The Delta State Commissioner for Information, Dr Ifeanyi Osuoza has inaugurated the operations of the Anioma Microfinance Bank in Ubulu-Uku in Aniocha South Local Government Area of the state.
Osuoza, who was the guest of honour during the ceremony, said the establishment of the bank in Ubulu-Uku is in tandem with the policy thrust of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori because it would help to accelerate development in that axis of the state.
“I am indeed pleased by the fact that at this critical time when our people at the grassroots are yearning for investments that can attract development and commerce to the rural areas, the team behind Anioma Micro Finance Bank limited deemed it fit and worthy to establish this important financial institution in the serene settlement of Ubulu-Uku right inside the very heart of Aniocha land.
‘’This, of course, is in tandem with the desire of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to ensure meaningful development in all areas and sectors of Delta State, as espoused in the MORE Agenda.
“My excitement also stems from the fact that as a former banker myself, I am truly impressed by the pledge of professionalism and the range of cutting edge diverse services, special offers, as well as the other regular comprehensive banking and financial products, usually associated with big commercial banks, which Anioma Microfinance Bank Limited has promised to deliver to our people.
‘’There is no doubt whatsoever that Anioma Microfinance Bank Limited is well located in Ubulu-Uku to serve our people adequately, especially since the location of the town, which shares boundaries with Ogwashi-Uku to the east, Obior to the west, Issele-Uku to the north, and Ubulu-Unor to the south, makes it for easy accessibility and gives our people a much-needed alternative to avail themselves of seamless modern banking services, which they can only enjoy when they travel to urban centres,” Osuoza said.
Addressing reporters at the occasion, the chairman of the bank’s Board of Directors, Mr Charles Mordi, a retired Director of Research at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), said the journey to establish the Anioma Microfinance Bank has been both rigorous and unprecedented.
He said the bank’s formation received its initial approval in principle from the CBN on September 20 2023, and following a thorough inspection by the CBN on March 1, 2024, the bank was granted its final approval on May 1, 2024.
Mordi said the bank is equipped with automated teller machines (ATMs), the first of its kind in the neighbourhood, and the cards issued would have universal usability, ensuring that customers can seamlessly conduct transactions locally and internationally.
“The bank aims to provide accessible banking services previously available only in urban centres, offering a range of financial products, including savings accounts, loans, and business support services,” Mordi said.
The traditional ruler of Ubulu-Uku, Obi Chukwuka Noah Akaeze was represented at the ceremony by the Palace Secretary, Mr Joe Obazei. He appealed to the bank to extend its loan facilities to business-minded indigenes of the town.
Located at the old Eke Market junction in Ubulu-Uku, the Anioma Microfinance Bank is set to serve the neighbouring communities of Ogwashi-Uku, Obior, Issele-Uku, and Ubulu-Unor, thereby fostering economic growth and development in the region.
