FirstBank of Nigeria Limited (FirstBank) yesterday entered an era of dominance and sustained leadership in the financial market following the groundbreaking for its state-of-the-art and eco-friendly headquarters at the Eko Atlantic City, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The bank’s management was lauded by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for establishing the new headquarters, describing the move as a demonstration of its leadership position in the market.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the President said the bank’s head office showed the foresight and quality leadership of its management, reiterating government’s commitment to fostering conducive environment for businesses to thrive.
He congratulated the bank’s leadership for the milestone achievement, assuring them that government will continue to take steps needed to ensure that businesses achieve their goals within the economy.
Sanwo-Olu, who gave the bank’s management the certificate of approval to immediately commence construction, described the headquarters as an investment that will change the face of Lagos for good.
He said: “FirstBank, as always, has taken the lead. I want to thank the visionaries who have created a new city that will serve as Africa’s model city — one that we will all be proud of.
The governor hailed the FirstHoldCo Board under its Chairman Femi Otedola and the Olayemi Cardoso-led CBN management.
Sanwo-Olu said: “Well done to your board and well done to your management. CBN governor, thank you for the approval. We hope you extend similar approvals to other financial institutions, as there is space for them too.”
The governor said that the new headquarters will present FirstBank as a market leader and reinforce its commitment to meeting customers’ needs.
According to him, the Eko Atlantic City vision began during Tinubu’s tenure as governor in Lagos.
“He (Tinubu) encouraged more banks and other businesses to key into the Eko Atlantic vision and get a space for their operations.
The event, which attracted who-is-who in the polity and business community, also offered opportunity for the Tier-1 bank to showcase a transformative journey that reinforces its commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction.
Also in attendance were: Governors Dapo Abiodun (Ogun); Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo); Dangote Group Chairman Aliko Dangote; former Senate President Bukola Saraki; CBN representatives; Chagoury Group co-founders Gilbert and Roland Chagoury, among others.
The dignitaries lauded the quality leadership at FirstBank and the foresight to embark on the project.
FirstBank Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Olusegun Alebiosu said the new headquarters marks the beginning of an era that will sustain the legacy of excellence that has been the hallmark of the bank for over 13 decades.
He said FirsBank is more than a bank, but an institution that has lifted businesses and supported economy during its several decades of operation.
Alebiosu said: “We are positioned as a bank for the future. It is about building a bank for today and generations to come. It is ensuring that FirstBank remains ahead in the era of tech-driven banking services.”
He said the new headquarters will be a symbol of strength, reflecting its vision of excellence and setting new benchmark for customer experience.
Alebiosu said: “This moment signifies more than just the construction of a building; it is the beginning of a new chapter in our enduring legacy – a legacy that has stood the test of time for over 13 decades, evolving with the financial landscape of our great nation, and continuously shaping the future of banking in Nigeria and beyond.”
He noted that since its establishment in 1894, FirstBank has been at the forefront of financial evolution and a trusted partner in Nigeria’s economic evolution and transformation, weathering global disruptions, embracing innovation, and driving financial inclusion across all regions.
Alebiosu said: “Our journey has been defined by resilience, adaptability and an unshakable commitment to our customers.
“Today, we are more than just a bank; we are an institution with a proud heritage of trust and reliability, an institution that has played a pivotal role in empowering individuals, businesses and industries across Africa.
“This groundbreaking is a momentous occasion for us, signifying our commitment to repositioning sturdily as ‘the’ bank for the future.
“Therefore, this new head office complex is not just about a modern architectural masterpiece; it is about reimagining banking for generations yet unborn.
“It will serve as a hub for financial innovation, digital transformation and operational excellence; ensuring that FirstBank remains ahead in an era where technology is reshaping the industry.”
Situated in the heart of the Eko Atlantic City, the iconic FirstBank headquarters complex – a 40-story edifice will become the tallest building in Nigeria and West Africa upon its completion.
It will be a symbol of strength, embodying the progress we have made as an institution and reflecting its ambition to set new benchmarks in service delivery, operational efficiency and customer experience.
Beyond its significance to FirstBank and its people, this project will contribute to the broader economic landscape of Lagos, Nigeria and Africa. It will promote urban development and reinforce Lagos as a global financial hub.
He thanked Shettima, Sanwo-Olu and the CBN for their support and guidance and for creating the enabling environment for sustainable business growth.
Otedola, described the project as an iconic building, adding that the bank will continue to invest in cutting edge technology and deliver value to its customers. He said the building shows FirstBank’s dominance in the Nigeria and Africa’s financial services sector.
He appreciated the unrelenting support from the bank’s customers and stakeholders, calling for collaboration to turn the vision into reality. He said the structure will stand as a beacon of the bank’s heritage.
Dangote congratulated the bank and its management for the commitment to build the massive structure. He said that FirstBank has always been first, and lauded the management for the vision to sustain the bank’s market leadership.
Saraki said Otedola has demonstrated good leadership in the running of the bank, adding that the new headquarters is a demonstration of the audacity, courage and quality leadership in running the financial institution.
Source: The Nation