..as Four Followers Won CBN Listen Quiz
Princess Folashade Azeezat Abeo Nurudeen, the Iyaloja-General of Oyo State, has called for greater access to opportunities and benefits for market traders and artisans, particularly those engaged in legitimate import and export businesses. She made the call during the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Listens Programme Enlightenment Campaign held on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at Jogor Event Centre, Liberty Road, Ibadan.
The programme, organised by the CBN, focused on sensitising stakeholders to the bank’s policies and initiatives covering payment systems, financial consumer protection, monetary policy, Bank Verification Number (BVN), the Clean Naira Note Policy and financial inclusion. It was held under the theme, “Towards a Robust, Resilient and Inclusive Financial System for Sustainable Economic Growth,” bringing together stakeholders from different sectors of the economy.
During the interactive discussion session, Princess Abeo advocated for market traders and artisans, stressing the need for them to understand and benefit from relevant CBN policies and financial programmes. She particularly drew attention to traders and business operators involved in legitimate import and export activities, seeking clarification from CBN officials on the benefits, support mechanisms and opportunities available to them to improve their businesses.
Her intervention highlighted the importance of making financial information and opportunities accessible to grassroots entrepreneurs, who play significant roles in commerce and economic development. The engagement also provided an avenue for market stakeholders to raise concerns, seek clarification and interact directly with CBN representatives on policies affecting their daily business activities.
The CBN officials explained that the plans available for market traders and artisans involved in importation and exportation are making exchanges regulated and available such as dollar cards. They also noted that they are loan facilities available but depends on the conglomerates and are through commercial/microfinance banks, noting that CBN doesn’t give loans to individuals.
While addressing the press, Princess Abeo described the CBN enlightenment programme as timely and important to market traders, noting that money handling and transactions are central to their daily activities. She expressed appreciation to the CBN for the initiative, stressing the need for traders to understand the importance of keeping the naira properly and preserving its image as a symbol of Nigeria’s national identity. She pledged to intensify public education among market women and traders on proper naira handling, adding that the campaign would also promote awareness of the health implications of keeping money in unhygienic places.
The Iyaloja-General also urged traders across Oyo State to embrace unity and cooperation with the government to advance their economic interests. She noted that the government depends on commercial activities and the contributions of traders to generate revenue and sustain economic growth. Princess Abeo therefore called on market stakeholders to work closely with the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde, emphasising that stronger collaboration between traders and the government would help create opportunities for traders to benefit from government policies and programmes.
