FirstBank has been in existence for more than 128 years and has received several accolades for its achievements and dedication in banking, corporate philanthropy, socioeconomic development, business support, and commercial activities. The bank is not exhibiting any signs of slowing down or ceasing operations. First Bank of Nigeria Limited has been in the headlines for all the right reasons in the first five months of this year, and the accolades and awards have been coming in literally by the bucketful.

Ten of the many honors and recognitions that FirstBank has already received in 2022 underscore the bank’s exceptional contribution to promoting economic growth and development on a national, regional, and international level through positive interactions with the public and private sectors in communities and economies throughout the world. The designation and naming of FirstBank as a Superbrand is at the top of the list of honors. FirstBank received the Superbrand Award 2022 from Superbrand International for “maintaining a formidable brand perception for 128 years.”
Since it places Nigeria on the map of nations with established and stable banking sectors, the local banking sector and the entire country can be proud of this international recognition.

The accomplishment by the same bank, which was the first Nigerian business to be included on CNN 100 Club, is highly consistent with FirstBank’s history. The bank has continuously led the way in promoting socioeconomic development and innovation since its founding in 1894, introducing to its clients that it places a high priority on  its business, innovative products, services and initiatives hitherto unknown in Nigeria’s banking industry, such as the automated teller machine (ATM) and agency banking.

In addition to the Superbrand award, FirstBank’s collection of accolades was augmented by recognition for its leadership in Nigeria’s financial services industry and its advancements in corporate banking, digital transformation, customer service, and corporate social responsibility (CSR). FirstBank was named the Best Bank in Nigeria for 2022 by the International Investor Awards. This came after data was obtained from Thomson Reuters and an independent survey was completed. FirstBank was also awarded the 2022 International Investor Awards’ Best Banking Digital Transformation in Nigeria title, which was based on the same poll and Thomson Reuters data.

FirstBank’s leadership position as Nigeria’s top banking institution and top provider of financial inclusion services was taken into consideration for the International Investor Awards’ Best Bank in Nigeria category.

This is due to the bank’s vital role in boosting the nation’s economy, helping businesses, and enhancing people’s lives nationwide. FirstBank has been doing considerably more to promote financial inclusion than any other deposit money bank in Nigeria, with more than 800 business sites and more than 160,000 banking (Firstmonie) agents dispersed throughout 772 of the 774 Local Government Areas.

FirstBank’s ongoing efforts to innovate its digital banking channels and promote a cashless society by giving clients safe and easy digital banking experiences were recognized with the Best Bank in Digital Transformation award. FirstBank provides a wide range of digital banking platforms, giving customers a ton of possibilities.

Among the services available to customers are FirstBank Digital Experience Centre, a newly opened completely automated branch; *894# USSD banking; FirstMobile (mobile banking); FirstOnline (internet banking); and WhatsApp banking.

Mrs. Folake Ani-Mumuney, Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications at FirstBank, expressed her excitement about the International Investor Awards and did not hesitate to dedicate the honors to “our esteemed customers spread across the world for their unflinching patronage of our services through our 128 years.”

She went on to say: “As a bank that is ingrained in society, we are dedicated to making sure that our clients have access to safe, secure, and cutting-edge financial services so they can easily complete their banking transactions wherever they are at any time.”

FirstBank received the Best Digital Bank in CX award after the Digital Banker Award was convinced that the bank excelled in customer service. According to the Global Banking and Finance Award, FirstBank outperformed other financial services companies in corporate banking and corporate social responsibility. FirstBank received two Global Banking and Finance Awards in 2022: Best Corporate Banking Western Africa and Best CSR Bank Western Africa.

FirstBank’s SPARK (Start Performing Acts of Random Kindness) Initiative and its strong implementation throughout West Africa served as the foundation for the later Global Banking and Finance Award. FirstBank was positioned to quickly expand any program started in Nigeria throughout Africa thanks to its operations in Ghana, The Gambia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Senegal (in addition to London and Paris through FBNBank (UK) Limited, the Democratic Republic of the Congo through FBNBank DRC, and China through its Representative Office in Beijing).

Similar to the bank, FirstBank’s CEO, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, received several honors in the first half of the year. He received the honors in recognition of his leadership, revolutionary influence on the organization, and status as a banking legend. Adeduntan received the Leadership Banker of the Year award from Leadership Newspaper in recognition of his contribution to bringing banking services to the underserved hinterlands.

Adeduntan received the African Leadership Legacy Award from the African Leadership Organization, and he was named the Best Commercial Bank Executive 2022 by Capital Finance International. Adeduntan was given the Banking Icon of the Decade award by The Sun Newspaper in recognition of his contributions to FirstBank’s transformation.

FirstBank and its CEO, Adeduntan, should prepare for more effort in keeping with the adage that “the reward for hard work is more work.” However, they should do so with the knowledge that has been gathered from the institution’s own experience, which demonstrates that hard work is rewarded with more work as well as prizes and recognition.

More work for FirstBank has resulted in more accolades and recognitions, which have led to more work that has resulted in even more accolades and recognitions. It has turned into an endless positive loop of work, more work, accolades, and awards.

This has been FirstBank’s story. Furthermore, there is no indication that the situation is going to alter despite 128 years of nonstop operations. Why? Because in order for a bank to continue prioritizing its clients and having its collection of trophies constantly overflowing, the world rewards the diligent project manager with more projects to complete, the star performer with more opportunities to perform, and the hard-worker with more work.