Umuchinemere Procredit
Microfinance Bank Nigeria Limited

By Abuchi Anueyiagu

The Umuchinemere Pro-credit Micro Finance Bank (UPMFB) Enugu participated in the first Enugu State Investment Summit, otherwise called "Oganiru," which took place at the Michael Okpara Square, Independence Layout Enugu from Tuesday, April 12 - Thursday, April 14, 2016.

The three-day event drew participants (delegates) from all walks of life from within and outside Nigeria.

The theme of the Summit was 'Beyond oil: Fostering Inclusive Economic Growth and Sustainable Development.

The Umuchinemere Pro-credit Micro Finance Bank was represented at the Summit by a strong delegation comprising the Chairman of the bank, Rev. Msgr. Prof. Obiora Ike; the Managing Director, Mrs. Nnenna Maria Ekete; the Head of Operations, Mr. Charles Ozor; the Head Credit & Business Development, Mr. Ikechukwu Ngene; the Head Risk Management, Mr. Odinaka Okeke; and the Head Public/Media Relations Unit, Sir Abuchi Anueyiagu.

Msgr. Ike said the opening prayer of the Summit, during which he prayed for better living condition of the citizens of the country, improvement of the economy of both the State and Nigeria.

Umuchinemere Pro-credit Micro Finance had a pavilion at the Summit where it showcased its products and services. Among the numerous products and services of UPMFB are Savings, Current and Fixed Deposit Accounts; Loans of various brands: Education Loan, Agriculture Loan, Wedding Loan, Salary Temporary Over Draft, Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises Loan, Housing Loan; Fund Transfer; Project/Business sponsorship; Bank Guarantee of Business/Project Financing; Management of Coal City Cabs; Motor Vehicle Leasing; Tricycle Leasing; Hire Purchase; Safe Keep of Valuable documents and ornaments.

The Enugu State Governor visited the bank's Stand at the Summit where he exchanged ideas with the bank on ways of his administration collaborating with the bank in the area of economic empowerment of the poor, poverty eradication in the State and helping to achieve the government's economic transformation agenda.

The governor and his entourage, which included among other prominent people, the State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo; the immediate past governor of the State, Mr. Sullivan Chime; a onetime civilian governor of old Anambra State, Senator Jim Nwobodo and his wife; a former Minister of Power, Prof. Bart Nnaji; a former Minister of Aviation, Mrs. Fidelia Nnjeze; commissioners, captains of industry; federal and state legislators, etc, spent a significant period of time at the bank's pavilion during his tour of the various pavilions of some participating commercial organizations at the Summit.

The Enugu State Investment Summit (Oganiru) was a platform through which the State government seeks to collaborate with the private sector to promote free enterprise and improve economic productivity.

The Summit was the brainchild of the Enugu State Economic Advisory Committee headed by Msgr. Obiora Ike. The Economic Advisory Committee was set up by the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, in June 2015 to advise and guide the State on the best economic policies that would help to engender sustainable economic growth of the State.

As the Director General of the Summit, Mr. Ike Chioke, said, "The State government is reducing bureaucracy to encourage entrepreneurship."

The governor announced the Akanu Ibiam Internatioanl Airport/Emene Industrial axis and the 9^th Mile Corner of the State as the State's Free Trade Zone.

Some of the other notable delegates and speakers at the Summit were the Governor of Anambra State Willie Obiano represented by his deputy, Mr. Nkem Okeke; the Irish ambassador to Nigeria; South African consular in Nigeria; the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola who was represented by Ayo Peleye; the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige; Mr. Tony Elumelu; owner of Air Peace Airline, Chief Allen Onyema; Ndidi Nwuneli; Mr. Ikechi Uko; Mr. Leo Stan Ekeh; Dr. Pascal Dozie; Dr. Alex Otti; Prof. Osita Ogbu; current Mrs. Tourism United Nations World, Mrs. Ebelechukwu Enemchukwu; owner of Peace Mass Transit, Dr. Sam Onyishi; etc.

Big potential investors from France, Switzerland, China, Ireland, parts of Africa and Nigeria also participated at the Summit.