In a significant move to promote economic development, the quiet community of Ubulu-Uku in Aniocha South Local Government Area Delta State celebrated the inauguration of the Anioma Microfinance Bank Limited on Monday.
Delta State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, who officiated the inauguration, highlighted the timeliness of the bank’s establishment. “The Anioma Microfinance Bank comes at a crucial moment when the indigene of this community and the surrounding areas are eager for investments that can spur development and improve their fortunes,” Osuoza remarked.
Osuoza emphasized that the bank would offer the community much-needed banking services that previously required travel to urban centers. He praised the founders for their commitment to delivering professional and comprehensive banking services, describing the initiative as both timely and refreshing.”I hope the bank fulfills its promise of top-end services and cultivates a satisfied customer base,” he added.
The Commissioner also called on other affluent individuals in the state to support local economic growth by attracting viable investments to their communities. Such efforts, he noted, would align with the MORE Agenda of the Oborevwori administration.
Earlier, Mr. Charles Mordi, a retired director of research at the Central Bank of Nigeria and chairman of the Board of Directors of Anioma Microfinance Bank, addressed the gathering. Mordi explained that the difficulty in attracting an existing bank to the area necessitated the creation of the microfinance institution. “Our primary goal is to bring development to Ubulu-Uku and provide financial empowerment to its residents,” Mordi stated.
He added, “Once the bank is firmly established, we will be able to offer credit facilities. Given the nature of businesses here, including artisans and farmers, many need credit to boost their operations.”
Mordi also stressed the importance of financial inclusion, noting that the bank would start as a digital entity, with its ATM cards usable universally. “Our aim is to ‘bank the unbanked’ and bring financial services to those who need them most,” he concluded.
