Benue, CBN to Promote Business Opportunities for Indigenes

George Okoh

Benue State Government has announced the collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to promote investment opportunities for the people of the state.

The state Governor, Dr. Samuel Ortom, disclosed this yesterday when he received the Branch Controller of CBN in the state, Mr. John Odekina Itaha, and management staff of the bank on a courtesy visit to the Benue Peoples House in Makurdi.

The governor, who directed the Director-General of the Benue Planning Commission, Dr. Sam Onum, to liaise with the management of CBN for result-oriented collaboration, said the anchor borrowers programme, commercial agriculture credit scheme as well as micro small and medium enterprises development fund among others could better be explored by the people of the state.

While urging the people to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the CBN and other financial institutions to venture into businesses, Ortom appreciated the bank for its corporate social responsibility in the state, and requested for more in that regard.

He directed the state Commissioner for Land, Survey and Solid Minerals to liaise with the management of CBN towards ensuring that land is provided for the bank to construct an estate or housing units for staff.

Ortom also granted the request by the CBN to use the Aper Aku Stadium for football competition involving branches of the bank from other states starting from August 3, 2021.

Meanwhile, the CBN Branch Controller, Itaha, said he was at the Government House to inform the governor of his posting to the state and to discuss ways of exploring investment opportunities with the Benue people.

He said the CBN had undertaken various projects, including construction of two dormitory halls with beddings and mattresses.