesses and recognized the role they play in driving the Gambia economy. He assured of Government`s continued commitment to partner with the private sector.
The highlight of the night was the unveiling of the FBNBank Gambia refreshed identity led by Minister Jobe, assisted by the GMD/CEO of FirstBank, Mr. Bisi Onasanya and other dignitaries.
About FirstBank
First Bank of Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of FBN Holdings Plc, is Nigeria’s leading financial services institution by total assets and gross earnings and one of the largest corporate and retail banking financial institutions in sub-Saharan Africa (excluding South Africa). Since its establishment in 1894, the Bank has consistently built relationships with customers focusing on fundamentals of good corporate governance, strong liquidity, risk management and strong capitalization.
FirstBank operates an extensive distribution network with over 750 business locations (623 branches, 61 quick service points and 69 cash centers/agencies), over 2,500 ATM’s and over 9 million customer accounts. The Bank provides a comprehensive range of financial services and has international presence through its subsidiaries, FBN Bank (UK) Limited in London and Paris, FBNBank DR Congo, FBNBank Ghana, International Commercial Bank (ICB) The Guinea, Sierra-Leone and Senegal as well as its Representative Offices in Johannesburg, Beijing and Abu Dhabi.
FirstBank is the recipient of many awards. The Bank has been named “The Best Bank Brand in Nigeria” four times in a row – 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014 – by the globally renowned “The Banker Magazine” of the Financial Times Group. FirstBank’s brand purpose is to always put its stakeholders, customers and partners at the heart of its business, even as it is poised to standardize customer experience and excellence in financial solutions across Sub Saharan Africa, in consonance with its brand vision “To be the partner of first choice in building your future”. The brand promise is to always deliver the ultimate “gold standard” of value and excellence. This commitment is anchored on the FirstBank’s inherent values of passion, partnership and people, to position its customers first in every respect.
For four consecutive years, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015 FirstBank was named the “Best Retail Bank in Nigeria” by the Asian Banker International Excellence in Retail Financial Services Awards. Other recent awards include the “Best Bank in Nigeria” in the Euromoney Awards for Excellence, “Best Bank in West Africa” and “Most Innovative Bank in Africa” in the African Banker Awards, “Best Bank in Nigeria” in the EMEA Finance African Banking Awards for the fourth time, “Best Foreign Exchange Services in Africa” in the EMEA Finance Treasury Services Awards, “Best Banking Group in Nigeria” by World Finance Banking Awards, and “Best Financial Reporting Company” by Africa Investor.
Folake Ani-Mumuney
Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications