The Development Bank of Nigeria Plc has received the prestigious Financial Inclusion Leadership Award, recognizing its steadfast commitment to expanding access to financing for Nigeria’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The Central Bank of Nigeria in partnership with the World Bank and other stakeholders, organised the International Financial Inclusion Conference 2024, where the award was given out at the “Champions of Inclusion Nigeria Financial Inclusion Awards.”
In response to the honour, Tony Okpanachi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of DBN, said he was proud of the distinction and emphasised the bank’s goal of closing the financial inclusion gap in Nigeria.
“We are thrilled to receive the Financial Inclusion Leadership Award, which demonstrates our bank’s dedication to increasing access to financial services for all Nigerians. This award recognises our efforts to close the financial inclusion gap, especially for a priority sector like MSMEs,” Okpanachi said.
He highlighted DBN’s strategic focus on driving financial inclusion for small businesses.
“This award validates our focus on supporting small businesses. We will continue to innovate and expand our financial inclusion programmes, ensuring that more Nigerian small and startup businesses have access to services,” he added.
DBN’s Chief Operating Officer, Bonaventure Okhaimo, who received the award on behalf of the bank, described it as a significant milestone.
“A major accomplishment for our bank, the Financial Inclusion Leadership Award reflects our commitment to promoting financial inclusion and economic development in Nigeria. This award recognises our bank’s creative strategy for expanding MSMEs’ chances to expand and grow their enterprises in Nigeria,” Okhaimo stated.
He also mentioned the bank’s continuous efforts to promote small firms.
“This award will inspire us to continue pushing the boundaries of financial inclusion, looking for more innovative ideas and partnerships to broaden our reach and effect. We are committed to ensuring that more small businesses and start-ups in Nigeria have access to financial services; this award will motivate us to continue our work in this area,” he stated.
The Financial Inclusion Leadership Award, a highlight of the IFIC, celebrates outstanding contributions to advancing the goals outlined in Nigeria’s National Financial Inclusion Strategy 3.0.
The awards recognize organizations and individuals across various sectors working to broaden access to financial services for low-income and excluded groups, including MSMEs—a sector often hindered by inadequate funding.
