By 
The Development Bank of Nigeria Plc (DBN) has been honored with the Financial Inclusion Leadership Award by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). This prestigious accolade recognizes DBN’s outstanding contributions to improving access to financing for Nigeria’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The award was presented during the Champions of Inclusion Nigeria Financial Inclusion Awards held at the International Financial Inclusion Conference (IFIC) 2024. The event, organized by the CBN in partnership with the World Bank and other stakeholders, celebrated institutions and individuals advancing financial inclusion in Nigeria.
Driving Financial Inclusion for MSMEs
DBN’s Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Tony Okpanachi, expressed pride in the recognition, describing it as a validation of the bank’s strategic focus on fostering financial inclusion.
“We are honored to receive the Financial Inclusion Leadership Award, which underscores our unwavering commitment to expanding financial access for all Nigerians,” said Dr. Okpanachi. “This recognition reaffirms our dedication to bridging the financial inclusion gap, particularly for MSMEs, which are critical to economic growth.”
He further pledged to continue innovating and expanding DBN’s financial inclusion programs to ensure small and startup businesses can access essential financial services.
A Milestone Achievement
Receiving the award on behalf of DBN, the Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Bonaventure Okhaimo, emphasized its significance in the bank’s mission to drive economic growth.
“This award reflects our innovative approach to providing opportunities for MSMEs to grow and thrive,” Mr. Okhaimo stated. “It inspires us to push the boundaries of financial inclusion, exploring new solutions and partnerships to enhance our impact.”
Celebrating Financial Inclusion Champions
The Financial Inclusion Leadership Award, a key highlight of the IFIC, recognizes organizations and individuals making significant contributions to Nigeria’s National Financial Inclusion Strategy 3.0. It highlights exceptional efforts to broaden financial service access for underserved and low-income segments, including MSMEs.
DBN’s efforts have been pivotal in addressing Nigeria’s funding challenges for small businesses, which remain a significant barrier to growth. The bank’s initiatives to close these gaps have been lauded as essential to achieving broader economic inclusion and development goals.
DBN’s commitment to fostering innovation and enabling growth for small enterprises continues to position it as a leader in advancing Nigeria’s financial inclusion landscape.
Comments