E-Financial
COVID-19: Heritage Bank Adopts Systemic Business Management Strategy to Meet Customers’ Needs
Heritage Bank Plc has disclosed that the safety and wellbeing of its customers and employees are amongst the most pressing business needs, as the world grapple with the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic on human lives, businesses and economies.
Ifie Sekibo, MD/CEO of Heritage Bank, in his message to customers, explained that the bank has adapted to the changing environment swiftly to offer more seamless services that is usable and accessible without interruption.
According to him, the bank adopted a systemic business continuity management strategy, as a crisis response measures in place to minimise and manage the risk arising from the disease and ensure that the payment infrastructure and logistics to maintain seamless operations are readily available.
He stated that despite the cessation movement by the Federal Government to contain the spread, “Heritage Bank remains resolute to continually serve you seamlessly despite prohibitions imposed on physical contact through our bouquet of electronic products which have been made available on notable mobile stores and our website (www.hbng.com).
Sekibo, who reiterated that Heritage Bank is people focused, noted that a percentage of its workforce work from the business offices to carryout duties which cannot be executed remotely, whilst others work remotely from home for safety.
He further stated that efforts were ongoing via the bank’s intranet and other channels to keep staff and customers up-to-date with the latest COVID-19 information and provide clear direction and guidance expected of workers and customers.
“All Heritage Bank staff have been trained in safety and protection measures and I will make it a responsibility that our organization continues to practice goof hygiene, through frequent hand washing, use of sanitizers, and practicing social distancing during and beyond the pandemic.
“We have setup a COVID-19 Support Centre to offer COVID-19 safety tips to all our customers during this period, in support of the efforts of the Government and relevant bodies.
“Please send any information relating to the COVID-19 pandemic via these channels: E-mail: [email protected] and contact number: 01-2369099,” the bank’s helmsman stated.
Sekibo, who said, “we are in this together,” noted that the world are inspired by the selfless health workers on the frontlines; whilst commending them for their self-sacrificing and bravery in the fight to contain the spread of the virus to keep the world safe and inhabitable.
Meanwhile, the MD, who expressed his heartfelt wish for full recovery of those affected directly or indirectly by the virus, stated, “it is my supreme hope that the global halt comes to an end and that its cause, the virus, is vanquished sooner than later. I know that when this happens, we will rise from it all, stronger, as we started together.”
Ecobank Nigeria has announced the successful repayment of the outstanding principal and accrued interest on its original $300 million Eurobond due February 16, 2026, marking a significant milestone in its liability management strategy and overall balance sheet strengthening efforts.
Following the full repayment of the Eurobond obligations, the Bank stated that it will now focus its funding initiatives primarily on the domestic capital markets. T
his strategic shift reflects growing confidence in Nigeria’s local debt market and aligns with Ecobank Nigeria’s long-term objective of optimising funding costs while deepening its participation in the domestic financial ecosystem.
“Going forward, Ecobank Nigeria will prioritise domestic credit ratings and local debt issuance to achieve its funding objectives,” stated Ogorchukwu Okwechime, Financial Controller, Ecobank Nigeria, in Lagos.
He added that the successful repayment reinforces the Bank’s commitment to maintaining a resilient balance sheet and sustaining investor confidence.
The tender offer was conducted with Renaissance Capital Africa (Renaissance Securities Nigeria Limited) acting as financial adviser and dealer manager, while Sodali & Co Limited served as tender agent.
The notes were originally issued by EBN Finance Company B.V., with limited recourse to the issuer, for the sole purpose of financing the purchase of the US$300 million 7.125 per cent Senior Note due 2026 issued by Ecobank Nigeria.
The transaction underscores Ecobank Nigeria’s proactive approach to liability management, prudent capital planning, and strategic alignment with evolving market conditions.
It further positions the Bank to leverage domestic funding opportunities while maintaining financial flexibility and operational stability.
Bank of Industry (BOI) has received approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to operate a Non-Interest Banking (NIB) Window.
Theodora Amechi, bank’s divisional head, Public Relations, said the regulatory nod allows BOI to launch non-interest banking operations, targeting underserved business segments with tailored financial solutions to support Nigeria’s industrial development.
BOI stated that NIB operations will promote inclusive growth, attract ethical funding, bolster the real economy, and finance customer assets and raw materials using approved non-interest products.
“This approval authorises BOI to commence Non-Interest Banking operations, positioning the bank to further advance Nigeria’s sustainable and inclusive industrial development through tailored financial solutions for underserved and high-impact business segments.
“The Non-interest Banking operations will enable BOI to drive inclusive growth, mobilise new ethical funding, expand support for the real economy, and align its financing activities with social and developmental objectives.
According to the bank, under this framework, BOI will be able to finance customers’ assets and raw materials using approved Non-Interest Banking products.
Announcing this milestone, Dr Olasupo Olusi, MD/CEO, Bank of Industry, said, “This licence marks a pivotal moment in the Bank’s journey of transforming Nigeria’s industrial sector. With this licence, we can reach a new category of borrowers who, before now, could not be served.”
He said the approval underscores the CBN’s confidence in the Bank’s commitment to responsible financing, adding that it will allow the bank to scale its operations, introduce innovative financing solutions, and deepen support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), as well as other underserved segments critical to Nigeria’s sustainable economic growth.
“BOI’s decision to commence Non-Interest Banking operations is aimed at expanding access to ethical funding for businesses—particularly those that have traditionally avoided conventional interest-based financing.
This initiative opens new opportunities for ethically motivated and faith-sensitive enterprises, as well as segments of the economy that face challenges accessing traditional credit.
It enables such businesses to access much-needed financing and participate confidently in the formal financial system in a manner consistent with their values and business realities.
Bank of Industry (BOI) is Nigeria’s foremost Development Finance Institution, committed to driving industrial growth and inclusive economic development,” Olusi said.
Established in 1959 as the Investment Company of Nigeria (ICON) and reconstituted as Nigerian Industrial Development Bank (NIDB) under World Bank guidance in 1964.
The Bank assumed its current form in 2001 following the merger of the Nigerian Bank for Commerce and Industry (NBCI) and the National Economic Reconstruction Fund (NERFUND).
The Bank’s primary mandate is to provide financial assistance for the establishment and expansion of large, medium, small-scale, and micro projects.
Zenith Bank Plc has cautioned the public against fraudulent videos circulating online falsely claiming that Group Chairman Dr. Jim Ovia endorses an investment scheme called “Wealth Bridge.”
Jim Ovia
In a disclaimer issued Tuesday by its management, the bank described the videos—circulated via the “Greece Island” Facebook handle—as entirely fake, doctored content bearing no connection to Dr. Ovia, the bank, or its affiliates.
The materials falsely promise up to N2 million in weekly returns for a N380,000 investment, while baselessly alleging Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) endorsement and redirecting viewers to a sham “Arise News” webpage with a signup portal.
“Our attention has been drawn to a doctored video and still pictures currently circulating on social media, purporting to depict the Group Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc (‘the Bank’) as endorsing an investment scheme called ‘Wealth Bridge’ on the ‘Greece Island’ Facebook handle and soliciting members of the public to engage in a business relationship with the so-called entity,” the statement read.
“This claim is entirely false and has no connection whatsoever to the Group Chairman, the Bank or any of its affiliate companies.”
Zenith Bank stressed that Dr. Ovia and the institution have no knowledge of or partnership with “Wealth Bridge,” “delicious sitee,” “AfriQuantumX,” “Stock market analyst 1,” or related entities. The public was warned that dealing with these schemes carries full personal risk.
Ravenewsonline urges vigilance against rising impersonation scams targeting financial institutions.
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