A few years ago, Social Media for corporate bodies was a simple message about the brand’s services and goods, and now we have #BankWars
It all started when Sterling bank put out a tweet in which they shaded the other banks. It featured the Sterling bank logo in the sky with someone on a rocket heading for the moon which was represented by the Sterling bank logo.
The bank’s official Twitter account captioned it thus:”Shoot for the moon, become a star – it’s the least you deserve. Welcome to #SterlingBank 😊”
https://twitter.com/Sterling_Bankng/status/1020366168287309825
And so it started
Other banks started to clapback with captions of their own with First Bank, Access bank and even Union bank coming with replies of their own and now the hashtag #bankwars started trending.
Union Bank responded saying: “Heading to the moon without a spacesuit…journey mercies🚶🏾♂️🚶🏾♂️” and it wasn’t the only comeback they had as they also said in a separate tweet, “When the elders speak… #SimplerSmarterSAFERBank”
When the elders speak… #SimplerSmarterSAFERBank pic.twitter.com/xCgYbcniDm
— Union Bank of Nigeria (@UNIONBANK_NG) July 21, 2018
Access bank also got in on the #bankwars hashtag stating, “We will travel on an imaginary rocket too, if we were a one-customer Microfinance Bank; but with ten million customers and counting, we rather bring the galaxy to you!
#YouAreWorthIt #TakeTomorrow #KnowYourElders”
We will travel on an imaginary rocket too, if we were a one-customer Microfinance Bank; but with ten million customers and counting, we rather bring the galaxy to you! #YouAreWorthIt #TakeTomorrow #KnowYourElders pic.twitter.com/pBGuW8JaLo
— Access Bank Plc (@myaccessbank) July 21, 2018
First Bank also had words to say, “… And straight into the trash can. #RespectYourElders #MoveOver #NextPlease #YouFirst”
… And straight into the trash can. #RespectYourElders #MoveOver #NextPlease #YouFirst pic.twitter.com/tkyZe9FVgc
— FirstBank Nigeria (@FirstBankngr) July 21, 2018
The trend has caught on with Nigerians absolutely riveted with the back and forth between the banks.
The question, however, is: Where is GT Bank?
The popular bank has been nowhere to be seen in the #BankWars so far and many Twitter users have been asking where GT Bank is and wondering what kind of comeback the bank would have.
It’s just another example of the evolution of social media and how brands are finding newer ways to use the medium.
You can check out a selection of tweets with the #BankWars hashtag below.
We’re getting more info on the #BankWars our sources tell us a “certain bank” has a “diss track” ready. pic.twitter.com/3v4aui5x6d
— Nairametrics (@Nairametrics) July 21, 2018
Sterling bank draws first blood in this #BankWars but i’m not sure they were ready for these comebacks 🤣😂😭 pic.twitter.com/R4RT8dE8bB
— NaijaTunez TV 📺 (@NaijaTunezTV) July 21, 2018
Next time somebody tells you 'you can't kill two birds with one stone', tell them you were alive when Sterling Bank killed multiple banks with one tweet #BankWars
— Ireke (@Irekejunior) July 21, 2018
Banks were on their own jeje until Sterling bank decided to start the #BankWars…
Look at Access Bank 😭😭😭😭😭😭
We are waiting for First Bank next pic.twitter.com/th01zsTcT1
— 🇳🇬 (@Broom__Stick) July 21, 2018
Dear @gtbank, don't dull us GT customers. You have to respond to @Sterling_Bankng's tweet. We wait 😁😆 #BankWars
— Ohimai Godwin Amaize (@MrFixNigeria) July 21, 2018
https://twitter.com/SurhSays/status/1020719058382196744
UBA be acting like they're weren't in the background (marina, Lagos) of the image sterling used 😂🤣😅#BankWars pic.twitter.com/LGwlgFih3S
— Udeme Uko (@i_udeme) July 21, 2018
https://twitter.com/UmehOMA/status/1020726816837980162
Sterling bank winning this…#BankWars pic.twitter.com/3BcVZWtLTt
— Snape💂 (@SnapeProtege) July 21, 2018
Honestly Access bank’s reply is madt! Legit called Sterling Bank Microfinance Bank 😛😆😆 #BankWars
— Okikiola (@DeycallmiFaMe) July 21, 2018
So we patiently wait for GT Bank’s response.