First Bank Partners Akwa Ibom On Poverty Alleviation

from All Africa

Leadership (Abuja)

There are indications that the Governor Godswil Akpabio administration will continue to partner with the private sector to refocus the state economy towards meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

The Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of First Bank of Nigeria Plc, Mr. Jacobs Moyo Ajekigbe, dropped the hint in an interview with newsmen, shortly after an audience with Governor Godswill Akpabio at the Government House in Uyo.

Mr. Ajekigbe welcomed the governor's idea of repositioning the state's economy to create wealth and reduce poverty among the people through public-private partnership initiative.

He pledged his bank's support for the state in the areas of infrastructural development and poverty alleviation through small and medium scale enterprises and agricultural financing.

Ajekigbe, also said his bank has a large presence in the state with eleven branches and assured that it would continue to create e-banking products, efficient service delivery and strategic business expansion.

He expressed optimism that his bank would continue to play a prominent role in the future and build a committed work force with modern works tools.

Mr. Ajekigbe who also acknowledged President Yar'Adua's efforts to re-energise the economy through various economic reforms in his 7-point agenda, described as positive in the president's economic posture.