FirstBank of Nigeria Limited has equipped 365 delegates with the essential tools, knowledge and strategies through a five-week intensive training at its inaugural Sales Academy.
The academy, a testament to FirstBank’s commitment to developing top-tier talent, had a celebratory close-out party on Friday night.
The party was held in Iganmu, Lagos State.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the five-week intensive training programme is a step by the bank in nurturing its future leaders to excel in the dynamic world of sales.
The event featured a variety of entertainment, interactive sessions, while class governors from each of the three cohorts delivered presentations on their groups’ activities during the training.
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Seyi Oyefeso, Executive Director, Retail Banking South, FirstBank, encouraged the new employees to strive for leadership roles within the bank by distinguishing themselves in sales.
Oyefeso, represented by Omolola Otesile, Group Head, Retail Banking, Lagos Mainland, FirstBank, added that sales was the oldest natural culture practiced by humans from childhood.
Otesile said: “The future is in your hands.
“What you do with it is up to you.
“Congratulations once again.
“You are the leaders of tomorrow.
“Make sure you don’t shortchange yourselves.
“As the banking industry evolves, First Bank of Nigeria recognises the need for advanced skills to address its complexities.
“To meet this demand, the First Bank Sales Academy was established as a premier training ground for both aspiring and experienced banking professionals.
“This Academy is more than just a training centre.
“It offers a transformative experience designed to equip participants with both foundational knowledge and the practical skills essential for success in modern banking.”
Muyiwa Olulaja, Group Head, Human Capital Management and Development, FirstBank, explained that the delegates were selected through a rigorous process.
Olulaja noted that this was the first time in the bank’s 131-year history that it had hosted a programme focused solely on sales training, designed to enhance participants’ knowledge, competence and confidence.
Tolulope Uwadia, Head of First Academy, FirstBank, added that the training aligns with the bank’s commitment to prioritising customer satisfaction.
According to her, the initiative aims to integrate fresh, young minds into the bank, equipping them to support sales, handle customer complaints and ensure optimal service delivery.
Uwadia said the training programme would continue with 600 new trainees already enlisted in the academy.
She said the close-out party served as a reward for the delegates’ hard work and as an opportunity for the cohorts to bond, socialise, and learn about FirstBank’s values.
Sales team members also shared insights into the rewarding nature of sales in banking, discussing strategies for success and ways to build customer loyalty through positive referrals.
Ololade Babalola, a member of the Mactay Class One Cohort from Ondo State, along with other delegates expressed gratitude to FirstBank for the impactful experience.