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EFInA CEO Honoured for Promoting Financial Inclusion, MSME Funding

EFInA CEO Honoured for Promoting Financial Inclusion, MSME Funding

The Chief Executive Officer of Enhancing Financial Inclusion and Advancement (EFInA), Nigeria’s leading financial sector deepening organisation,  Foyinsolami Akinjayeju,   has been honoured with The Financial Inclusion Partner CEO of the Year Award at the  second edition of the MSME Finance and CEO Awards 2025.

The prestigious event, organised by the Africa Global Economic Forum, serves as a platform to celebrate financial sector players and non-financial institutions, including non-state actors that are making significant contributions to MSME finance, financial inclusion, and entrepreneurship development.

The event brought together financial service institutions, Finance CEOs, Fintechs, policy makers, regulators, development partners and industry leaders across Nigeria’s MSME and financial inclusion ecosystem, who are driving access to finance and fostering the productivity and growth of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Under Akinjayeju’s leadership, EFInA has deepened its role as a catalyst for advancing inclusive finance through research, advocacy, partnerships, innovation and systems strengthening. Her strategic direction has positioned EFInA as a trusted thought leader and an evidence-based advocate for MSME growth and sustainable inclusion.

Commenting on the award,  Akinjayeju expressed gratitude for the recognition while highlighting the collective effort behind the organisation’s impact.

She said: “This award is a humbling recognition of the work that EFInA and our partners continue to do to expand financial access and opportunities for MSMEs across Nigeria. It is not just about me or EFInA, it is about a collective vision of an inclusive financial system that leaves no one behind.”

Also speaking on the award, EFInA’s Advocacy and Communications Lead, Chinasa Collins-Ogbuo,remarked: “At EFInA, we believe that empowering MSMEs with access to affordable, reliable financial products is the foundation for long-term economic resilience. This recognition strengthens our resolve to continue championing conversations, collaboration, and evidence-led interventions that make financial inclusion meaningful and transformative.”

This award comes on the heels of EFInA’s inauguration as a member of the Impact Advisory Group (IAG) on MSME Financing; a newly constituted group offering a technical support mechanism that will collaborate with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to sustain reforms across research, policy advisory, advocacy, knowledge management, evidence generation, and ecosystem convenings, ensuring the scaling and sustainability of interventions such as that implemented by the Investment Climate Reform (ICR) Facility to SMEDAN; one of British Council’s programmes promoting an enabling environment for MSME development in Nigeria.

In addition, EFInA’s recent inclusion as a member of the Federal Steering Committee (FSC) of the Nigeria for Women Programme – Scale-Up Project (NFWP-SU), a Federal Government of Nigeria initiative in collaboration with the World Bank Group, further underscores the organisation’s commitment to inclusive finance and gender empowerment. This project aims to institutionalise women’s affinity groups and other platforms for women’s economic empowerment, expanding access to economic opportunities for unbanked and underserved women across 32 states.

Since EFInA’s establishment in 2007, it has played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s financial inclusion journey. The organisation’s work continues to influence national policy, strengthen industry capacity, and drive innovation across sectors, ensuring that excluded populations, particularly women, youth, and micro-entrepreneurs, are empowered with access to quality financial products and services for growth and resilience.

As EFInA continues its mission to enhance financial inclusion and advancement, this recognition serves as a reaffirmation of the organisation’s leadership and impact within Nigeria’s financial sector.

“Our vision is clear: That all Nigerians are financially included and economically empowered”, Akinjayeju added. “This award belongs to every member of the EFInA team and to our partners across the ecosystem who share our commitment to evidence, innovation, and collaboration.”

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The Chief Executive Officer of Enhancing Financial Inclusion and Advancement (EFInA), Nigeria’s leading financial sector deepening organisation,  Foyinsolami Akinjayeju,   has been honoured with The Financial Inclusion Partner CEO of the Year Award at the  second edition of the

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Sinomart Unveils Retail Store in Lagos

Sinomart Unveils Retail Store in Lagos

Raheem Akingbolu

The Sinomart International Limited has officially launched its flagship Sinomart Super Store at The Palms Shopping Mall, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The event attracted dignitaries, government officials, traditional leaders, business executives, and shoppers, who gathered to celebrate the arrival of a new shopping destination designed to redefine consumer experience in the country.

Speaking at the launch of the super store, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Sinomart International Limited, Sky Chunming Huang, expressed excitement about the brand’s entry into the Nigerian retail market.

He said that “Sinomart Super Store is more than just a supermarket — it represents our vision to bring global retail standards closer to Nigerian consumers.”

He added that “We are committed to offering an exceptional shopping experience defined by quality, variety, affordability, and convenience. Nigeria’s retail sector continues to show great promise, and we are proud to be investing in its growth, starting here in Lagos.”

The historic opening was graced by royal representatives from the host communities — the Oniru Kingdom and the Ikate Elegushi Kingdom of Lagos State.

Representing His Royal Majesty, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, Kusenla III, the Elegushi of Ikate Kingdom, were Chief Olalekan Bakare, the Aro Oba Elegushi, and Chief Salisu Elegushi, the Olowa of Ikate Kingdom.

Delivering the monarch’s goodwill message, Chief Bakare commended Sinomart for its confidence in Lagos as a destination for business and investment. “On behalf of His Royal Majesty, the Elegushi of Ikate Kingdom, we warmly welcome Sinomart to our community.”

Bakare noted that “This development reinforces the global reputation of Lagos as the hub of commerce and innovation. We urge the management to continue fostering local partnerships that benefit our people and strengthen community ties.”

Representatives of His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, Abisogun II, the Oniru of Iru Kingdom, including Chief Olumide Oniru, the Olopon of Iru Kingdom.

Speaking on behalf of the Oniru Kingdom, Chief Oniru congratulated the Sinomart team for choosing Victoria Island as its launch location. “We are proud to see Sinomart contributing to the ongoing transformation of the Iru Kingdom into a world-class business and residential district. The Oniru-in-Council pledges continuous support for initiatives that promote trade, job creation, and sustainable urban growth.”

The monarchs expressed appreciation for Sinomart’s decision to establish its flagship outlet within the host communities of Oniru and Ikate Kingdoms, describing it as a significant contribution to the commercial development and youth empowerment in the area.

The launch ceremony featured a ribbon-cutting session, guided tours of the new facility, entertainment, and special promotions for early shoppers.

With the opening of its first store, Sinomart aims to set new benchmarks in customer service, product variety, and value delivery — underscoring its commitment to building a trusted retail brand in Nigeria.

Sinomart Super StoreSinomart is a modern retail chain established to deliver exceptional shopping experiences through a wide range of quality consumer goods, groceries, electronics, and household products at competitive prices.

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Raheem Akingbolu The Sinomart International Limited has officially launched its flagship Sinomart Super Store at The Palms Shopping Mall, Victoria Island, Lagos. The event attracted dignitaries, government officials, traditional leaders,