LAGOS, NIGERIA. [10.11.25] In a resounding endorsement of its institutional excellence and leadership, LAPO Microfinance Bank (LAPO MFB), Nigeria’s pioneering microfinance institution, delivered a stunning performance at the prestigious National Media Community Awards (NMCA) 2025, clinching three major awards and solidifying its reputation as a trailblazer in the financial and media landscapes.
The event, convened by media guru Joshua Uloko and themed “Roles of the Media in National Security: Business Development, Philanthropy and Good Governance,” was held at the NERDC Guest House and Conference Centre in Ikeja, Lagos, on Saturday, November 8, 2025.
The ceremony brought together a who’s who of Nigeria’s security, corporate, and media sectors, but it was LAPO MFB that ultimately stole the spotlight in a clean sweep of its categories.
The bank’s accolades for the evening were both institutional and personal, reflecting a culture of excellence from the top down:
* Microfinance Bank of the Year:
This award crowned LAPO MFB as the nation’s leading microfinance institution, recognizing its unwavering commitment to financial inclusion, poverty eradication, and its profound impact on millions of underserved Nigerians through its innovative empowerment programs.
* Outstanding Female CEO of the Year:
The bank’s Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Cynthia Ikponmwosa, was honored for her visionary leadership and strategic direction, which have steered the bank to new heights of growth and social impact, inspiring women in leadership across the corporate world.
* Outstanding Director of Corporate Communications of the Year:
In a moment that drew a tumultuous round of applause from the gathered media professionals, Mr. Oluremi Akande, LAPO MFB’s Director of Marketing and Communications, received his award. His win was a testament to his popularity and the bank’s vibrant, unwavering support for the media, underscoring a relationship built on mutual respect and collaboration.
The awards ceremony was a gathering of high-profile dignitaries, including AIG Fayoade Adegoke of the FCID, Alagbon, Lagos; Miss Aminat, FCID PRO; and Mr. Adekunle Aderinokun, Head of Media Communications at Access Bank, among other notable award winners.
LAPO MFB’s triple victory at the NMCA 2025 is more than just a collection of trophies; it is a powerful affirmation of its mission. It demonstrates that a focus on human empowerment, media partnership, and good governance is not just a corporate social responsibility mantra but the very core of a successful and celebrated business model.
For LAPO MFB, the night was a deserved recognition of its role as a true pace-setter, proving that institutions that empower people ultimately win the heart of the nation.
About LAPO Microfinance Bank: A Pillar of Financial Inclusion in Nigeria
LAPO Microfinance Bank (LAPO MFB) is Nigeria’s foremost and one of the largest microfinance institutions, established with a clear and powerful mission: to empower low-income households and entrepreneurs by providing access to responsive financial services on a sustainable basis. Often described as a pace-setter and trailblazer in the sector, LAPO MFB has built a legacy of transforming lives and fostering economic growth at the grassroots level.
Our Origin: A Grassroots Beginning
LAPO began not as a bank, but as a non-profit organization (NGO) in 1987, founded by Dr. Godwin Ehigiamusoe in a rural area of Edo State. Its initial focus was on providing credit and social development services to the poor, particularly women. Witnessing the transformative power of small loans, it transformed into a regulated microfinance bank in 2010 to expand its reach and impact, becoming the institution known today as LAPO MFB.
Our Core Mission & Vision
* Mission: To empower low-income households, particularly women, through access to financial services, thereby improving their living standards and fostering economic development.
* Vision: To be the leading microfinance bank in Nigeria, delivering exceptional customer service through a motivated workforce and leveraging cutting-edge technology.
What We Do: Key Services
LAPO MFB offers a suite of financial products designed to meet the specific needs of its target market:
1. Credit/Loan Services: This is the core of their work. They provide:
* Microenterprise Loans: For small business owners and traders.
* Agricultural Loans: Supporting smallholder farmers.
* School Fees Loans: Helping parents finance their children’s education.
* Asset Acquisition Loans: For purchasing equipment or vehicles.
2. Savings Products: They encourage a savings culture with various products, including Target Savings, Regular Savings, and Children’s Savings accounts, providing a safe place for clients to secure their funds.
3. Insurance (Microinsurance): They offer affordable health, life, and asset insurance products to protect their clients from unforeseen shocks.
4. Other Services: Including funds transfer, bill payments, and other non-financial services like health initiatives.
Our Impact and Reach
LAPO MFB’s success is measured in its staggering reach and tangible impact:
* It serves millions of clients across Nigeria.
* It operates a vast network of hundreds of branches and service points, ensuring proximity to clients in both urban and rural areas.
* It has consistently disbursed billions of Naira in loans, fueling countless small businesses and sustaining livelihoods.
* It is a major employer, providing jobs for thousands of Nigerians.
Awards and Recognition
LAPO MFB’s commitment to excellence has not gone unnoticed. The institution is a consistent award-winner, recently highlighted by its triple victory at the 2025 National Media Community Awards, where it was named Microfinance Bank of the Year. Its CEO, Mrs. Cynthia Ikponmwosa, and Director of Marketing, Mr. Oluremi Akande, have also received numerous individual accolades for their leadership and media relations, respectively.
Why LAPO MFB Stands Out
LAPO is more than just a bank; it’s a social engine. Its success is built on:
* A Strong Social Mission: The drive to alleviate poverty is at its core.
* Deep Grassroots Presence: It understands and serves the “last mile” of the economy.
* Client-Centric Products: Services are tailored to the real-world needs of low-income earners.
* Trust and Reliability: Decades of service have made it a trusted name among millions of Nigerians.
In essence, LAPO Microfinance Bank stands as a powerful testament to the idea that when you provide people with the right financial tools, you don’t just change individual lives—you empower entire communities and drive national economic progress.
ABIODUN B. A.,
Media/PR Facilator
