A New Chapter for Financial Inclusion in Nigeria: EFInA’s Rebranding and Strategic Vision
Enhancing Financial Inclusion & Access (EFInA), a leading force in driving financial inclusion in Nigeria, embarked on a transformative journey marked by a rebranding event in Lagos. Distinguished guests, including Vice President Ibrahim Shettima, represented by Dr. Nurudeen Zauro, and Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II, graced the occasion, signifying the importance of EFInA’s mission. The event not only unveiled a refreshed brand identity but also introduced Foyinsolami Akinjayeju as the new Chief Executive Officer and launched a dynamic five-year corporate strategy poised to reshape the financial landscape of Nigeria. Themed "Beyond Financial Inclusion: A New Chapter Unfolds for EFInA," the event heralded a renewed commitment to deepening financial penetration and fostering economic empowerment across the nation.
At the heart of EFInA’s new strategy is a profound shift from simply expanding financial access to creating tangible, measurable impacts on the lives of the excluded and underserved. This transformative approach aims to empower individuals and communities through financial services, fostering resilience, opportunity, and progress. The strategy prioritizes forging deeper partnerships, fostering innovative solutions, and delivering measurable outcomes, with a particular emphasis on reaching underserved and excluded communities, particularly women and rural populations. EFInA’s redefined mission resonates deeply with the nation’s economic and financial reform agenda under the current administration, ensuring alignment between the organization’s efforts and the broader national goals.
Ms. Akinjayeju articulated the essence of EFInA’s revamped vision, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to ensuring that financial advancement transcends mere inclusion, creating a foundation for a more resilient, inclusive, and thriving economy. She underscored the importance of collaboration, calling upon governments, private sector leaders, development partners, and communities to join EFInA in unlocking the future for all Nigerians. This collaborative spirit echoed throughout the event, highlighting the collective responsibility of stakeholders in achieving the shared goal of financial empowerment.
During a fireside chat moderated by EFInA Board Director Mrs. Saude Atoyebi, Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II emphasized the crucial role of innovative partnerships in driving inclusive economic growth. He underscored the need for creative collaborations that transcend traditional boundaries, fostering synergistic efforts to address the complex challenges of financial inclusion. This call for collaborative innovation resonated with the overarching theme of the event, emphasizing the importance of collective action in achieving sustainable and impactful change.
Mr. Philip Ikeazor, Deputy Governor of Financial Systems Stability at the Central Bank of Nigeria, represented by Mr. Musa Itopa-Jimoh, Director of Payment Systems Management, underscored the vital role of financial inclusion in national development. He commended EFInA’s pivotal contributions to the financial inclusion landscape, acknowledging the organization’s role in facilitating market development and shaping financial inclusion policies. Mr. Ikeazor’s remarks highlighted EFInA’s evolution from merely expanding access to ensuring that access translates into meaningful financial empowerment, signifying a deeper understanding of the complexities of financial inclusion and its impact on individual lives.
Dr. Nurudeen Zauro, representing Vice President Shettima, reiterated the nation’s alignment with EFInA’s mission, emphasizing the organization’s continued evolution and adaptation to Nigeria’s financial inclusion goals. This alignment signifies a unified approach towards achieving shared national objectives, recognizing the critical role of financial inclusion in driving economic growth and social development. The event marked not only a rebranding but a reaffirmation of EFInA’s commitment to empowering Nigerians through transformative financial tools and solutions, charting a new course for a more financially inclusive and prosperous future. The convergence of key stakeholders, combined with the unveiling of a comprehensive strategic vision, positioned EFInA as a central driving force in shaping the financial landscape of Nigeria, ushering in a new era of financial empowerment and economic opportunity for all.
