News
Drive for MSME’s growth: Umuahia North mayor seeks partnership with financial institution.
The Editor, Umuahia.
In pursuit of adequate financial support for small and medium scale businesses in Umuahia North local government area of Abia state, the mayor, High-Chief Victor Ikeji Thursday 25th April 2024, paid a working visit to the acting manager of the Bank of Industry, Abia State, Mrs. Rose Akor.
in a press statement by the chief press secretary to the council boss, Tochukwu Eluwa, the visit was fruitful and revealing
In the statement, the mayor said he was at the Bank of Industry (BOI) to seek a partnership with the bank that would guarantee Micro, Small, and medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs) within his council benefit from the two hundred billion naira (#200billion) business intervention of the federal government announced by the Federal Ministry of Industry Trade and Investment (FMITI).
The council boss said there are several ways the council can partner the industrial bank in the state to ensure people optimally apply as well as benefit from the program and assured of readiness to provide an office or a desk officer within the council who will be trained by the (BOI) to assist interested MSMEs prospectives apply online as well as guide them through the process.
The Mayor also promises to assist the bank in the areas of sensitization and awareness creation to ensure people are aware of the programs and activities of the bank as well as how to take advantage of them.He promised to give the industrial bank all the support it requires to ensure entrepreneurs within his council benefit from the programs of the Bank.
The acting manager of BOI in the state, Mrs. Rose Akor appreciated the Mayor for the visit and described the visit is timely which will be mutually beneficial.
According to her, the industrial bank has indeed been having difficulty in getting people to enrol in some of the loan and grant schemes it has previously launched in the state , saying that some entrepreneurs erroneously believe that the loans and grants rolled out by the bank or federal government are for a predetermined few.
“The bank works with processes and standards. Once you meet the criteria, you don’t need to know anyone for you to receive the applied funds for your business,” she stated.
Mrs Akor said she would be very happy to collaborate with the Mayor, especially in the area of sensitization to ensure more people take advantage of many of the business support programs the government is rolling out through the bank.The BOI Abia boss promised to reciprocate the visit of the Mayor, so they can sit and fine-tune areas of possible collaboration between the bank and the council.She also disclosed that there is a business support program the bank is about to launch, known as the “Rapid Funds.”
She disclosed that this business support is strictly for businesses within rural areas and would require the the council play a crucial role in identifying and sensitizing those who are eligible to access the fund.
The Mayor was accompanied on the visit by the Head of Service, ESV. Onugu Okechukwu Mba, the Chief of Staff, Prince Goodluck Ohazuruike, the Head of Personnel, Lady Ndidi Cosmos Ndukwe, the Special Adviser on Revenue and Policy Formulation, Hon. Nelcinn Chimex Uluocha, the director of Protocol, Rex Iheanyi Ogbuagu, and his Personal Assistant Esobe Utonwanne.
News
Internal Security: Governor Otti reveals security is priority in Abia
By Editor , Umuahia
Abia state Governor, Dr. Alex Otti has attributed the relative peace in the state to the team work that is evident among security agencies in the state.
The governor stated this while speaking to a team from the office of the National Security Adviser during a working visit to him in his country home in Nvosi.
In a press statement signed by the chief press secretary to the governor, Mr. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, the governor told the team led by Barr. Abdullahi Bello that “all efforts towards a safe, peaceful and secured Abia may not be in the public domain, all that matters is the results being achieved.
‘These efforts manifested in the just concluded yuletide as there were little or no reports of security breaches across the State,” Gov. Otti noted.
Governor Otti said that his administration attaches priority to issues of security. He noted that the most important part of governance is security, adding that if security is threatened, nothing works.
Governor Otti said that the visit provided opportunity for both parties to learn from one another.
“For us, the most important part of governance is security. If security fails, every other thing fails, so we attach top priority to issues around security, that is why we’re excited to have you here to give us all the support that you can and you too can learn from us,” he said.
Speaking earlier, the leader of the delegation, Barr. Abdullahi Bello said that they were in the state for “victim impact assessment.” He commended Governor Otti for his various achievements, especially in the areas of infrastructure and security.
News
Strengthening policing: Abia CP Isa receives Abia born new constables
Stephanie Clems, Umuahia
The Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Danladi Isa, has received a total of 199 new constables of Abia State origin deployed to serve in the state.
Addressing the constables, he reminded them of the reason of their deployment to their local communities to begin service.
This is in alignment with the vision of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) which is to promote community policing and foster people-friendly practices.
CP Isa further urged them to make good use of the training and discipline instilled in them at the police college.
He instructed them to remain civil, professional, and to shun all forms of corruption, indiscipline, misconduct, or any behavior unbecoming of an officer.
He further warned that any such actions would attract necessary disciplinary measures.
He advised them to learn practical police functions diligently and to carry out their duties in the fear of God.
Human angle
Humanitarian act: Mrs. Otti donates cash, food items, groceries, others to Charity homes in Abia state.
By Editor, Umuahia
The wife of the Abia state governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti has extended her benevolence to six orphanages in Aba and Umuahia.
She a total cash donation of six million to the six centres as support to the vulnerable groups with each home receiving a million naira.
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There were also gifts of 50kg bags of rice, (30), other food supplies, and toiletries.
In her milk of kindness, caregivers in each facility were given cash support to appreciate their dedication and hard work.
Mrs. Priscilla Otti who was represented by the wife of the deputy governor, Mrs. Adaeze Emetu emphasized the administration’s unwavering commitment to uplifting the less privileged and ensuring their welfare is made a priority .
She applauded the coordinators and caregivers for their selfless dedication to humanitarian services, particularly their care for vulnerable children.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs Mrs Maureen Aghukwa, and the Special Assistant to the Governor on Poverty Alleviation and Vulnerable Groups, Mrs. Ifeoma Thomas also expressed gratitude to Mrs. Otti for her impactful initiative of appreciating the caregivers for their tireless efforts in providing care and support.
In their various responses, leaders of the benefitting homes, including Rev. Sister Maria Anita Ogbonna of DMMM compassionate home and Madam Oyibo Okonkwo of Agape Charity Home commended the administration of Governor Alex Otti and his wife for their compassion and focus on the welfare of less privileged homes.
They prayed for God’s blessings and wisdom upon them as they continue to serve the state.
Recall that earlier in the year, Mrs. Otti personally visited Susana Homes at Ukwa East, where she donated ₦1,000,000, Bags of rice, food items, and other essentials to further support their operations.
The benefitting homes of the donations are DMMM compassionate home, Ahiaeke- ₦1,000,000, Caregivers: ₦150,000, Agape Charity Home, Avodim, Ipupe-Amuba Ubakala – ₦1,000,000Caregivers: ₦150,0003, So-Said Charity Homes for Vulnerable Persons, Amibo : ₦1,000,000, Caregivers: ₦150,0004.
Also St. Vincent De Paul Center for Mentally and Physically Challenged Persons, Umuafai Ndume Ibeku: ₦1,000,000, Caregivers: ₦150,000, Ngwa Road Motherless Babies Home – ₦1,000,000, Caregivers: ₦150,000 and SDA Motherless Babies Home: ₦1,000,000, Caregivers: ₦100,000.
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