Zenith Bank Plc has been named the “Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria” in the International Banker 2024 Banking Awards, retaining the title for the second consecutive year.

Commenting on the award, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON, said: “We are deeply honoured to be recognised as the Most Sustainable Bank in Nigeria for the second time in a row. This prestigious award underscores our steadfast commitment to sustainability and reinforces our belief that responsible banking is essential for long-term success and societal impact.”

She dedicated the award to the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Dr. Jim Ovia, CFR. She lauded the Bank’s stakeholders for their commitment and unwavering support in ensuring that Zenith remains a highly successful institution. She said, “This remarkable achievement is a testament to the visionary and impactful leadership of our Founder and Chairman, Dr. Jim Ovia, CFR. His exceptional foresight and dedication have been the cornerstone of our success. His ability to inspire and guide with strategic acumen has been instrumental in steering Zenith Bank to new heights. Along with the strategic guidance of our esteemed Board members, the unwavering commitment of our ever-diligent staff, and the steadfast support of our loyal customers, Dr. Ovia’s leadership has been pivotal in transforming our sustainability initiatives into a reality. We owe this success to his relentless pursuit of excellence and his deep-seated commitment to redefining the banking landscape in Nigeria.”

This recognition reaffirms Zenith Bank’s position as a trailblazer in sustainable banking practices, setting a benchmark for excellence within the Nigerian banking industry and beyond. The Bank has been a leader in monitoring and reporting sustainability impact. Since becoming the first Bank in Africa to publish a stand-alone sustainability report in accordance with the GRI Standards: Core Option in 2016, Zenith Bank has consistently published assured stand-alone sustainability reports. The Bank is one of the few institutions in Nigeria that tracks its carbon emissions using a certified tool built on the internationally recognised Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol.

Zenith Bank is deeply committed to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) values, subscribing to the Triple Bottom Line principle, which encompasses People, Planet, and Profit. As a leading financial institution that services various sectors of the economy, the Bank considers Environmental and Social (E&S) risk management critical to its sustainability strategy.

Zenith Bank’s track record of excellent performance has continued to earn the brand numerous awards, including being recognised as Best Bank in Nigeria for the fourth time in five years, from 2020 to 2022 and in 2024, in the Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards; the Best Bank for Digital Solutions in Nigeria in the Euromoney Awards 2023; being listed in the World Finance Top 100 Global Companies in 2023; being recognised as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital for the 14th consecutive year in the 2023 Top 1000 World Banks Ranking published by The Banker Magazine; Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria, for three consecutive years from 2021 to 2023 in the World Finance Banking Awards; Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria in the World Finance Corporate Governance Awards 2022 and 2023; Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards 2020 and 2022; Best in Corporate Governance Financial Services Africa for four successive years from 2020 to 2023 by the Ethical Boardroom; Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria in the International Banker 2023 Banking Awards; Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria and Best Innovation in Retail Banking, Nigeria in the International Banker 2022 Banking Awards.

Additionally, the Bank emerged as the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria in the Banker Magazine Top 500 Banking Brands 2020 and 2021; Bank of the Year 2023 and Retail Bank of the Year for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022 at the BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards. Similarly, Zenith Bank was named Bank of the Decade (People’s Choice) at the ThisDay Awards 2020, Bank of the Year 2021 by Champion Newspaper, Bank of the Year 2022 by New Telegraph Newspaper, and Most Responsible Organisation in Africa 2021 by SERAS.

Published by Finance Publishing Limited, the International Banker Magazine, United Kingdom, is a leading global source of authoritative analysis and opinion on banking, finance and world affairs. Its influence, integrity, accuracy and objective opinion have earned it global recognition. The International Banker Awards strive to recognise the most worthy financial institutions around the world – those not just doing their jobs well but exceptionally well – those operating at the industry’s cutting edge and setting new performance levels to which others will aspire. The 2024 Banking Awards focused on various criteria, including the provision of much-needed capital for economic growth, cutting-edge innovation to enhance security and efficiency, commitment to sustainability and ESG principles, as well as intelligent investing to maximise profits and shareholder value.

FBN Holdings Plc declared N238.53 billion profit before tax (PBT) in its unaudited first quarter (Q1) ended March 31, 2024 results, which was about 325.2percent growth from the N56.1 billion reported in Q1 ended March 31, 2023.

The Q1 2024 results was a reflection of 2023 impressive performance as one of the oldest banks in Nigeria sustained its fundamentals amid domestic and foreign challenges.  From its Q1 2024 profit & loss figures, the Group declared N208.1 billion profit, which was about 315.8 per cent compared with the N50.1 billion reported in Q1 2023.

The group announced N730.3 billion gross earnings in Q1 2024, which was an increase of 181.4 per cent from N259.5 billion in Q1 2023.

Amid hike in Monetary Policy Rate (MPR), the financial institution declared N455 billion interest income in Q1 2024, a growth of 153.3 per cent from N179.6 billion in Q1 2023, while interest expenses closed Q1 2024 at N226.42 billion, representing 234.1per cent increase from N67.76 billion reported in Q1 2023.

On the backdrop of a double-digit inflation rate, operating expenses moved from N111.2 billion in Q1 2023 to N212.80 billion reported in Q1 2024.

Total assets from the balance sheet position stood at N21.58 trillion as of March 2024, which was a 27.4 per cent increase from the N16.94 trillion recorded in 2022.

As FBNHoldings declared N8.42 trillion Customer loans & advances (Net) as of March 2024 from N6.36 trillion in 2023, full financial year, its customer deposits stood at N13.27 trillion as of March 2024, an increase of 24.4 per cent from N10.66 trillion reported in 2023 financial year.

The Group Managing Director, FBNHoldings, Nnamdi Okonkwo in a statement said, “FBNHoldings’ strong start to the year reinforces the confidence in achieving targets and delivering sustained value for our shareholders. “Our commitment to optimising the Group’s earnings capacity and maximising operational efficiencies has again delivered outstanding results.

“Underpinned by strong revenue growth and improved operational efficiency, our key financial metrics have shown significant improvement. Remarkably, gross earnings grew 181.4per cent to N730.3 billion, while profit before tax increased by 325.2per cent to N238.5 billion while our total assets increased by 27.4per cent in three months to N21.6 trillion.”

He added that the Group remained focused on its strategic initiatives towards further improving profitability, enhancing excellence in performance and surpassing stakeholders’ expectations.

However, the shareholding structure of FBNHoldings showed, the Group Chairman, Mr. Femi Otedola direct and indirect stake in the Group stood at 2,517,282,140 as of March 2024 from 1,999,342,376 March 2023.

The stock price of FBNHoldings closed March 27, 2024 at N21.1 per share on the floor of the Exchange.

Zenith Bank Plc, on Thursday, 30th May 2024, launched a state-of-the-art digital/LED screen at Ajose Adeogun Roundabout, solidifying its commitment to innovation and community engagement.

The monumental digital installation, an upgrade from its previous LED screen launched in 2013 at the same location, features a resolution of 3936×960 pixels compared to the previous 1024×256 pixels.

Measuring 6.4×6.4 metres, it represents a significant investment in enhancing the urban landscape while providing a dynamic platform for advertising, information dissemination, and public engagement.

Positioned strategically at one of Lagos’ busiest intersections, the screen will captivate audiences with high-definition visuals and dynamic content.

Speaking during the launch, the outgoing Group Managing Director/Chief Executive of Zenith Bank Plc, Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu, expressed his delight in the landmark digital infrastructure and lauded the efforts of Institutional Quantum for facilitating the project.

He remarked, “When the idea of upgrading this LED screen came up earlier this year, I was initially sceptical, believing our current standard was sufficient. However, once presented with a graphic illustration of the proposed upgrade, I had no choice but to agree, asking, ‘How soon can we have this installed?’ I want to thank Quantum for their foresight and innovative spirit, which has resulted in this imposing and outstanding LED screen.

It has been about 13 years since we installed the old screen, and the transformation is remarkable. The previous screen had a resolution of 1024×256 pixels, while the new one boasts 3936×960 pixels—a 14-fold increase in resolution, density, and visual capabilities. The new screen offers a 3D effect, making it a live, illuminating, and exciting display that leaves a lasting impression on viewers.”

He added, “At Zenith, our focus is not solely on profit; we also prioritise community welfare. From its inception, Zenith has been a digitally-led organisation, a vision our Founder instilled. Our motto, ‘People, Technology, and Service,’ guides our actions. It’s not just about the messages we send but about the connections we create with people. This facility is captivating and enriching, creating bonds and attractions.”

Mr. Bardia Olowu, a representative of Institutional Quantum, also spoke, expressing gratitude to Zenith Bank’s management for their unwavering support.

He said, “We at Institutional Quantum sincerely thank Zenith Bank, particularly Dr Ebenezer Onyeagwu, for his tremendous support over the years. We commend his innovative mindset, which consistently keeps Zenith at the forefront. We are proud to launch this 3D screen under his leadership.”

Designed to seamlessly blend with the urban environment, the digital/LED screen boasts advanced technology, ensuring optimal visibility day and night, regardless of weather conditions. From vibrant advertisements to holiday greetings, the screen will serve as a dynamic platform for communication and engagement.

Zenith Bank’s track record of excellent performance, especially in innovation and technology, has earned the brand numerous awards. These include being recognised as Best Bank in Nigeria for the fourth time in five years (2020 to 2022 and 2024) in the Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards; Best Bank for Digital Solutions in Nigeria in the Euromoney Awards 2023; Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria; and Best Innovation in Retail Banking, Nigeria in the International Banker 2022 Banking Awards.