The management of Fidelity Bank plc has approved N600 million loan for the garment and leather sectors- comprising shoe, belt and bag makers in Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State.
The gesture is aimed at upgrading the capacity and product quality of the operators.
Michael Nwagbara, branch leader, Fidelity Bank Plc, who revealed this at a photo exhibition/civic reception for Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State, organized by the Independent Photographers Association of Nigeria (IPAN), Aba chapter, also promised that the bank would develop a programme tailored towards assisting members of IPAN.
He affirmed that the bank believes so much in entrepreneurship, which is why it is interested in helping the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME).
“Our bank is focused in developing capacity, especially small and medium scale enterprises, such that we have been partnering with so many of such groups in the sector and since IPAN is organized, it can access a lot of things from Fidelity Bank, not just facility-it could be in capacity building and financing of equipment.
“The bank has looked at what is happening in Aba and has developed a product tailored to the garment and leather manufacturers. As we speak today, the bank has mapped out N600 million for the leather and garment sectors,” he said.
Uche Ogah, president, Masters Energy Group, who was installed a national patron of IPAN also promised to assist the association to achieve their goals.
Ogah represented by Chijioke Udeogu, a staff of Masters Energy Group, stated that the company believes in entrepreneurial skill and human capital development and other things that would lead to positive activities and especially reduction of unemployment.
“I have been looking forward to this kind of forum where we can discuss on how to boost entrepreneurship in Aba.
“I however believe that with the right spirit, with the right people and with the right environment that no sooner than later that Aba will regain its position, as the entrepreneurial city of the country.
Darlington Kalu, president, African Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (AASME), who was chairman of the occasion, observed that IPAN has contributed immensely to the development of not only Aba, but the entire country and solicited for the support of all well meaning individuals and corporate bodies to assist the association.
He also promised that IPAN would be allotted space in the proposed Africa International Cultural Business Entrepreneurship Development Centre, which would be sited in Abia State to further help them to exhibit their works.
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