Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has inaugurated the governing board of Amana Microfinance Bank as part of efforts to expand and streamline the full operations of the state-owned financial institution.
A statement signed by the Ibrahim kaula Mohammad Chief Press Secretary to the Governor said the inauguration, which was held at the Government House, Katsina, aligns with the policy direction of the Central Bank of Nigeria for microfinance institutions.
Speaking during the event, Governor Radda described members of the board as individuals of proven integrity with vast experience in the banking sector.
He said, “All the personalities appointed into this board are people of proven integrity with vast experience in banking. We have directors and independent directors whom we carefully selected because we believe they will support the effective management and growth of the bank.”
The governor expressed confidence in the ability of the board to deliver on its mandate, urging them to deploy their experience for the benefit of the institution and the people of the state.
He announced Alhaji Muntaka Badaru Jikamshi as Chairman of the Board, while the Managing Director of the bank, Umar Zubairu, will serve as Secretary.
Other members include the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Malik Anas; Mohammed Lawal Mukhtar (Independent Director); Dr Mohammed Bashir Ruwa Godiya; Dr Bello Mohammed (Independent Director); and Hajiya Badiyya Hassan Mashi.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Banking and Finance, Hajiya Bilkisu Sulaiman Ibrahim, will serve as an observer.
Governor Radda disclosed that the state government had approved and paid capital augmentation to raise the bank’s capital base to about N1bn, enabling it to operate fully as a state microfinance bank.
He added that the government had introduced reforms to reposition the bank to meet the financial needs of the people, particularly by supporting government agencies and areas without commercial banks.
“We have taken steps to reform the bank so it can meet internal financial demands, especially for government-owned institutions and newly created agencies. This will expand access to financial services for our people,” Governor Radda disclosed.
The governor congratulated the board members on their appointment and prayed for divine guidance in the discharge of their duties.
In his acceptance speech, the Chairman, Alhaji Muntaka Badaru Jikamshi, commended the governor for his vision to promote entrepreneurship in the state.
He said, “The governor has demonstrated a clear vision for developing entrepreneurship in Katsina State. This is evident in the establishment of KASEDA and other agencies supporting small and medium enterprises.”
Jikamshi noted that the recapitalisation of the bank was a step in the right direction and pledged that the board would work diligently to ensure the growth and development of the institution.
He added, “We will live up to expectations and ensure that the bank achieves its objectives for the benefit of the people of Katsina State.”
The event was graced by top government functionaries and critical stakeholders in the state.
