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Dike Onwuamaeze

The President and Chairman of Council, Nigerian- British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC), Mr. Abimbola Olashore, has described the collaboration between the chamber and First Bank of Nigeria Limited as “a milestone in partnership, vision, and institutional progress.”

Olashore stated this on Tuesday during the official unveiling and commissioning ceremony of the “The Ivory Hall by First Bank,”

He said: “Today is significant not merely because we are dedicating a physical space but because we are marking a milestone in partnership, vision, and institutional progress.

“Let me begin by expressing, on behalf of the entire chamber, our profound appreciation to First Bank of Nigeria Limited.

“Established in 1894 as the first British bank in Nigeria when it operated as the Bank of British West Africa (BBWA), First Bank has for over 130 years remained a pillar of financial stability, trusted service, and deep-rooted institutional heritage.”

He said that “as one of the most enduring and respected financial institutions in the country, First Bank has consistently demonstrated leadership anchored on resilience, service, and innovation,” adding that “their long-standing presence and relevance in Nigeria’s economic history make this partnership especially meaningful to us as a chamber.”

Olashore also acknowledged and deeply appreciated the support First Bank has extended to the chamber so far that has strengthened the chamber’s work and advanced its mission.

He said: “Their decision to invest in the development and naming of this hall is not just a sponsorship; it is a powerful affirmation of confidence in the chamber’s mission, values, and long-term direction. We are truly grateful.

“This hall goes beyond bricks and mortar. It is an investment in the future of our chamber and the wider business community.

“It will serve as a centre for high-level dialogue, policy conversations, capacity-building programmes, and bilateral engagements that strengthen the ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

“It is a space where ideas will be shaped, partnerships will be forged, and strategies that influence national and sectoral growth will be crafted.

“We look forward to deepening our partnership with First Bank through future programmes, joint initiatives, and strategic engagements.”

In his speech during the ceremony, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of First Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Olusegun Alebiosu, said that by collaborating with the NBCC, “we are reinforce our dedication in supporting business communities, facilitating cross-border engagement and contributing meaningfully to the advancing economic growth.

“The First Bank’s Ivory Hall stands as a significant addition to this commitment. It is the chamber’s largest and most strategic ngagement space where business leaders will deliberate, where investors meet with opportunity and where early impact conversations take place.