- Fidelity Bank Disburses N2.3bn SMEs’ Funds to 202 Customers
Fidelity Bank Plc has said it disbursed about N2.3 billion of SMEs funds to 102 customers, out of which about N400 million had been repaid so far.
The Managing Director of Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo also said contrary to popular beliefs, bad loans in their bank are not usually caused by SMEs, just as he stated that the bank’s customers are always regarded as kings in their establishment.
Okonkwo made the disclosure in Owerri, the Imo State capital at the Fidelity Bank Customer Forum recently.
He explained that Fidelity Bank was passionate about supporting businesses to succeed just as he apologised to customers for any inconveniences they experience banking with them.
Okonkwo said that soon, the Central Bank of Nigeria will enforce the cashless policy throughout Nigeria, just as he admonished customers to adopt the electronic banking platform.
He disclosed that the North-eastern part of the country ranks among the highest zone in electronic banking adoption, explaining that because of insurgency and security threats, customers there prefer to use online banking options to keep themselves and their money safe.
He however appealed to people to sustain speaking and writing of Igbo language which he described as a heritage noting that many Igbos have become so westernized and are losing their identity.
Chairman of the bank, Mr Ernest Ebi described the interaction as timely and impactful as it has educated them on the interests and challenges of their customers, saying it will spur them to improve their services.
While the Executive Director South (ED South), Mrs. Aku Odinkenmele said the complaints have been noted but explained that the banking sector is one of those strictly regulated.
Different customers who included the Chief Executive Officer of ABC Transport, Mr. Frank Nneji; Deputy Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Hon Ugonna Ozuruigbo; Imo Minority Leader, Hon Kenneth Agbim; Traditional Ruler of Awo Idemili community, Eze Innocent; seasoned Journalist, Chief Chidi Nkwopara amongst others called for better services and Saturday banking to help secure funds.