BY MICHAEL EBOH

 Two customers have emerged winners of a Kia Picanto each while more than 200 others emerged winners of other prizes in the Lagos draw of the First Bank Golden Anniversary Promotion.

The draw which was held in Lagos, saw Mr. Daniel Urieto, a customer of the bank’s Ijora Branch and a retired officer of the Nigerian Navy and Mr. Abass Yusuf, a 24-year old Supermarket Attendant/Sales Boy clinching the star prizes of the Picanto cars.

Urieto, who expressed disbelief initially when contacted on his winning, urged Nigerians to ensure they participate in the promotion so that they can enjoy the numerous benefits associated with it.
He said, “I have been saving with First Bank and other banks for many years, I never believed that I will ever win anything from these banks.

“My unbelief was also evident on the day that I got a call that I have won a car. The call was first picked by my son who later informed me of the development. I dismissed it as fraudulent, until I called the number and was told that I have truly won a car.

“I call on every one to open an account with First Bank and participate in the promotion, as there are numerous opportunities in it.”

During the draw, 50 customers of the bank emerged winners of N50, 000 cash prizes, while several others won generators and refrigerators.

According to Mrs. Olufunke Smith, Head, Consumer Banking Product, the golden promotion is coming on the heels of the just concluded series of value adding, level changing and consumer-oriented promotions the bank has held over the past couple of years.

She further stated that the bank is celebrating customer’s commitments and at the same time rewarding them for their faith and patronage over the years.

She said, “The FirstBank Golden Promo was launched in June 2010 to give customers lot to cheer and to commemorate the 50th Independence anniversary of our dear country, Nigeria. These series of promos have changed the face of sales promotion in the country and the banking industry in particular.”

Also speaking, Mr. Tunde Olawuyi said, “The promotion has redefined the concept of consumerism in banking industry as many customers of our bank have experienced significant and positive change in their lifestyles and standard of living since the promo began.

“While many have won cash prizes and state – of-the-art household equipments, others have become proud owners of brand new cars and many other wonderful prizes.

He further stated that in all the six geopolitical zones of the country, First Bank’s customers all have great stories to tell about the banks’ potpourri of products specifically designed to meet the needs of the people of diverse age–groups and professional backgrounds.

He encouraged the public to partake in the offer by opening an account with the bank or by increasing their deposits with the bank with a minimum of N10, 000, adding that the amount qualifies them to participate and win in the monthly draws.

The final curtain for the promotion will be drawn in June 2011 with attractive prizes going to customers of the apex bank.