Diamond Bank Plc has emerged as the winner of the prestigious African Leadership Magazine's AFRICAN BANK OF THE YEAR AWARD in the African Commerce and Industries Awards, 2009. African Leadership is an International magazine that profiles African leaders, their achievements and impact in society, using international indices and benchmarks to measure performance.

In a congratulatory letter signed by the Chairman, African Leadership Advisory Council, Chief (Hon) Dugdale Badon, announcing the award to the Group Managing Director, Diamond Bank, the organizers stated that "your emergence came as a result of polling the highest sets of votes cast, out of a shortlist of the most nominated names for this category, during an extensive online survey on our website, and Trans African research and polls conducted by African Leadership on-ground survey team".

It further stated that the awarded bestowed on the Bank was also in recognition of its outstanding contributions to the global economy, African growth and prosperity, and outstanding industry leadership.

According to the organizers, the Bank will be honored with the award in a colorful ceremony billed to hold on Thursday 30th July, 2009 at the LAICO Grand Regency Hotel Nairobi, Kenya, as part of the activities marking the 'African Commerce and Industries Conference, Exhibitions and Awards' slated for 29-31, July, 2009, with the theme "African Industries and the Global Financial Meltdown: Strategies for growth and recovery".

Meanwhile, the Head Corporate Communications of Diamond Bank Plc, Mr. Charles Udoh, when contacted, attributed the milestone to the support and confidence reposed in the bank by customers and shareholders. He commended the Board of African Leadership Advisory Council and Board of its Editors and other stakeholders for recognizing Diamond Bank's contribution towards shaping the Nigerian financial landscape in particular and the African continent in general.

Early this year, Diamond Bank had emerged the Nigerian Bank of the Year at the 14th Annual Thisday Awards for excellence. Last year, Diamond Bank was voted The Most Improved Bank of the Year at the Annual ThisDay Award Festival. The Bank had also won the Best Bank in Mergers and Acquisition in 2007 following the seamless takeover and integration of former Lion Bank in 2005, adjudged to be the 1st acquisition consummated by any bank in Nigeria during the Banking Consolidation. The current award is an attestation to Diamond Bank's excellent performance in a year in which it rewarded investors with both dividend and bonus payment.

Diamond Bank is renowned for its innovative and pace-setting role in the Nigerian financial landscape. In 2008, Diamond Bank became the first African Bank to be listed on the Professional Securities Market (PSM) of the London Stock Exchange (LSE) following the official listing of its $500million Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs). The Bank is also known to be the first Nigerian financial institution to venture into Francophone West Africa with the establishment of a subsidiary in Republic of Benin.

As part of its universal banking strategy, Diamond Bank has investments in promising financial services sub-sectors, including insurance, mortgages, and pension fund custodial. Over the years, these have improved the growth, earning mix, profitability, and investor value of the Bank.