In a bid to ensure that his promise to encourage entrepreneurship in the state is kept, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, on Wednesday, February 7 2024 commissioned the office of the Bank of Industry (BOI) in Uyo, the State capital.

The Governor described the decision of the bank to settle in Akwa Ibom State as “one of the most business-like decisions taken in the course of his administration, so far”.

He explained that the presence of the Bank of Industry in the state is a step in the direction of accomplishing the second and fourth goals of the ARISE agenda which is “job creation, economic prosperity and promotion of the spirit of industry and entrepreneurship in the people of Akwa Ibom as well as sustainable development”.

Eno noted that with the Bank of Industry in the State, his resolve to turn Akwa Ibom into a business hub has been made easy and success is sure.

He explained that he understands the necessity of having access to single unit loans that the Bank of Industry Provides and because indigenes of Akwa Ibom will have access to these loans firsthand, there will be a burst of economic and sustainable growth as SMEs are catalysts for growth and development in the state.

“As a businessman, one of the greatest challenges we had on the balance sheet was interest loans which sometimes overrides everything you’re doing.”

“So having gone through that path, I know that one of the best things you could do to encourage an enterprise in our state and to support our young people would be to partner with the BOI and ensure that they have good sources of funding.”

The Chief Executive Officer of the Bank of Industry, Dr. Olasupo Olusi explained that the decision to establish the country’s 32nd location in Akwa Ibom State was birthed by the discussion he had with the Governor of the state at the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference held in December 2023 where the governor elucidated his dreams of encouraging entrepreneurship in the State.

He appreciated the governor for his commitment to the growth of entrepreneurship in the state as well as a serene and enabling environment which will further ensure the success of the bank.

He assured the people of Akwa Ibom that the bank will support small, medium and large-scale enterprises and equip them with facilities that will ensure the success of their businesses.