Nigeria’s foremost lender, First Bank of Nigeria Plc (FirstBank) has thrown its support for the Nigeria Student Economic Forum billed for the Benson Idahosa University, Benin City, Edo State, from April 4 – 7, 2011.

The Students Economic Forum, which is the largest gathering of Nigerian students representing various higher institutions in the country, is convening in Benin City to discuss students’ roles in economic development.

The forum, which promises to be inspiring, exciting, innovative and informative, will involve discussants treating issues of national transformation, strengthening the next generation for economic development as well as helping students take part in the development of the state and the nation as a whole.

According to the Head of Marketing & Corporate Communications, FirstBank, Mrs. Folake Ani-Mumuney, the involvement of FirstBank in the forum is to help create a platform for linking the Federal Government and the Youths of the country together to redefine the role of the Nigerian Youth in the economy.

“We at FirstBank see the Students Economic Forum as an opportunity to get students involved in financial literacy and direct their strengths into positive profitable ventures for themselves and that of their families,” she said.
As West Africa’s pioneer financial services group, FirstBank has had legendary contributions to national growth and development over the past 116 years, having served as Nigeria’s central bank prior to the advent of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) amongst other roles in ensuring methodical and rapid economic transformation of Nigeria and the sub-region.

With over 5 million customers, eleven (11) financial subsidiaries, and presence in the UK, France, South Africa and China, FirstBank is arguably Nigeria’s most diversified full-suite financial services group and indeed a national icon.