The initiative spans digital and IT literacy, financial and economic literacy, creative arts and design, business and entrepreneurship, as well as hospitality and tourism.

At a recent signing ceremony held in Lagos, Easybuy was named the Official Device Financing and Lifestyle Partner for the Federal Government of Nigeria–approved training initiative.

The programme is being launched by the Office of the Vice President through the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion (PreCEFI), and implemented by WAWUAfrica, in collaboration with key development partners, including Ministry of Youth, Ministry of Women, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Ministry of Trade & Investment, the World Bank, African Union Sixth Region Global, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

Others are, leading professional bodies such as the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), National Institute of Credit Administration (NICA), Chartered Risk Management Institute of Nigeria (CRMI), and the Nigeria Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (NIIE).

“Smartphones have become essential for participation in today’s economy, yet millions of Nigerians still face barriers to accessing the devices they need,” said Abdul-gaffar Adesoji, sales director of Easybuy Nigeria. “As the Official Device Financing and Lifestyle Partner for this great initiative, Easybuy will support WAWUAfrica’s mission by bridging the smart device access gap, empowering underserved communities across the country, and unlocking new economic opportunities for Nigerians through inclusive financing solutions.”

“To boost Nigeria’s economic and financial inclusion drive, as part of our contribution to the initiative, Easybuy will be providing up to 10,000 of sales jobs to trained participants among the 10 million beneficiaries of this worthwhile initiative. The Easybuy team is dedicated to bringing an easier life to millions of Nigerians across the country,” Adesoji further noted.

Commenting on the partnership, Emmanuel Lennox, Chief Executive Officer of WAWUAfrica, said:

“This partnership reflects a deliberate shift from skills acquisition as an end, to skills deployment as a driver of national productivity. By integrating Easybuy’s device financing into the WAWUAfrica training ecosystem, we are ensuring that participants are not just trained, but fully equipped to participate meaningfully in today’s digital economy. It is a model designed to remove structural barriers and accelerate inclusion at scale.”

“What we are building with Easybuy is a closed-loop system for economic transformation, one that connects skills training and real earning opportunities in a continuous cycle. Individuals are given access to acquire smartphones through Easybuy, receive free training, and participate in income-generating activities from sales roles. The result is a scalable model that doesn’t just prepare people for jobs, it actively enables new businesses, and empowers a new generation of Nigerians to earn, grow, and contribute sustainably to the economy,” Lennox added.

Despite rising connectivity, a significant access gap persists, with over 120 million Nigerians still offline, largely due to the high cost of smartphones. As mobile devices remain the primary gateway to financial inclusion, education, and commerce, affordability continues to limit market penetration. This gap represents a substantial growth opportunity for scalable financing models to accelerate digital inclusion while unlocking new consumer markets and economic value. This is where Easybuy comes in, offering affordable device financing plans, and empowering millions of users to purchase quality mobile phones through flexible repayments.

This partnership with WAWUAfrica is a strategic response to Nigeria’s economic and financial inclusion gap. Despite steady progress, nearly 29 million adult Nigerians are still excluded from the financial system and only about 52% of the population hold bank accounts. With rural and low-income communities disproportionately affected, the gap offers an opportunity for scalable, mobile-driven financial solutions like the partnership between WAWUAfrica and Easybuy that can unlock access, drive adoption, and accelerate inclusive economic growth.

The high-level meeting, held on Tuesday at the CIBN Building, marked the formal introduction of the newly inaugurated ACAMB Executive Committee and signalled a renewed push for collaboration within Nigeria’s banking industry.

Speaking during the visit, ACAMB President, Jide Sipe, described the engagement as a foundational step for the new administration.

According to him, the decision to meet with CIBN first reflects the association’s recognition of the Institute as its primary stakeholder and strategic partner.

“When we assumed office, one of the first things we agreed on was the need to visit key stakeholders. However, before reaching out more broadly, we felt it was important to begin with our primary constituency,” Sipe said.

He added that the visit was necessary to align both institutions on ACAMB’s new direction and secure support to achieve improved outcomes for members and the broader banking ecosystem.

Sipe also introduced members of the new ACAMB Executive Committee, including Morolake Phillip-Ladipo (2nd Vice President), Olugbenga Owootomo (General Secretary), Ademola Adeshola (Assistant General Secretary), Abiodun Coker (Publicity Secretary), and Fadekemi Ajakaiye (Executive Secretary).

Unveiling his administration’s roadmap, Sipe highlighted youth engagement, professional development, and stronger industry advocacy as priority areas. He noted that reputational management and sustainable corporate practices would also receive increased focus.

Responding, CIBN President, Professor Pius Deji Olanrewaju, commended ACAMB’s forward-looking agenda and reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to strengthening collaboration.

He acknowledged ACAMB’s longstanding contributions to information management and reputation building within Nigeria’s banking sector, noting that the partnership has enhanced brand equity across the industry.

“ACAMB’s support has given CIBN and the banking sector brand equity,” Olanrewaju said, while recalling the association’s role in addressing reputational challenges in the sector.

The CIBN President further pledged institutional backing for ACAMB’s 30th anniversary scheduled for September 2026, its Annual General Meeting, fundraising initiatives, as well as its capability development and undergraduate mentorship programmes.

“I want to assure you that everything you have presented today has been clearly noted and will be acted upon,” he said.

He added that both organisations share a common objective of strengthening the banking industry, safeguarding its reputation, and enhancing public trust through continuous training and reform initiatives.

The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to deepening collaboration aimed at advancing professional standards and sustainable growth within Nigeria’s banking sector.

Olanrewaju was sworn in by Justice Owolabi Dabiri at an event held in Lagos today, Friday, May 17 2024 and was chaired by Wole Olanipekun, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

Pius Deji Olanrenwaju took over from Dr. Ken Opara, the 22nd president and chairman of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN).

Dr. Opara who concluded his tenure on a high note, received glowing tributes from fellow leaders in the financial sector.

In a farewell speech, the immediate past president emphasised the importance of building a sustainable future for the banking industry.

He urged leaders to focus on strategies that empower the next generation of bankers with essential skills and foster a culture of innovation.

Reacting to the emergence of the new leadership of CIBN, Tajudeen Abbas, the speaker of the House of Representatives, who was represented by Nwachukwu Eze, the chairman, of the House Committee on Banking, hailed the immediate past CIBN president, Ken Opara and called on the new leadership of the organization to embrace technology to boost financial inclusion.

Abbas said, “Today, as you welcome the incoming president and new chairman of the Council, we also reflect on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

The banking sector is constantly evolving, driven by technological advancements, regulatory changes, and shifts in customer behaviour.

“In the face of these types of changes, the CIBN must remain steadfast in its commitment to excellence and innovation. The incoming leadership must embrace new ideas and emerging technologies and foster collaboration within the industry to navigate these challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead.

“As we look to the future, we must not lose sight of the importance of financial inclusion and sustainable development. Despite progress has been made in expanding access to financial services.

Millions of Nigerians remain on the side or excluded from the formal banking sector. It is incumbent upon all stakeholders including the CIBN to redouble your efforts to promote financial literacy, expand access to finance, and foster inclusive growth, that leaves no one behind.”

Meanwhile, the managing director/chief executive officer of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, Bello Hassan, called on banking sector players to pay attention to cybersecurity, saying, “In this regard, a deliberate and collaborative approach to cyber risk involving all stakeholders is essential to protect the resilience of the banking system.”

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had dissolved the Board and Management of Polaris Bank on Wednesday.

In a statement by Mrs Sidi Ali, Hakama, the acting director of Corporate Communication of CBN, on the Bank’s verified X handle @cenbank directed Mr. Lawal Mudathir Omokayode Akintola, the newly appointed MD/CEO of Polaris Bank to assume his role with immediate effect.

SO, who is Lawal Mudathir Omokayode Akintola?

Lawal Mudathir Omokayode Akintola has a strong educational background that has equipped him with the knowledge and skills to excel in the banking industry. Here are some of his educational qualifications:

He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Lagos.

He has a Master of Business Administration degree from the Netherlands Business School.

He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), a member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) and the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN).

He is an Alumnus of the Lagos Business School, the Columbia University Graduate School of Business and the University of Oxford.

Career

Lawal Mudathir Omokayode Akintola has a long and successful career in the banking industry, spanning over 25 years.

He has worked in various capacities and sectors, such as corporate and investment banking, treasury, risk management, and business development.

He has also led and executed many strategic projects, initiatives, and transactions that have added value to the organizations he worked for and the customers he served. Here is a summary of his career path:

He started his career in 1998 as a Senior Manager at Prime Merchant Bank, where he was responsible for managing the bank’s treasury operations and foreign exchange dealings.

In 2000, he joined Ecobank Nigeria as a Group Head of Corporate Banking, where he oversaw the bank’s portfolio of corporate clients in various sectors, such as oil and gas, telecommunications, manufacturing, and infrastructure.

In 2003, he moved to Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria as a Regional Executive of Corporate and Institutional Banking, where he led the bank’s business development and relationship management activities in the South-West region of Nigeria.

In 2006, he was appointed as the Executive Director of Corporate and Investment Banking at Sterling Bank Plc, where he was in charge of the bank’s strategic business units, such as corporate banking, institutional banking, project finance, structured finance, and trade finance.

In 2018, he left Sterling Bank to set up Intermediate Equity Partners Limited, a Lagos-based firm that provides advisory and consultancy services to corporate and institutional clients in various sectors and markets.

In 2020, he became the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Fractional Investment Services Limited, a real estate company that offers innovative and affordable housing solutions to Nigerians.

In 2024, he was appointed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as the Chief Executive Officer of Polaris Bank, one of the largest commercial banks in Nigeria, with over 300 branches and millions of customers.

He led the successful acquisition and integration of Equitorial Trust Bank by Sterling Bank in 2011, which increased the bank’s assets, branches, and customer base.

He initiated and executed several landmark transactions in the corporate and investment banking space, such as the $1.2 billion MTN Nigeria syndicated loan, the $1 billion Dangote Cement bond issuance, and the $300 million Lafarge Africa rights issue.

He was instrumental in developing and implementing the Sterling Bank’s corporate transformation strategy, which improved the bank’s performance, profitability, and reputation.

He received several awards and recognition for his leadership and excellence, such as the Banker of the Year Award by the Nigerian Leadership Awards, the Most Outstanding Banker of the Year Award by the Nigerian Bankers’ Merit Awards, and the Most Influential Banker of the Year Award by the Nigerian Banking and Finance Awards.

Distinguished guests, industry leaders, and technological visionaries congregated at the Oriental Hotel in Lekki, Lagos, for conversation about how emerging technologies are reshaping economies and offering unprecedented opportunities for progress and societal enhancement.

The Digital Agenda Forum 2023 was also a platform to celebrate innovators and technology enthusiasts across various fields of endeavour.

The event had in attendance leading tech innovators from the nation’s IT space, like Tony Emaekpore, President, Association of telecoms Companies of Nigeria, President, Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria, Dr Agada Apochi, group managing director, Unified Payments, Amos Emmanuel,, Founder, Innovationbed Africa, Femi Kalejaiye, Managing Director, Opolo, Wale Owoeye, Managing Director, Cedarview Communications, Ndidi Rita Amuchienwa, Partner Strategy Executive for EMEA, Intel and Harsh Gujarati founder C2S Innovation among others.

Dr. Agada Apochi, GMD of Unified Payments, was honoured with the prestigious “Financial Technology ICON of the Year award”, recognizing his significant contributions to the advancement of financial technology in Nigeria.

He has over 30 years of professional experience in banking and financial technology.  He is a Fellow, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Fellow, International Academy of Cards & Payments, Fellow, Institute of Credit Administration, Certified International Cards & Payments Professional (CICPP), Certified Associate of Capability Maturity Model Institute, Chartered Mediator and Conciliator, Barrister and Solicitor.

Tony Emoekpere was recognised with the “Outstanding Contribution to Telecom Development Award” for his long standing consistency in the nation’s Telecommunication Industry. He is a C-Level Executive and accredited Project Manager with over 23 years’ experience in Telecommunications Management, ICT Service Provisioning, Infrastructure Design, Implementation, and Maintenance.

He is a graduate in Electrical/Electronic Engineering from the Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, member of the International Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers and member of the Project Management Institute.

Hajia Thaibat Adeniran was awarded with “Outstanding Contribution to Insurance Tech” for her exceptional contributions to the advancement of insurance technology.

“Blockchain Influencer of the Year” was bestowed upon Oluseyi Akindeinde Founder Hyperspace Technologies for his profound impact in shaping the blockchain landscape. With over two decades of expertise in the technology and information security sectors, he recently dedicated a significant portion of his professional journey to understanding and addressing the security challenges within Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) and Financial Transaction Systems (FTS).

He has had the privilege to share the findings of his comprehensive research work at an array of esteemed conferences and with prestigious organisations such as the NSA, CBN, ISSAN, CCIBN, CIBN, EFCC, NSE, EPPAN, and the executive councils and senior management of numerous financial institutions across Nigeria.

The awards underscore the dedication and innovation of these individuals in driving Nigeria towards a future where technology plays a transformative role in societal progress.

In his welcome address, Don Pedro Aganbi, Country Partner of Technology Africa, expressed gratitude amidst the gathering of thought leaders and innovators. He emphasized the transformative power of emerging technologies such as AI, Cloud, Blockchain, 5G, IoT, digital payments, Metaverse, Renewable Energy, robotics, and big data analytics.

“With a commitment to steer our nation toward sustainable development through strategic integration of these transformative tools, we aim to unlock the full potential of technology for the benefit of all Nigerians,” stated Don Pedro Aganbi.

The Digital Agenda Forum 2023 encapsulated a collective commitment to innovation, collaboration, and progress. It brought together luminaries and pioneers to chart a course that transcends barriers and fosters inclusivity in harnessing the potential of technology for the betterment of Nigeria.

During the 2023 Annual General Meeting held in Lagos, CIBN disclosed that its net assets and net operating surplus also witnessed growth, with a 7.3% and 4.9% rise to N6.66 trillion and N837.94 billion respectively in 2022.

Mr. Ken Opara, the President/Chairman of Council at CIBN, expressed his satisfaction with the modest financial progress achieved by the institute despite the challenging macroeconomic conditions in 2022.

He attributed this growth to the efficient utilization of resources and a deliberate focus on revenue generation. He commended the institute’s management for their efforts and emphasized the institute’s commitment to implementing its strategic plan.

The financial report for 2022 indicated that total revenue for the year increased to N2.06 trillion, a 16.92% rise compared to the previous year’s figure of N1.76 trillion. The improved performance was credited to the various directorates’ accomplishments.

Mr. Opara acknowledged the institute’s management for achieving 93% of the N2.22 trillion budget for 2022 and expressed determination to achieve even better results in the current year.

CIBN recorded a net operating surplus before impairment and amortization of N837.94 million in 2022, up from N799.17 million in 2021, representing a growth of 4.86%.

This increase was a result of efficient resource utilization and surpassed the budgeted amount of N711.02 billion for 2022. However, the growth percentage could have been higher if not for the high inflation rate during the review period.

Recurrent expenditure at the institute rose to N1.22 trillion, a 26.89% increase compared to N966.57 billion in the previous year.

This surge was partly due to the general challenges experienced both in Nigeria and globally. Additionally, the institute hired additional staff at strategic levels to strengthen its operations.

The signing of the agreement was witnessed by representatives and members of FintechNGR CIBN, and FSI, at the Bankers House, Victoria Island, on Thursday, September 1, in Lagos.

The Fintech Certification Programme is intended to sharpen the minds and raise awareness of industry players about the importance of leveraging technology for financial inclusion and growth.

Dr Ken Opara said the alliance was a unique one in the annals of the Institute, “First, this is the first time the institute is collaborating with two partners at once for the provision of a certification.

“Second, this is the first collaboration agreement to be executed during my tenure.

“Third, this initiative is a further step towards the realisation of the mandate of the institute to promote professionalism, whilst enhancing knowledge and competencies in the financial services ecosystem,” he said.

Opara said the role of the Institute was to be the bridge that would engender a positive handshake among all the players (banks, fintechs, and other financial agents) in the financial services industry.

This, he said, would be done through capacity-building programmes, training, content development, advocacy and sound corporate governance policies.

The CIBN president also said his administration would be built on six strategic pillars with the acronym FUTURE.

According to him, the first pillar with the alphabet ‘F’ is Financial Innovation and Transformation.

He said, “under this pillar, we plan to among others, institutionalise Fintech Certification in collaboration with other credible bodies to sharpen the minds and awareness of industry players in optimising technology for financial inclusion and growth.

I am extremely delighted that three months after mounting the saddle of leadership of the Institute, we are taking sure steps towards the achievement of this objective.

Under this Agreement, the three institutions have come together to award Fintech Certification, which offers an excellent opportunity to bridge the tech talent gap and indeed further drive the implementation of the Competency Framework in the banking and finance industry in Nigeria.

Opara appreciated the Bankers Committee and the Central Bank of Nigeria for appointing the institute as the Accreditation Agency for the implementation of the Competency Framework.

He said the institute would not take the appointment for granted, expressing its determination to make a success of the assignment, which would lead not only to more knowledgeable professionals but improved service delivery.

Mr Ade Bajomo, President of FintechNGR, said the partnership was a historic moment for FintechNGR.

“If we cast our minds back a few years, people wondered whether the FinTech disruption would be absolute and traditional banking would become a thing of the past.

Instead, we are experiencing a synergised world of financial services where both Fintech companies and banks not only co-exist but also co-compete and share knowledge. Of course, there will be banks that will be more successful because they’re agile, and there will be Fintechs that will be more successful because of the vast opportunities available for them to tap into. All in all, it would be most essential to develop capacity and capability,” he said.

Bajomo said that banking as a profession was well regulated with strong compliance, a strong culture of capacity building, and knowledge building among others, adding that there was the need to also build the same capacity within the Fintechs in Nigeria.

“Banking as a profession is not only well regulated all over the world, but banks are also known for their strong adherence to compliance standards, as well as their strong culture of building and improving upon capabilities and knowledge.

When you look at Fintech companies and, indeed, the nature and age of FinTechs in our country, they are centred on agility and innovation. As the Fintech industry matures, however, there needs to be equal attention being paid to those things that are lacking in terms of compliance and regulations. This must form the foundation if we are to produce scalable, trustworthy financial service providers.

Two things must happen concurrently. The first as I just mentioned, is to build a strong regulatory capacity within the Fintech space. The second thing to be built upon is the capacity within banks to be more agile. In that way, our economy will benefit from the rising tide of superior financial services, which in turn, will have a ripple effect on the rest of Africa and the world at large,” Bajomo said.

Mrs Aituan Kola-Oladejo, Executive Director, FSI, who described CIBN as a “forward-thinking institution,” said the signing of the agreement would sharpen the FinTech industry.

She said, “this agreement will open the gate for more Fintech innovators into the FinTech ecosystem, as what was lacking was trust.”