President Goodluck Jonathan (R) welcoming Princess Maxima of Netherlands to the State House

By Muhammad Bello

Citizens of the country must directly feel the impact of growth in the economy as President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan said his administration is working towards financial inclusion of all.

President Jonathan was speaking to Princess Maxima of Netherlands, United Nations Special Envoy for Financial Inclusion, at State House, Tuesday.

"It is important for us to have structures that will enable all Nigerians have access to financial services as well as funds, and we have started programmes targeted at empowering the youth, women and the creative industry," he stated.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati said the president explained that the financial inclusion strategy midwifed by the Central Bank of Nigeria would enable more Nigerians have access to funds and help reduce poverty, especially in the rural areas.

He said the Administration would support the strategy and pool the relevant departments of government to implement it for the benefit of Nigerians.

President Jonathan said he recognized the importance of small and medium enterprises as the major vehicle to create employment in an increasingly industrial world, and commended the CBN for the new strategy to provide access to funds.

Earlier, Princess Maxima commended President Jonathan for supporting the financial inclusion strategy, and for the work of the Economic Management Team and the effective coordination of relevant ministries and departments.

She said a very good communications network was necessary for adequate support to reach rural agriculture, and commended President Jonathan for providing the impetus required for this to be achieved.