GOVERNOR OKOWA CHALLENGES CBN TO ESTABLISH ENTREPRENEURIAL DEVELOPMENT CENTRE

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had its 2015 Best Managed Branch Dinner Award in Asaba with Governor Ifeanyi Okowa challenging the apex bank to be involved in entrepreneurial development. 

At the well-attended award ceremony, Jos branch bagged second place, while Kano branch of the CBN took the third position. Governor Okowa observed that with the effect of fall in price of oil on the nation's economy, it was important for the country to diversify its sources of revenue.

He specifically requested that the CBN establishes an Entrepreneurial Development Centre in the state, noting that his administration has partnered with the apex bank in different empowerment programmes.

"We are happy that the CBN is encouraging its branches, I congratulate the recipients of the awards, especially, the Asaba branch that has done so well within its short time of establishment," the Governor said, adding, "we are particularly partnering with the CBN on the single digit interest rate on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME); we will continue to stay in that partnership."

He emphasized, "Delta State is interested in equipping our youths with different skills, we know you (the CBN) can be of assistance to us in establishing an Entrepreneurial Development Centre, we request and demand that the centre be established in Delta State."

The Governor who disclosed that his SMART agenda was predicated on empowering Deltans to be wealth creators, reiterated that his administration has reawakened the interests of youths in agriculture and skill acquisition with a bid to create alternative means of generating revenue.

While the Governor of CBN, Mr Emefiele who spoke through Alhaji Suleiman Barau, Deputy Governor, Operations, CBN, said the annual award ceremony was " to boost healthy competition among the branches to encourage healthy services to customers," enthusiastic Asaba branch Comptroller, Dame Elizabeth Agu gave kudos to Governor Okowa for his integrity and transparent ways he was managing the affairs of the State.