FirstBank, Visa partner to deploy Naira Visa debit card for inclusive retail payments - ITREALMS

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Premier banking giant First Bank of Nigeria Limited has partnered with global payments leader Visa to launch the Naira Visa Debit Card, reports ITREALMS.

The deployment represents a standardized transformation in retail banking, strategically engineered to lower the entry barrier for electronic transactions and bring secure, everyday digital payment capabilities within seamless reach of millions of Nigerian consumers.

The storyteller within FirstBank: Olayinka Ijabiyi on transformation and connection by Remmy Nweke | WeekendDigits@ITREALMS

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In reinforcing its commitment to strong corporate governance and strategic evolution, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, West Africa’s premier financial institution, has formally confirmed the appointment of Olayinka Ijabiyi as its substantive Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications.

This appointment, which takes immediate effect, is not merely a personnel change; it is a vital milestone in FirstBank's ongoing journey of growth, innovation, and digital transformation. 

FirstBank elevates Olayinka Ijabiyi to substantive Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications - ITREALMS

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FirstBank, West Africa’s premier financial institution and a leader in financial inclusion services, has officially confirmed the appointment of Olayinka Ijabiyi as its substantive Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, reports ITREALMS.

The appointment, which takes immediate effect, reinforces the bank’s commitment to strong corporate governance at a pivotal moment in its ongoing growth and organizational transformation journey.

FirstBank catalyzes SME growth via AI-driven strategic integration - ITREALMS Online

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The West Africa’s premier financial institution, FirstBank, has announced its upcoming SMEConnect webinar, reports ITREALMS.

Scheduled for Tuesday, March 31, 2026, the event is designed to move beyond performed rhetoric and equip Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) with a non-negotiable convergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and business scaling tools.

FirstHoldCo Announces FirstBank Has Met ₦500 Billion Regulatory Capital Requirement - ITREALMS

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-Shareholders commit to future injection of more capital to the Groups’ other subsidiaries

First HoldCo Plc (“FirstHoldCo” or “the Group”) has announced that its commercial banking subsidiary, First Bank of Nigeria (FirstBank), has successfully met the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) minimum capital requirement of ₦500 billion. 

This milestone was achieved following the completion of a series of strategic capital initiatives, including a Rights Issue, a Private Placement, and the injection of proceeds from the divestment of the Group’s merchant banking subsidiary.

FirstBank powers mainland laffs 3.0 to light up Lagos - ITREALMS

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The Balmoral Convention Centre at the Sheraton in Ikeja underwent a remarkable transformation on Sunday December 7th 2025, becoming the epicenter of Lagos Mainland’s entertainment scene as the highly anticipated Legends Decemba/Mainland Laffs 3.0 event unfolded. 

This spectacular gathering, which brought together an exhilarating blend of comedy, music, dance, and drama, successfully reaffirmed its reputation as an essential cultural highlight of the year. From the moment guests arrived, the atmosphere was charged with excitement and anticipation. 

FirstBank Introduces Vybe Hub to Elevate Customer Experiences for DecemberIssaVybe by Bolaji Israel - ITREALMS

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Seth Godin, an American author, entrepreneur and one of the world’s most influential business thinkers said “A great brand always raises the bar, it adds a greater sense of purpose to the experience." Godin's thought aligns with a related view that “Enduring brands are those that pursue progress with intentional restlessness, continually elevating their standards across every action, every choice, and every expression of their purpose.”

This is a truth that echoes across the business world, but only a handful of institutions live it with the kind of consistency that makes the saying feel almost crafted for them. FirstBank of Nigeria stands firmly in that category.

Vybing, Connected and Happy Customers — Echoes of FirstBank’s DecemberIssaVybe By Bolaji Israel - ITREALMS

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American branding consultant and CEO of Brandstream, Scott Bedbury, said, “In today’s experience-driven marketplace, the brands that endure are those that move beyond products and services to connect with the passions, lifestyles, and emotions of their customers. 

The most successful businesses don’t just serve — they engage, delight, and become part of life’s memorable moments”.

FirstBank revolutionizes cross-border payments with PAPSS integration - ITREALMS

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FirstBank has integrated the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) into its LIT app, enabling customers to make instant, secure, and local currency-based cross-border payments across Africa, reports ITREALMS.

This integration reduces transaction costs, improves settlement efficiency, and increases access to digital banking services.

FirstBank to launch inclusive financial services for visually impaired, physically challenged customers – ITREALMS

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FirstBank, West Africa’s premier financial institution and a recognized leader in financial inclusion, is set to introduce tailored financial services for blind, partially sighted, and physically challenged customers across its operations.

The initiative underscores the bank’s long-standing commitment to financial inclusion, diversity, and equal opportunity. 

FirstBank partners for E1 Lagos GP - ITREALMS

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In line with its commitments of promoting sports and developmental initiatives at all levels, First Bank of Nigeria Limited is partnering the organizers of the first of its kind E1 Lagos GP an all-electric powerboat racing championship, set to hold between the 3rd and 5th of October 2025.

Disclosing this at the E1 Lagos GP Stakeholder Immersion session in Lagos recently, Olayinka Ijabiyi, the Acting Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communication of FirstBank, reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to supporting initiatives that engender human development across the country while cementing legacies.

FirstBank launches FirstMonie merchant solution to advance digital payments - ITREALMS

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FirstBank, the leading financial institution and provider of financial inclusion services in West Africa, has officially launched its FirstMonie Merchant Solution. This innovative platform is designed to enable merchants and businesses across Nigeria to seamlessly accept digital payments with efficiency and ease.

The FirstMonie Merchant Solution responds to the increasing need for dependable digital payment systems by offering a streamlined and automated onboarding process, an integrated referral system, and customizable features such as Pay with Transfer and Purchase.

FirstBank achieves ₦1trn milestone in digital loan disbursements - ITREALMS

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FirstBank, a leading financial institution in West Africa, has announced a significant milestone worth ₦1 trillion in cumulative instant digital loan disbursements, reports ITREALMS.

This achievement, the company said, solidifies the bank's position as a pioneer in financial inclusion and innovation.

FirstBank, NLNG, Shell back QEDNG Creative Powerhouse Summit - ITREALMS

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Nigeria’s leading commercial bank, First Bank of Nigeria, has joined forces with Mighty Media Plus Network Limited for the maiden edition of the QEDNG Creative Powerhouse Summit.

Also supporting the event are Nigeria LNG (NLNG) and Shell Nigeria, two major players in the country’s energy and development sectors.

eSports: FirstBank, EStars in innovative partnership - ITREALMS

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FirstBank, the West African premier bank and financial inclusion service provider, is proud to announce a strategic collaboration with EStars Education Africa Limited (EStars), a global leader in educational esports.

The partnership provides a platform for FirstBank to support the rollout of EStars’ comprehensive esports qualifications, including entry-level Certificates and BTEC courses in esports. These programmes are designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the burgeoning esports industry.

FirstBank: Cementing tech-driven SME dominance in Africa @Asian Banker Awards'25 - ITREALMS

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The First Bank of Nigeria Limited, a stalwart in the African financial landscape, has recently once again distinguished itself by clinching the prestigious "Best SME Bank in Nigeria" and "Best SME Bank in Africa" awards at the 2025 Asian Banker Global Excellence in Retail Finance Awards for the second consecutive year, reports ITREALMS.

These accolades, renowned for their rigorous evaluation and transparency, underscore FirstBank's unwavering commitment to empowering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) through innovative, tech-enabled solutions.

Firstbank unveils state-of-the art eco-friendly headquarters - ITREALMS

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The FirstBank, the premier bank in West Africa and a leading financial inclusion service provider, Wednesday marked a significant milestone with the groundbreaking ceremony for its new green-certified Iconic Head Office Building in Eko Atlantic City, Lagos.

This ambitious project 40-story building project set to be the tallest building in Nigeria, will be an engineering and environmental delight due to its technologically advanced, eco-friendly and sophisticated construction which would set a new standard for the financial services sector in Africa.

The groundbreaking ceremony signifies the beginning of a transformative journey that reinforces FirstBank's commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction. The new headquarters is designed with sustainability in mind, featuring a green-certified building that reduces operational costs and positions FirstBank as a leader in sustainable banking practices.

According to Olusegun Alebiosu, CEO, FirstBank Group, "We are proud to mark this significant milestone in our journey towards excellence. Our new Head Office is envisioned as a world-class structure that represents our dedication to innovation, customer satisfaction, and sustainability. We believe that this development will play a crucial role in fostering economic growth and development across Africa, creating long-term value for all our stakeholders."

With a legacy spanning over 130 years, FirstBank has consistently demonstrated its commitment to innovation, customer-centricity, and sustainable business practices. The Bank has a robust international presence, operating subsidiaries in nine countries across three continents.

Femi Otedola, Chairman, FirstHoldCo, added, "Today's gathering highlights the importance of collaboration and support from various sectors in bringing our ambitious plans for the new headquarters to life. We appreciate the unrelenting support from our customers and stakeholders as we work together to turn this vision into reality."

The groundbreaking ceremony will be attended by prominent dignitaries, including the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, Senators and Lawmakers, State Governors, Federal Ministers and Captains of industry . This event marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in FirstBank's storied history, solidifying its role as a leader in the African financial industry.

FirstBank bountiful harvest of awards @2024 – Testament to excellence, stakeholder trust - ITREALMS

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In the gilded halls of excellence where dreams are crafted into legacies, stands a beacon that blazes across the African financial skyline. This is the story of FirstBank, the timeless oak of Nigeria’s banking heritage.

In 2024, First Bank of Nigeria Limited stands not just as a financial institution but as an emblem of innovation, resilience, and purpose. Garnering 47 prestigious awards across diverse categories, the bank carved a niche for itself in the pantheons of the good and great companies.

DecemberIsSavyBe: FirstBank Sponsors 'Our Duke has gone mad again state play' - ITREALMS

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First Bank of Nigeria Limited proudly sponsored a remarkable stage play titled ‘Our Duke Has Gone Mad Again: A Biting Satire.’ This captivating performance was masterfully directed by the acclaimed Joseph Edgar, widely recognised as The Duke of Shomolu. The play received high praise for its creative ingenuity and sharp satirical brilliance, effectively delivering a meaningful message to its audience.

The much-anticipated performance took place on December 23, 2023, at the prestigious Shell Hall, MUSON Centre in Lagos. This staging was an integral part of the vibrant activities associated with the 2024 edition of FirstBank’s annual Initiative, ‘DecemberIssaVybe,’ which aims to support and promote the thriving arts and entertainment sector in Nigeria.

FirstBank hosts inaugural China-Africa Interbank Association Forum - ITREALMS

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FirstBank, the premier West African financial institution and financial inclusion service provider has announced its hosting of the first-ever China-Africa Interbank Association (CAIBA) Forum to strengthen economic ties and investments between China and Africa.

The forum, themed “Joining Hands to Advance Modernisation and Strengthening China-Africa Trade, Industrialization and Economic Diversification,” will take place on November 27, 2024, at the Fraiser Suites Abuja.