Innovation: How First Bank turned Lagos into Africa’s electric playground - ITREALMS

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The Lagos Lagoon glistened in shades of blue and gold as electric powerboats sliced through the water, cheered on by an ecstatic crowd that lined Victoria Island’s waterfront from Saturday, 3 October to Sunday, 5 October. 

For two unforgettable days, Lagos became Africa’s capital of clean energy, glamour, and innovation, all powered by First Bank of Nigeria, the sponsor of the continent’s first-ever E1 Lagos Grand Prix.

First Bank Deepens Digital Banking Footprint with Launch of Abuja Xperience Centre - ITREALMS

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In a major stride toward a technology-driven future, FirstBank, the West African premier financial institution and financial inclusion services provider. has launched a new FirstBank Digital Xperience Centre (DXC) in Area 10, Abuja, reaffirming its ambition to become Nigeria’s most digitally advanced financial institution.

The Group CEO, Olusegun Alebiosu said the Centre exemplifies the bank’s digital-first strategy, blending automation, self-service, and cybersecurity to redefine customer engagement.

First Bank, NESG join hands on 25th NES 2019 -ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

First Bank of Nigeria Limited and the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) have joined hands to host the 25th Nigerian Economic Summit (NES#25), its annual flagship event, reports ITREALMS.

The Silver Jubilee edition, NESG said comes with a theme “Nigeria 2050: Shifting Gears” scheduled to hold on 7 – 8 October 2019 at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, even as Mrs. Ibukun Awosika, Chairman, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, would speak on “Gender Empowerment” at the plenary.
ITREALMS recalls that the Nigerian Economic Summit is the foremost credible platform for public-private dialogue which enables policy makers and influencers to deliberate on issues, proffer policy options with a view to a better understanding of our national economic policy direction and growth strategies.

Further, ITREALMS gathered that some national leaders and policy influencers are attending the event including President Muhammadu Buhari, his vice president, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, Hon. Minister for Finance, Budget & National Planning, among others.

As said by the Chief Host, and Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Mr Asue Ighodalo, other panelists include Alhaji Aliko Dangote President/CEO Dangote Group; Mr Godwin Emefiele Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria; Bishop Matthew Kukah, Founder, The Kukah Centre; His Excellency Dr Kayode Fayemi, Chairman, Nigeria Governors Forum; HRH Muhammadu Sanusi II, The Emir of Kano; Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly; Ibukun Awosika, Chairman, First Bank of Nigeria Limited; Hon. Mrs Hannatu Mohammed, Board Member, ICPC; Mr. Chidi Ajaere, CEO, GIG Group; Mrs Juliet Anammah, CEO, Jumia Nigeria and Mr Mauricio Alarcon, MD/CEO, Nestle Nigeria Plc .

Uboshe Uboshe/Editor

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First Bank goes into WhatsApp banking - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

First Bank of Nigeria Plc has gone into WhatsApp chat banking to make banking expedient for acclaimed 12.5 million customers, reports ITREALMS.

Managing Director, First Bank plc, Dr Adesola Adeduntan, said at the unveiling Friday in its Digital Lab in Yaba-Lagos, that the FirstBank Chat Banking on WhatsApp was launched as part of determination to offer satisfactory financial services to customers by devising ways of effectively meeting their needs.

Also, he said that the bank had optimised digital banking for convenience, considering he fact it has over 12.5m customers.

“Since we have 12.5 million customers with 20 billion worth of transactions monthly, it has become necessary for us to create new technology innovations to meet their needs.

“Our FirstMobile app, Firstonline, FirstMonie and USSD banking are some of the channels we have put in place to make this happen.

“FirstBank Chat Banking on Whatsapp is our latest addition. We have gone live with this product, and we are pleased to formally introduce this product to our media partners today,’’ he said.

The managing director said that the app was another significant milestone in the bank’s mission to provide convenient and fast payment solutions to its customers.

“It is a new channel for access to our services; a convenient way to make payment and an easy-to-use banking application.

“Banking with FirstBank on WhatsApp is secure, accessible and convenient.

“You can now carry out basic banking transactions such as inter and intra bank fund transfer, pay bills, buy airtime, buy data and check your account balance on your WhatsApp,” he said.

 *Nenye Dom with additional reports by Daily Trust.

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Notary Public denies First Bank over complicity in mortgage - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

A lawyer who allegedly forged mortgage agreement on behalf of the First Bank Plc, Mr. Chuks Dibiaezue, has been arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Police, at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, reports ITREALMS.

Just as the Notary Public, Godwin Imakhai, who was alleged to have deposed to two affidavits dated October 25, 2013 and associated to the loan agreement has since denied it.

This came on the heels of complaint by Abuja-based Whiteplains British School Ltd, alleging that the First Bank PLC forged a Tripartite Legal Mortgage Agreement through Dibiaezue, using a firm known as Lagardera and Co, to defraud the school.

The fake documents, ITREALMS gathered includes the ‘Form CAC 8’, (Particulars of Mortgage) and were filed with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

Reports has it that First Bank Plc had purported the Tripartite Mortgage Agreement was made at its Shippers House offices on January 27, 2014 between it, White Plains British School Ltd, and former owner of the school’s land, France Lee Nigeria Ltd.

In the claimed agreement, First Bank Plc could at a short notice takeover the school’s property at Plot 528 Cadastral Zone B4, Jabi, Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Also, FBN was alleged to have used the said forged agreement to obtain an order of a Federal High Court in suit no: FHC/ABJ/CS/1023/2015 granting it access to the school’s property.

A major twist, ITREALMS  learnt is that the Notary Public, Godwin Imakhai, before whom the directors allegedly deposed to two affidavits dated October 25, 2013 endorsing the said Tripartite Agreement, has denied the document.

 Uboshe Uboshe/GEE

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First Bank launches Platinum MasterCard

ITRealms:  

The undisputed largest bank First Bank and MasterCard on Wednesday in Lagos launched a new platinum MasterCard debit card exclusively for members of the bank’s premier loyalty club.

ITRealms reports that use of the Platinum MasterCard debit card across the country will give cardholders access to redeemable benefits for transactions used at various thresholds.

First Bank, ITRealms gathered would issue the new MasterCard Platinum debit card to its premier customers in the bank’s private banking segment as well as at selected high street branches.

Daniel Monehin, Division President, Sub-Saharan Africa, MasterCard said: “MasterCard aims to see a world beyond cash in Nigeria and across Africa. The launch of the Platinum MasterCard card by First Bank is a commendable step in Nigeria’s transition to a cashless society and as more consumers find differentiated payment options to suit their varying needs, this increases their adoption of and affinity for electronic payments.”

“As a bank committed to innovation in Nigeria’s financial sector, First Bank is very pleased to launch the Platinum MasterCard debit card to our esteemed Loyalty Club members as we understand that one size does not fit all. Our constant innovation is aimed at helping customers choose services that meet their unique needs. The launch of the Loyalty Club and the Platinum MasterCard debit card will help us achieve these objectives,”said Mr Bayo  Adelabu, Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer for First Bank.

The Head of Products & Marketing Support for First Bank, Ezinne Obikile, noted that the launch of First Club by First Bank reflects the deep desire of the bank to reward all its customers, with no strings or raffles attached. With this new service, customers earn points just by carrying out their normal day to day banking.

The introduction of the Platinum MasterCard debit card for members of First Bank’s loyalty club follows the roll out of the MasterCard Priceless Africa platform in Nigeria which aims to reward consumers with various offers in passion categories such as dining, entertainment, sports, whenever they use their MasterCard prepaid, debit or credit card. Nigeria’s growing middle class has made the country attractive to many international investors looking to tap into the increased consumer spending and appetite for various luxury goods and services. The launch of the Platinum MasterCard debit card is recognition of the unique and dynamic needs of this segment of Nigeria’s consumer market and of the growing sophistication in electronic payment

ITRealms recalls that MasterCard pride itself as a technology company in the global payments industry. It operates the world’s fastest payments processing network, connecting consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. 

MasterCard’s products and solutions make everyday commerce activities – such as shopping, traveling, running a business and managing finances – easier, more secure and more efficient for everyone.

Remmy Nweke

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