LUSAKA, Zambia – 23 May 2023 – First National Bank (FNB) Zambia has announced that, it is the platinum sponsor of Ukusefya Pa Ng’wena Traditional Ceremony which will take place in Kasama, Northern Province from 17 to 19 August 2023.
Speaking on the press briefing held at FNB Head office training centre today, First National Bank, Chief Executive Office Bydon Longwe said, “Zambia has a rich history and a large diversity of traditional ceremonies performed in various parts of the country on an annual basis”.
Ukusefya Pa Ng’wena is one of the many traditional Ceremonies celebrated by the Bemba tribe in Zambia. Aba Bemba trace their origin from Kola (modern-day Angola) in the 17th Century. From Kola, they went to Luba. From Luba, they crossed Luapula, Chambeshi, and Kalungu Rivers. When they reached the banks of Milando, they came across a dead crocodile. Since Bemba rulers belong to the Crocodile Clan, the discovery, earmarked Bemba-land. A village was set up at this very spot -and it was named Ng’wena Village.
Mr. Longwe expressed delight for being part of this monumental ceremony. He thanked the Ukusefya Pa Ng’wena representatives for the shared commitment to positively impact the Northern Province community where FNB is committed to foster financial inclusion by increasing awareness and use of its various banking services.
He further said, “At FNB, we see ourselves as part of the solution to bettering our country’s economy not only through the provision of banking and lifestyle solutions, but through the preservation and promotion of our cultural heritage as well. As the Platinum sponsors, we are playing our role in embracing culture and ensuring that real help is reaching our communities. We believe in celebrating our traditions as they form the structure and foundation of our families and society”.
“Through the Ministries of Sports, Youth & Arts and Tourism, the government, has shown a commitment to the continued sustenance of traditional ceremonies because they unite the people of Zambia, and bring added benefits that are pivotal to the development of our country’s economy. We share this unifying vision of continued collaboration for the good of our people. Traditional ceremonies and festivals can potentially bring numerous positive benefits such as boosting business through tourism and hospitality activities for the host community translating to socio-economic development benefits”, Mr. Longwe added.
With 14 years of operating in Zambia, FNB continues to align itself as a responsible corporate citizen that provides innovative banking solutions whilst positively impacting the communities it operates in. FNB has acquired over 260,000 customers with a spectrum of them doing personal banking. The bank also has a network of 25 branches spread across the country and it owns more than 140 automated teller machines where customers can do withdraws as well as depositing cash.
FNB possess more than 1,965 cash plus agents across the country where transactions can be done and the bank as over 3,000 points of sell devises being used at service stations where customers can buy goods and services. FNB Zambia also acquires a very strong and functional digital platforms. Mr. Longwe added.
In summing Mr. Longwe expressed words of excitement for to the people witnessed the Platinum Sponsorship announcement today. He said, “FNB is passionate about participating and supporting activities that contribute to the social and economic growth and development which is in line with our vision to creating a better world and a better Zambia, by offering real help. At FNB, we remain committed to ensuring that we are a leader in providing exceptional innovative banking and lifestyle services and enhancing our client experience at every touchpoint”.
