Rivers State Government and the Bank of Industry (BOI) have consolidated their collaboration on a N4 billion matching fund aimed at boosting Medium, Small and Micro Enterprises (MSMEs) in the state.
The initiative was discussed on Thursday when a BOI delegation, led by Mr. Babatunde Ajala, Regional Manager (South-South, MSME Directorate), visited the new Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Rivers State Microfinance Agency (RIMA), Ms. Onene Osila Obele-Oshoko, in her Port Harcourt office.
Other members of the BOI team included Mr. Pacqueens Irabor, Divisional Head (MSME), and Mr. Christopher Omondiagbe, Head of Rivers State BOI.
Mr. Ajala said the visit was to update the RIMA chief on the status of the ongoing partnership and to explore new areas of cooperation.
Responding, Ms. Obele-Oshoko expressed appreciation for the visit and pledged to strengthen ties with BOI to deliver accessible funding and support for genuine entrepreneurs in the state.
She said MSMEs are the bedrock of the economy and when empowered, they create jobs and drive growth, making the Rivers economy more vibrant.
Ms. Obele-Oshoko, who assumed office on August 25, reaffirmed her commitment to empowering small businesses through training, access to finance, and the promotion of financial discipline.
