Dikko Umaru Radda, Governor of Katsina State, has inaugurated the governing board of Amana Microfinance Bank as part of efforts to expand and streamline the operations of the state-owned financial institution.
- +Radda inaugurates Amana Microfinance Bank board
The inauguration, held at the Government House in Katsina on Tuesday, aligns with the policy direction of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for microfinance institutions.
The inauguration, held at the Government House in Katsina on Tuesday, aligns with the policy direction of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for microfinance institutions.
Speaking at the event, Governor Radda described the board members as individuals of proven integrity with vast experience in the banking sector.
“All the personalities appointed to this board are people of proven integrity with extensive 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,” he said.
The governor expressed confidence in the board’s ability to deliver on its mandate and urged members to deploy their expertise for the benefit of the institution and the people of the state.
He announced Muntaka Badaru Jikamshi as Chairman of the Board, while the bank’s Managing Director, Umar Zubairu, will serve as Secretary.
Other members include the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Malik Anas; Mohammed Lawal Mukhtar (Independent Director); Mohammed Bashir Ruwa Godiya; Bello Mohammed (Independent Director); and Badiyya Hassan Mashi.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Banking and Finance, Bilkisu Sulaiman Ibrahim, will serve as an observer.
Governor Radda disclosed that the state government had approved and paid for capital augmentation to raise the bank’s capital base to about ₦1 billion, enabling it to operate fully as a state microfinance bank.
He added that the government had introduced reforms to reposition the bank to better meet the financial needs of the people, particularly by supporting government agencies and underserved 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,” he said.
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, Muntaka Badaru Jikamshi, commended the governor for his vision to promote entrepreneurship in the state.
“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-sized enterprises,” he said.
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 institution’s growth and development.
“We will live up to expectations and ensure that the bank achieves its objectives for the benefit of the people of Katsina State,” he added.
The event was attended by top government officials and key stakeholders in the state.
