The Executive Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government, Delta State, Hon. Emmanuel Bazim Chinye, has recorded another significant milestone in his administration’s drive to promote grassroots economic development.
The milestone followed the official opening of a purpose-built Banking Hall constructed by the Local Government inside the Issele-Uku Modern Market and the commencement of operations by Eagle Flight Microfinance Bank Ltd.
The event, which took place on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at the Issele-Uku Modern Market, represents the fulfilment of a deliberate vision by the Chinye administration to complement the market’s modern trading infrastructure with accessible financial services for traders, entrepreneurs and residents.
The new banking facility is expected to make financial transactions more convenient for traders while strengthening commercial activities and further advancing the Local Government’s vision of developing the Issele-Uku Modern Market into a comprehensive commercial hub.
The colourful ceremony attracted top officials of the Local Government, including the Vice Chairman, Hon. Nneka Clara Dibie, members of the Legislative Arm, other members of the Executive Council, as well as the Board of Directors and Management of Eagle Flight Microfinance Bank Ltd.
The Traditional Ruler of Issele-Uku, His Royal Majesty, Obi Agbogidi Nduka, MNSE, JP, Obi of Issele-Uku, was represented by six High Chiefs led by the Oza of Issele-Uku, Chief Victor Isiekwenemgbu.
In his address, delivered by the Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Kennedy Okoh, the Executive Chairman, Hon. Emmanuel Bazim Chinye, described the occasion as the fulfilment of a vision conceived during the construction of the Issele-Uku Modern Market, which was commissioned in May 2025.
He explained that his administration, beyond providing modern trading facilities, deliberately made provision for banking services as part of the overall development plan for the market, recognising the importance of convenient and accessible financial services to the growth of businesses.
According to him, the construction of the Banking Hall by the Local Government was another demonstration of the administration’s commitment to sustainable development, economic empowerment and improved welfare of the people of Aniocha North.
Chinye noted that the Issele-Uku Modern Market, comprising 141 lock-up shops, 577 open stalls, a warehouse, abattoir, administrative offices, grinding shops and other modern facilities, serves traders from Aniocha North, the wider Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency and neighbouring communities.
He expressed confidence that the presence of a banking institution within the market would further stimulate commercial activities, facilitate business transactions and attract greater investment to the area.
The Council Chairman assured the management of Eagle Flight Microfinance Bank of the Local Government’s continued support in maintaining a peaceful and business-friendly environment, while urging the bank to provide affordable credit facilities, flexible savings products, digital banking solutions and financial literacy programmes capable of empowering traders and supporting the expansion of local businesses.
He equally encouraged market men and women to take advantage of the bank’s services for safer, easier and more convenient financial transactions.
Delivering the keynote address, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Eagle Flight Microfinance Bank Ltd, Deacon Chucks Ogbechie, described the opening of the Issele-Uku branch as a significant milestone in the bank’s expansion strategy.
Ogbechie reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to bringing quality financial services closer to grassroots communities, explaining that its decision to establish a branch in Issele-Uku was deliberate, having identified the area as a thriving commercial centre with enormous economic potential.
He stated that the branch would provide diversified, affordable and dependable financial services, mobilise savings, create employment opportunities and support government microcredit programmes.
He further disclosed that the bank, licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria and recently recapitalised with regulatory approval, offers modern digital banking solutions, including electronic fund transfers, instant deposits and withdrawals, SMS transaction alerts and other technology-driven services.
The Board Chairman commended the Aniocha North Local Government under the leadership of Hon. Emmanuel Chinye for partnering with the bank and, particularly, for providing the banking facility and enabling environment that made the establishment of the Issele-Uku branch possible.
He described the collaboration as a model of productive public-private partnership capable of accelerating economic growth and promoting financial inclusion at the grassroots.
Earlier, in her welcome address, the Managing Director of Eagle Flight Microfinance Bank Ltd, Mrs. Victoria Iwatan, expressed appreciation to the Local Government and other stakeholders for their support.
She explained that the new branch was established to provide top-quality banking services tailored to the needs of market men and women as well as residents of Aniocha North, thereby bringing banking closer to the people and supporting local enterprise.
The highlight of the ceremony was the official cutting of the ribbon to declare the Banking Hall open and mark the commencement of banking operations by Eagle Flight Microfinance Bank Ltd. It was performed by the representative of the Executive Chairman, Hon. Kennedy Okoh, accompanied by officials of the Local Government and the Microfinance Bank.
The event also featured cultural displays, drama presentations and the cutting of the unveiling cake.
The opening of the Banking Hall constructed by the Aniocha North Local Government and the commencement of operations by Eagle Flight Microfinance Bank are expected to deepen financial inclusion, enhance commercial activities and provide traders with easier access to banking and credit facilities.
The development further reinforces the status of the Issele-Uku Modern Market as an emerging commercial hub in Delta State and highlights the Chinye administration’s commitment to building infrastructure that directly supports enterprise, investment, financial inclusion and grassroots economic growth.
