CBN holds fair in Gombe to deepen financial inclusion, promote economic growth

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Gombe Branch, on Tuesday organised a stakeholders’ fair aimed at promoting financial inclusion, enhancing public awareness of the Bank’s operations, and obtaining feedback from Nigerians on its policies and services.

The event, held at the International Conference Centre, Gombe, brought together government officials, financial sector stakeholders, business operators, students and members of the public.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the CBN Branch Controller, Alhaji Yunusa Buba Mubi, said the fair was designed to strengthen engagement between the apex bank and the public through sensitisation, education and interactive feedback.

Mubi said that a delegation from the CBN Headquarters, led by the Acting Director of the Corporate Communications and Investors Relations Department, was in Gombe to conduct the sensitisation exercise.

He urged participants to pay close attention to the presentations, ask relevant questions and provide constructive feedback that would assist the Bank in improving its operations and services.

According to him, the initiative forms part of the CBN’s strategic efforts to deepen financial inclusion, stimulate economic growth and ensure that its policies and services effectively reach grassroots communities across the country.

Representing the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mrs. Hakama Sidi Ali said the fair was one of the Bank’s strategic initiatives aimed at improving the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians through enhanced financial literacy and access to alternative payment channels.

She said that the CBN remains committed to maintaining monetary and financial system stability, controlling inflation and ensuring price stability in line with its statutory mandate, noting that these objectives are critical to sustainable economic development.

Also speaking, the Secretary to the Gombe State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Salihu Adamu Sambo, commended the CBN for expanding digital financial services, saying the initiative has made business transactions easier, faster and more convenient for individuals and enterprises.

He, however, cautioned Nigerians against cybercrime and other fraudulent activities capable of undermining confidence in the nation’s financial system and slowing economic growth.

The fair featured presentations and interactive sessions on the theme: “Driving Alternative Payment Channels as Tools for Financial Inclusion, Growth and Accelerated Economic Development,” with participants highlighting the importance of digital payment systems as key drivers of inclusive growth, innovation and national economic transformation.