Nigeria’s Financial Titans Honoured at the Second Edition of the MSME Finance, CEO Awards in Lagos

The outstanding contributions of Nigeria’s top financial sector leaders to the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) ecosystem took centre stage at the second edition of the MSME Finance and CEO Awards, held recently in Lagos.

The prestigious event celebrated visionary chief executives and leading financial institutions across banking, fintech, asset finance, capital market, insurance, and development finance, whose innovations and leadership continue to expand MSME access to finance, deepen inclusion, and drive economic productivity growth nationwide.

The night spotlighted exceptional leadership within Nigeria’s financial system, celebrating CEOs who are redefining access to MSME finance.

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank Plc, Roosevelt Ogbonna, received the MSME Finance Bank CEO of the Year (International Category) for the bank’s expansive cross-border support for small businesses.

In the National Category, Managing Director/CEO of Keystone Bank Limited, Hassan Imam, was honoured as MSME Finance Bank CEO of the Year, in recognition of his leadership in domestic SME lending growth and innovation.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Bank of Industry (BOI), Dr. Olasupo Olusi, was named MSME Development Finance Bank CEO of the Year.
Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Jaiz Bank Plc, Dr. Haruna Musa, emerged as Non-Interest (Islamic Bank) CEO of the Year.

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of FSDH Merchant Bank Limited, Bukola Smith, received the Merchant Bank CEO of the Year award.

Fintech, Microfinance, and Digital Inclusion Pacesetters Honoured

Innovation, technology, and inclusion were key themes of this year’s ceremony, with leading fintechs and microfinance institutions recognized for their role in extending finance to underserved markets.
In the microfinance segment, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Accion Microfinance Bank Limited, Taiwo Joda, was celebrated as MSME Microfinance Bank CEO of the Year, while Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAPO Microfinance Bank Limited, Cynthia Ikponmwosa, received MSME Financial Inclusion MFB CEO of the Year for her leadership in expanding access to rural entrepreneurs and women-led businesses.

Chief Executive Officer of Zest Payments Limited, Dr. Stanley Jacob, was named MSME Digital Finance CEO of the Year.

Country Manager and Area Business Head (West Africa), Mastercard, Dr. Folashade Femi-Lawal, received the MSME Fintech CEO of the Year award.

Kemi Okusanya, MD/CEO of Hydrogen Payment Services Company Limited, was recognized as MSME Fintech Payment CEO of the Year.

Chukwuma Nwanze, MD/CEO of Credit Direct Finance Company Limited, received MSME Fintech Lending CEO of the Year.

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Kunle Ahmed, AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, was awarded MSME Insurance CEO of the Year, while CEO of Enhancing Financial Innovation and Access (EFInA), Foyinsola Akinjayeju, received MSME Financial Inclusion Partner CEO of the Year.

Beyond individual leadership, several institutions were also recognized for their strategic investments, policy innovation, and ecosystem support in advancing Nigeria’s MSME agenda.

Speaking at the event, Visionary Founder and Global CEO of the Africa Global Economic Forum and Convener of the MSME Finance and CEO Awards, Jude Ndu, commended the honourees for their market leading and industry-shaping impact

“The second edition of the MSME Finance and CEO Awards is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity across Nigeria’s financial services sector. These leaders and institutions are not just providing capital — they are building the infrastructure, digital rails, and innovative products that allow millions of MSMEs to thrive, create jobs, and contribute meaningfully to national GDP,” said Ndu.