Anambra Small Business Agency (ASBA), has presented a letter of commendation to Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe of Onitsha for guaranteeing credit of N35 million Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to Seven Multi-Purpose Co-operative societies.
The credit is a Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Anambra State Government (ANSG) backed facility.
The credit facility was issued by ASBA in 2016 to 70 youths from Onitsha, who registered under the seven co-operative societies.
Presenting the letter to Igwe Achebe at his Ime Obi Palace, on Aug. 24, 2020, the Managing Director of ASBA, Chief Clement Chukwuka eulogised the royal father for his profound benevolence and astounding integrity.
He said that Igwe Achebe guaranteed the loans, regardless of risks to his person and the throne.
“Igwe Achebe reposed total confidence in the youths and did not worry about the possibility of a default in repayment of the facility.
“Rather he prioritised the empowerment of the youths and placed their needs first.’’
Chief Chukwuka said that the royal father did not express reservation in securing the loan for his subjects. “We only requested that he guarantees the loan but he gave us seven open cheques, one for each co-operative society, and signed off all of them’’.
Agbogidi also wrote an irrevocable letter of guarantee and registered the same in the Onitsha High Court. “He gave us full authority to recover the money from him should any of the youths default.
“This is the kind of exemplary leadership that all traditional rulers and indeed everyone in leadership positions in Anambra state should emulate. Agbogidi has proved himself a kind and benevolent King and his subjects, the youths of Onitsha have made us proud.
“I stand today to testify to the fact that they not only repaid the loans but they are doing well in their chosen fields. They were trained in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), shoe making, metal fabrication, poultry and rice farming.
“There are other areas that they are now doing well as entrepreneurs. This is why we are here to appreciate Agbogidi and return the cheques and irrevocable letter of guarantees to him,’’ Chief Chukwuka said.
Receiving the letter, Igwe Achebe thanked the Governor of Anambra state, Chief Willie Obiano for creating an agency that supports MSMEs in providing funding for youth empowerment and entrepreneurship.
The royal father thanked Chief Chukwuka and lauded the good works he had been doing in ASBA.
Igwe Achebe expressed delight over the loan repaid by the 70 youths, saying that the trust he reposed in them was not in vain as they have made him and the entire Onitsha Ado n’Idu proud.
He blessed them and prayed that they will continue to excel in their endeavours.
Reacting, Chairman of Onitsha North LGA, Mr Patrick Agha MBA, thanked the MD of ASBA for showing appreciation to Igwe Achebe.
He noted that the gesture showed the sincerity of the agency and the genuine commitment of the Government under Gov Obiano in truly empowering the youths.
A beneficiary of the loan facility, Ms Uchenna Frances Mozie expressed appreciation to Igwe Achebe for staking his integrity to secure loans for Onitsha youths.
“I thank Anambra state government for helping me to realise my dreams.’’
According to her, I am a cobbler today and I am proud to say that I produce the gladiator sandals used during Igwe Achebe’s Ofala Festival in 2018 and 2019.
“I make good foot wears and my business is thriving, all thanks to Gov Obiano and ASBA.’’ (MOI)
