NELFUND Deepens Grassroots Engagement in Ogun State, Partners Senator Gbenga Daniel to Expand Student Loan Awareness

The Nigerian Education Loans Fund (NELFUND) has intensified its grassroots sensitisation efforts in Ogun State, partnering with Senator Gbenga Daniel to broaden awareness of the federal government’s student loan programme across Ogun East Senatorial District. The engagement, held in Ijebu North Local Government Area, formed part of Senator Daniel’s Mid-Term Community Assessment and Review Tour and drew community leaders, youth associations, parents, and prospective student beneficiaries. Speaking at the event on Sunday, NELFUND Managing Director/Chief Executive, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, said the initiative aligns with the agency’s ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships across all levels of governance and community structures nationwide. According to him, the session “forms part of our broader commitment to strengthen partnerships across federal, state and community structures,” adding that it ensures “NELFUND’s mandate is well understood, properly aligned, and effectively delivered to the beneficiaries we serve.” Sawyerr explained that discussions during the engagement “reinforced the centrality of our mission and the critical role NELFUND plays in expanding access to tertiary education financing nationwide.” Reaffirming the agency’s nationwide reach, he stressed:“NELFUND remains firmly committed to taking its mandate to every community, ensuring that every eligible Nigerian who needs this loan can access it without barriers. Our goal is simple: no Nigerian student should be left behind.” The NELFUND delegation included: Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, Managing Director/Chief Executive Dr. Fred Femi Akinfala, Executive Director, Finance and Administration Mr. Sola Fowobaje, Director of SERVICOM Mrs. Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, Director of Strategic Communications Mr. Yomi Gbadamosi, PA to the MD/CE Mr. Festus Adefehinti, PA to the EDFA

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CBN, Partners host 2nd IFIC; unveil We-Fi Code, WFID, roadmap for FDPs

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso has reaffirmed that inclusive finance is not just about access to banking—it is the bedrock for #EconomicGrowth in Nigeria. Cardoso restated this at the 2nd International Financial Inclusion Conference (IFIC) in Lagos on Tuesday.  He craved for Bank’s unwavering commitment to financial inclusion, just as he pledged to reduce barriers and make finance accessible to all.  “By reaching the unbanked, we are building a resilient, $1 trillion economy. “Financial inclusion is not just a goal; it is key to poverty reduction, income equality, and economic growth. For Nigeria, this means empowering citizens to save, invest, and thrive economically. “Women are essential to Nigeria’s economic growth, yet they face financial exclusion. When women thrive financially, they uplift families and communities. The CBN is committed to closing this gap, offering support for women and youth to achieve financial independence and drive economic growth,” Cardoso assured.  Nigeria is advancing in financial inclusion through resilient policies, digital solutions, and financial literacy programmes that empower young Nigerians to achieve financial independence, foster entrepreneurship, and drive growth. Let us invest in the next generation!  In a similar vein, CBN Deputy Governor, Financial System Stability (FSS), Mr. Phillip Ikeazor, called for greater teamwork across government, private sector, FinTech, and civil society to achieve the goal of 95% financial inclusion by 2024.  “Nigeria’s commitment to the #MayaDeclaration has driven progress in financial access. Since our 2012 National Financial Inclusion Strategy, the adult exclusion rate dropped from 46.3% in 2010 to 26% in 2023. A collaborative journey!”

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