Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc has announced a sharp rise in profits and assets, with the group’s total assets surpassing ₦4 trillion in the first quarter of 2026.

The financial services group released its audited full-year 2025 results alongside unaudited Q1 2026 figures, showing strong earnings growth, balance sheet expansion and improved capital strength across its businesses.

According to the company, gross earnings for the 2025 financial year rose by 44.4% to ₦486.8 billion, while profit before tax climbed by 89.2% to ₦86.8 billion.

Profit after tax also increased significantly, rising by 74.8% to ₦76.3 billion.

The group’s balance sheet expanded during the period, with total assets reaching ₦3.91 trillion by the end of 2025. Customer deposits rose to ₦2.98 trillion, while loans and advances closed at ₦1.41 trillion.

Shareholders’ funds also increased by 40.5% to ₦428.7 billion.

Assets Cross ₦4 Trillion in First Quarter of 2026

Sterling Financial said it sustained the momentum into 2026, crossing the ₦4 trillion asset threshold for the first time.

Total assets stood at ₦4.07 trillion in Q1 2026, while gross earnings increased by 41.6% year-on-year to ₦134.8 billion.

Net interest income rose by 36.8% to ₦64.9 billion during the quarter.

Operating income reached ₦93.4 billion, while profit before tax grew by 52.8% to ₦27.9 billion.

Profit after tax for the quarter stood at ₦23.4 billion.

The group added that shareholders’ funds strengthened further to ₦542.5 billion following the completion of its recapitalisation programme.

‘We Remain Focused on Long-Term Value’ — Group CEO

Commenting on the results, the Group Managing Director of Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc, Yemi Odubiyi, said the performance reflected growth across the group’s major business lines.

“Our FY2025 and Q1 2026 results reflect continued growth across the Group’s core businesses, supported by disciplined execution, improved operating efficiency, and a strengthened capital position.

“The successful completion of our recapitalisation programme positions the Group for the next phase of growth across our commercial banking, non-interest banking, and wealth-management businesses.

“We remain focused on sustaining growth, strengthening our balance sheet and delivering long-term value across our diversified platform.”

The Group Chief Financial Officer, Adebimpe Olambiwonnu, also highlighted the strong earnings growth recorded during the reporting period.

Why It Matters

The results come at a time when Nigerian banks are under pressure to strengthen capital positions following regulatory reforms and changing economic conditions.

Analysts say stronger capital buffers and asset growth could help financial institutions expand lending, improve investor confidence and compete more effectively in digital banking and wealth management services.

Sterling Financial’s performance also reflects growing competition within Nigeria’s financial sector as banks diversify into non-interest banking, investment management and technology-driven financial services.

The expansion of subsidiaries including Sterling Bank Limited, The Alternative Bank Limited and SterlingFI Wealth Management signals the group’s broader strategy to increase market share across multiple financial segments.

Industry Perspective

Financial market observers say the crossing of the ₦4 trillion asset mark places Sterling Financial among the fast-growing banking groups in Nigeria.

Economists also note that sustained profitability in the banking sector remains important for supporting business lending, infrastructure financing and broader economic activity.

The banking industry has experienced strong earnings growth in recent years, driven partly by higher interest rates, digital banking expansion and increased customer deposits.

However, analysts warn that inflationary pressures, foreign exchange volatility and regulatory costs remain key risks facing the sector in 2026.

What’s Next for Sterling Financial?

The company said it plans to build on its stronger capital position and expand operations across commercial banking, non-interest banking and wealth management.

Sterling Financial added that it would continue focusing on innovation, financial inclusion and customer-focused services as competition intensifies across Nigeria’s banking industry.

The group, which traces its heritage back more than six decades, said it remains committed to sustainable growth and long-term shareholder value.

Women-focused banking platform SARA By Wema has selected Enatta Foundation founder, Mrs Adi Okuyelu, as one of the mentors for its 2026 mentorship programme aimed at supporting personal growth, entrepreneurship, career development, and skills enhancement for women and young professionals.

The announcement was made through a LinkedIn post published by Enatta Foundation, which described the appointment as a significant step in expanding mentorship opportunities for underserved communities.

According to the Foundation, Mrs Okuyelu’s selection reflects her years of work supporting women and vulnerable groups through empowerment initiatives and community development programmes.

“Mama Enatta’s work with women in underserved communities aligns perfectly with Sara by Wema’s mission to unlock potential and create sustainable growth,” the Foundation said in the post.

The organisation added:

“From riverine communities to boardrooms, we believe that when you invest in someone’s potential, you transform entire communities.”

Why the mentorship programme matters

SARA By Wema, a women-focused initiative of Wema Bank, has continued to position itself as a platform for female empowerment, financial inclusion, leadership training, and entrepreneurship support across Nigeria.

Industry analysts say mentorship programmes have become increasingly important as young entrepreneurs and professionals seek guidance, access to networks, and practical career support in a challenging economic climate.

Development experts also note that mentorship initiatives targeting women and underserved communities can help close gaps in leadership representation and economic participation.

Mrs Okuyelu’s inclusion in the programme is expected to bring grassroots development experience into conversations around leadership, enterprise growth, and social impact.

Focus on women, youth empowerment

Enatta Foundation has built a reputation around supporting women and young people in underserved communities through education, advocacy, and empowerment initiatives.

The Foundation said the partnership aligns with its broader mission of transforming lives through opportunity creation and mentorship.

Observers say collaborations between financial institutions and non-profit organisations are becoming more common as businesses increasingly invest in social impact programmes alongside traditional banking services.

Registration details

Interested participants can register for the mentorship programme through the official registration link shared by the Foundation:

Register for the SARA By Wema Mentorship Programme; https://lnkd.in/equEtcCp

What’s next?

The mentorship programme is expected to feature sessions on leadership, entrepreneurship, career development, and personal growth throughout 2026.

Participants are also expected to gain access to networking opportunities, mentorship circles, and industry insights from experienced professionals across sectors.

Rite Foods Limited has called for stronger support systems for families and children as the world marks the 2026 International Day of Families.

The Nigerian food and beverage company said inequality, limited access to opportunities, and poor child welfare remain major challenges affecting many households across the country.

This year’s International Day of Families is themed “Families, Inequalities and Child Wellbeing”, with global attention focused on how economic and social disparities continue to shape the lives of children and families.

Speaking during the commemoration, Rite Foods Managing Director Seleem Adegunwa said stronger families are essential for national growth and long-term stability.

“Families are at the heart of every society. When access to nutrition, education, healthcare, and opportunity becomes unequal, children are often the most affected. At Rite Foods, we believe every child deserves the chance to grow, thrive, and dream bigger, regardless of background,” he said.

The company said it remains committed to producing products that support Nigerian families while staying connected to the realities faced by consumers amid economic pressures.

Rite Foods manufactures products including Bigi Carbonated Soft Drinks, Fearless Energy Drinks, Sosa Fruit Drink, Bigi Premium Table Water, Rite Spicy sausages, Bigi Beef sausages, and Bigi Flex sausages.

Why it matters

Nigeria continues to face economic challenges driven by inflation, unemployment, and rising living costs, placing increased pressure on households and caregivers.

Experts say child wellbeing is closely tied to access to nutrition, healthcare, education, and stable family support systems — areas many low-income families struggle to maintain.

Corporate organisations have increasingly positioned themselves as stakeholders in social development through sustainability initiatives, community support programmes, and advocacy campaigns linked to global observances.

Rite Foods said its broader mission extends beyond food and beverages to include people-focused initiatives and responsible business practices.

Calls for collective action

The company’s Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, Ekuma Eze, said tackling inequality requires collaboration between businesses, communities, and policymakers.

“Real progress happens when businesses, communities, and policymakers work together. At Rite Foods, we understand that supporting families goes beyond the products we make. It is about contributing to an environment where people feel supported, included, and empowered to succeed,” he said.

Industry analysts say private sector participation in social development has become increasingly important as governments and institutions face growing demands on public resources.

Social advocates also argue that investment in child welfare and family support can help reduce poverty, improve education outcomes, and strengthen community resilience.

Corporate social responsibility under scrutiny

Across Africa, companies are facing growing pressure to demonstrate measurable social impact beyond profits.

Analysts note that consumers, especially younger demographics, increasingly expect brands to engage with social issues such as education, youth empowerment, healthcare access, and family welfare.

For companies operating in Nigeria’s highly competitive consumer goods sector, social engagement is also becoming part of brand reputation and public trust.

Rite Foods said empowering families ultimately contributes to stronger communities and a more sustainable future.

What’s next

Observers say conversations around inequality and child wellbeing are likely to remain central throughout 2026 as governments, businesses, and civil society groups respond to widening economic gaps.

The International Day of Families, observed annually by the United Nations, is designed to promote awareness of issues affecting families worldwide and encourage policies that improve family welfare.