Biography of Benjamin A. Oluwole

Biography of Benjamin A. Oluwole

Profile of Great Yorùbá Sons and Daughters of the Past

Benjamin A. Oluwole was a distinguished cashier and accountant at the Bank of British West Africa (now First Bank of Nigeria Limited). He was renowned for his intimidatingly handsome appearance, exceptional brilliance, and outstanding dedication to his career. A pioneer in his field, Oluwole exemplified excellence in a rapidly evolving banking sector.

First Bank of Nigeria Limited: A Historical Overview

Founding and Early History

First Bank of Nigeria Limited, originally known as the Bank of British West Africa (BBWA), was established in Lagos, Nigeria, in 1894 by Sir Alfred Jones. The bank’s headquarters were located in Liverpool, England. A major milestone occurred when BBWA absorbed the African Banking Corporation, founded in 1892. The bank quickly expanded across West Africa, opening branches in:
– Accra, Gold Coast (now Ghana) in 1896
– Freetown, Sierra Leone in 1898

Name Changes Over the Years

1. 1957: Renamed Bank of West Africa (BWA).
2. 1966: Merged with Standard Bank, UK, becoming Standard Bank of West Africa Limited.
3. 1969: Renamed Standard Bank of Nigeria Limited.
4. 1979: Became First Bank of Nigeria Limited.
5. 1991: Rebranded as First Bank of Nigeria Plc.

Contributions to Nigeria’s Economic Development

FirstBank has been a cornerstone of Nigeria’s financial system, contributing significantly to the nation’s economic growth. Its notable roles include:
– Financing private investments in infrastructure development.
– Supporting the Federal Government’s privatization and commercialization initiatives.

Source: National Archives, UK.

Benjamin A. Oluwole’s contributions as part of this illustrious institution remain a testament to the legacy of Yorùbá excellence in professional achievement.