By Obialunamma Nwadiogbu

Ekwulobia — The Anglican Diocese of Amichi in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State, weekend, has commissioned its  Sure Anchor Microfinance Bank Ltd, established by the diocese.

Commissioning the project, the Bishop of Amichi, Rt. Rev. Ephraim Ikeakor said the church embarked on the banking project to encourage the culture of banking habit in the lives of the rural populace and discourage the attitude of living without saving for the rainy day.

He also noted that the bank would encourage the rural dwellers, who were predominantly farmers by giving them “soft and micro credit loans for small and medium scale business enterprises with the hope of achieving economic boom in the area.”

While assuring them that ATM machines would be installed in no distant time on the bank premises, the prelate also asked them to open accounts with the bank, promising that it would not fold like other banks that collapsed in the community.

“This bank is offering to provide savings and credit facilities and assist you to grow your businesses and improve your standard of living. So, this is not Anglican Church bank alone, but for everybody within and around Amichi.

“I also want to let you know that you have nothing to fear about folding as we have experienced personalities as members of the Board of Directors and Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, will be monitoring our activities, having granted us the banking licence.

In his remarks, the Chairman Board of Directors, Dr. Ugochukwu Nzewi , who was visibly elated for the landmark achievement, noted that the  Sure Anchor Microfinance Bank  would offer the following services: regular savings, daily contribution scheme, micro loans among other services.

The Managing Director of the bank, Uchenna Udensi commended Bishop Ikeakor for his efforts in bringing development to the door steps of the people of Amichi, adding that the promoters of the bank were worried because the absence of banks in Amichi community exposes indigenes to the risks of carrying cash to neighbouring communities.

“It also exposes them to the risks of keeping money at home, risks of financial planning difficulties in their various businesses and the hardship of travelling far before they receive money from people living outside Amichi,” he said.