Prominent dignitaries, business leaders, and political figures gathered on Wednesday for the groundbreaking ceremony of First Bank’s new 40-storey headquarters at Eko Atlantic, Victoria Island, Lagos. The event marked the beginning of a landmark project designed to redefine sustainable banking practices and transform the city’s skyline.
The new headquarters, a green-certified building, underscores First Bank’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. It is expected to reduce operational costs while positioning the bank as a leader in environmentally conscious infrastructure within Africa’s financial sector.
A Gathering of Titans
The ceremony attracted a host of high-profile guests, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Aliko Dangote (President of the Dangote Group), Femi Otedola (Chairman of FBN Holdings), billionaire businessman Adedeji Adeleke, and former Senate President Bukola Saraki. Also in attendance were Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his deputy Obafemi Hamzat, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, and Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
Celebrating 130 Years of Excellence
In a post on X.com, former Senate President Bukola Saraki congratulated First Bank on its 130-year legacy of remarkable achievements. He described the new headquarters as a symbol of progress and innovation.
“As one of Nigeria’s oldest banks, FirstBank has achieved incredible milestones over its 130-year history,” Saraki wrote. “Today, it was a privilege to join the Management, Board, and friends of the bank at the groundbreaking of its innovative 40-storey green headquarters in Eko Atlantic City. This development will not only redefine the Lagos skyline as Nigeria’s tallest building but also usher in a new era of sustainable and technologically advanced infrastructure in Africa’s financial sector.”
A Boost for Lagos and Beyond
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu also expressed his enthusiasm for the project, highlighting its potential to enhance the state’s economic landscape.
“Today, I attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the First Bank Plc Iconic Tower at Eko Atlantic, alongside Vice President Kashim Shettima,” Sanwo-Olu wrote on X.com. “This project marks the beginning of a significant development that will transform the skyline of Victoria Island and further boost the economic growth of our state.”
A Vision for the Future
The new headquarters is more than just a building; it represents First Bank’s vision for a sustainable and technologically advanced future. By integrating green building practices and cutting-edge technology, the bank aims to set a new standard for corporate infrastructure in Africa.
As construction begins, the project promises to be a beacon of innovation, sustainability, and economic progress, solidifying First Bank’s position as a trailblazer in Nigeria’s financial sector.
