Yemisi Izuora
Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, a leading pension fund administrator in Nigeria, is proud to announce that it has been awarded the prestigious title of ‘Most Financially Inclusive Pension Company of the Year’ at the recently held International Financial Inclusion Conference (IFIC’24).
This significant recognition was presented during an event organised by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and attended by key stakeholders in the financial sector, including regulatory authorities, financial institutions and development organisations.
This is coming at a time when financial inclusion has become a critical focus in Nigeria; seeing that a significant portion of the population remains unbanked or underbanked. With the country’s diverse economic landscape and varying levels of access to financial services, initiatives aimed at bridging these gaps are essential. The International Financial Inclusion Conference serves as an impactful platform for sharing best practices, innovative strategies and collaborative ideas aimed at enhancing financial accessibility. This year’s conference emphasised the importance of tailored financial products and services that cater to different demographics, particularly the economically disadvantaged.
This accolade marks a significant milestone for Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, as it continues to advocate for financial education and empowerment; striving to create a secure future for individuals through effective pension management. The recognition not only reflects the company’s efforts but also serves as motivation to pursue further advancements in financial inclusivity in Nigeria, contributing to the overall economic growth and stability of the nation.
While receiving the award, Olumide Oyetan, Stanbic IBTC Pension Manager’s Chief Executive, said, “IFIC’24 serves as a vital platform for financial sector stakeholders to collaborate and discuss strategies for enhancing financial inclusion, and we are proud to be recognised among key industry players. The conference highlighted the critical role of innovative solutions in achieving financial inclusion goals, aligning perfectly with Stanbic IBTC Pension Manager’s vision for accessible and equitable pension services.
We believe that financial inclusion is not merely a goal; it is a fundamental right that empowers individuals, enhances economic stability, and fosters sustainable growth in communities. Our commitment to providing accessible and innovative pension solutions has always been at the forefront of our operations. This award is not just an acknowledgement of our efforts but a validation of our continuous endeavours to make pension services available to every Nigerian, irrespective of their socioeconomic status”.
Olumide elaborated further that several initiatives aimed at expanding access to pension services have been rolled out as part of Stanbic IBTC Pension Manager’s strategy. These include mobile applications that simplify the pension enrollment process, workshops that promote financial literacy and tailored pension products designed for informal sector workers and low-income earners. In collaboration with various community organisations and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), the organisation is also actively engaging underserved populations to raise awareness about the importance of retirement planning.
“By prioritising accessibility, we are breaking down barriers and ensuring that more individuals can secure their future through reliable pensions. This recognition motivates us to continue innovating and expanding our outreach, Olumide concluded”.
Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers will continue to champion inclusive policies, innovate financial solutions and work together with regulatory bodies to ensure that pension scheme benefits reach every part of the country. In its pursuit of excellence, the organisation aims to raise the standards of pension management in Nigeria while guaranteeing that every Nigerian can enjoy a secure retirement.