Keystone Bank Limited has once again been recognized for its pivotal role in advancing Nigeria’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), clinching the Most SME-Friendly Bank of the Year 2024 award at the prestigious Champion Newspapers Annual Awards held in Lagos.
This award highlights the bank’s exceptional contributions to expanding access to finance and fostering strategic growth for SMEs across the country. According to the organisers, Keystone Bank has demonstrated consistent leadership in providing tailored financial services that empower businesses and fuel sustainable economic development.
The accolade was formally presented to Nnenna Anyim-Okoro, Executive Director of South and Corporate Banking at Keystone Bank, by the Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
During the presentation, Hon. Dabiri-Erewa praised the bank’s steadfast commitment to nurturing Nigeria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, emphasizing that this award affirms its positive trajectory.
“This honour reflects the bank’s remarkable dedication to empowering SMEs, which are crucial to our nation’s development. While there’s more work ahead, this recognition proves that Keystone Bank is on the right path,” she remarked.
She also commended the bank’s leadership and personnel for their collective effort in promoting inclusive economic growth through targeted SME development.
In her acceptance speech, Nnenna Anyim-Okoro expressed appreciation to Champion Newspapers for the recognition and reiterated the bank’s enduring dedication to the SME sector.
“This award reaffirms our mission to serve as a trusted partner in the growth journey of Nigerian SMEs. At Keystone Bank, we view SMEs not just as a business segment but as the engine room of national progress—driving employment, innovation, and local empowerment.”
She emphasized the bank’s strategic initiatives, which include bespoke financial solutions, digitized loan platforms, and capacity-building programs tailored to the needs of entrepreneurs in diverse industries such as retail, agriculture, manufacturing, and technology.
“We’ve launched numerous impactful initiatives designed to unlock SME potential, promote scalability, and ensure long-term resilience. We are deeply committed to doing more because we understand how vital this sector is to Nigeria’s future,” she added.
The event was graced by several top executives from Keystone Bank, including Emmanuel Ntomchukwu, Directorate Head for Lagos Mainland; Chinyelu Ogufere, Group Head for Industrials and Emerging Sectors; and Tina Ebuehi, Head of Retail Products and Value Chain Management.
Keystone Bank continues to distinguish itself as a forward-thinking, SME-focused financial institution, offering innovative solutions and forging strategic partnerships aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s entrepreneurial landscape.
The Champion Newspapers Annual Awards celebrates outstanding individuals and organizations whose efforts significantly contribute to national growth and socio-economic advancement.
