FirstBank has reinforced its sales operations with the addition of 365 newly trained sales personnel, all of whom recently completed an intensive program at the FirstBank Sales Academy. Celebrating this milestone, the bank hosted a Close-Out Party to mark the graduation of the cohort from the five-week training, a first in the institution’s 131-year history.
The 2024 Sales Academy program, designed as a hybrid course, aimed to equip delegates with the essential skills and strategies to navigate the dynamic banking landscape. The training encompassed a range of subjects including Sales Performance Measurement and Analytics, Basic Credit & Risk Management, and an introduction to FirstBank’s Business Dynamics and Culture.
At the event, Seyi Oyefeso, Executive Director, Retail Banking South, represented by Omolola Otesile, Group Head of Retail Banking, Lagos Mainland, emphasized FirstBank’s commitment to professional development. “As the banking industry evolves, FirstBank recognizes the need for advanced skills to address its complexities. The Sales Academy was established to prepare both emerging and experienced professionals with the expertise required in modern banking,” Oyefeso stated, noting the Academy’s role in shaping Nigeria’s future banking leaders.
The investment in the Sales Academy, he added, highlights FirstBank’s dedication to enhancing service quality across the nation. “By equipping a new generation with the skills, resilience, and ethical standards necessary to thrive, we aim to redefine leadership in Nigerian banking,” Oyefeso remarked.
Muyiwa Olulaja, Group Head of Human Capital Management & Development, expressed excitement over the academy’s impact. “This is the first time in our 131-year history that we have focused specifically on sales training. The rigor of this program has produced a quality cohort, and we are confident they will excel when deployed to branches nationwide,” Olulaja commented.
Tolulope Uwadia, Head of the First Academy, underscored that this initiative aligns with the bank’s commitment to customer service. “Our strategy is customer-centric, and this program ensures we have sufficient, skilled staff to meet and exceed customer expectations,” she said.
FirstBank’s new sales team members are expected to play a pivotal role in expanding the bank’s customer reach and maintaining its legacy of service excellence across Nigeria.
