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The Development Bank of Nigeria Plc (DBN) has announced that it will hold the Fifth edition of its Annual DBN Lecture Series on the 25th of September 2024, in Abuja at the Transcorp Hotel. The lecture is a further affirmation of the Bank’s unwavering commitment to the needs and challenges of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria.
The theme for this year’s lecture is, ‘Empowering Nigerian MSMEs in a Challenging Global Landscape” It has the Managing Director/CEO, of Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, as the Keynote Speaker.
A panel of eminent industry and business leaders with rich backgrounds drawn from across key sectors of the economy have been invited to also share their wealth of experience and perspectives on the theme. They include the Managing Director/CEO of Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Abubakar Aliyu; Managing Director, Founder Institute and Venture Partner at White Hibiscus Capital, Ajuma Ataguba; Chairman/CEO of Nord Automobiles Limited, Joshua Oluwatobi Ajayi; and CEO, Futuresoft, Nkemdilim Uwaje Begho.
Speaking on the importance of the lecture theme, DBN’s Managing Director/CEO, Dr Tony Okpanachi, said although MSMEs are the backbone of the Nigerian economy and major contributors to job creation and economic growth, local, regional and global challenges pose significant threats to their survival and prosperity.
He said the lecture would serve as a veritable platform for experts, leaders of businesses from across industries and sectors, as well as stakeholders to discuss the myriad of challenges faced by the MSMEs to channel a way forward for them.
“Access to affordable financing is a major hurdle for MSMEs as traditional loan options are often out of reach due to stringent obstacles. This is further exacerbated by disruptions in the global supply chain, causing delays and price fluctuations in raw materials and finished goods, impacting MSMEs’ production and profitability,” he noted.
Dr Okpanachi explained that the MSME sector, like other sectors of the economy, is also trying to adjust to the macroeconomic challenges currently being experienced in the country. He added, however, that the Federal Government is committed to addressing the issues and has rolled out many interventions that would help stimulate further growth of the MSMEs in the country.
According to him, the DBN Annual Lecture Series is also one of the many initiatives being deployed by the Bank to support the current administration’s efforts. He emphasised the need for all hands to be on deck to move the Nigerian economy into prosperity and abundance for all.
Dr Okpanachi further expressed his confidence that this year’s lecture would serve as a platform to think out of the box and explore creative ways of enabling the real sector to boost productivity. “This year’s lecture series like others before promises to be very engaging and rewarding to all stakeholders. Consequently, I am extending our warm invitation to all stakeholders in government, development partners, the private sector and the MSMEs to be part of the event.
