The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) recently celebrated its Partner Financial Institutions (PFI) in this year’s DBN Service Ambassadors’ Awards ceremony for their long-term impact and sustainable collaboration.
Managing Director of DBN, Dr Tony Okpanachi, in his address, commended DBN’s partners for their commitment to supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria.
However, he clarified that the awards were not just a token of recognition but also a call to deepen impact through innovative action.
The MD emphasised that partners must continue to campaign, share success stories and raise awareness of the programme’s societal contributions.
Supporting the narrative, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of DBN presented impressive milestones in the bank’s disbursement drive. In the past year, DBN disbursed N273.4 billion, pushing total disbursement to N1 trillion nationwide. The ceremony honoured outstanding PFIs who demonstrated exceptional support for MSMEs.
The United Bank for Africa (UBA) received the Highest Impact on MSMEs in Nigeria and the Platinum Service Ambassador Award. LAPO Microfinance Bank won multiple accolades, including Highest Impact on Grassroots MSMEs and Women MSMEs in Nigeria. Providus Bank was recognised for supporting Nigeria’s livestock value chain. FCMB and Infinity Trust Mortgage Bank Plc received DBN Sustainability Awards for their green and socially responsible initiatives.
Other standout winners included Fidelity Bank for innovation, Stanbic IBTC for enabling first-time credit access, and Wema Bank and Baobab MFB for startup financing and support.