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.

On Wednesday, the Federal High Court in Lagos ordered the interim forfeiture of $1,426,175.14 linked to the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele.

Justice Ayokunle Faji issued the order following an ex parte application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The EFCC, represented by counsel Bilikisu Buhari-Bala, argued that the funds were reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities connected to Emefiele, who is currently facing multiple criminal trials.

Justice Faji directed the EFCC to publish the interim forfeiture order in a national newspaper, thereby inviting any interested parties to appear before the court within 14 days to contest the forfeiture.

According to the EFCC’s investigator, David Jayeoba, credible intelligence led to the discovery of the funds in a bank account.

Jayeoba’s affidavit detailed how, between 2021 and 2022, directors of Donatone Limited—Uzeobo Anthony and Adebanjo Olurotimi—allegedly collected bribes on behalf of Emefiele to facilitate foreign exchange approvals during a period of forex scarcity.

“Payments totaling $26,552,000 were made to Donatone’s accounts, with significant transactions recorded on specific dates in 2021 and 2022,” Jayeoba revealed.

The funds were reportedly laundered through a foreign account in Mauritius before being returned to Nigeria. The balance in the account, currently $1,426,175.14, is now subject to forfeiture.

The EFCC’s application cited Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006, which empowers the court to order the forfeiture of funds suspected to be proceeds of crime.

The EFCC contended that the funds should be forfeited to the Federal Government as proceeds of unlawful activities.

Justice Faji’s order for interim forfeiture is part of a broader crackdown on financial misconduct linked to Emefiele.

Just days earlier, Justice Yelim Bogoro of the same Federal High Court ordered the interim forfeiture of $4.7 million, N830 million, and properties also linked to the former CBN governor.

Emefiele is currently facing several charges, including procurement fraud, unauthorized redesign of the naira notes, and forgery of the former President Muhammadu Buhari’s signature to allegedly divert funds from the CBN.

The court’s decision underscores the Nigerian government’s intensified efforts to combat corruption and financial crimes.

The EFCC’s success in securing these interim forfeiture orders highlights its commitment to holding high-profile individuals accountable and recovering illicitly obtained assets.

The case is scheduled for a final forfeiture hearing on June 25, where further arguments will be presented, and interested parties will have the opportunity to contest the interim forfeiture order.

The outcome of this hearing could set a precedent for similar cases involving financial misconduct by public officials.