CBN Holds Fair in Gombe to Promote Financial Inclusion

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has taken a huge step towards promoting financial inclusion and economic growth by organizing a stakeholders’ fair in Gombe. The event, which took place on Tuesday, was attended by government officials, financial sector stakeholders, business operators, students, and members of the public.

The fair was designed to strengthen engagement between the apex bank and the public through sensitisation, education, and interactive feedback. Speaking at the opening ceremony, the CBN Branch Controller, Alhaji Yunusa Buba Mubi, said the fair was a strategic effort to deepen financial inclusion, stimulate economic growth, and ensure the Bank's policies and services effectively reach grassroots communities across the country.

A delegation from the CBN headquarters, led by the Acting Director of the Corporate Communications and Investors Relations Department, was in Gombe for the sensitisation programme. The delegation was tasked with educating the public on the importance of digital financial services and the various initiatives the Bank has put in place to promote financial inclusion.

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

Representing the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mrs. Hakama Sidi Ali commended the CBN for expanding digital financial services, saying the initiative has made business transactions easier, faster, and more convenient for individuals and businesses. She also urged Nigerians to be cautious of cybercrime and other fraudulent activities that can undermine confidence in the nation's financial system and slow economic growth.

The Secretary to the Gombe State Government, Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Salihu Adamu Sambo, also commended the CBN for its efforts to promote financial inclusion and economic growth. He, however, cautioned Nigerians against cybercrime and other fraudulent activities capable of undermining confidence in the nation's financial system.

“The expansion of digital financial services has made business transactions easier, faster, and more convenient for individuals and businesses,” Mrs. Hakama Sidi Ali said.