Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has presented the certificate of approval to Femi Otedola, the group chairman of FirstHoldCo PLC, to commence the construction of the company’s new headquarters at Eko Atlantic City, Lagos state.  

“I’m now handing over a certificate of approval for them to commence work immediately,” Mr Sanwo-Olu said on Wednesday at the groundbreaking ceremony to flag off the building of the company’s new green-certified 43-storey eco-friendly edifice.  
Mr Sanwo-Olu, who also conducted the laying of the first set of bricks for the edifice — which, upon completion, will be the tallest building in Nigeria — applauded FirstBank for always taking the lead.  

“I want to thank the visionaries who created a new city that will serve as Africa’s model city, one we will all be proud of. Mr. Femi Otedola, well done. Well done to your board and well done to your management. CBN Governor, thank you for the approval. We hope you extend similar approvals to other financial institutions, as there is space for them, too,” the governor stated.  

Mr Otedola, on his part, promised the bank’s customers and stakeholders that the company will continue to be a legacy to behold, adding that, “we shall continue to invest in cutting-edge technology, vibrant human capital, partnerships, and customer-centric innovations that will define banking globally, even as we deepen our footprints across Nigeria.”  

“I have personally themed the creation of Eko Atlantic City as the ninth wonder of the world, coming right after the eighth wonder, the Dangote Metropolitan City. These two wonders continue to reaffirm my faith that Nigeria is indeed a great nation.”  

Also at the event were Vice President Kashim Shettima; Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun; Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo; the founder of Dangote Industries, Aliko Dangote; the co-founders of the Chagoury Group, Gilbert and Roland Chagoury; former Kwara State governor and former Senate president, Bukola Saraki; and other dignitaries.  

FirstBank Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Olusegun Alebiosu stated that the new building symbolises strength, showcasing the bank’s leadership role in customer experience and excellence.

“We are positioned as a bank for the future. It is about building a bank for today and generations to come. It is ensuring that FirstBank remains ahead in the era of tech-driven banking services.” 

The acting group head of marketing and corporate communications for FirstBank of Nigeria Limited, Olayinka Ijabiyi, had said in an earlier statement that the project “will be an engineering and environmental delight due to its technologically advanced, eco-friendly, and sophisticated construction, which would set a new standard for the financial services sector in Africa.”