OneWallet Microfinance Bank berths in Aba to support SME development

…Partners MTN, Zenith Bank, UnionBell Technologies

OneWallet Microfinance Bank, has officially opened its first office in Ariaria International Market, Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State.

OneWallet Microfinance Bank is teaming up with MTN, Zenith Bank Plc and UnionBell Technologies of China to help micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to innovate and grow.

Darl Uzu, chairman, OneWallet Microfinance Bank in an address at the official launch of the bank, held Tuesday in Aba, said that the firm is in Aba to support Ariaria business energy with tools that can help businesses do more, reach more customers, organise better, and prepare for bigger opportunities.

He said that the purpose of OneWallet is to expand the inclusion of small businesses in digital financial services, by making it easy for them to make and receive payments on affordable digital devices, hence the introduction of UnionBell smart phones and point of sales service (POS) machines.

“We want to help small and medium scale enterprises to access financial support/loan easily to grow their businesses.

“We want to help businesses to build the history and credibility they require for future growth and expansion.”

Uzu, explained that OneWallet was not created as just a payment application, but a business support platform, designed around the real needs of small and medium scale enterprises.

Read also: Lagos lifts 4,000 MSMEs with N1.933bn loans, grants to boost growth

On the importance of Ariaria to the vision of the management of OneWallet, Uzu said that the choice of Ariaria International Market, as the pilot is deliberate, because Ariaria International Market is not just a market, but one of the strongest symbols of enterprise in Nigeria.

“It is a place of manufacturing, trading, distribution, apprenticeship. and business incubation. From shoes to fabrics, from leather works to clothing, from wholesale supply to retail trade, Ariaria represents the strength of Nigerian commerce.

“We are not here however, to teach Ariaria people how to trade, how to manufacture, how to distribute, because Ariaria already understands business. We are here to support Ariaria business energy with tools that can help businesses do more, reach more customers, organise better, and prepare for bigger opportunities.

“In other words, we are here to help Ariaria innovate and grow.”

He continued, “For a trader with one shop today, the goal will be to open a second shop tomorrow. For a distributor serving Aba today, the goal will be to serve Port Harcourt, Owerri, Enugu, Lagos, Abuja and others tomorrow.

“For an artisan producing in small quantities today, the goal will be to increase production, employ more people, and access wider markets tomorrow.

“For a young entrepreneur starting small today, the goal will be to build a business that can stand for many years. This is the growth journey OneWallet wants to support,” he promised.

He thanked the leadership of Ariaria International Market for opening their doors to the financial firm and for their cooperation, noting that their support is important, because no serious initiative can succeed within the business corridor without the trust and involvement of market leadership, zone leaders, and the business community itself.

He also thanked its partners, especially MTN, Zenith Bank and Unionbell Technologies Limited for accepting to be on the journey with them.

He said: “A platform like OneWallet requires strong partnerships across banking, technology, connectivity, distribution, and market engagement. Your involvement strengthens what we are building.”

To the OneWallet board, management, and the entire team, Uzu thanked them for bringing the vision to this point has required investment, regulatory engagement, product development, field work, partner discussions, and a lot of work. today is not the end of the work. It is the beginning of a greater responsibility.

David Nwosu, managing director, OneWallet Microfinance Bank, described the firm as a one-stop-shop that provides everything a business owner needs to grow his/her business.

“OneWallet is specifically built for business owners to receive seamless payments, credits and business advice to enable them scale up their businesses.”

Ernest Chieke, Sales and Trade Development manager, MTN, AbIa State observed that the launch of OneWallet Microfinance Bank in Aba will open up new opportunities for individuals, SMEs, who work hard every day to grow their income and improve their lives.

“We at MTN are proud to partner with OneWallet Microfinance Bank in driving financial inclusion and community empowerment. Together we are creating solutions that make financial access closer to the people,” he said.