- FirstBank of Nigeria Limited held the groundbreaking ceremony for its 40-storey Head Office Building in Eko Atlantic City, Lagos
- Femi Otedola, Chairman of FirstHoldCo, said the 40-storey edifice represents the importance of collaboration and support
- Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State, presented a certificate of approval to FirstBank Group to commence construction of its 40-storey headquarters in Eko Atlantic City
FirstBank of Nigeria Limited, the premier bank in West Africa, held the groundbreaking ceremony for its new green-certified Head Office Building in Eko Atlantic City, Lagos, on Wednesday, March 5.
According to a statement on Wednesday by the bank’s acting Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications, Olayinka Ijabiyi, the 40-storey building project is set to be the tallest building in Nigeria upon completion.
The statement added that the project will be an engineering and environmental delight due to its technologically advanced, eco-friendly and sophisticated construction, which would set a new standard for the financial services sector in Africa.
It added that the groundbreaking ceremony signifies the beginning of a transformative journey that reinforces FirstBank’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction.
According to the statement, the new headquarters is designed with sustainability in mind, featuring a green-certified building that reduces operational costs and positions FirstBank as a leader in sustainable banking practices.
HQ building crucial to fostering economic growth and development – Alebiosu
In his comments, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of FirstBank Group, Olusegun Alebiosu, said the project marks a milestone in the bank’s journey towards excellence.
He added that the project is crucial to engineering economic growth and development across Africa as well as creating value for stakeholders.
“We are proud to mark this significant milestone in our journey towards excellence.
“Our new Head Office is envisioned as a world-class structure that represents our dedication to innovation, customer satisfaction, and sustainability.
“We believe that this development will play a crucial role in fostering economic growth and development across Africa, creating long-term value for all our stakeholders,” Alebiosu said.
40-storey building project is a result of collaboration – Otedola
Chairman of FirstHoldCo, Femi Otedola, added that the 40-storey edifice represents the importance of collaboration and support.
He said, “Today’s gathering highlights the importance of collaboration and support from various sectors in bringing our ambitious plans for the new headquarters to life.
“We appreciate the unrelenting support from our customers and stakeholders as we work together to turn this vision into reality.”
Sanwo-Olu gives FirstBank approval to build 40-storey HQ
At the groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, presented a certificate of approval to FirstBank Group to immediately commence the construction of its 40-storey eco-friendly headquarters in Eko Atlantic City.
Sanwo-Olu said the project’s visionaries have created a new city that will serve as the model city for Africa.
He said, “FirstBank, as always, has taken the lead. I want to thank the visionaries who have created a new city that will serve as Africa’s model city — one we will all be proud of. Mr Femi Otedola, well done. Well done to your board and well done to your management.
“CBN Governor, thank you for the approval. We hope you extend similar approvals to other financial institutions, as there is space for them too.
“I am now handing over a certificate of approval for them to commence work immediately.”
The ceremony was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima; the governors of Ogun and Ondo states, Dapo Abiodun and Lucky Aiyedatiwa; the founder of Dangote Industries, Aliko Dangote; the co-founders of the Chagoury Group, Gilbert and Roland Chagoury; Dr Deji Adeleke; Tunde Folawiyo; Bukola Saraki; and other dignitaries.
FBN Holdings rebrands to First HoldCo to unify subsidiaries
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that FBN Holdings Plc announced its transition to First HoldCo Plc (FirstHoldCo) to unify its various subsidiaries, redefine its identity, and reinforce its longstanding heritage.
The decision follows a proposal made at the company’s 12th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on November 14, 2024, regarding the rebranding of the Holdco.