LAPO Microfinance Bank has once again been crowned the Microfinance Bank of the Year at the prestigious 13th edition of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.
This victory is not merely a single accolade but the latest chapter in an unparalleled legacy of excellence, marking the twelfth consecutive year the institution has clinched this coveted title.
This remarkable streak stands as a powerful reflection of the bank’s deep-seated resilience, strategic innovativeness, and an unwavering commitment to a mission that transcends profit, firmly establishing it as the bedrock of the microfinance sub-sector in Nigeria.
The award ceremony resonated with the voice of LAPO’s proven track record, articulated by Oluremi Akande, the Director of Marketing & Communications. He framed this consistent recognition not as a routine expectation but as a clear affirmation of the bank’s invaluable contributions to the nation’s economic fabric. Akande emphasized that each award is a direct consequence of LAPO’s foundational commitment to bridging the critical financial gap for the most underserved segments of society through the delivery of superior and accessible financial services.
This focus on the “last-mile” customer—the small-scale trader, the artisan, the micro-entrepreneur in a remote community—is the core philosophy that has fueled this unprecedented winning streak.
Beyond the trophies and accolades lies a tangible ecosystem of empowerment that gives true meaning to the honour.
Akande reiterated the staggering scale of LAPO’s operations, which is a network of over 500 branches strategically woven across 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory, creating a web of financial inclusion that reaches into the heart of Nigerian communities.
The cumulative effect of this presence is nothing short of transformative: a monumental disbursement of over ₦1.7 trillion in micro-loans to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), serving as the lifeblood for countless businesses and dreams.
Yet, LAPO’s impact extends far beyond credit. The institution is a major employer, providing livelihoods for over 6,000 Nigerian youths, and a benefactor, having granted scholarships to more than 5,000 beneficiaries.
Its commitment further deepens through a dedicated advocacy for environmental and social causes, pursued with a lens of sustainability.
In a heartfelt dedication, the bank attributed this hard-earned award to its loyal customers, whose resilience inspires their mission, and their committed staff, whose daily efforts make the grand vision of widespread financial empowerment a living, breathing reality.
