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By Uche Usim
President Bola Tinubu, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his Ogun State counterpart, Dapo Abiodun and other prominent Nigerians have commended FirstBank of Nigeria for its legacy of innovation and resilience, describing the institution as a pillar of Nigeria’s financial sector.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the bank’s new state-of-the-art headquarters at Eko Atlantic City, Lagos, President Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President, Kashim Shettima, lauded FirstBank’s ability to adapt to evolving economic landscapes while maintaining its leadership in banking and financial services.
He said that the Tinubu administration was working assiduously to create a system that is sustainable and globally competitive for Nigerian banks and other financial institutions to thrive.
“Banks are the engines of economic growth, and we owe it to them to champion a system that guarantees sustainability and global competitiveness. Our expectation is for our banks to excel, to expand beyond our shores, and to earn their place among the world’s most viable and profitable enterprises,” he stated.
President Tinubu maintained that his administration is working to create an enabling environment for businesses to flourish despite assuming office at a time that required difficult but necessary decisions to stabilise the nation’s economy.
He said, “We assumed office at a time that demanded bold, progressive thinking—a time that called for difficult but necessary decisions to stabilise our fiscal and monetary landscape. Our policies are inspired by the reality that we can no longer afford to postpone our economic transformation.
Also speaking at the event, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, thanked Vice President Shettima for the work he is doing for the country in support of the President.
The Governor poured encomiums on President Bola Tinubu, recalling that he was in his cabinet when the idea to create Eko Atlantic City was birthed, many of the cabinet members expressing doubt about the possibility to create a dry ground out of the bar beach.
“We want to set Lagos on a trajectory of becoming the centrepiece of finance and commerce not only in Nigeria but Africa and beyond. It will be Africa’s mega city that is safe and secure to take the mantle of leadership in the financial sector.”
Sanwo-Olu thanked the Chairman of First Bank of Nigeria (FBN) Holdings, Femi Otedola, noting that while he is economical with his words, each statement he makes carries significant weight.
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Also speaking, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, said it was an honour to witness what could be aptly described as an iconic building and a significant milestone for the First Bank.
He noted that the building further redefines First Bank and its resilience in the banking industry, saying “this is bold, audacious, what tenacity is all about and First Bank has always blazed the trail.”
According to him, First Bank has since 1894 evolved into a bank with well over seven hundred branches in Nigeria and worldwide.
Femi Otedola, Chairman of First Holdco, described the new development as a major achievement and a testament to the bank’s dedication to strengthening its local and global presence.
He noted that FirstBank’s rich history, spanning over a century, is built on resilience, adaptability and an unyielding commitment to progress.
According to him, the groundbreaking ceremony was more than just a physical transformation, it was a bold statement of FirstBank’s intent to remain a dominant force in the banking industry for generations to come.
“This is more than just a building; it is a symbol of FirstBank’s enduring legacy and its commitment to staying at the forefront of the financial sector. We will continue to make the necessary investments to strengthen our presence both locally and globally, ensuring that FirstBank remains a legacy to behold,” Otedola stated.
Segun Alebiosu, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FirstBank Plc, described the project as a visionary step toward redefining the banking experience in Nigeria. He emphasized that the new edifice is not merely a reflection of physical expansion but a clear demonstration of FirstBank’s readiness to evolve with the changing dynamics of the financial sector.
“This building is a bold statement about our future, it is about reimagining banking for generations unborn. It ensures that FirstBank remains ahead of the curve, shining brilliantly in the economic and financial landscape,” he said. He further reiterated the bank’s unwavering commitment to setting new industry benchmarks through innovation, digital transformation, and a customer-centric approach to banking.
“As we move forward, we are committed to embracing cutting-edge technologies, strengthening our digital banking infrastructure, and fostering economic empowerment across all sectors. Our goal is not just to be a bank but a pillar of financial stability and economic growth in Nigeria and beyond,” he added.
Alebiosu extended his appreciation to key stakeholders who played instrumental roles in the success of the project.
