FBNBank
UK, a subsidiary of FirstBank Group had London, the United Kingdom painted blue
as it celebrated its 40th anniversary, themed Partnership Beyond Borders,
on Friday, 11 November 2022.
The event which had customers, members of government functionaries and the diplomatic community, regulators, captains of industries in attendance, was convened to appreciate the patronage and support the Bank had received since it opened its doors in the United Kingdom 40 years ago. As key stakeholders, they were instrumental to establishing the Bank as an important gateway to connect international markets in Africa, Europe and the rest of the world to the finest financial services solutions that the UK has to offer.
Guests at
the event include Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola GCON, Chief Justice of
Nigeria; Oba Sen. Dr. Moshood Olalekan Ishola Balogun, Alliiwo II, Olubadan of
Ibadan land; Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola, High Commissioner, Nigerian High
Commission, UK; His Highness, Muhammadu Sanusi II, former Governor, Central
Bank of Nigeria.
Other
dignitaries that graced the occasion include Alhaji Umaru Abdul Mutallab,
Nigerian businessman and former Chairman of FirstBank; Mohammed Indimi OFR,
Chairman, Oriental Energy Resources.
Delivering
his welcome address to the dignitaries and guests present, Sam Aiyere, Chief
Executive Officer, FBN Bank UK Ltd said “since its establishment, our Bank has
demonstrated an unmatched dexterity, serving as a gateway connecting
international markets in Africa, Europe and the rest of the world to the finest
financial services solution that the UK has to offer. Through its office in the
UK and the Paris Branch, our Bank has continued to facilitate international
trade between Africa and Europe while offering top-notch, world-class
corporate, institutional, and private banking solutions to our esteemed
customers.
We have
recorded laudable achievement only because you stand solidly with us. Therefore,
I dedicate the success of the past 40 years to all our stakeholders. Thank you
for being the lever beneath our thrust”, he also added.
Appreciating
the patronage and support extended to FBNBank UK, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, CEO,
FirstBank said “today we celebrate 40 years of unbroken business operations in
the United Kingdom; 40 years of supporting and enabling dreams; 40 years of
resilience and relevance; 40 years of trust, safety and security; 40 years of
long-term value to all stakeholders; and 40 years of partnerships beyond
borders. I believe the future is bright for FBN Bank UK. With our beautiful
outing tonight, our Group stands out, once again, as one big and happy family
of many parts.
In his
speech, Godwin Emefiele, Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria highlighted that “FBNBank
UK’s established presence in a leading global financial centre such as London
ensures that FirstBank Group is well positioned to play an active role in the
promotion of Africa as an investment destination, attract much needed capital
to the continent and facilitate trade with other parts of the world. The
presence of FirstBank in other countries outside Nigeria shows that the span of
its impact is continent-wide. As you are headquartered in the largest economy
on the continent, you have a unique role in also facilitating capital flows
into other African countries and assisting their economic growth and
development.
In
addition, in his goodwill message, President Muhammedu Buhari, GCFR, President
and Commander-in-chief, Federal Republic of Nigeria said “FirstBank has
profoundly demonstrated a high level of nationalism by keeping the Nigerian
dream at the heart of its business through constant evolution to birth agile
financial services solution to suit the demands of its customers both home and
abroad. Also, perhaps more than any other institution in its class, FirstBank
has supported the Government by providing human resources at various times to
booster much required professional expertise in various sectors of our economy.”
Established
in the United Kingdom in 1982 as the London Branch of the First Bank of Nigeria
Limited., FBNBank UK was initially established to service the UK banking
requirements of Nigerian companies and FirstBank.
Later in
November 2002, the Bank was incorporated in the UK as a registered and wholly-owned subsidiary of First Bank of Nigeria Limited with offices in the
City of London and has then developed into a much broader business in the
gateway to Europe and beyond for African banks, companies and high net worth
individuals.
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