Fidelity Bank GMD says Abia needs huge financial assistance, partnership to rebuild infrastructure
From Boniface Okoro, Umuahia
Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (GMD/CEO) of Fidelity Bank, Mrs. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, has stressed the need for Abia State to partner financial institutions to be able to make a huge impact in infrastructural development of the state.
Mrs. Onyeali-Ikpe made this remark when she led a senior management team of the bank to visit Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti.
The GMD said that the Fidelity team was in Abia, to, first of all, congratulate Governor Otti on his electoral victory and subsequent assumption of office, adding that she had heard some of the good news coming out of Abia since Dr. Otti began to steer the ship of state.
Onyeali-Ikpe, however, said the work of rebuilding Abia required a concerted effort and all hands should be on deck to deliver and that Fidelity was willing to be part of the Abia success story under Governor Otti.
“We realise that there is need for support in the area of infrastructure development and industrialisation of the state. That’s why we came, to see how we can partner with him with a view to moving Abia State forward.
“For the level of infrastructural development Abia needs, there is need for heavy lifting. As you well know, there’s a lot of work to be done in the area of roads, schools, hospitals; and you can’t do all of that from what the state generates on its own. You definitely need heavy lifting support from the banks,” Mrs. Onyeali-Ikpe stated.
Welcoming his guests, Otti reiterated his administration’s desire to partner with the private sector in the quest to rebuild the state.
The Governor welcomed the bank’s request to partner the state government in delivering gains of democracy to the people, while enumerating some of the things his administration had done in the area of road and health infrastructure, as well as ensuring that workers receive their salaries promptly, since he assumed office less than four months ago.
Mrs. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, was accompanied on the business visit to Otti by Mrs. Pamela Shodipo, Executive Director, South; Mr. Mike Nnaji, Regional Head, Abia Fidelity; and Mrs. Evi Kanu, Regional Head, Rivers-Bayelsa.
