Money Market

Shareholders Applaud Fidelity Bank for Exceptional Performance in 2022 FY

Published

2 weeks ago

May 24, 2023

Shareholders Applaud Fidelity Bank for Exceptional Performance in 2022 FY

By Moninuola Sulaiman

Shareholders of leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, have commended the board and management of the bank for delivering an exceptional performance in FY 2022. This was made known at the bank’s 35th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held virtually on Tuesday, May 23, 2023.

Speaking at the AGM, the Chairman Emeritus of the Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN), Sir Sunny Nwosu applauded the bank’s management for “listening to shareholders and declaring an interim dividend”.

On his own part, National Chairman of The Progressive Shareholders Association Mr. Okezie Boniface lauded the bank for coming to customers’ aid during the period of the Naira redesign policy, explaining that the bank’s branches and Automated Teller Machines (ATM) always provided customers with Naira notes. He also commended the bank’s leadership for prioritizing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives across its focus areas of youth empowerment, health, and social welfare, education, and environmental conservation and sustainability.

According to the bank’s 2022 annual report uploaded on its website and distributed to shareholders, the bank grew by double digits along all the major indicators. Customer deposits increased by 27.4% from N2.0 trillion in 2021FY to N2.6 trillion. Net Loans and Advances rose by 27.6% from N1.7 trillion in 2021FY to N2.1 trillion in 2022 FY. Total Assets grew by 21.6% from N3.3 trillion in 2021 FY to N4.0 trillion in the period under review.

Giving his remarks at the meeting, Mr. Mustafa Chike-Obi, Chairman, Board of Directors, Fidelity Bank Plc said, “When we set the audacious target of attaining Tier 1 status a few years ago, we did not expect a smooth ride due to the endemic challenges in our operating environment. However, we were able to weather the storm because our business is built on a foundation of good corporate governance, effective risk management, and shareholders’ value enhancement.

In response to a shareholder’s question on the deployment of capital raised during the recent private placement exercise, Mrs. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe said, “The bank is growing in leaps and bounds and the capital would enhance our capacity to accommodate the business volumes coming our way. This is in addition to improving our technology, especially in light of the Cashless drive and creating more secure platforms that can handle the challenges posed by cybercrime.

Several resolutions were considered at the AGM including the declaration of a final dividend of 40kobo, the re-election of non-executive directors -Mrs. Amaka Onwughalu and Chief Nelson Nweke, election of an Executive Director -Mrs Pamela Shodipo; amongst others.

Fidelity Bank is a full-fledged customer commercial bank operating in Nigeria with over 8 million customers serviced across its 250 business offices and digital banking channels. The bank was recognized as the Best Payment Solution Provider Nigeria 2023 and Best SME Bank Nigeria 2022 by the Global Banking and Finance Awards. The bank has also won awards for the “Fastest Growing Bank” and “MSME & Entrepreneurship Financing Bank of the Year” at the 2021 BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.

Money Market

Union Bank Reaffirms Commitment to Sustainability; Partners NCF To Commemorate World Environment Day 2023

Published

3 hours ago

June 6, 2023

Business Echo Magazine

Union Bank Reaffirms Commitment to Sustainability; Partners NCF To Commemorate World Environment Day 2023

Rashidat Okunlade Writes

As part of its continuous efforts to champion environmental responsibility and promote sustainable practices, the leading financial institution Union Bank of Nigeria partnered with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) to celebrate World Environment Day 2023.

World Environment Day, observed annually on June 5th, is a global platform to raise awareness, and mobilise action towards pressing environmental issues.

The 2023 campaign #BeatPlasticPollution; Solutions to Plastic Pollution, calls for global solutions to combat plastic pollution.

Plastic pollution has become a global crisis, threatening our ecosystems, wildlife, and human well-being. This year’s World Environment Day aims to raise awareness and mobilise individuals, communities, and organisations to take action and make a positive impact on the environment by reducing their plastic consumption, embracing sustainable alternatives, and advocating for responsible plastic waste management.

To create awareness of environmental responsibility and encourage collective action, Union Bank employees, together with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation volunteered to educate students at Aguda Junior Grammar School, Surulere, Greg Girls Junior High School, Surulere, and Okun Ajah Community Senior Secondary School, Okun Ajah.

The students were educated on the detrimental effects of plastic pollution on the environment, highlighting the importance of reducing plastic consumption, reusing plastic, and practical tips for sustainable recycling. The Bank also donated waste bins to each school to encourage recycling and make it easier for students to do their part in reducing plastic waste.

Speaking on the Bank’s activities to mark World Environment Day, Union Bank’s Chief Brand and Marketing Olufunmilola Aluko said: “At Union Bank, we are resolute in our commitment to be a sustainability champion. This year’s focus on tackling the pervasive issue of plastic pollution resonates deeply with our commitment to environmental sustainability. We proudly partner with NCF to educate students on solutions to beat plastic pollution. By raising awareness and advocating for responsible plastic waste management, we can collectively and significantly preserve our planet for future generations.”

With its focus set on the future, Union Bank continues to lead the way in shaping a better, more sustainable future for generations to come.

Money Market

Iconic Encounter: Music Superstar Davido Meets Wema Bank’s New MD/CEO

Published

8 hours ago

June 6, 2023

Business Echo Magazine

Iconic Encounter: Music Superstar Davido Meets Wema Bank's New MD/CEO

In what will be recorded as a historic occasion in the worlds of entertainment and finance, globally acclaimed Nigerian music artist, Davido met with Wema Bank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Moruf Oseni, to explore opportunities for collaboration and transformation between the finance and entertainment industries.

The momentous meeting of minds took place at the bank’s headquarters in Marina, Lagos and according to Oseni, signifies the convergence of visionary leadership, creative brilliance, and a shared commitment to innovation. Wema Bank Plc, a leading financial institution in Nigeria, recently welcomed a new Managing Director, injecting fresh perspectives and a dynamic vision into the organization.

Left-Right: Executive Director, Retail and Digital Bank, Wema Bank, Tunde Mabawonku; Deputy Managing Director, Wema Bank, Wole Akinleye; Divisional Head, People, Brands & Culture, Wema Bank, Ololade Ogungbenro; Nigerian Artists, David Adeleke (a.k.a) Davido; MD/CEO, Wema Bank, Moruf Oseni; Head, Brands & Marketing Communications, Wema Bank, Mabel Adeteye; Executive Director, North and South – South Bank, Wema Bank, Emeka Obiagwu and Chief Operations Officer, Wema Bank, Tajudeen Bakare, during Davido’s Visit to Wema Bank’s new MD/CEO, Mr. Moruf Oseni, in celebration of Alat At 6, today, 26th May, 2022 at Wema Bank’s Head Office, Marina, Lagos.

“Wema Bank and Davido are both innovative brands that recognize the immense potential that arises from the fusion of finance and entertainment, setting the stage for groundbreaking initiatives that will captivate audiences and revolutionize customer experiences”, Oseni said in his welcome address to the global music sensation and trendsetter who has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. Oseni further acknowledged Davido’s entrepreneurial prowess and influential persona which have propelled him beyond the music industry, making him a force to be reckoned with in various business sectors. “Davido is well known for his unwavering dedication to excellence and having a finger on the pulse of the ever-evolving entertainment landscape.”

The meeting with Davido serves as a catalyst for transformative change and positions Wema Bank as a pacesetter in the intersection of finance and entertainment. The bank’s commitment to customer-centric innovation and providing accessible banking solutions aligns seamlessly with Davido’s mission to empower and uplift his fan base.

Oseni insisted “We are fusing finance and entertainment with the aim of delivering innovative solutions that resonate with our customers. Together, we will drive positive change and create extraordinary experiences.”

In celebration of the sixth anniversary of ALAT, Wema Bank’s digital banking platform, Davido also Wema Bank’s brand ambassador, has been brought on board to curate a series of exciting giveaways. It is an opportunity to showcase the strength and growth of the ALAT brand, offering customers and fans a chance to win exclusive prizes and experiences. The giveaways are tokens of appreciation for the continuous support and loyalty shown by customers over the years.

By leveraging their combined strengths, Davido and Wema Bank aim to further set new benchmarks in their respective industries while driving social impact and financial inclusion.

It promises to be a remarkable collaboration that will reshape the landscape of finance and entertainment, creating lasting experiences and opportunities that transcend traditional boundaries.

Money Market

Naira Devaluation’s Fake News, Says CBN

Published

1 day ago

June 5, 2023

Business Echo Magazine

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has debunked a report by a national daily that it has devalued the naira to N631 per dollar at the Importers and Exporters (I&E) window.

A top official of the apex bank, who told this medium that the report is completely false, warned that such reports could have serious adverse consequences for the economy.

According to the top official, the CBN has not changed its strategy of allowing a gradual convergence of the parallel and official market exchange rates.

“The report is not true. The CBN has not devalued the naira. The exchange rate of the naira on the FMDQ website as at yesterday was N464.67 per dollar. The authors of the report may have their own agenda, but the CBN’s plan is that the best approach is to allow for a gradual convergence of all the rates.”