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B N W: Biafra Nigeria World News |
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Ohanaeze raises funds for Igbo banks over N25b capital base
IGBO indigenes who are executives of banks, apparently recognising that in times of trouble, one's kinsmen offer the best refuge, may have headed back home for help in meeting the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) N25 billion minimum capital base requirements. And Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the umbrella body of the Igbo has obliged them.
The pan-Igbo socio-political organisation resolved that it would ensure that the policy does not send any bank owned by the Igbo into oblivion.
The decision was part of resolutions reached on Tuesday at a meeting between the executives of banks owned by Igbo indigenes and members of the strategy and planning committee of Ohanaeze.
The meeting, held in Owerri, capital of Imo State, was chaired by the Publisher of Champion Newspapers, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
Also in attendance were the chairman of ACB International Bank Plc, Prof. Green Nwankwo, the bank's managing director, Mr. John Udeka, Chief Executive of Citizens Bank, Chief Joy Ifegwu, Executive Director of Assurance Bank Nigeria Limited, Emmanuel Ihemedu and officials of Hallmark Bank, among others.
The meeting began behind closed doors but was later made open to the press, when the banks' representatives barred their minds on the new financial policy and its effects on the jobs of numerous Igbo workers in the sector.
Announcing the setting up of the Emergency Relief Fund at the meeting, Iwuanyanwu said the decision was taken not to allow the economic base of Igbo race to be shaken.
According to Iwuanyanwu, the fund will be headed by the bishop of a church. He will be assisted by others.
His words: "Ohanaeze has resolved to support Igbo banks. This is because Igbo are determined not to be treated anyhow anywhere. And there is now the establishment of Emergency Relief Fund to be headed by a bishop.
"This is to help the Igbo anywhere in the world. This is also to mobilise funds and support and aid for them. Details will be announced at the Igbo Day celebration", he said.
Iwuanyanwu also said an education committee had been set up to have a linkage with Igbo anywhere in the country and diaspora, to adequately sensitise Igbo to educational matters.
The chairman of ACB International Bank, Nwankwo and his counterpart at Citizens Bank, Ifegwu, spoke on the effects the new policy would have if the Ohanaeze refused to help its indigenes.
Nwankwo noted that ACB was established in 1937 as a private company through the efforts of the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe. He stated that the bank's name was changed in 1947.
He noted that after 67 years of existence and with customers' accounts of N600 million and profit after tax of N552.8 million as at June 2003, Ohanaeze Ndigbo should assist in sustaining the bank.
His words: "In the face of the drum beats of consolidation which is threatening the survival of the legacy handed to us in the financial and banking sector, our humble expectation is that every Igbo leader will take up the gauntlet to sustain the ACB vision. The Igbo leadership must rise to this clarion call and complement the laudable efforts made so far.
"We expect support from every individual and group of Igbo stock within and outside the country to invest in the bank by purchasing shares in considerable numbers to ensure that the required amount of N25 billion is raised and that the name 'ACB International Bank Plc, does not disappear from the Nigerian banking scene into oblivion".
Ifegwu urged Ohanaeze not to allow numerous Igbo bankers to become jobless.
She called for support from Ohanaeze to ensure that Igbo banks remain relevant.
Her words: "We should not allow our sufferings to go in vain. Others will laugh at us if we do that".
Ifegwu urged Ohanaeze to rise to the occasion, adding that "after politics, the economy follows".
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