By Edu Abade
Premier West African bank and a leading financial inclusion service provider, FirstBank has disclosed plans to introduce tailored financial services for the blind, partially sighted and physically challenged customers across all segments of its operations.
This initiative is part of FirstBank’s broader continuous commitment to promoting Financial Inclusion and Diversity, which is shown in its policies, partnerships and initiatives such as its employees’ ratio of female to male (about 41 percent, 59 percent and 37 percent women in management roles) as well as the FirstBank Women Network, an initiative that seeks to address the gender gap and increase the participation of women at all levels within the organization.
In addition, the Bank’s membership of the United Nations (UN) Women is an affirmation of a deliberate policy that is consistent with UN Women’s Women Empowerment’s Principles (WEPs)─Equal Opportunity, Inclusion, and Nondiscrimination.
Commenting on the proposed launch, the Chief Risk Officer and Chairman, FirstBank Sustainability Committee, Patrick Akhidenor, said, “Everyone deserves access to financial services whether physically or digitally. We recognize this, and we are providing financial services that are both accessible and affordable to visually impaired and physically challenged customers at all our touch points. We are making it possible for them to manage their accounts independently and securely.”
The initiative will be implemented in phases across all subsidiaries and locations of the FirstBank Group. Transaction documents will be made available in Braille, audio, large print and digital formats. Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) will be upgraded with high-contrast screens and voice-prompt commands, while cards issued will feature tactile motifs and Braille inscriptions for easy recognition.
Already existing soft Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) and tokens would be enhanced to boost secure access to banking channels. Product brochures will also be made available in Braille and audio formats to support customer understanding and engagement.
FirstBank’s efforts align with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) financial inclusion strategy and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which advocate equal access to financial services.
With this initiative, FirstBank is shaping a future where every individual, regardless of physical ability, can manage their financial affairs without third-party assistance. By embedding accessibility into its core operations, the Bank is setting a new standard for ethical, inclusive, and impactful banking.
Meanwhile, in line with its commitments of promoting sports and developmental initiatives at all levels, First Bank of Nigeria Limited is partnering the organizers of the first of its kind E1 Lagos GP, an all-electric powerboat racing championship, set to hold between October 3, 2025 and October 5, 2025. Disclosing this at the E1 Lagos GP Stakeholder Immersion session in Lagos recently, Olayinka Ijabiyi, the Acting Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communication of FirstBank, reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to supporting initiatives that engender human development across the country while cementing legacies.
“Our involvement in the E1 Lagos GP is about driving legacy and enabling the passions and aspirations that unite Nigerians. We are a bank that has been in business for over 131 years and we recognize that sports drives us as a country, which is why through our First@Sports initiative, we continue to invest in platforms that inspire and elevate our people. We have been supporting legacy sport tournaments like the Georgian Polo Cup which we have hosted for 105 years, and the Lagos Amateur Open Golf Championship for 64 years now,” Ijabiyi said.
With the event slated for the start of the fourth quarter, FirstBank is aligning its partnership with the annual DecemberIssaVybe initiative, a campaign that celebrates the vibrant spirit of Nigerians during the festive season by curating unforgettable experiences that blend culture, entertainment and lifestyle. “FirstBank is deeply woven into the fabric of society and the lives of our customers. As presenting partners, we are creating meaningful touchpoints with customers and prospects, offering them a world-class experience of relaxation and celebration that captures the true essence of Lagos during the festive season,” he added.
Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, who was also at the event, described the initiative as an event that will grow not just the sports but also showcase Lagos’s vibrant culture, dynamic people, and global relevance, while commending FirstBank for their support.
The teams owned by notable stars like Tom Brady, LeBron James, Didier Drogba, Will Smith, Marc Anthony, Steve Aoki, Rafael Nadal will compete in the Lagos leg before the 2025 season of the competition terminates in Miami in the United States.
