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By Emmanuel Adeleke
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), First Bank Nigeria Limited and subsidiaries, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, has lauded the customers of the bank for their patronage and trust since inception.
Adeduntan stated this during the 40th anniversary of FBNBank, United Kingdom, tagged: “Partnership Beyond Borders,” on Friday, November 11, 2022.
He 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 FBNBank UK. With our beautiful outing tonight, our group stands out, once again, as one big and happy family of many parts.”
Delivering his welcome address, the Chief Executive Officer, FBNBank UK Ltd, Sam Aiyere, said since the bank was established, it 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 said.
In his speech, the Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, highlighted that FBNBank UK’s established presence in a leading global financial centre such as London ensures that First Bank 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 First Bank 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,” Emefiele said
Also, the President Muhammedu Buhari, said First Bank 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.
He said, perhaps more than any other institution in its class, First Bank has supported the government by providing human resources at various times to boost much required professional expertise in various sectors of economy.
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.
Guests at the event include Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola (GCON); Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Mohood Olalekan Ishola Balogun, Alli- Okunmade II; High Commissioner, Nigerian High Commission, UK, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola; former governor, Central Bank of Nigeria His Highness Muhammadu Sanusi II.
Other dignitaries that graced the occasion include the Nigerian businessman and former Chairman of First Bank, Alhaji Umaru Abdul Mutallab; Chairman, Oriental Energy Resources, Mohammed Indimi (OFR).
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 FirstB ank.
Later in November 2002, the bank was incorporated in the UK as a registered and a wholly-owned subsidiary of First Bank of Nigeria Limited with offices in the city of London and has since developed into a much broader business in the gateway to Europe and beyond for African banks, companies and high net worth individuals.