(From left): Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director, 9 Payment Service Bank, Branka Mracajac and Director of Programmes and Coordination, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), Omolara Adewumi, during the signing of a partnership agreement between 9PSB and LSETF at 9PSB office Lagos
Lagos, 9PSB deepen financial inclusion for job creation
[By VICTOR NZE]
Digital Payment service bank in the country, 9PSB has announced a strategic partnership with the Lagos Government, through its State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) to promote financial inclusion and job creation through comprehensive financial literacy and agent banking offering.
According to the digital payment bank, the collaboration ‘reflects the shared commitment of both organizations to enable economic empowerment through job and wealth creation for the residents of Lagos State.’
A statement confirming the agreement signed by CEO of 9PSB, Ms Branka Mracajac, further stated that the collaboration with LSETF is a strategic partnership initiative with the agency, ‘aims at providing top-notch financial literacy programmes to individuals and small businesses in Lagos state with a view to helping them understand and embrace financial inclusion better.’
“Financial Inclusion is a key social objective for us in 9PSB, and we have always partnered with the CBN and other key stakeholders in keeping with our mandate of providing easy access to financial services to the most underserved in society.
“In this partnership with LSETF, we aim to continue our empowerment of Nigeria’s youths, women and other vulnerable groups, using the bank’s agency banking offering which is a proven pathway to empowerment for the underserved in society. We hope this is the first of many of such collaborations with government agencies across the Nation looking for development partners,” said Mracajac.
Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in its Final_2020 Financial Inclusion Annual report, says nearly 80% of adults in Lagos State had access to formal or informal financial products and services in 2020, reflecting the growing support from both public and private sectors to improve residents’ livelihoods and create wealth in the state.
On her part, Director of Programmes and Coordination, Omolara Adewumi who represented Tejumola Abisoye, the Executive Secretary of LSETF, emphasized that this partnership is designed to drive financial inclusion by empowering Lagos residents to grow and scale their micro, small, and medium enterprises. Participants will also gain essential skills through specialized training on 9PSB’s products and services across the Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Authorities (LCDAs).
“LSETF is committed to creating sustainable job opportunities and facilitating access through impactful partnerships for the benefit of Lagos businesses and residents.
“LSETF is delighted to partner with 9PSB to fulfil our mandate of generating employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for Lagos residents. We are actively seeking additional strategic alliances to reduce unemployment and enhance the capacity of Lagos residents,” she said.
Also speaking on the collaboration, Kunle Isiaka, Head Sales & Distributions at 9PSB stated that 9PSB intends to contribute to the partnership’s success by co-facilitating training sessions for participants.
“As part of our obligation in this partnership, 9PSB will allocate resources, such as direct sales partners, strategic marketing initiatives, brand materials, and channels, to the Local Governments and Local Council Development Authorities (LGs and LCDAs).
“This effort would drive the adoption, usage, and accessibility of 9PSB’s financial solutions in Lagos. By offering innovative and user-friendly payment solutions, 9PSB is actively contributing to the empowerment of the youth and people of Lagos, the growth of the state’s economy whilst also supporting local businesses,” Isiaka said.
The 9PSB, LSETF partnership is expected to run for two years, during which the joint efforts will drive digital literacy, job creation at the grassroots level, and overall financial inclusion for all residents of Lagos State.
The collaboration between LSETF and 9PSB aims to provide exceptional financial literacy and empowerment using the bank’s agent banking network as touch points to reach individuals and small businesses in Lagos State, while also leveraging the diverse range of products and services offered by 9PSB.
Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) was established by the State Employment Trust Fund Law 2016 to enhance job creation and entrepreneurship opportunities for residents of Lagos. By facilitating access to finance, providing training, and supporting business growth, LSETF contributes to the economic development of Lagos State.
