Ben Onyiriuka, Manager, Bank of Agriculture, Obehie branch, Aba, Abia, on Wednesday promised that the bank would increase its financial support to leather workers in Ariaria Market.
Onyiriuk, made the promise in Aba after he met with the executives of Leather Product Manufacturers Association (LEPMAS), Aba.
He said that extending such facility to them became necessary because of the viability of the industry and its importance to boosting the nation’s economy.
“As the name of our bank suggests, we are a development finance institution. Our business is to develop the people and grow the community.
“And we found that LEPMAS has a linkage in the agriculture chain and so, they need our bank’s support because of the viability of the business they are engaged in.
“So, if we must develop the people of Abia, it is imperative that we must touch their businesses and grow them as a community and that will impact positively on the national economy,’’ Onyiriuka said.
He said the products of the leather workers in Aba were “very interesting’’ and also supported the economy of the state as a job provider for over 16, 000 citizens.
He called on other financial institutions, investors and donors who want to touch the lives of Nigerians and reshape its economy to support Aba leather workers through funding and infrastructure.
Onyiriuka said the BOA’s facilities go with conditionality that were the same in all their branches.
He added that the conditions were, however, within the reach of the leather workers in Aba due to the viability of their business.
“You do not invest in a man whose business is not viable otherwise what you are doing is what is called “stomach infrastructure’’.
“We want to touch your business so that your business can change your life and have an impact on the economy,’’ Onyiriuka said.
(NAN)
