The Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI) hosted a heartfelt farewell lunch on Thursday, 29th May 2025, for Mr. Busa Jeremiah Wenogo, Manager for Special Projects.
In his farewell speech Mr. Wenogo thanked his colleges for their support in performing their duties and building strong working relationship him during his time with CEFI. He paid special tribute to two of his former colleagues, in former CEFI Executive Director Mr. Saliya Ranasingh and former CEFI Consultant Mr. Augustine Birie, who were instrumental in bringing him into CEFI, and acknowledged many others who supported his journey, including colleagues from the Market for Village Farmers project and financial inclusion pioneers.
Having worked in the financial inclusion space since 2013, Busa recounted his contributions to key initiatives such as the Informal Economic Policy, the Financial Inclusion Capability and Competency Study, and the drafting of Papua New Guinea’s first National Financial Inclusion Strategy. He reflected on international exposure visits, including one to Fiji with then Bank of PNG Governor Mr. Loi Bakani, which inspired the blueprint for microfinance expositions.
He described his time at CEFI as deeply meaningful, having been mentored by what he called two “giants”, Mr. Birie and Mr. Ranasinghe. He praised CEFI’s Acting Executive Director Mr. Peter Samuel for his administrative leadership and said his colleagues had become “brothers and sisters, not just co-workers.”
Looking ahead, he said his new job with another organization was not an end but “a continuation” of his journey with CEFI, and he hoped to foster future collaboration. “I am lost for words,” he said. “I pray that God will bless each and every one of you in your endeavors.”
In response, Mr. Samuel expressed his sincere appreciation for Mr. Wenogo’s dedication to CEFI and the country as a whole in the financial inclusion journey, impacting people’s lives, was immeasurable.
He highlighted Mr. Wenogo’s leadership in building structure within his unit, playing an important role in overseeing training of farmers in the MVF project as well as individuals and his personal growth, including attaining a Master’s degree.
Mr Samuel encouraged him to continue advocate for CEFI. He also praised Mr. Wenogo’s humility, faith, and integrity.
Ms. Winnie Kari, a casual staff member who served for four months was farewelled as well and in closing, Mr Samuel also thanked Ms. Winnie Kari for her positivity and fresh perspective, wishing both departing colleagues success and encouraging them to remain connected with the CEFI family.
Caption: Images showing CEFI’s Acting Executive Director Mr. Peter Samuel and staff farewelling Mr. Busa Jeremiah Wenogo as well as Ms. Winnie Kari.
