The Imo State Commissioner for Finance and Coordinating Economy, Mr. Chuck Chuckuemeka, has urged financial institutions and other stakeholders to embrace digital transformation and develop adaptive infrastructure capable of responding to the changing demands of the global economy.
Chuckuemeka made the call while delivering a keynote address at Interswitch TechConnect 6.0, held under the theme, ‘Built for What’s Next – Designing Adaptive Financial Infrastructure for a Dynamic Market.’
He said the theme should challenge financial institutions to examine whether their systems, structures and economies were adequately prepared for the future.
According to him, ‘modern financial infrastructure must be interoperable, data-driven, scalable, secure, inclusive and resilient.’
The Commissioner explained that adaptive infrastructure meant the ability to respond to changes ‘quickly, intelligently and responsibly,’ adding that infrastructure goes beyond banks, payment platforms and physical systems.
He said it also encompasses technology, data, processes, institutions, regulatory frameworks and human capabilities that enable money and financial information to move freely, securely and efficiently.
Chuckuemeka said digital transformation was not merely about computers, software or automation, but about creating value through speed, accuracy, transparency, accountability, reduced costs and improved decision-making.
He urged financial institutions to make data a strategic asset, build interoperable systems, design for resilience and put people at the centre of technology, stressing that ‘the future belongs to institutions prepared to continuously adapt.’
The Commissioner said the Imo State Government under Governor Hope Uzodimma had embraced digital transformation as a critical pillar of modern governance, citing the digitisation of the state workforce, establishment of the Ministry of Digital Economy and E-Governance, development of Imo Digital City and digitalisation of the Imo Geographic Information System.
Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of the Imo State Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Justice Okoye, said financial infrastructure must be built with the future in mind.
Okoye said, ‘financial infrastructure comprises more than banks and payment infrastructure,’ explaining that it includes the systems, institutions, technologies and processes that enable transactions to take place efficiently, securely and seamlessly.
In her remarks, the Chief Sales Officer of Interswitch, Robinta Aluyi, said Interswitch TechConnect was designed to connect businesses, communities and everyday lives while preparing stakeholders for emerging realities in the digital economy.
She said the platform was aimed at fostering conversations and solutions that would enable businesses and institutions to remain responsive to the changing demands of the digital age.
The programme featured panel discussions on ‘Building a Digital Economy: The Role of Government, Industry and Technology in Shaping the Future,’ and ‘Driving Digital Transformation Through Public Private Partnerships.’
The event, which also featured the Anambra State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Nomso Ebonwu, brought together financial experts, technology innovators, government representatives and industry stakeholders to discuss opportunities and strategies for building a secure, inclusive and future-ready financial ecosystem.