As part of efforts to promote meaningful economic development across the state, Ubulu-Uku in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State, Monday, received a major boost to the economy of the area with the inauguration of the Anioma Microfinance Bank Limited.

Unveiled by the Commissioner for Information, Dr Ifeanyi Osuoza, the Anioma Microfinance Bank promises to ease financial transactions for the grassroots in Ubulu-Uku and its environs.

According to the information commissioner, the establishment of the Anioma Microfinance Bank is in tandem with the policy thrust of Governor Oborevwori to attract meaningful development to all areas 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 His Excellency, Rt. Hon. 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 Micro Finance Bank Limited has promised to deliver to our people.

‘’There is no doubt whatsoever that Anioma Micro Finance Bank Limited is well located in Ubulu-Uku to serve our people adequately, especially since the town shares boundaries with Ogwashi-Uku to the east, Obior to the west, Issele-Uku to the north, and Ubulu-Unor to the south, which positions 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”, he said.

Addressing journalists, the chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. CMO Mordi, a retired Director of Research at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), said the journey to establish the Anioma Microfinance Bank had 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.

Mr 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’’, he said.

Meanwhile, the Palace Secretary, Barrister Obazei, representing the Obi of Ubulu-Uku, was also present at the unveiling ceremony and took the opportunity to appeal for the bank’s loan facilities to be extended to entrepreneurial indigenes.

The ceremony reached its climax with the commissioning of the bank by the information commissioner as well as a guided tour around the facility, allowing guests a peep into the bank.

With its strategic location, Anioma Microfinance Bank is set to serve the neighbouring communities of Ogwashi-Uku, Obior, Issele-Uku, and Ubulu-Unor, fostering economic growth and development in the region.