Fidelity Bank Plc (“Fidelity Bank” or the “Bank”) has concluded all necessary arrangements to raise a total of up to ₦127,100,000,000.00 (One Hundred Twenty-Seven Billion, One Hundred Million Naira) by way of a Rights Issue to existing shareholders and a Public Offer (the “Combined Offer”).
L – R: Stanley Amuchie, Executive Director, Chief Operations & Information Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc; Oladele Sotubo, MD/CEO Stanbic Capital; Dr Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, MD/CEO, Fidelity Bank Plc; Mustafa Chike-Obi Chairman, Fidelity Bank Plc; Ezinwa Unuigboje, Company Secretary, Fidelity Bank Plc; and Jubril Enakele, Chief Executive, Iron Global Markets Limited at the signing ceremony of the Fidelity Bank Public Offer and Rights Issue at the Bank’s head office in Lagos recently.
The Combined Offer is a part of the Bank’s strategy to increase its share capital base in compliance with the revised minimum capital requirements for Nigerian commercial banks introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (“CBN”) on 28 March 2024.
Overall, the Bank expects that the capital raised would support the Bank’s efforts to drive sustained growth and diversification of its earnings base.
The Signing Ceremony with respect to the Combined Offer was held at the Board Room of the headquarters of Fidelity Bank in Lagos on Wednesday, 5 June 2024.
The Bank’s shareholders had already approved the Rights Issue and Public Offer at the Extra-Ordinary General Meeting held on Friday, 11 August 2023. Under the Rights Issue, 3,200,000,000 (Three Billion Two Hundred Million) ordinary shares of 50 kobo each will be offered in the ratio of 1 new ordinary share for every 10 ordinary shares held as of 05 January 2024, at ₦9.25 per share. For the Public Offer, 10,000,000,000 ordinary shares of 50 kobo each will be offered to the general investing public at ₦9.75 per share.
Stanbic IBTC Capital is the Lead Issuing House to the Combined Offer, whilst the Joint Issuing Houses include Iron Global Markets Limited, Cowry Asset Management Limited, Afrinvest Capital Limited, FSL Securities Limited, Futureview Financial Services Limited, Iroko Capital Market Advisory Limited, Kairos Capital Limited and Planet Capital Limited.
The Acceptance and Application lists for the Rights Issue and Public Offer are expected to open on Thursday, 20 June 2024 and close on Monday, 29 July 2024.
At the Signing Ceremony, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank PLC, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, disclosed that the proceeds of the Combined Offer will be applied towards investment in IT infrastructure, business and regional expansion, and investment in product distribution channels.
The Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Capital, Oladele Sotubo, commended Fidelity Bank’s management team for their commitment towards executing the Combined Offer.
He lauded their efforts for being at the forefront of achieving the CBN’s revised minimum capital requirements for Nigerian commercial banks. While thanking the Bank for trusting Stanbic IBTC Capital to lead and advise on this landmark transaction, Dele expressed confidence that the deal would encourage other corporates to tap into the equity capital markets to raise funding to meet their strategic business needs.
The rights circular for the issue, which contains a Provisional Allotment Letter and the Participation Form, will be mailed directly to shareholders of the Bank. Printed copies of the Public Offer Prospectus can be obtained at the offices of Fidelity Bank and the Issuing Houses during the Public Offer Application Period.
All existing shareholders and prospective investors are encouraged to read the Rights Circular and Prospectus and, where in doubt, consult your Stockbroker, Fund/Portfolio Manager, Accountant, Banker, Solicitor, or any other professional adviser for guidance before subscribing.
Fidelity Bank Plc is making impressive strides on its path to fulfilling the recapitalization targets set by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). With the successful completion of the first phase of its capital-raising initiative that was oversubscribed by 238% and its share price growth of over 100%, investor confidence in the bank is at an all time high.
Following the successful completion of phase 1 of its capital raise, the bank is exceptionally well-positioned to not only meet the regulatory threshold but to also fuel its growth trajectory in the long-term.
With the conclusion of its equity capital raise, the response has been nothing short of extraordinary, with the Public Offer oversubscribed by an astounding 237.92%. This translates to 107,588 valid applications for a total of 23,768,724,000 ordinary shares, amounting to ₦231.7 billion. The Rights Issue also shone brightly, achieving a remarkable 137.73% subscription rate with 6,903 valid applications for 4,407,252,795 ordinary shares, totaling ₦40.7 billion.
Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, the Managing Director and CEO of Fidelity Bank, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support from investors, stating, “The positive results recorded in our Combined Offer are a testament to the strength of the Fidelity Bank franchise in the capital market.” Such a robust response not only underscores investor confidence but also reaffirms the bank’s unwavering commitment to delivering innovative financial solutions and sustainable returns to its stakeholders.
Following this remarkable success, Fidelity Bank has secured shareholder approval to launch the second phase of its capital-raising initiatives. This includes a significant increase in the bank’s issued share capital from ₦26.7 billion to ₦36.7 billion. Shareholders endorsed this expansion during an Extraordinary General Meeting on February 6, 2025, approving the creation of an additional 20 billion ordinary shares of ₦0.50 each.
This strategic capital boost positions Fidelity Bank to meet the CBN’s new minimum regulatory capital requirement of ₦500 billion for banks with international authorization before March 31, 2026. This ambitious goal aligns seamlessly with the bank’s vision for sustainable growth and exceptional service delivery, setting the stage for a dynamic future.
Fidelity Bank’s stock performance has further solidified its status as a top contender in the financial sector. From an initial offer price of ₦9.75 per share during the Public Offer, shares soared to a high of ₦21.15 on February 7, 2025, representing an impressive growth rate of over 116%. This positions Fidelity Bank as one of the best-performing financial institutions in the market, with analysts from Apel Asset Limited noting an impressive 80% return on investment for shareholders who have held shares since 2023.
Market analysts project a considerable upside potential of 28.88%, establishing a fair value of Fidelity Bank at ₦23.15 against a reference price of ₦19.50. Such promising indicators not only enhance investor confidence but also position Fidelity Bank as a compelling investment opportunity within the Nigerian banking landscape.
The funds raised from the initial phases of the capital-raising exercises are earmarked for several key initiatives. Fidelity Bank plans to utilize these resources for local and international business expansion, enhancing technology infrastructure, and improving customer service initiatives. This proactive approach showcases the bank’s commitment to innovation and operational excellence.
As the bank gears up for the next phase of its capital-raising initiative, the primary focus remains on achieving its recapitalization targets while consistently delivering value to stakeholders. The bank’s leadership is confident that, with sustained investor support and a robust financial strategy, it will adeptly navigate the evolving landscape of the Nigerian banking sector.
Fidelity Bank’s recent achievements in capital raising signal a pivotal moment in its journey toward strengthening its financial foundation. With robust investor backing, strategic capital allocation, and a clear vision for growth, Fidelity Bank is not just on track to meet its recapitalization target—it is poised to exceed it.
The road ahead promises to be one of sustained growth and innovation, reinforcing Fidelity Bank’s position as a leader in the Nigerian financial sector. As the bank looks toward the future, it remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering strong relationships with investors and delivering on its promise of financial excellence and exceptional customer satisfaction.
Fidelity Bank’s proactive measures and impressive market performance pave the way for a brighter, more prosperous future—one where it continues to lead with integrity and vision in the ever-evolving financial landscape.
Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO), a leading financial services institution renowned for its innovative approach to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and stakeholder engagement, today announced the launch of its “Waste for Gas” project to improve quality of life for households and empower women in underserved communities.
This transformative initiative aims to distribute 3,000 3kg gas cylinders with burners to low-income households in Obafemi Owode Local Government, Mowe, Ogun State.
The Waste for Gas project underscores GTCO’s unwavering commitment to improving outcomes for people and communities. By providing households with gas-powered cooking, the initiative simplifies daily routines, freeing up time for essential activities that support financial resilience.
The initiative also introduces a structured “waste for gas” exchange programme that promotes responsible waste management, fostering a culture of sustainability.
The project will unfold in two key phases, ensuring that it reaches those most in need.
In the first phase, teams from GTCO, in collaboration with local government representatives, will conduct door-to-door visits across 12 wards in Obafemi Owode Local Government from Monday to Friday, February 18th – 21st, 2025.
These visits will help identify beneficiaries who currently rely on firewood and charcoal for cooking. Participating households will collect and return plastic waste in exchange for gas cylinders and burners.
In the second phase, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, February 22nd and 23rd, 2025, efforts will be shifted to monitoring and increasing adoption of the new cooking method among the beneficiaries.
Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Segun Agbaje, Group Chief Executive Officer of GTCO Plc, stated: “At GTCO, we are committed to driving progress, not just through innovative financial solutions but by creating real impact in the communities where we operate.
Waste for Gas is about making life easier for families, giving them more time for what truly matters—whether it’s education, meaningful work, or personal development.
Beyond this initiative, our goal is to continually evolve sustainable platforms that empower people, strengthen communities, and contribute to socioeconomic progress.”
As GTCO continues to expand its CSR footprint, the Waste for Gas project serves as a blueprint for future interventions that drive meaningful, long-lasting impact in underserved communities.
Dr. Owen Omogiafo Transcorp Group President to Deliver Keynote at Women in Energy Forum, NIES 2025
AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM
SPONSORED BY: H&H
Dr. Owen D. Omogiafo, OON the President and Group Chief Executive Officer of Transcorp Plc, is set to deliver a keynote address at the Women in Energy Forum during the Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) 2025. The summit is scheduled from February 24th to 27th, 2025 in Abuja.
Dr. Omogiafo
The Women in Energy Forum, themed “Advancing Africa’s Energy Transformation and Inclusion,” aims to highlight the pivotal role of women in Africa’s evolving energy landscape. Dr. Omogiafo’s keynote, titled “Leadership, Innovation, and the Future of Women in Energy,” will delve into the significance of innovative leadership and the increasing contributions of women in the sector.
Dr. Omogiafo has been a prominent advocate for equitable energy access and gender-inclusive leadership. Her participation underscores the importance of diversity and innovation in driving Africa’s energy transformation.
The NIES 2025 serves as a premier platform for international energy discourse, uniting stakeholders to foster innovation and unlock value across the continent. The inclusion of forums like the Women in Energy Forum highlights the summit’s commitment to comprehensive and inclusive discussions on Africa’s energy future.
Dr. Omogiafo’s insights are expected to inspire and influence strategies for leadership and innovation, emphasizing the critical role of women in shaping the future of energy in Africa.