Oceanic bank, CBN, Delta Partner on Poverty Alleviation

Oceanic Bank International Plc, the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Delta State Government have signed a partnership treat to alleviate poverty through the introduction of the Delta Oceanic Micro credit Scheme.
The scheme which was recently inaugurated was expected to boost entrepreneurship in the state while also reducing poverty.
The inauguration witnessed the presentation of fund disbursement certificates to some entrepreneurs to mark the commencement of the poverty eradication programmes through the provision of gainful employment.
A release issued by the bank said the scheme is intended to empower the people of the state by making funds available to them to set up small businesses.
Cecilia Ibru, chief executive officer of the bank said the bank is presently involved in poverty alleviation programmes all over the country in line with its policy of building a stronger Nigeria.
She said “the bank is of the view that for it to build a stronger nation, poverty has to be a thing of the past, and people have to be empowered. The only way we empower the people is by providing funds for them to do businesses that will generate employment, especially at this crucial time of economic crunch”.
She added that women have been disadvantaged in the access to credit and other financial services, but today, hope is in the horizon for men, women and youths in Delta state.
Through the campaign, more than 175 million vulnerable and disadvantaged women would be able to access credit for self employment and other businesses by year 2015 as one of the cardinal objectives of the Millennium Development Goals.