First Bank Rewards Customers With N170m Prizes In Win Big Promo  

First Bank, Nigeria’s premier financial institution and leading financial inclusion services provider, has launched the Win Big promo to reward and delight its valued customers. The four-month promo, which runs till February 2023 will reward several new and existing customers of the Bank with a total cash reward of N170 million.   At the end of the four-month promo, 1,240 new and existing customers would have been rewarded with N100,000.00 each as each month will have 310 new and existing customers winning N100,000. Up to 40,000 customers who reactivate their dormant account stand a chance to win free airtime as 10,000 customers will be rewarded with free airtime monthly for reactivating their dormant account. 6 customers will emerge lucky winners of N1,000,000 each in the grand finale draw. The promo is open to new and existing savings and current account customers. To open a FirstBank account, dial USSD code *894*0#and follow the prompt or visit the Bank’s website and click on “Open Account”. You can also visit any FirstBank branch near you to open an account. To qualify for the N100,000 monthly draw, customers will have to deposit and maintain a minimum amount of 5,000.00 in their account monthly and transact a minimum of 5 times transactions on any of the Bank’s digital channels: FirstMobile, LIT App, USSD, First Online as well as Debit Card transactions. Customers who are eligible to win N1,000,000 must have a deposit of N50,000.00 monthly for four consecutive months or maintain a minimum deposit of N200,000.00 for four months and transact a minimum of 5 times on any of the Bank’s digital banking channels; FirstMobile, LIT App, USSD, First Online as well as Debit Card transactions to qualify for the grand finale draw. Customers who reactivate their account(s) are also eligible to win. For reactivating their account,  the first 10,000 customers to deposit N1,000.00 and transact on any of the Bank’s digital channels: FirstMobile, LIT App, USSD, First Online and Debit Card transactions will be rewarded with free airtime. Customers who reactivate their dormant account could also qualify for the monthly draw when they deposit and maintain a minimum amount of N5,000 monthly and transact a minimum of 5 times on any of the Bank’s digital channels. They could also emerge winners of N1,000,000 in the grade finale draw if they meet the criteria. To reactivate the account, the customers will have to dial USSD code *894*7# and follow the prompt to reactivate Tier 1 accounts or visit any nearest FirstBank branch for Tier 2 and 3 account reactivation. “We are thrilled to launch this promo in appreciation of the patronage, trust and loyalty our customers have shown us over the years. The exciting modalities of the promo reflect our commitment to enhancing the banking experience of our customers across any or all of our digital banking services. “This is the season when FirstBank provides opportunities and platforms for the yearly memorable homecoming experience from across the world. The promo is an enabling opportunity for customers, their friends, and families to have exciting, fun-filled, memorable experiences. We encourage our customers to seize this opportunity and participate actively’ she concluded,” said Ms. Folake Ani-Mumuney, Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications, FirstBank Group.

FBN introduces FirstEdu loans to enhance school infrastructure funding

One of Nigeria’s top-tier financial institutions, FirstBank is addressing the infrastructure funding challenge faced by private schools across Nigeria through its FirstEdu loan solutions. The bank believes this initiative will significantly contribute to improving the overall quality of education in the country. Designed to assist schools in financing their capital projects, FirstEdu loans offer a maximum tenor of 48 months. T his product provides private school owners with flexible funding options to address urgent cash flow needs, replace outdated furniture and equipment, and renovate deteriorating buildings and classrooms. Folake Ani-Mumuney, Group Head of Marketing & Corporate Communications at FirstBank, emphasized that FirstEdu loans empower school proprietors to stay competitive in delivering educational services and support to their target audience. Since its launch in 2018, the FirstEdu loan has played a pivotal role in continuously enhancing schools’ facilities while positioning them favorably to achieve their medium and long-term goals. These objectives encompass expanding schools through land acquisitions, purchasing school buses, modernizing educational facilities, and acquiring tools and equipment to optimize daily operations. Furthermore, renewable energy loans are now available to schools, allowing them to control and reduce their fuel-related costs while adopting eco-friendly power solutions. FirstEdu loans are exclusively targeted at private Nursery & Primary, Secondary, and A-Levels schools. Eligible institutions must have been in operation for at least 24 months and maintained an account relationship with FirstBank for a minimum of six months or with any bank registered with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for a minimum of 12 months. The loan amount can vary, depending on the school’s cashflow capacity, with the potential to access up to N20 million or more. Chuma Ezirim, Group Executive of e-Business and Retail Products at FirstBank, expressed the bank’s unwavering commitment to supporting the educational sector as part of its nation-building strategy. The positive reception of the FirstEdu product across the country underscores its impact on the educational sector’s value chain, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s socio-economic development. Education serves as the foundation for any society, and FirstBank is dedicated to helping build this foundation for the nation’s future generations.

First Bank, ELOY Foundation empower over 1000 women MSMEs

First Bank Nigeria Limited in partnership with the ELOY Awards Foundation has launched the 2023 Edition of the “Eloy Business Shower” designed and dedicated to encouraging, promoting and empowering businesses owned by women across Nigeria. The focus and aim of the awards are to expose women in business to important business skills, networking, and the Eloy Foundation Business Toolkit, which is a collection of business survival information.  This   will   further   be   executed   through   the First Bank’s FirstGem 9 percent Loan Scheme created for female owned MSMEs and the SME Connect Initiative.  The   Business   Shower   by   the   ELOY   Awards   Foundation   was   held   in   five states: Lagos, Delta, Anambra, Kano and Osun States from the 1st of July 2023 to the15th of   July   2023.      According   to   the Founder, ELOY   Awards Foundation, Tewa Onasanya “the ELOY Business Shower was held to support business owners to build sustainable businesses. This year at the second edition of the program, the company hosted 1087 women across the 5 states visited in Nigeria.   It   was   an   avenue   for   these   women   to   gain   access   to   entrepreneurial trainings from experienced businessmen and women, who armed them with tools and information to help them grow their businesses successfully”. The over 2300 women who registered for the program will also be invited to join the ELOY Foundation Network, a network that will continue to give them access to resources to help their businesses grow.  Expressing   her   delight   on   the   recently   concluded   ELOY Foundation Business Shower, Folake   Ani-Mumuney, First Bank’s Group Head, Marketing   &   Corporate Communications, said, “we commend Eloy  Foundation Awards for convening the second edition of its Eloy Business Shower which has impacted over 1000 female business entrepreneurs across the country.” “Female business owners that participated at the event in   the 5 cities –Lagos, Delta, Anambra, Kano and Osun States – are encouraged to take advantage of the teachings from the facilitators as these are essential to boosting their contribution to the economic activities in their host state, geopolitical zones and nation at large, whilst sustaining their businesses,” she concluded. Following the huge success of the event, Phase two of the event will begin soon, where  ELOY   Awards   Foundation   will   enrol   50   women   who   are   small   business owners onto the three month ELOY Foundation Sustainable Empowerment Program(SEP), these small business owners will be mentored for a period of three months and they  will  have access to  entrepreneurial trainings  every  month, mentorship, access   to   information   on   affordable   finance   and   10   of   these women considered for a grant to assist them on businesses.

CBN approves Zenith, First Bank, 11 others as Cheque Printers, Personalisers

The Central bank of Nigeria (CBN) has accredited 13 firms as Cheque Printers and Cheque Personalisers in Nigeria. According to a circular titled: Circular to Deposit Money Banks, Cheque Printers/Personalisers and other stakeholders on the accreditation of cheque printers and signed by Director, Banking Services Department of the CBN, Sam O. Okojere, out of the 13, 7 are Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) while the other 6 are printing companies.  Zenith Bank, First Bank, Ecobank, Wema Bank, Stanbic IBTC, Keystone Bank, and Providus Bank were approved as Cheque Personalisers as well as Superflux International Limited, Tripple Gee and Company Limited, Yaliam Press Limited, Marvelous Mike Press Limited, Kas Arts Services Limited, and Papi Printing Company Limited. “In furtherance of its mandate to ensure an efficient payment and settlement system, the Central Bank of Nigeria, in collaboration with the MICR Technical Implementation Committee (MTIC) conducted the accreditation of Cheque Printers and Cheque Personalisers, in line with the NICPAS qualification criteria,” the Apex Bank said. The regulator further said all the accredited printers and personalisers have been duly notified and certificates issued.

First Bank launches first customer service humanoid

First Bank Nigeria has launched a humanoid robot, an industry-first, at its Adetokunbo Ademola VI, Lagos Digital Experience Centre (DXC) Branch, to engage customers. Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, First Bank, Mrs Folake Ani-Mumuney, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Lagos. The statement said that the robot was among the phased configuration of the bank’s state-of-the-art digitally led self-service branch. According to the statement, the robot is equipped with video banking and Artificial Intelligence (AI), taking on the role of friendly branch staff. “In furtherance to its role in providing innovative financial solutions in Nigeria, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Nigeria’s premier financial institution and financial inclusion services provider, has announced the launch of a humanoid robot, the first of its kind in the financial services space in Nigeria. “The robot is equipped with video banking and artificial intelligence, taking on the role of friendly branch staff. “The robot can engage customers through conversations as well as through a touch screen strapped to its chest. “The services performed by the robot include responding to customer inquiries on cash deposits, withdrawals and ATM cards. “The robot also aids complaint management as customers can log a complaint via QR with feedback generated within the advised time. “The humanoid robot also keeps customers up-to-date with happenings about the Bank, including product launches and upgrades designed to strengthen the customer experience and satisfaction. “The robot is a one-stop point to keep customers informed about the Bank. It also effectively manages customers’ accounts,” the statement said. The statement quoted Dr Adesola Adeduntan, the Chief Executive Officer of FirstBank Group, as expressing his delight at the initiative. “The addition of the humanoid robot to our state-of-the-art Digital Experience Centre represents a purposeful stride towards transforming the banking landscape in the country and further showcases the priority we give to innovation within the Bank. “With its advanced capabilities, the robot is designed to elevate the quality of our customers’ lives in today’s rapidly evolving digital world. “Our unwavering dedication to delivering unparalleled banking services remains steadfast, as we leave no stone unturned in innovating to fulfil our customers’ needs,’’ he said. The introduction of the humanoid robot is among the phased configuration of the Bank’s state-of-the-art digitally led self-service branch called Digital Experience Centre, which launched in December 2021. Another humanoid robot will also be deployed in the Bank’s next and second Digital Experience Centre, soon to be announced in the coming months.