LAPO MfB targets deeper financial inclusion as AGM holds May 22

Microfinance Bank Limited has announced plans to hold its 15th Annual General Meeting on May 22, 2026, as the lender reaffirmed its commitment to expanding financial inclusion, supporting micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and driving sustainable economic growth across Nigeria.

The annual meeting will bring together shareholders, board members, regulators, development partners, and other stakeholders in the financial services sector to review the bank’s financial performance, operational milestones, and future strategic direction. During the meeting, the bank is expected to present its audited financial statements and discuss its growth plans, governance structure, risk management framework, and sustainability agenda.

Ahead of the AGM, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of LAPO Microfinance Bank, Cynthia Ikponmwosa, said the gathering would serve as an opportunity for the institution to strengthen accountability to stakeholders while reinforcing its long-term development goals.

According to her, the bank remains focused on increasing access to finance for underserved communities, particularly women entrepreneurs, low-income households, and small businesses that continue to face difficulties accessing formal financial services.

“This year’s Annual General Meeting is a moment of reflection and renewal for us. At LAPO Microfinance Bank, we remain deeply committed to expanding access to finance for underserved communities, strengthening MSMEs as the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, and delivering sustainable value to our shareholders,” Ikponmwosa said.

She added that the institution’s growth strategy would continue to prioritize innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable finance initiatives aimed at improving economic empowerment at the grassroots level.

Over the years, LAPO Microfinance Bank has emerged as one of Nigeria’s leading financial inclusion institutions, leveraging microfinance services to support enterprise development and economic resilience among small-scale business owners. The bank disclosed that it has recorded cumulative MSME loan disbursements exceeding N1.7 trillion through various intervention programmes and financing schemes targeted at strengthening businesses and improving livelihoods.

Industry analysts say the bank’s continued focus on MSME financing aligns with ongoing national efforts to stimulate economic growth through small business development, especially at a time when many enterprises are grappling with inflationary pressures, foreign exchange volatility, and limited access to affordable credit.

The bank also stated that its operations remain aligned with regulatory and policy frameworks introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Finance, and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria. These frameworks focus on improving financial inclusion, promoting responsible lending practices, accelerating digital finance adoption, and strengthening support for MSMEs nationwide.

The AGM is expected to feature presentations by the bank’s board and management team, as well as interactive sessions with shareholders and stakeholders on operational performance and future priorities.

LAPO Microfinance Bank said it would continue to deepen partnerships with development institutions and other stakeholders in order to scale financial access, promote sustainable banking practices, and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s socio-economic development.