Yobe State governor, Mai Mala Buni, has commended the management of Yobe Microfinance Bank for introducing financial products and services aimed at promoting financial inclusion and supporting small and medium-scale businesses across the state.
Buni gave the commendation while speaking at the Business Community Development Day and product launch organised by Yobe Microfinance Bank.
He said the initiative, which included electric motorcycles, home solar energy solutions, wallet accounts, Point of Sale (POS) channels, ATM cards and other banking equipment, would improve the capacity of beneficiaries and enhance efficiency in service delivery.
According to him, microfinance banking remains an important instrument for economic growth and development, particularly by facilitating access to capital and strengthening business relationships among traders, farmers, artisans and young entrepreneurs.
The governor commended business owners for their resilience and hard work towards promoting the local economy and creating employment opportunities.
He said his administration had constructed markets and roads linking local government areas to create a conducive environment for socio-economic development.
Buni urged traders and farmers to take advantage of the infrastructure and other facilities provided by the government to expand their businesses and contribute to economic development.
He assured residents that his administration would continue to support and partner with institutions and organisations that shared its vision of improving the lives of the people.
In his welcome address, the Secretary to the Yobe State Government and Chairman, Board of Directors, Yobe Microfinance Bank, Dr Mohammed Goje, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to implementing the vision of the state government by expanding its services and ensuring greater accessibility to residents across the state.
Goje said the bank had recorded significant progress since the government directed it to operate at a standard capable of competing with conventional banks in the country.
According to him, the bank would continue to pursue strategies aimed at ensuring that its services reached communities, villages and other underserved areas across the state.
Earlier, the managing director of Yobe Microfinance Bank, Prof Sherif Almuhajir, said the launch of the banking products was part of the state government’s efforts to promote financial inclusion, improve entrepreneurship and enhance economic activities.
He said the innovations would improve access to financial services and create opportunities for sustainable economic revitalisation in the state.
In separate remarks, the controller, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Yobe branch, and the chairman, Yobe State Harmonised Traders Association, commended the management of Yobe Microfinance Bank for bringing together key stakeholders to promote economic development and strengthen the business environment in the state.
They also applauded the Yobe State Government for its efforts in developing infrastructure and providing an enabling security environment to support businesses and economic activities across the state.
