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FBNQUEST Bank Holds AGM, Reports Massive 2023 Financial Success

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FBNQuest Merchant Bank, the investment banking and asset management subsidiary of FBN Holdings Plc, successfully held its 9th Annual General Meeting recently. The gathering served as a platform to present the Bank’s Annual Report and Financial Statements for the financial year ended December 31, 2023. Amid the prevailing economic challenges, the Bank reported a robust financial performance and outlined strategic growth initiatives aimed at delivering sustainable value to its shareholders.

 

 

Mallam Bello Maccido, Chairman of the Board of Directors, commended the Bank’s resilience in navigating through the complexities of the operating environment in 2023. He stated, “2023 was a year filled with unprecedented challenges that tested our resilience. Given the evolving economic landscape which was characterized by shifting government policies and volatile market dynamics, FBNQuest Merchant Bank stood resilient. Our ability to navigate through these challenges underscores our adaptability and unwavering commitment to excellence.”

 

 

The Bank reported a strong financial performance for the year 2023, with gross earnings improving by 43.1% year-on-year to N35.5 billion. Profit Before Tax (PBT) of N4.09 billion was recorded, representing a 36% increase year-on-year while PBT for the FBNQuest Merchant Bank Group was N9.98 billion, reflecting an increase of 91.5% year-on-year. Mallam Maccido added “The asset management business achieved remarkable milestones, hitting above N600 billion in Assets under Management at the end of December 2023. The equities business also posted growth in PBT by 182% year-on-year.” In line with its commitment to providing robust and sustainable returns to shareholders, the Bank declared an interim dividend of N1.01 billion.

 

 

The Bank’s Board continues to ensure that its governance structures conform with international best practices and regulatory guidelines. At the meeting, shareholders approved the appointment of Mr. Afolabi Olorode as Acting Managing Director, noting that the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria had been obtained for his appointment.

 

 

The retirement of Mr. Kayode Akinkugbe as Managing Director and Mr. Taiwo Okeowo as Deputy Managing Director was also acknowledged, both individuals having served the Bank meritoriously for eight years each.

 

 

Looking ahead to 2024, Mallam Bello Maccido expressed optimism about the improved outlook and opportunities for the Bank’s various lines of business. He stated, “We are dedicated to accelerating revenue growth purposefully and responsibly. The Bank remains committed to delivering value to its stakeholders and driving growth in the years ahead. Its solid financial performance and strategic growth initiatives position it for continued success in the dynamic economic landscape.”

 

 

*****About FBNQuest Merchant Bank

FBNQuest Merchant Bank Limited is the investment banking and asset management business of FBN Holdings Plc, one of the strongest and most dependable financial groups in Africa. We are innovative and client-focused, with strong industry and execution expertise to serve our diverse client base of corporate organisations, financial institutions, high net worth, and affluent individuals across a wide range of services.

 

 

From securing wealth to financing business opportunities, we are constantly searching for what comes next so we can take our clients there first. We are a trusted and inspirational partner founded on innovation, a strong heritage, and a pioneering spirit that drives us to help our clients look beyond today and redefine tomorrow.

 

 

We provide services in Corporate Banking, Investment Banking, Wealth Management, Institutional Sales, Fixed Income, Currencies & Treasury, and Agency Services to support the diverse financial needs of our clients.

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BINATONE Announces Special One Month Black Friday Deals!

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Global Appliances Nigeria Limited, manufacturers of Binatone products has, announced an exciting Black Friday deals.

 

The company’s Managing Director, Mr Prasun Banerjee, said the offer cut across Its Full Range of Smart Home Appliances.

“Binatone, one of Africa’s most trusted appliance brands for over 52 years, is delighted to announce its Black Friday Mega Sales offering amazing discounts across all key supermarkets and leading electronic stores nationwide” Mr Banerjee said in a statement.

The promotion will be from November 6th to december 6th, 2026.

During this period, Mr Banerjee said customers will have a full month to enjoy unbeatable prices on a wide range of Binatone products.

“From energy solutions to kitchen essentials, Binatone will bring exceptional value and innovation to every Nigerian home this festive season,” he added.

According to him, this year’s Black Friday promotions will feature exciting offers across multiple categories stressing that Shoppers can enjoy great discounts on stand fans equipped with mosquito-repellent and air-freshness features, including the newly introduced AD 1601 AC/DC Fan, which can be linked to a solar panel for clean, free air.

“The rechargeable fan range, available in three models with replaceable lithium-ion batteries, recharges in just four hours and provides up to ten hours of cooling—enough to last the whole night,” Mr Banerjee added.

For kitchen lovers, he said the KC6000 Yam Pounder/Fufu Maker promises quick, hygienic, and effortless meal preparation while the air-fryer series, available in three models, requires just a teaspoon of oil to make crispy, tasty, and healthy fries.

“Binatone’s cool-touch kettles, models CEJ 1799 and CEJ 1700T, come with elegant digital displays and are designed for safety and convenience, he added.

To protect valuable home appliances, he disclosed that Binatone’s power range offers stabilizers in 2 KVA and 5 KVA capacities and surge-voltage protectors in 13 A30 A ratings—ideal for air conditioners.

“The company’s newly launched Power Stations, available in 1.8 KVA and 2.4 KVA variants, provide portable, plug-and-play power with solar-charging capability, ensuring reliable backup power for homes, small offices, and outdoor use”

He disclosed that customers will also find irresistible discounts on Binatone’s dry and steam irons, garment steamers, and microwave ovens thar are perfect for everyday household needs.

“The breakfast-essentials range features pop-up toasters, sandwich makers, and juicers designed to make mornings easier,” he stated. He announced that the high-powered blender collection includes durable, unbreakable jugs capable of smoothly blending hard nuts and beans.

“Additionally, Binatone has introduced the Tefal Cookware Range, offering premium non-stick pots and pans for healthy cooking, along with Freeplay solar-powered lanterns and torches, ensuring every home remains bright and energy-efficient

“Binatone’s Black Friday celebration is our way of thanking loyal customers for their trust over the years,” Mr Banerjee added.

“We are bringing quality, affordability, and innovation together, thus making this season the perfect time to upgrade your home.

”All Binatone products comes with a two-year warranty, giving customers additional peace of mind and assurance of lasting quality.

“Don’t miss these amazing Black Friday offers, available for a limited time at all major supermarkets, electronic stores, and online platforms across,” he stated.

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Wema Bank’s Top 21 Hackaholics 7.0 Grand Finale Finalists Emerge

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Wema Bank, Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, has unveiled the Top 21 finalists for Hackaholics 7.0, who will compete at the grand finale scheduled for Friday, November 6, 2026, in Lagos. Themed Festival of the Future, the grand finale will bring together innovators, technology leaders, startup founders, investors and key players in Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem for an immersive celebration of ideas, technology and the possibilities shaping the future.

 

The Top 21 finalists are: Dynalimb, Harthiq, Acceede, Vhorde, URI, Trarrk, SocialSign, RaverPay, All-Arbitrates, CitizensGage, Craft-Planet, FOID, PayByPalm, Niteonn, Nexa-AI, Neural-Forge, MamaAlert, JolliFlow, Becca, CropiQ and Middleman.

Hackaholics is Wema Bank’s youth and start-up-focused initiative, designed to provide young innovators with a platform to transform creative, technology-driven ideas into practical solutions to real-world challenges and gain a competitive edge in the global technology and digital space. Since its launch in 2019, the initiative has recorded over 21,000 applicants, engaged more than 50,000 participants, supported over 10,000 startups across three countries and developed more than 100 solutions from scratch.

The 7th edition, which commenced on July 1, 2026, attracted 5,329 participants and generated 1,632 innovative ideas and solutions across seven pitch-centre locations: Uyo, Kano, YabaTech, Benin, Ibadan, Enugu and Lagos. Following the nationwide tour, 59 participants emerged from the various centres, with the Top 21 selected through a rigorous, multi-stage evaluation process.

The Hackaholics 7.0 grand finale week will feature a three-day programme of strategic engagement and innovation-focused activities. On Wednesday, November 4, the finalists will participate in the Pre-Pitch, where they will present refined versions of their solutions. This will be followed by the Ecosystem Tour on Thursday, November 5, powered by Wema Bank, offering participants the opportunity to visit leading institutions within the technology and innovation ecosystem, interact with industry professionals and gain practical insights ahead of the final competition. The programme will culminate in the grand finale on Friday, November 6, where outstanding innovators will be recognised and celebrated.

Through Hackaholics, Wema Bank continues to demonstrate its commitment to advancing Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem by identifying emerging talent, creating opportunities for young innovators and supporting the development of solutions to real-world challenges. The initiative reinforces the Bank’s role in empowering the next generation of innovators and building an ecosystem where ideas can thrive and possibilities become reality.

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Sanusi Warns FG Against Spending Without Restraint

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Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, has implied that the Federal government may not be able to achieve it’s economic reform dream if it maintains it’s present expenditure rate, declaring that Nigeria could not pursue fiscal consolidation while continuing to spend without restraint.

 

Speaking virtually to the audience at the Oxford Global Think Tank Leadership Conference, organised by the Oxford Global Think Tank, on Tuesday, the monarch said reform must go beyond removing fuel subsidies and liberalising the exchange rate, describing it as a comprehensive package that needed to address many other areas.

He said government needed to make clear spending priorities, choosing between roads, electricity, agriculture, and technology based on available resources.

The Emir also raised concerns about the size of government expenditure, saying Nigeria could not pursue fiscal consolidation while continuing to spend without restraint.

He said the World Bank had pointed out that in the first half of this year Nigeria’s debt service consumed 124 per cent of federal government revenue.

Sanusi warned that the country needed to urgently address the sustainability of its debt and pursue structural reforms that had not yet been made.

The former CBN boss said every $10 billion spent on roads was $10 billion taken away from electricity and agriculture, stressing the need for deliberate choices.

Sanusi acknowledged that Tinubu’s economic reforms had produced measurable progress, citing improvements in GDP growth, inflation, and foreign reserves.

He said GDP growth has risen from an average of 0.9 per cent under the previous administration to 4.5 per cent, describing the change as progress that deserved recognition.

“I think moving from an average growth rate of 0.9 per cent to 4.5 per cent is progress. Moving from inflation of over 30 per cent to 14.5 per cent is progress.”

“Moving from the point where in 2023 the central bank’s reserves were maybe negative to where we are now having reserves of $55 billion is progress.”

He, however, stressed that issues such as poverty, hunger, maternal mortality, malnutrition, education and healthcare remained serious concerns that the reforms has not yet addressed.

Sanusi said the government should have designed social safety net policies to soften the impact of reforms on vulnerable Nigerians from the beginning.

The former CBN boss also advised the government to tolerate constructive criticism,warning the Federal Government against treating every comment about it’s workings as an attack on President Bola Tinubu.

“It’s not every time people talk about poverty or talk about difficulty that they’re just enemies of the government or making an attack on the president. That is not how to respond to economic distress,” he said.

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