The managing director/chief executive officer of Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), Tony Okpanachi, has been conferred with the Fellowship of the Nigerian Economic Society (NES), one of the highest honours of the body since its establishment in 1957.
After receiving the award, Okpanachi described the recognition as a significant milestone in his professional journey, noting that only 74 people have been admitted into the fellowship since its inception.
“It is a privilege to be counted among such a select group,” he said. “As a trained economist and a development banker, this recognition aligns with my role at DBN, where we provide access to finance for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the bedrock of the Nigerian economy. It is all tied to ensuring sustainable growth for Nigeria.”
He emphasised the strategic importance of the Society’s advisory role in shaping the Nigerian economy, saying the fellowship will further strengthen his contribution to national economic discourse.
On the theme of this year’s NES conference, Rethinking Africa’s Development, Okpanachi stressed the need for policies that promote inclusive rather than exclusive growth.
