CIBN Conference: We must prioritise financial inclusion, equal opportunity for everyone — Shettima
By Matthew Denis
The Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima has revealed that financial inclusion and equal opportunity must be prioritsed for everyone to catch up with the digital economy.
He made the disclosure at the 16th Annual Banking and Finance Conference on Tuesday at the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) holding in Abuja.
The Vice President said, “We must prioritise financial inclusion and equal opportunity for everyone. Let’s walk the talk because we are open for business. Nigeria is the destination of choice for any savvy investors.”
He stressed that the current administration is partnering with some banks to drive a digital economic process.
“Some banks were already working with government to teach our young men digital skills to compete in the global digital space,” he said.
The VP encouraged the the bankers’ committee to utilise emerging and distracting technologies to harness Nigeria’s economic opportunities.
According to him the forum was not one for name calling but a sanctuary for innovation and vision for a better economy.
Senator Shettima emphasised that Nigeria which used to be the sleeping giant of the world is now ready to take its rightful place in the global arena.
He said, “Nigeria, the sleeping giant of Africa, has woken up from its slumber, the withdrawal of fuel subsidy was irrevocable.
“This is a great nation on chains. The potentials are there. It’s the leadership that is missing. That is what is lacking in our midst. We have the resources. We are closer to Europe than India therefore we need to utilize our opportunity,” he said.
Senator Shettima reiterated that President Tinubu is determined to catapult the nation to higher pedestal.
The VP tasked the participants at the conference to come on board to help build a nation for all.
He noted that as depressive as Nigeria’s challenges are, they are also pregnant with opportunities, assuring the participants that the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu-led administration can’t be fully implemented without their cooperation.
