Expert lauded for introducing four-language ATM system

Financial experts have hailed the audacious approach to real-time data management and digital banking performance introduced into the banking system by Nigerian-born US-based Data Analyst, Okonoda Michael Eseoghene.

The stakeholders also commended Okonoda’s contributions to the introduction of four-language support (English, Igbo, Yoruba, and Hausa) on the bank’s ATM systems.

The stakeholders via a statement signed by Dr. A. A. Chahur, Senior Lecturer,

Mewar International University, Nasarawa State, which copy was shared with Arewa PUNCH further noted that “Okonoda’s efforts have significantly improved the banking sector’s overall efficiency, decision-making process, and customer service delivery.”

According to the statement, the expert explored the application of artificial intelligence in education, showcasing how learning analytics and predictive models can be used to personalise instruction, improve educational outcomes, and support data-driven decision-making.

While recalling Okonoda’s experience when he served at Polaris Bank Limited as a Data Analyst and Regional Head of the Digital Banking Group, the statement pointed at the key role he played in significantly improving the bank’s overall efficiency, decision-making, and customer service delivery.

It added that “one of his most notable achievements was leading the introduction of automated business intelligence and performance monitoring systems. These systems provided executives and operational teams with near real-time insights into digital banking activities, helping the bank make data-driven decisions more effectively.

“This improved decision-making by around 45 per cent and allowing the bank to respond quickly to customer needs, operational risks, and market opportunities.”

The statement titled, ‘Driving Digital Transformation and Advancing Society: The Professional and Research Impact of Okonoda Michael Eseoghene,’ further highlighted what it termed as the expert’s “audacious impact in digital banking.”

It further stressed, “In today’s world, where financial inclusion, digital security, and data-driven decision-making are reshaping economies and societies, Okonoda Michael Eseoghene stands out as a professional who successfully connects industry innovation with academic research.

“As a U.S-based digital innovator, data scientist, and enterprise technology leader with over 13 years of experience, Okonoda has made significant contributions to digital banking, enterprise analytics, artificial intelligence, and technology-driven problem solving.

“His work has not only transformed the organisations he has worked for but also delivered meaningful benefits to millions of customers, strengthened financial systems, and supported broader societal and humanitarian goals.”

Dr. Chahur noted further, “At Polaris Bank Limited, Mr. Okonoda served as a Data Analyst and Regional Head of the Digital Banking Group, where he played a key role in redefining the bank’s approach to data management and digital banking performance. His efforts significantly improved the bank’s overall efficiency, decision-making, and customer service delivery.

“One of his most notable achievements was leading the introduction of automated business intelligence and performance monitoring systems.These systems provided executives and operational teams with near real-time insights into digital banking activities, helping the bank make data-driven decisions more effectively.

“This improved decision-making by around 45 per cent, allowing the bank to respond quickly to customer needs, operational risks, and market opportunities. The impact of his work went beyond the organisation. By improving decision-making and increasing transparency, Mr. Okonoda ensured that millions of customers in Nigeria had more reliable, efficient, and responsive banking services.

“In a developing economy where access to financial services is crucial for economic participation, improved banking efficiency directly supports financial inclusion, business growth, and household financial security,” the statement remarked.

Continuing, Dr. Chahur maintained, “He also led a major data cleansing and transformation initiative, which improved the data quality and integrity of the bank’s electronic banking performance management systems by 35 per cent. High-quality data is essential for secure and effective financial systems.

“By enhancing the accuracy and reliability of digital banking information, he helped the bank reduce operational errors, improve regulatory compliance, and build customer confidence in digital financial services. As a Digital Innovation Officer and Regional Head of E-Business at Polaris Bank, Mr. Okonoda was responsible for maintaining and improving the bank’s electronic channel applications. Under his leadership, the bank consistently maintained about 95 per cent uptime across its major electronic banking platforms. This achievement goes beyond the bank itself.

“In modern societies, uninterrupted access to digital financial services is critical for businesses, government agencies, and individuals who rely on electronic transactions for commerce, education, healthcare payments, and daily financial activities. By ensuring system stability and resilience, Mr. Okonoda’s work supported millions of customers and contributed to the broader digital economy. One of his most socially impactful contributions was designing and implementing multilingual banking access solutions.

“Recognising that language barriers often prevent underserved populations from fully participating in the financial system, he introduced four-language support (English, Igbo, Yoruba, and Hausa) on the bank’s ATM systems. This innovation significantly expanded access to banking services for people who previously faced challenges with English-only interfaces.

“By making financial services more accessible to diverse linguistic groups, Mr. Okonoda promoted financial inclusion, reduced barriers to banking participation, and empowered underserved communities to engage more effectively with formal financial institutions.

“Financial fraud and cybercrime remain major threats to economic stability and consumer trust. During his time at Polaris Bank, Mr. Okonoda led the development of internal and external security monitoring frameworks aimed at improving transaction processing, dispute resolution, and fraud detection. These measures reduced the bank’s exposure to electronic fraud and operational risks by about 30 per cent. The societal impact of this achievement is significant. Every reduction in financial fraud protects individuals, businesses, and institutions from economic losses that can severely impact livelihoods and weaken confidence in digital financial systems.”