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EFCC Arraigns Two FSDH Merchant Bank Ltd Officials For Allegedly Stealing ₦527 Million Via SWIFT Transfers

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned two top officials…

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Shell workers protest, accuse firm of slavery, discrimination, bias

Workers of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo) staged a…

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ZENITH BANK SET TO HOST 2026 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY SEMINAR IN LAGOS

Zenith Bank Plc will commemorate the 2026 International Women’s Day with a…

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Stanbic IBTC Economic Summit delivers strategic framework for navigating Nigeria’s 2026 investment landscape

Institutional investors, corporate leaders and economic experts gained practical insights into portfolio…

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Nescafe Event

NESCAFÉ Deepens Everyday Access with New Presence at Ojo Bus Terminal, Ibadan

Oloidi Joseph, Branch Manager, South West Nigeria, Nestlé Nigeria; Jean-Pierre Duplan, Category…

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Economy

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“He Wanted People to Talk”-Tunde Perry Reveals Asake Bought Cars for Both Parents the Same Day

Tunde Perry has defended Asake, saying the singer bought cars for both his parents on…

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Bam Teddy

Actress Bambam Sparks Buzz After Posing Without Wedding Ring In Viral Video

Nigerian actress and reality TV star Bambam, also known as Bamike Olawunmi-Adenibuyan, has drawn attention…

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“You Can’t Defend Tinubu’s Government Without Looking Stupid”- Isaac Fayose Says

Isaac Fayose slammed President Bola Tinubu’s administration following an Al Jazeera interview with adviser Daniel…

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Stanbic IBTC Regional Economic Outlook Series Positions Investors for Confident 2026 Decision Making

Stanbic IBTC has concluded its 2026 Regional Economic Outlook Series, a regional…

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Just In

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Five Game-Changing Facts About FirstBank’s MREIF Home Loan

For many Nigerians, home ownership has always felt like a long dream parked somewhere between someday and maybe. However, the MREIF Mortgage Loan by FirstBank of Nigeria is quietly changing…

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Isaac Bwala

“Look At How He Went To London To Embarrass Himself”- Isaac Fayose Slams Daniel Bwala

Isaac Fayose, a Nigerian businessman and social commentator, has made controversial remarks about Daniel Bwala. His statements have gained significant attention on social media platforms. Fayose’s criticism centers on questioning…

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Nomzamo Mbatha Headlines CNN’s ‘African Voices Changemakers 

This week, CNN’s African Voices Changemakers, sponsored by Technology Company, Globacom spotlights the meteoric rise of South African actress, and television personality, Nomzamo Mbatha. In an exclusive…

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Alpha Morgan Bank Deepens Presence in Abuja with New Branch in Utako

  Marking another milestone in its expansion drive, Alpha Morgan Bank has opened a new branch in Utako, Abuja, reinforcing its strategy of building closer institutional ties…

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“Hit The Gym Instead”- Kiddwaya Speaks Against BBL Trend Among Nigerian Women

Kiddwaya, a reality TV star, criticizes the trend of Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) procedures among Nigerian women. He advises women to avoid body-enhancing surgeries. Encourages a focus on exercise and…

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Tinubu Oil Windfall

Another Oil Boom: Will Nigeria’s Government Turn Windfall into Growth or Squander it?

BY BLAISE UDUNZE The past recurring conflicts on other continents and the current developments in the Middle East are a clear reminder to the world that energy…

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IWD 2026: SIFAX Group Supports Community, Empowers Staff

L–R: Head of Legal Services and Company Secretary, SIFAX Group, Jesuyemisi Odeyemi; Head, Head of Marketing and Customer Services, SIFAX Group, Catherine Abuah; Head of Corporate Communications,…

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Actress Eucharia Anunobi Shares Joyful Moment Following Tearful Interview

Veteran Nollywood actress and evangelist Eucharia Anunobi shared a lively dancing video. The video brought joy to many following her emotional interview that went viral. Anunobi provided motivational words for…

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Senator Natasha Petitions Police IG, Accuses Akpabio Of Orchestrating Smear Campaign Over Sexual Harassment Allegations

In the petition submitted through her legal team led by Dr. Ehiogie West-Idahosa, SAN, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan alleges that her safety, reputation, and political career are under attack…

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Ned Nwoko releases WhatsApp message, records, challenges Regina’s claims

Senator Ned Nwoko has released what his team described as a detailed account of events surrounding allegations recently made by his wife, Regina Daniels, including excerpts from…

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Olusegun Alebiosu MDCEO 1

ASIAN BANKER AWARDS: FIRSTBANK MAINTAINS DOMINANCE IN SME BANKING ACROSS NIGERIA, AFRICA By Tosin Ajayi Through a legacy of excellence and Innovation, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, the country’s oldest and most distinguished financial institution, has once again solidified its reputation as a leader in the banking industry. The Bank was recently crowned the Best SME Bank in Nigeria and the Best SME Bank in Africa at the 2025 Asian Bankers Awards for the second year running. The Asian Banker Global Excellence in Retail Finance Awards are renowned for their rigour, prestige and transparency, celebrating excellence across financial services, technology, risk management and transaction finance. These prestigious recognitions reaffirm FirstBank’s unwavering commitment to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), a sector that serves as the backbone of Nigeria’s and Africa’s economy. For over a century, First Bank of Nigeria Limited has been instrumental in the nation’s financial evolution, pioneering innovative banking solutions and fostering economic growth. The awards underscore the efficacy of its strategic focus on empowering SMEs through tailored support programs and an inclusive economic environment where small/medium businesses can thrive and also grow to compete globally. Winning these distinguished awards is no small feat. FirstBank stood out among its competitors across the continent due to several of the Bank’s key initiatives which have effectively transformed the SME banking landscape in all the countries where the bank operates. Some of the Bank’s Tailored Financial Solutions include customised loans and flexible credit facilities to cater to SMEs at various growth stages. From microloans for startups to large-scale funding for expanding businesses, FirstBank has ensured that small businesses have access to the capital they need to thrive. The bank’s SMEConnect platform, a digital hub that provides SMEs with access to financial resources, business advisory services, and networking opportunities, has been a game-changer. This initiative has helped thousands of entrepreneurs navigate challenges and scale their operations effectively. Beyond financial support, FirstBank has invested in entrepreneurship training programs to equip SMEs with knowledge in financial literacy, business management, and technology adoption. Partnerships with organisations like the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Nigerian government have further strengthened these initiatives. Women-Led and Youth Entrepreneurship Support is another tool which he Bank has deployed to its benefit. By recognising the role of women in economic development, the Bank has a dedicated product – FirstGem, which provides financial support to women entrepreneurs. In addition, the Retail Temporary Overdraft (RTOD) product, tailored to SMEs aims to provide financial support for their businesses. These strategic efforts have set FirstBank apart, positioning it as the ‘go-to’ financial partner for SMEs across Africa. The recognition of FirstBank as the Best SME Bank in Nigeria is not just a win for the Bank but also for the entire Nigerian economy. SMEs account for over 90% of businesses in Nigeria and contribute significantly to employment and GDP. By providing robust financial solutions and business support, FirstBank is fostering job creation, innovation, and sustainable economic growth. With access to better funding, training, and technology, more SMEs can scale their operations beyond local markets and compete on the global stage. This award also highlights Nigeria’s potential as a hub for entrepreneurship and business expansion. FirstBank’s achievement is expected to set a new benchmark for banking excellence in Africa. Other financial institutions will likely follow suit, improving their SME-focused initiatives, leading to a more vibrant and competitive business environment. FirstBank will continue to champion SME growth, affirm its legacy as a trusted financial partner whose commitment remains unshaken. This award serves as both recognition of past efforts and a call to push boundaries further in supporting African businesses. For small business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, and the Nigerian economy, FirstBank’s success story is a beacon of hope, proving that with the right financial backing, the possibilities are limitless for the average businesses. For the African continent, First Bank of Nigeria Limited’s win at the Asian Banker Awards for Excellence in Retail Finance Global Award 2025 marks a significant milestone in African banking history. It showcases the Bank’s relentless commitment to empowering SMEs, driving digital transformation, and fostering economic prosperity across the continent. As the Bank continues to innovate and expand its reach, the future for SMEs in Nigeria and Africa looks brighter.

  By Tosin Ajayi   Through a legacy of excellence and Innovation, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, the country’s oldest and most distinguished financial institution, has once…

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Olusegun Alebiosu MDCEO

WHEN LEGACY MEETS PREPAREDNESS – OLUSEGUN ALEBIOSU AS CEO, FIRSTBANK GROUP

By Aniekan Ezekiel   What happens when legacy meets preparedness? What results from such a combination? Let us not be in a hurry to put forward any…

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