Banking
Heritage Bank Partners Customers To Grow Their Businesses
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Due to its desire to partner and create wealth for their individual customers, Heritage Bank took advantage of the customers’ service/appreciation week to organise a business fair that showcases and celebrates the business activities of their various customers.
The fair which took place at 12 Ligali Ayorinde Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, last Sunday and Monday, saw various entrepreneurial clientele of the bank displaying their products and services to potential customers.
The event was strategically kick started on Sunday, a work free day, to enable customers alongside their family and friends hang out at the fair.
Just as was obtainable in trade fairs, products were reasonably cheap as they were sold at much discounted prices and prospective shoppers also used the occasion to obtain the contact addresses of sellers.
In her welcome address, the Executive Director, South Bank, Mrs Adaeze Udensi, disclosed that Heritage Bank aims at collaborating with its customers to grow their businesses into generational conglomerate.
Mrs Udensi said, “Our desire is for Nigerian businesses to be listed on the stock exchange and eventually become global brands and household names.
“We believe that businesses like yours are the backbone of the economy because you create jobs and play a huge role in moving our country out of this present recession. I encourage you to rise up to this challenge facing every Nigerian entrepreneur and make our economy vibrant again.”
She stated that the Heritage Bank business fair is where new deals are brokered and partnerships initiated. ‘It is the place to connect’ she said.
According to her, a contact at the fair could lead to a business opportunity tomorrow and shoppers in turn will appreciate the vendors’ home grown businesses and in turn, the vendors would learn more innovative ways to meet their needs. ‘That is why we have created a platform like this, to propel a network of fast growing businesses’.
“Seize this opportunity, network with other vendors that are present, engage our SME consultants at the mini-bank and let us be your guide on the path to global recognition.”
Echoing Mrs Udensi’s speech was the Executive Director, Abuja & North Bank, Mr Ola Olabinjo who hinted that the business fair being organised by the bank is a sure foundation of taking Nigeria’s economy out of recession.
The Abuja North Bank ED remarked that because small businesses are the foundation of every economy, at Heritage Bank, they are more than every ready to ensure that they support them.
“It is not the size of the balance sheet of the bank that grows an economy, but the patriotism of the bank and the small businesses and we are determined to go the long walk with you.”
Full of life and ensuring orderliness at the fair was the Group Head, Customer Experience and Analytics, Kikanya Akpenyi who declared to Independent that she is happy and could only thank God that the D-day has finally come and that the vendors responses to the invitation was fantastic.
“This is the second edition, during the first one, of course, we were still testing the water so, a lot of the planning was a bit rushed. However, this time around, we had much time to plan and that is why we were able to get a bigger space in terms of a more vantage location that would be accessible to a lot of people.”
Akpenyi indicated that the success of the event was hinged on the feedback gotten from the previous edition, leading to more people wanting to be a part of it.
“So, it took a lot of works, getting the vendors, collecting their logos and promotional materials for them. And of course, on our part, trying to put the word out there and then getting all these to happen. About two months of preparation, checking prices, comparing locations and then, we are here today.
“I am excited and happy, I am thankful for the team I have, it couldn’t have happened with just me. Team work is actually the success factor here. So, everyone has put in his and her best. We also got very good support from our management.”
Despite being organized just for the Lagos entrepreneurs, there were also vendors from outside Lagos that graced the occasion and the bank welcomed them with open arm.
The event which was open to all retail segments of Heritage Bank’s clients, according to the organizers, is hoped to be taken beyond the Island, to other metropolitan cities across the country.
“It is all about giving back to our customers, finding ways to support them, as well as appreciating them for their patronage. We are open to feedback as we get the feedback and clamour to do more, we can always adjust.”
Even though plans were made for 50 booths and five extra, the entire 55 booths were booked and occupied by vendors of various products and services who had their sales reps distributing fliers to customers.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A partnership aimed to unlock diaspora capital for Nigeria’s growth has been deepened by the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).
The chief executive of UBA, Mr Oliver Alawuba, underscored the diaspora’s critical role as a powerful economic force and a generation of builders shaping new narratives for the continent.
He also reiterated the financial institution’s readiness to leverage its global network and innovative financial solutions to support diaspora engagement, urging Nigerians abroad to tap into opportunities within Africa’s economic landscape.
“You are not limited here; you have opportunities on the continent, and we want you to make good use of them. That is where banking, and we at UBA, become the connecting point that you need to access the opportunities back home.
“Whether you like it or not, the returns are high in Africa, and we are here to help you navigate that space,” the UBA chief said on Monday when he hosted key representatives of NiDCOM led by its chairman, Mrs Abike Dabiri, at the bank’s office in the United Kingdom.
UBA recently launched a Diaspora Banking platform to provide a seamless, integrated platform for Africans in the diaspora to bank, invest, and manage their financial obligations back home, thus connecting global Africans with investment and wealth opportunities.
The lender introduced the platform, with leading ecosystem partners representing a major step in redefining diaspora banking beyond remittances toward structured wealth creation and long-term investment.
“With UBA, you have a financial partner that is with you, that understands what you are going through, and that can support you to make sure you realise your aspirations, both here and in the country,” Mr Alawuba noted.
In her remarks, Mrs Dabiri-Erewa praised UBA for being a trusted financial partner over the years, especially with the recent launch of its diaspora platform.
“Many of you here are the real game-changers. “For years, it has been wonderful engaging Nigerians all over the world. When I started, it felt like we only heard the bad stories, not the good ones. What we have tried to do internationally is to tell and celebrate the good stories. We have Nigerians doing well all over the world, and they are in this room. We must continue to celebrate you,” she stated.
While remarking that the meeting demonstrates a significant step in aligning public and private sector efforts to deepen diaspora inclusion and accelerate Nigeria’s development agenda, she pledged closer collaboration in driving policies and initiatives that encourage Nigerians abroad to actively participate in the country’s economic growth.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The launch of the Enhanced Ecobank Ellevate Proposition (Ellevate 2.0) in Lagos has been welcomed by women entrepreneurs.
Ecobank Nigeria, a subsidiary of the pan‑African financial services group Ecobank Group, unveiled the upgraded programme at an event themed Her Voice. Her Power. Her Growth. The initiative was designed to support women‑owned businesses.
The gathering featured inspiring conversations and practical insights from accomplished women in business and professional leadership.
In her keynote address titled The True Woman Power: Strength Rooted in Identity, Resilience and Purpose, the founder of Gatimo Limited and Creative Director of Ruff ‘n’ Tumble, Mrs Adenike Ogunlesi, praised Ecobank for its longstanding support for women entrepreneurs.
“When I was seeking a loan facility many years ago to grow my business, Ecobank was the institution that supported me when others turned me down,” she shared, encouraging women to embrace self-awareness, resilience, and purpose as the drivers of long‑term success.
The panel session featured the chief executive of Strata Advisory, Ms Bode Abifarin; the chief executive of Village Farms Commerce and Exchange, Ms Titilayo Adesoga; and the founder of Beaty Hut Africa, Ms Subuola Oyeleye, who each shared powerful reflections from their personal and professional journeys.
Drawing from her extensive leadership background, Ms Abifarin highlighted the need for women to own their transitions and step confidently into new seasons.
On her part, Ms Adesoga encouraged women to rise above limitations by taking ownership of their personal and business narratives, as Ms Oyeleye highlighted the importance of authenticity, innovation, and investing in quality, reinforcing that women can build globally competitive businesses from Nigeria.
In her welcome speech, the Head of Premier Banking and Wealth Management at Ecobank Nigeria, Ms Ayo Osolake, who represented the Managing Director/Regional Executive, Mr Bolaji Lawal, said, “Ellevate by Ecobank reflects our unwavering commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs, who remain key drivers of economic growth, innovation, and job creation.”
Ellevate Manager for Ecobank Nigeria, Ms Victoria Igun, said, “This enhanced proposition creates stronger pathways for women entrepreneurs and professionals to build sustainable businesses and translate ambition into lasting impact.”
By Adedapo Adesanya
Nigerian tier-1 lender, Zenith Bank Plc, plans to list on the London Stock Exchange in 2027 to broaden access to capital and strengthen client services.
“There are a lot of deals we have on the table to finance across the United Kingdom and other countries, for which we need to raise more capital,” a bank official said on Tuesday, as per Bloomberg, since Zenith didn’t disclose additional details of its plan.
The move will make Zenith Bank the second Nigerian lender to list on the United Kingdom’s major exchange, following Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) Plc.
Zenith Bank, which is Nigeria’s second-largest lender by market value, has opened a branch in Manchester today in addition to the operation it already has in London.
The Manchester branch has the capacity to create up to 30 new direct jobs, a boost for the economy of the UK’s North West region.
The chief executive of Zenith Bank, Ms Adaora Umeoji, said, “The United Kingdom remains a key global financial centre. The opening of Zenith Bank, Manchester, therefore, marks another important milestone in our international expansion strategy, enabling us to deepen relationships with our customers, support trade and investments, and connect businesses between Africa and the UK more effectively.”
Last year, the bank raised its capital above the N500 billion minimum requirement set by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and announced plans to expand in francophone West Africa.
Founded in 1990 by Mr Jim Ovia, Zenith Bank has grown into one of Africa’s most respected banking institutions, boasting a robust capital base and a remarkable history of year-on-year profitability.
Headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, Zenith Bank operates over 500 branches and business offices across the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The bank currently operates subsidiaries in several African countries, including Ghana, Sierra Leone, Gambia, and Cote d’Ivoire, while maintaining a presence in major international financial centres, including the United Kingdom, France, the UAE and China.
-
Feature/OPED6 years agoDavos was Different this year
-
Travel/Tourism10 years ago
Lagos Seals Western Lodge Hotel In Ikorodu
-
Showbiz3 years agoEstranged Lover Releases Videos of Empress Njamah Bathing
-
Banking8 years agoSort Codes of GTBank Branches in Nigeria
-
Economy3 years agoSubsidy Removal: CNG at N130 Per Litre Cheaper Than Petrol—IPMAN
-
Banking3 years agoSort Codes of UBA Branches in Nigeria
-
Banking3 years agoFirst Bank Announces Planned Downtime
-
Sports3 years agoHighest Paid Nigerian Footballer – How Much Do Nigerian Footballers Earn
4 Comments