First Bank of Nigeria Limited has recognised its key distributors in the fast-moving consumer goods, cement, and telecommunications sectors at the 2025 edition of its annual Key Distributor Forum for the South West region.
The event, which held in Lagos, celebrated the contributions of distributors who partner with the bank to drive commerce and support economic growth across multiple sectors.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of FirstBank, Mr. Segun Alebiosu, described the Forum as a central part of the bank’s customer engagement strategy. He explained that the bank sees its distributors not only as customers but as partners within a shared financial ecosystem.
“It’s part of our customer experience, our relationship management initiative. They are our partners, our friends, and part of our own financial ecosystem. They support us and support our customers, and because of the wonderful job they are doing, we want to honour them. They are key to our business,” Alebiosu said.
He added that the Forum, anchored on the Key Distributorship Finance product, was designed to meet the working capital needs of distributors of FirstBank-approved FMCG principals, thereby enabling them to grow and scale.
Addressing the gathering, Alebiosu said, “You are much more than a distributor. We are partners. We are friends. The people you buy from, we support them to grow, and we support you to buy from them to grow.”
Also speaking at the event, the Group Head of Transaction Banking Division, Mr. Mobolade Ojeahere, emphasised the importance of collaboration in building long-term growth. He assured the distributors that the bank would continue to improve on service delivery and expand its support to ensure their businesses thrive.
“At FirstBank, we believe firmly in the power of partnerships, the feedback that you give us that makes us better, and what we can offer you as well that will make the business grow and continue to grow up to greater heights,” Ojeahere stated.
He added that FirstBank would continue to innovate and enhance its services across its branch network, with a strong focus on helping distributors achieve their objectives.
During the ceremony, the bank’s PoS Business unit also unveiled the Firstmonie merchant wallet solution, which was described as a robust offering that provides services such as inventory management, cash management, and other value-added features to support distributors in running efficient businesses.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards across multiple categories to outstanding distributors.
In the non-borrowing distributors category, the Platinum Award went to Mrs. Bolarinwa Adetoun. Opeyemi Baking Industry Limited won the Diamond Award, while Rukbom Oluwakemi Nig Company, Nicebom Investment Limited, and Felicia Modupeoluwa Trading Company Limited received the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Awards, respectively.
Winners in the FMCG distributors category included Laurel Electrical Company, Demiller Farms, Abikka Trading Company Limited, Mut-Keem Concept, and Rollmak Global Concepts.
In the cement distributors category, Transgeneration Enterprises, Ibukunoluwa Trading Stores, Okeoma Happiness, Whumyte Global Ventures, and Temitope Oil Nigeria Limited emerged as top awardees.
The award-loyal distributors category recognised Vicmond Ade Enterprises, Tito Trading Stores, Glad Global Concept Limited, Oyinbashy B Nigeria Limited, and Mosebolatan Segun Onasanya Nigeria Limited.
In the telecoms category, Demmy Global Resource Limited received the Gold Award, Stratford Communications Limited won Silver, while Awake Interlinks Nigeria Limited received the Bronze Award.
FirstBank said the annual Key Distributor Forum reflects its commitment to rewarding excellence, strengthening partnerships, and promoting business sustainability across the country.
By recognising top-performing distributors, the bank said it aims to deepen its relationships with stakeholders, strengthen its retail lending platform, and drive inclusive economic growth.
