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LAPO Microfinance Bank reaffirmed its position as one of Nigeria’s most impactful financial institutions as it took centre stage at the prestigious National Media Community Award held recently at the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), Ikeja, Lagos.

The highly attended ceremony brought together industry leaders, corporate executives and media professionals to honour outstanding contributions to national development—and LAPO emerged as one of the evening’s most celebrated institutions.

The bank was honoured for its sustained leadership in microfinance banking, robust corporate governance, and its transformative role in expanding financial inclusion and lifting millions out of poverty.

The spotlight also shone brightly on the bank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Cynthia Ikponmwosa Iranmwinran, who was recognized for her visionary leadership, strategic innovation, and contributions to sustainable economic empowerment.

Since its establishment in 1987 as the Lift Above Poverty Organization (LAPO), the bank has grown from a modest grassroots initiative into a national financial powerhouse. What began as a community-driven effort to empower rural women and low-income households has evolved into one of Nigeria’s largest microfinance institutions with a client base of more than six million Nigerians.

Today, LAPO boasts an expansive network of 535 branches across 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory, and maintains an impressive footprint in underserved areas, ensuring that financial services reach the grassroots.

At the ceremony, the bank’s staggering financial achievements were highlighted, chief among them being its cumulative loan disbursement exceeding ₦1 trillion—an undeniable testament to its reach and impact on small and medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs). Recent statistical reports from the bank show strong financial performance, including a loan portfolio of ₦106.2 billion, customer deposits of ₦59.2 billion, and total assets valued at ₦124 billion. With over 7,000 employees, LAPO is also one of the largest microfinance employers in the country.

In addition to the bank’s institutional honour, the Director of Corporate Communication, Mr. Oluremi Akande, also received a major individual recognition as he was awarded the Most Resourceful Corporate Communication Personality of the Year. This award celebrated his strategic communication expertise, brand diplomacy, innovative media engagement initiatives, and his exceptional consistency in projecting LAPO’s mission, values, and achievements across national and international platforms. Organisers praised his professionalism, message clarity and the compelling storytelling approach that has strengthened public perception of LAPO as a socially responsible financial institution.

Akande, in a statement at the event, reiterated the bank’s unwavering commitment to empowering underserved groups, especially women. The bank’s focus on gender empowerment was applauded as it disclosed that in 2024 alone, it disbursed more than ₦237 billion in microloans to women entrepreneurs across Nigeria—making LAPO one of the continent’s leading advocates for women’s economic advancement.

A major highlight of the event was the recognition of Mrs. Cynthia Ikponmwosa Iranmwinran, whose dynamic leadership has repositioned the institution for modern banking realities. With over 23 years of experience in the microfinance industry, Cynthia holds a BA in English from Edo State University (now Ambrose Alli University) and a Master of Law in Corporate Governance and Law from the University of Portsmouth, UK. She has also undergone several high-level trainings including the renowned Blueprint Certified (ICSA) training in the UK.

Cynthia’s journey at LAPO began in 2001. Her steady rise through critical leadership roles—including Executive Director, Corporate Services—prepared her for her appointment as Managing Director/CEO in 2020. Under her leadership, the institution has embraced a new era of digital transformation, robust corporate governance, and customer-focused innovation.

Her most notable achievements include the launch of a user-friendly mobile banking application, enabling customers to apply for microloans from ₦20,000, make deposits, and perform financial transactions with ease. This digital shift has enhanced service delivery, strengthened customer trust and expanded LAPO’s reach among Nigeria’s tech-savvy population.

LAPO’s strategic partnerships with global technology firms such as Oracle have strengthened the bank’s core banking systems, enhanced scalability and improved operational efficiency. The bank’s commitment to environmental sustainability equally earned commendation at the award ceremony. Through its green loans initiative and ongoing environmental projects—including tree planting, waste management and water sanitation—LAPO continues to support vulnerable communities.

Beyond financial empowerment, LAPO supports education through its scholarship schemes, which have benefitted numerous underprivileged students with over ₦65 million disbursed in recent years.

Organisers of the National Media Community Award praised LAPO for its consistent track record of performance, social commitment and national impact. The bank’s numerous awards—including multiple recognitions as Microfinance Bank of the Year by BusinessDay and honours from the Development Bank of Nigeria—were highlighted as proof of its excellence.

In acknowledging the award, Mrs. Iranmwinran expressed gratitude to the organisers and reaffirmed LAPO’s commitment to broadening financial access, deepening digital inclusion and expanding its environmental, social and governance (ESG) programmes.

“As Nigeria continues to navigate complex economic realities, our mission remains clear—empowering individuals, supporting MSMEs, and driving financial inclusion at all levels of society,” she said.

With ambitious plans to broaden its digital footprint, scale up innovative financial products and boost support for women-owned businesses, LAPO Microfinance Bank stands poised to sustain its leadership in the microfinance sector. Its strong foundations, transparent governance and community-focused initiatives continue to set it apart.

The recognition at the National Media Community Award further strengthens the bank’s position as a trusted pillar in Nigeria’s quest for inclusive growth, sustainable development and economic empowerment. Under the transformational leadership of Mrs. Cynthia Ikponmwosa Iranmwinran—and supported by dedicated professionals like Mr. Oluremi Akande—LAPO remains committed to building a financially empowered nation, one community at a time.