In line with its industry leadership in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, Oceanic Bank in 2007 set up the Development Finance Department (DFD) targeted at empowering and raising the living standard of small entrepreneurs.To further reach out and reward its target group, the bank in December last year, initiated the Oceanic Microfinance Be Ya Own Oga savings promotion as an empowering tool for Oceanic Micro Savings Account (OMSA) customers. It is the banks platform to contribute its quota towards alleviating poverty.The savings promotion is expected to last for three months between December 10, 2010 and March 10 this year.So far, two draws which drew micro business operators, officials from the Lagos State Lotteries Board, bankers, media executives and others, had been conducted with over 100 customers spread across the country emerging winners, with various prizes that would enhance productivity and ultimately expand their businesses. The grand finale draw is scheduled for March.At the second draw, held in Lagos last week, two of the lucky winners in the first draws were on hand. Pastor Solomon Gbenga of Iyana Ipaja branch, who won a call center set with N1,000 credits, was full of appreciation, stating that the phone had created an ease for him to get across to his members.He disclosed that he had been operating the account for two years, adding that he was attracted to the bank because of its reliable and robust services.He enjoined other Nigerians to open account with the bank, as it was the only bank that had proven that it has the interest of the poor in its plans.Mrs. Benedicta Nwaokolo, a dealer in second hand clothings, also of Iyana Ipaja branch, who won call centre set with N1000 credits admitted that the phone had boosted his business.According to her, she now calls her customers both within and outside the country, stressing that she would forever be an ambassador of the bank.The Deputy President, South, National Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), Alhaji Lukman Adebiyi, who was present at the first draws lauded Oceanic Bank for its various initiatives atsupporting small businesses, urging other banks to emulate the bank.Specially designed for small business operators, the promo is a savings oriented platform that encourages entrepreneurs to set aside funds towards growing their businesses.Speaking on the promo, Head, Development Finance, Oceanic Bank, Mr. Felix Oyakhamoh said it was an initiative that aligned with the banks commitment to growing businesses at the micro level of the Nigerian economy.According to him: It is also an opportunity for us to say thank you to our loyal microfinance customers who have been with us since the commencement of operations in 2008 as the promotion is all about helping to expand their business.In her presentation, Head, Segments and Products, Development Finance Department, Funsho Oyelohunnu, said the promotion was opened to both old and new customers and all they need to do is to save N5, 000 every month from December 10, 2010 to March 10, 2011 into their OMSA at any Oceanic Bank branch nationwide.
Click here to read full news..
