AMJU Unique Microfinance Bank Commences Operations In Ethiope East LGA

By Daniel Dafe

AMJU Unique Microfinance Bank Limited, has commenced operations in Eku town of Ethiope East Local Government Area in Delta State.

The official opening ceremony of the said branch, held earlier today in Eku, where dignitaries such as the council chairman, Chief (Mrs.) Faith Majemite; Chief Lovette Idisi, Member representing Ethiope Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives; Chief Benard Edewor; Hon. (Mrs.) May Iyasere, Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Delta State; Olorogun (Barr.) Arthur Akpowowo and the Okarorho  of Eku, Chief Joesph Okpara were in attendance.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Chairman of the bank, Engr. Austin Oghenejabor, said that the decision to site the bank in the area was borne out of the desire to impact the lives of his kinsmen, just like he has done for other communities.

He said: “This is the beginning of bigger things to come. What we have brought here is a tiny light. If we can serve God in spirit and in truth, the whole of Agbon Kingdom will improve.

He continued: “The bank is for everyone across the spectrum, but as a community bank, it is meant to meet the needs of the needy and the poor.”

He urged those that will approach the bank for financial assistance to imbibe the virtues of honesty and truth.

Earlier, the Managing Director/CEO of the bank, Dr. Jonathan Ososuakpor, said that the bank since inception in 2010 has “made much impact on the poor who were unable to gain access to financial services,” adding that they financed over 250 tricycles within Delta State when the state government banned the use of motorcycles.

According to him, this was a gesture that brought succor to many who could not provide alternative means of livelihood.

Speaking further, he disclosed that the bank has been financing petty traders, artisans, tailors, welders and many others in different fields.

The bank, he said, is equally involved in financing agricultural activities in the areas of poultry, fish farming, cropping and animal husbandry.

“We have come to Eku to improve the well-being of the people and those in its environs. We have come to develop new entrepreneurial skills, to reduce the unemployment level in the state and Nigeria as a country,” he averred.

On his part, the President General (PG) of Eku Progressive Union, Chief Jury Ogbemudiare, said that “the community was excited that the yearning and dreams for the existence of banking industry in Eku has come to reality through the humanitarian and magnanimity of the Chairman of the bank.

The PG also commended Engr. Oghnejabor for donating and installing a transformer in Eku, adding that this has greatly enhanced the socio-economic progress of the area.

The Chairman of the local government area, Chief Majemite, during an exclusive chat with Oasis Magazine (OM), did not hide her excitement over the location of the bank in Eku, saying that her joy knew no bounds since it occurred during her tenure.

She said: “We are excited because this is the first indigenous bank owned by an indigene in this locality and I am also calling on him to establish one at Isiokolo because the people there badly need it.

She called on the people of Ethiope East to patient, stressing that more developments and industries would come.