His Royal Majesty Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, has expressed his strong support for TAJBank Nigeria's strategic partnership with the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) in Kazakhstan. The collaboration aims to bolster non-interest banking, enhance Nigeria’s trade relations with Asian countries, and improve the nation's foreign exchange earnings. The Ooni of Ife, a prominent traditional leader in Yorubaland, commended TAJBank's management during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Abuja. This agreement formalizes the framework for both entities to leverage non-interest banking opportunities, benefiting Nigerian and Asian businesses.

Oba Ogunwusi highlighted TAJBank's consistent efforts to expand financial inclusion through its non-interest banking model. He stated, "I believe this MoU between TAJBank and AIFC is another initiative that I strongly feel will foster export ties between Nigeria and Kazakhstan. We look forward to better international trade involving cocoa and other commodities." He also noted Kazakhstan's reputation for producing high-quality chocolates.

The MoU outlines specific objectives, including promoting non-interest banking products and services in Nigeria, adhering to Islamic financial principles. It also seeks to streamline and secure the management of export proceeds, particularly for agricultural commodities like cocoa. The partnership will explore innovative financial instruments to strengthen trade finance and provide robust support to Nigerian exporters.

Furthermore, the agreement aims to strengthen trade relationships between Nigeria, Kazakhstan, and other Central Asian nations. This will be achieved by identifying opportunities for joint ventures, strategic investments, and enhanced trade financing to stimulate economic cooperation.

TAJBank’s Founder/Managing Director, Hamid Joda, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "This is another landmark deal in our sustained drive to demonstrate to Nigerians that TAJBank is totally committed to supporting their businesses irrespective of the location. We are excited to have our Royal Father, the Ooni of Ife, here at this event, which is a clear demonstration of his endorsement of our partnership with the AIFC." He assured customers of TAJBank's commitment to providing world-class non-interest banking products and services.

AIFC’s Director, Yernar Zhanadil, remarked on the potential of the Islamic market in Kazakhstan, noting its large user base of over eight million people. He suggested the issuance of Ijara or Sukuk using Nigeria’s model, emphasizing the immense benefits of the MoU for bank customers and the economies of both countries, particularly with the Ooni's involvement and TAJBank's expertise.