BOI, Skye Bank set to revitalize Imo’s industrial layouts

The drive to revitalize industrial layouts in Imo, the Eastern Heartland state by mainly the organized private sector (OPS) in synergy with the state government has received a further notch, as two financial institutions, Bank of Industry (BOI) and Skye Bank Plc have pledged to inject needed financial muscle that would help get things off the ground soon.

The regional head, South East, Bank of Industry (BOI) Tokunbo Akinsola informed that the manufacturers’ bank has initiated strategies at accelerating the pace of the industrialization of the Owerri Industrial Layout along Onitsha Road.

“We are collaborating with the Imo State Government, especially in respects of matching funds and strategies for Imo people to access the funds for their businesses,” Akinsola said.

He said BOI has established its own funds for development, which is already in place in some states to assist small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to grow, as well as special interest-free funds.

Speaking at a one-day Skye Business seminar titled: “Nurturing Businesses for Growth,” held in Owerri, the executive director, Skye Bank Plc, Ibiye Ekong said the bank has positioned to take business and industrial concerns in the state to the next level.

Ekong assured a coterie of industrialists, business people and potential investors who attended the seminar that the bank has established wide representations with effective connecting and computer warehouse to focus firmly on growth.

She added that the Bank would provide potential investors with the necessary incentives to start off.

“Imo State is a big commercial centre; and we hope to be partners in progress in the onerous task of industrializing the state,” stated Ekong.

The executive director disclosed that they organized similar seminars in Lagos, Onitsha, Benin and Abuja, with the aimed of equipping industrialists with the tools on how to run their businesses.

The business seminar, the sixth in the series targets indigenous general commerce and manufacturing; as well as inject business discipline in the entrepreneurs, followed by a recap next year for them to connect, learn and grow.