Fidelity bank MD, Mr Nnamdi Okonkwo says ‘’SMEs not responsible bad loans’’

www.odogwublog.com reports that Managing Director of Fidelity Bank PLC, Mr Nnamdi Okonkwo has said contrary to popular beliefs, bad loans in their bank are not caused by Small and Medium scale Enterprises (SME) just as he called for the  sustenance of Igbo language.
Okonkwo made the disclosure in Owerri, the Imo State capital at the Fidelity Bank Customer Forum on Wednesday.
According to him, Fidelity Bank has disbursed N2.3billion to 202 SME customers who have almost repaid the loans, saying customers are key to them.
He explained that Fidelity Bank is passionate about supporting businesses to succeed just as he apologised to customers for any inconveniences they experience banking with them.
www.odogwublog.com reports further that Okonkwo said that soon, the Central Bank of Nigeria will enforce the cashless policy throughout Nigeria, just as he admonished customers to adopt the electronic banking options.
He disclosed that the North East ranks highest in electronic banking noting that because of insurgency and security threats, customers there prefer to use online banking options to keep themselves and their money safe.
The bank helmsman said customers will now begin to experience better service.
He however appealed to people to sustain speaking and writing of Igbo language which he described as a heritage noting that many Igbos have become so westernized and are losing their identity.
Chairman of the bank, Mr Ernest Ebi described the interaction as timely and impactful as it has educated them on the interests and challenges of their customers, saying it will spur them to improve their services.
While the Executive Director South (ED South), Mrs Aku Odinkenmele said the complaints have been noted but explained that the banking sector is one of those strictly regulated.
Different customers who included the Chief Executive Officer of ABC Transport, Mr Frank Nneji; Deputy Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Hon Ugonna Ozuruigbo; Imo Minority Leader, Hon Kenneth Agbim; Traditional Ruler of Awo Idemili community, Eze Innocent; seasoned Journalist, Chief Chidi Nkwopara amongst others called for better services and Saturday banking to help secure funds.
The event attracted many people ranging from Entrepreneurs, Technocrats, Civil Servants, amongst others.