Buhari, Emefiele, others present as FBNBank UK marks 40th anniversary in London

FBNBank UK, a subsidiary of FirstBank Group, has celebrated its 40th anniversary in London, the United Kingdom.

Speaking at the event held on Friday with the theme, ‘Partnership Beyond Borders’, the Chief Executive Officer, FBNBank UK Limited, Sam Aiyere, said since the bank’s 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,” Aiyere was quoted as saying in a statement made available to The Star on Sunday.

Appreciating the patronage and support extended to the bank, the CEO, FirstBank, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, 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.

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“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.”

Also speaking at the event, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, said 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,” Emefiele stated.

On his part, President Muhammadu Buhari 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.”

Other dignitaries at the event included the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola; Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Moshood Olalekan Ishola Balogun, Alliiwo II; the High Commissioner, Nigerian High Commission, UK, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola; and a former CBN Governor, Muhammadu Sanusi.

Others were Nigerian businessman and former Chairman of FirstBank, Umaru Abdul Mutallab; and Chairman, Oriental Energy Resources, Mohammed Indimi.

The Star