Accion MfB celebrates 20 years of impact, empowerment

It was a memorable evening yesterday as Accion Microfinance Bank (MfB) treated guests, customers and staff to a warm celebration marking its 20th anniversary, highlighting two decades of impact, empowerment and transformed lives.

Held at the Civic Centre in Lagos, the microfinance bank reflected on its journey of helping businesses grow and supporting thousands of customers out of poverty. Welcoming guests and reflecting on the bank’s journey, the Managing Director of Accion Microfinance Bank, Taiwo Joda, said the 20-year milestone represented resilience, sacrifice, tough decisions and an unwavering belief in a purpose bigger than any individual. According to him, the anniversary brings not only pride but also deep gratitude to the people who started the journey, those who sustained it, and the many lives the bank has touched over the years. Joda noted that, like many institutions operating in Nigeria, the bank had faced difficult moments, including economic shifts, regulatory changes and internal challenges that could have slowed its progress. However, he said the bank remained steadfast because of its conviction that its work truly matters. “Beyond the numbers, beyond the portfolios and performance reports, there are real people at the centre of our work — people whose businesses have grown, families whose livelihoods have improved, and dreams that have been given a chance. These are the stories we carry with us,” he said. He commended members of staff for their dedication, integrity, and shared sense of purpose, saying their commitment and resilience had shaped Accion into what it is today. Looking ahead, Joda said the bank would remain focused on preserving its purpose and deepening its impact.

“We believe financial services should empower, not exclude; that growth should be inclusive, and that impact should be real, measurable and meaningful. “We are building for the future by expanding our reach, strengthening our systems, deepening our impact and continuing to find new ways to serve our customers better. 20 from now, I want the story of Accion to reflect not just how long we have existed, but how deeply we have mattered,” he said. In his keynote address, the Chairman of the Board of Accion Microfinance Bank, Christian Ruehmer, described the journey as 20 years of impressive growth and expressed optimism about the bank’s future. He praised Nigerian entrepreneurs for their resilience and dogged spirit, adding that the bank remained committed to supporting businesses and contributing to national prosperity. “I am very hopeful we will be here for another 20 years and more. I am very hopeful we will deliver impacts that go far beyond what each of us is contributing,” he said. Another board member, Gift Mahubo from Zimbabwe, representing Accion, the bank’s largest shareholder, said he was delighted with the institution’s growth trajectory. Recalling how the journey started with a single branch 20 years ago, he said the bank now operates in 14 states with 76 locations nationwide. “There has been a lot of effort, and we have impacted quite a lot of people. When we listen to our customers’ testimonies, we see that the bank is receptive and responsive to the needs of the people. As shareholders, we will continue to invest and provide support so we can celebrate another 20 years,” he said. Also speaking, the bank’s Chief Commercial Officer, Stephen Olalere, said the institution had grown into one of the leading microfinance banks in the country. “We started with a few customers, but today we have millions. We have made many people happy and created a significant impact. We have seen traders move from roadside businesses to larger stalls, train their children through university, and even own houses,” he said. One of the customers, Chief Ekene Udeh, who deals in mattresses, said he had been banking with Accion for over 12 years and expressed happiness at being part of the celebration, while wishing the bank greater success in the years ahead.