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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 & 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.
Recognising Leadership Excellence across Banking and Development Finance
The night spotlighted exceptional leadership within Nigeria’s financial system, celebrating CEOs who are redefining access to MSME finance.
Roosevelt Ogbonna, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank Plc, 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, Hassan Imam, Managing Director/CEO of Keystone Bank Limited, was honoured as MSME Finance Bank CEO of the Year, in recognition of his leadership in domestic SME lending growth and innovation.
The awards also celebrated excellence in specialised and development finance
Dr. Olasupo Olusi, MD/CEO of Bank of Industry (BOI), was named MSME Development Finance Bank CEO of the Year.
Dr. Haruna Musa, MD/CEO of Jaiz Bank Plc, emerged as Non-Interest (Islamic Bank) CEO of the Year.
Bukola Smith, MD/CEO of FSDH Merchant Bank Limited, 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, Taiwo Joda, MD/CEO of Accion Microfinance Bank Limited, was celebrated as MSME Microfinance Bank CEO of the Year, while Cynthia Ikponmwosa, MD/CEO of LAPO Microfinance Bank Limited, received MSME Financial Inclusion MFB CEO of the Year for her leadership in expanding access to rural entrepreneurs and women-led businesses.
In fintech and payments, outstanding digital finance innovators were also spotlighted:
Dr. Stanley Jacob, CEO of Zest Payments Limited, was named MSME Digital Finance CEO of the Year.
Dr. Folashade Femi-Lawal, Country Manager and Area Business Head (West Africa), Mastercard, 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.
The insurance and inclusion segments also saw exceptional honourees
Kunle Ahmed, MD/CEO of AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, was awarded MSME Insurance CEO of the Year, while Foyinsola Akinjayeju, CEO of Enhancing Financial Innovation and Access (EFInA), received MSME Financial Inclusion Partner CEO of the Year.
Celebrating Institutions Driving Nigeria’s MSME Growth
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, Jude Ndu, Visionary Founder & Global CEO of the Africa Global Economic Forum and Convener of the MSME Finance & CEO Awards, commended the honourees for their market leading and industry-shaping impact
“The second edition of the MSME Finance & CEO Awards is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity across Nigeria’s financial services sector,” said Ndu. “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.”
