……Adedewe, Odude, Ugwueke, and Moyo-Ladipo to lead conversations on AI adoption and scalable impact for SMEs
Reinforcing its legacy of innovation and enterprise support since 1894, First Bank of Nigeria has announced a new edition of its SMEConnect Webinar, designed to equip Nigerian entrepreneurs with the practical knowledge needed to harness artificial intelligence (AI) for business growth.
The upcoming session, themed “AI for Business Growth: From Adoption to Integration and Scalable Impact,” is scheduled to be held virtually on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 11:00 AM via Zoom, bringing together industry leaders, technology experts, and SME stakeholders.
As part of its “You First” commitment, FirstBank said the initiative is tailored to help businesses transition from basic awareness of AI to full integration that delivers measurable and scalable results. The bank emphasized that AI is no longer a futuristic concept but a present-day necessity for businesses seeking efficiency, resilience, and competitiveness.
Leading the session is Ibidun Adedewe, Head of SME Acquisition & Partnerships at FirstBank, who will serve as host. The webinar will feature Temitope Odude, a Senior AI Solutions Architect/Engineer at Microsoft, as the guest speaker, bringing global expertise and real-world insights into how SMEs can leverage AI technologies effectively.
Also speaking at the event is Abednego Ugwueke, Head of Digital Channels at FirstBank, who is expected to highlight the bank’s digital innovation strategies and how SMEs can align with emerging financial technologies to enhance operational efficiency.
The session will be moderated by Olajumoke Moyo-Ladipo, Team Lead, SME Engagement & Advisory at FirstBank, ensuring a robust and interactive discussion that addresses the practical needs and concerns of business owners.
According to the bank, the webinar will focus on key areas critical to SME growth, including improving productivity through automation, reducing operational costs, strengthening customer engagement, and enabling smarter, data-driven decision-making.
Experts note that while artificial intelligence is transforming industries globally, many SMEs in Nigeria are yet to fully tap into its potential due to limited access to knowledge and technical expertise. Initiatives like SMEConnect are therefore seen as vital in bridging this gap and accelerating digital adoption across the sector.
Participants are expected to gain hands-on insights, practical frameworks, and real-life applications that can be immediately implemented within their businesses. From customer analytics to process optimization and digital marketing, AI is positioned as a powerful tool for unlocking new levels of efficiency and growth.
The SMEConnect platform has over time evolved into a strategic hub for knowledge exchange, capacity building, and business advisory, supporting thousands of entrepreneurs across Nigeria. With SMEs accounting for a significant share of employment and economic activity, enhancing their competitiveness remains a priority for sustainable national development.
By convening top-tier experts and industry leaders, FirstBank continues to demonstrate its leadership in fostering innovation and empowering businesses to thrive in an increasingly digital economy.
Interested participants are encouraged to register ahead of the webinar to secure access to what promises to be a high-impact session on the future of business growth. FirstBank SMEConnect Webinar 2026, AI for business growth Nigeria, Microsoft AI expert webinar, SME digital transformation Nigeria, First Bank SME support program, AI adoption SMEs Africa, Temitope Odude Microsoft AI, SME productivity innovation Nigeria
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