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AMMBAN 2021 Conference to Explore Framework to Sustaining Financial Inclusion Gains
This year’s Association of Mobile Money and Bank Agents in Nigeria (AMMBAN) conference will be exploring suitable framework to sustain gains achieved in the financial inclusion initiative of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
The 5th AMMBAN conference is holding between November 16 and 18, 2021 at National Women Development Centre, Abuja with the theme “Sustaining the Gain of Financial Inclusion: Exploring suitable framework for last mile Drivers”.
Victor Olojo, national president, AMMBAN, said that the conference will be looking into the best ways for last mile drivers to sustain the gains of financial inclusion.
“Looking back over the past five years that AMMBAN started, we are happy to say that we have witnessed meaningful gain in the industry. For instance, SANEF has recorded 700,000 mobile money and banking agents spread across the country. This is a good sign that we have made progress and the federal government financial inclusion target has been met and exceeded.
“We believe that we need to ensure that we work and build on these gains by creating a sustainable framework that will make us to achieve the results we desire, beyond getting the numbers, other things need to be put in place such as regulations, proper framework, agents welfare and security of agents, issues around broadening the scope and ensuring that we are able to do other services beyond cash-in cash-out such as insurance, micro-pension, micro – investment for us to be able to capture the informal market.
He said that the AMMBAN conference is an atmosphere where stakeholders in the industry such as SANEF, CBN, Banks among others, will discuss on how to sustain the gains achieved in the Financial Inclusion policy.
“AMMBAN has been instrumental in conducting training on agent onboarding and also helping a number of institutions in the sector in realizing or achieving their business objectives by taking their services into the hinterland.
“AMMBAN is a very good medium of feedback to the industry on how we can improve and get better. Most importantly, the conference will create a framework or avenue where we can be able to seat with policy makers, regulators among others to discuss on ways to get better on what we do,” he stated.
It would be recalled that members of the Association has become targets of armed robbery attacks prompting the need for collaboration with law enforcement agents on protecting them.
According to Olojo, “these worrisome attacks which have sadly resulted in the deaths of some of our members and loss of money and valuables have further highlighted the fact that we have become soft targets and run even greater risks in the face of a wide scale insecurity in the country.
Whilst the Association is exploring effective ways to confronting the situation and as well engaging relevant security outfits to finding a lasting solution to this menace, we will like to admonish that our members take adequate precautions and be circumspect in your dealings.
Zinox Technologies Limited, a leading ICT solutions provider in West Africa, has engaged with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) in Abuja, marking a significant step towards advancing innovation and sustainable energy solutions within Nigeria’s tertiary education landscape.
Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh, Zinox Chairman (left) and Arc. Sonny Echono, Executive Secretary, TETFUND (right) after the meeting
Under the theme “Advancing Innovation for a Sustainable Future,” the meeting aimed to establish a collaborative framework for technological transformation.
The Zinox delegation was led by Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh, its chairman, and included key members of the company’s executive management team.
On the TETFUND side, Arc. Sonny Echono, executive secretary, was joined by members of his top management team for the high-level discussions.
The highlight of the visit was the establishment of a strategic partnership between Zinox Technologies and TETFUND to provide renewable energy solutions to universities and polytechnics across Nigeria.
Additionally, Mrs. Kelechi Eze-Okonta, managing director, delivered a comprehensive, world-class presentation on the company’s diverse verticals and advanced ICT services, underscoring the need for intentional policy measures to support indigenous technologies for sustainable economic growth.
The TETFUND team expressed their appreciation for Zinox’s contributions to technology awareness, implementation, and adoption in Africa.
Arc. Sonny Echono, executive secretary of TETFUND, conveyed his deep appreciation for the visit by the Zinox team and commended Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh for his unwavering and impactful contributions to Nigeria’s digital transformation, stating that efforts are underway to establish a framework for effective energy solutions in tertiary institutions.
Highlighting Zinox Technologies’ expertise and proven track record, Arc. Echono expressed optimism about partnering with the company to develop scalable and efficient power solutions for academic institutions.
While both organizations remain committed to implementing innovative initiatives that enhance institutional capacity across the nation’s higher education sector, the visit marks a significant milestone in establishing a strategic partnership to equip Nigeria’s tertiary institutions with the essential technological infrastructure for a sustainable, digitally-driven future.
In a remarkable event, the Smart Treasure Investment Team (ST Team) unveiled its new operation office at 17, Oremeta Street, off Opebi Link Road, Oregun-Ikeja, Lagos.
Folashade Abiodun, the Head of Ikeja Office and a VIP 9 member of the team, led the inauguration with an impassioned speech celebrating the milestones that led to the new office’s establishment.
She expressed gratitude to her team members, mentors, and leaders for their dedication and support.
She highlighted the Ibalo team, Oflex team, and Abeokuta team, alongside praising mentor Tina and other leaders for their wisdom and guidance.
“The new office is not just a physical space; it is a realization of dreams and a testament to the rewards of unwavering faith, consistency, and belief in a purpose greater than ourselves,” Abiodun stated.
She described the office as a haven for nurturing aspirations, shaping visions, and empowering individuals.
As part of the vision, Abiodun emphasized the ST Team’s commitment to building a legacy of impact and financial freedom.
She declared, “We are not just building a business; we are building a legacy—impact and financial freedom, one step at a time.”
The team also expressed plans to create opportunities for constant learning and empowerment, aiming to transform lives through training and partnerships.
“This space will ensure nobody feels left out. It will be a hub for continuous learning and growth,” Abiodun added.
With hope and gratitude, Abiodun officially declared the office open, marking a significant milestone in the ST Team’s journey of transformation and empowerment in Lagos.
The launch of this office represents a bold stride toward making dreams a reality and empowering communities financially and socially.
The ST Team’s mission remains steadfast—to inspire, train, and empower, one step at a time.
In a heartfelt tribute, MTN has hailed late Dr. Pascal Gabriel Dozie, an exceptional leader, steady hand and enduring legacy.
Pascal Gabriel Dozie, Former Chairman
In the tribute, MTN said it was deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Dozie, founding chairman of MTN Nigeria.
He passed away at the age of 85
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him” the telecom giant said.
A pioneer, statesman, and titan of industry, Dr. Dozie played a pivotal role in the emergence of mobile telephony in Nigeria and in shaping the MTN Nigeria story.
He brought insight, experience, and leadership at a time when bold vision was essential.
He was instrumental in securing the early support and investment that brought the Y’ello dream to life. On May 16, 2001, he made the first call on the MTN network, a historic moment in Nigeria’s telecommunications journey.
For 18 years, from 2001 to 2019, Dr. Dozie served as Chairman, leading with strength and conviction.
His presence on the Board was unifying. He championed good governance, corporate responsibility, and long-term value, deeply committed to the greater good. In challenging times, he remained a stabilising force.
“His unwavering belief in Nigeria’s potential and his dedication to its development were truly inspiring. His leadership at MTN Nigeria laid the foundation for our success, and his legacy will continue to guide us in the years to come,” Karl Toriola, CEO, MTN Nigeria.
Some of his landmark contributions include:
The incorporation of the MTN Nigeria Foundation in 2004 and our commitment to dedicating a percentage of profit after tax to social investments;
The launch of one of Africa’s largest switching centres in 2010;
His significant role in 2015 during critical conversations around the regulatory fine and its resolution;
The introduction of Africa’s first 3G feature phone in 2018;
MTN Nigeria’s listing in 2019 on the premium board of the Nigerian Exchange.
“Dr. Dozie was instrumental in MTN Group’s expansion into Nigeria, providing visionary leadership that has left an indelible mark on our company’s history. His commitment to excellence and integrity set a standard that we continue to uphold,” Ralph Mupita, president & CEO, MTN Group.
His legacy goes well beyond MTN. He believed in Nigeria’s potential and dedicated his life to building a stronger nation.
His impact spanned banking, telecommunications, education, and public service.
He founded Diamond Bank, led the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, and served as Director of the Central Bank of Nigeria, among many other distinguished roles. A generous mentor, he inspired and guided countless individuals who continue to uphold the values he lived by.
He was a quiet revolutionary. He could ease tensions with grace and consistently led with clarity and conviction.
He was warm, principled, and deeply respected by all who encountered him.
Fondly known as PGD, he was honoured with the national awards of Officer and Commander of the Order of the Niger (OON and CON).
Beyond the accolades, what we remember most is the man himself. He was innovative, dedicated, measured, thoughtful and humble.
“We are profoundly grateful for his time with us. His memory will remain a guiding light for MTN, Nigeria’s business community, and everyone who shares his unwavering commitment to progress built on integrity and service” MTN stated
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