UNICAL VC Commissions UMFB In Bekwarra

The people of Bekwarra were overwhelmed with utmost joy when the Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof Zana Akpagu commissioned a branch of the Unical Microfinance Bank (UMFB) in the Local Government Area.
The commissioning of the bank located at ibiaragidi is seen as a great milestone for the Bekwarra people since the Local Government Area has existed without a functional bank since its creation.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Unical Microfinance Bank Ltd and Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof Zana Akpagu said the citing of the bank in Bekwarra was in response to the plea of the people coupled with the perceived socio-economic benefits.
The Chairman of the Unical Microfinance Bank said that the socio economic implication of establishing the bank is enormous as it will attract employment for the people, solve emergency financial challenges, and provide credit facilities and a functional savings scheme for traders, farmers, civil and public servants as well as assistance to medium and small scale industrialists.
The Vice Chancellor who is also the Okungbowo 1 of Bekwarra described the UMFB edifice as solid, comely, competitive and strategically located adding that it will not fail but will meet the aspirations and yearnings of the people.
He used the occasion to call on all prominent Bekwarra sons and daughters to use their positions in both the private and public sector to support the growth of the bank and also advance the cause of the people.
The Chairman of the occasion and Paramount Ruler of Bekwarra Local Government, HRM, Odey Linus Ogbeche commended the Vice Chancellor for keeping his promise adding that the historical event has added another ‘feather’ to his cap of achievements.
The Royal Father who said the citing of the bank will reduce or eliminate the spate of accidents connected with travelling to a neighbouring state and nearby local Government Areas to conduct banking transactions pledged to do all within the limits of his power to ensure that the bank does not go into distress
He commended the clan heads that made the land available, and charged the newly employed bank staff to be efficient and effective especially their marketing team to be forceful in their approach and assured them of adequate security.
On a special note he showered massive praise on the Vice Chancellor for appointing some Bekwarra indigenes to positions of relevance in the University of Calabar.
In an earlier address, the Managing Director of the Bank, Mr John Owan said he was pleased to identify with the Bekwarra people because they were passionate about the development of their area as exemplified in their zeal in getting the bank established in their domain.
Mr John Owan pledged to offer sound professional banking services to the people and also make up for the years of the deprivation of this laudable and beneficial asset in the community.
The Head of Local Government Association (HOLGA), Mrs Fatima Husseni said she was overjoyed to see the yearning for a functional bank for Bekwarra people come true in her time and pledged to partner the new bank on behalf of her association.
His Highness (HH), Isaac Abang in his very brief remark commended the Royal Monarch and the Vice Chancellor for the actualisation of the dream and promised that the bank will grow from strength to strength.
In an address presented on behalf of Unwu’kin Association of Bekwarra, Dr Abel Ushie commended the Vice Chancellor for salvaging the Bekwarra nation from what he described as “ a long and arduous trek to elusive banking system”.
He expressed the optimism that in keeping with its tenet of “one voice” for growth and development, that the newly established bank would be overwhelmingly beneficial to all.
The highpoint of the event was the formal commissioning of the Bank and the Automated Teller Machine (s) for use and cultural display by the Ishama Ena Cultural Group.
The event had in attendance, the bursar, Mrs Beatrice Igwe, a director in the bank, Prof Austin Obiekezie, Provost of Federal College of Education, Obudu, Prof Ejue, Dean of Faculty of Engineering, Engr Prof Odey Osha, Dir of Unicalcons, Dr Tom Ogar, Head of Bekwarra Community in Unical, Prof Emmanuel Inah, Deputy Registrar, Mr Otogo Obule, Procurement officer, Mrs Omali Adie, Dr(mrs) Itang Egbung, officials and members of the Bekwarra community in Unical amongst others.