DMCP Journal_Vol 2

Bi-Annual | vol 2 | no 1

 Special Edition

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

Delta’s Industrial Seed

SPROUTS

World Bank impressed with DMCP

Spectacle of Grassroot Revolution 51,186 People Empowered

DMCP Journal is a publication of the Delta State Micro-Credit Programme: Copyright Š 2010

Photo: Mike Inyang

"Akwaocha has a very interesting sense of grandeur, not only to the wearer but also to the beholder."

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

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CONTENTS

134

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53 Microfinance Key to Sustainable

Grassroot Economy

54 News Report

Putting Springs in the Footsteps of Deltans We Will Export More Dmcp Products Soon

11 Delta’s Industrial Seed Sprouts 15 Testament

18 Madam Bibiana Ikpeba - New Limb,

New Life

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58 World Bank Impressed With Dmcp

60 Photo Gallery

88 The Mfbs

92 Microfinance a Tool for National

Development

23 Spectacle of Grassroot Revolution

26 Dmcp a Promise Kept

96 A Sweet Tale of Akara Empowerment

28 Aquaculture One of the Alternatives

to Oil

98 Dmcp is Last Hope for

Economically-Disadvantaged

30 Dmcp at 2 Empowers 51,186; Breaks

New Frontiers

102 Seasoned Teacher Speaks on Her

Spices

33 Ekpan - Metarmophosis of a Delta

Town

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104 A Civil War Veteran Who Defied

Disability

36 Containing Hunger, Poverty with

Fish Farming

106 Clients’ Forum

111 The People's Platform

118 When Youths Gathered for DMCP Convention

39 Oceanic Bank Relives Dmcp

Partnership Experience 41 The Akwaocha of Delta North

(Anioma) 43 Crusading for the Rebirth of

Organic Farming 45 Wheelchair-Bound Lady Gets New Life 52 Delta to Open Shoe Makers' Village

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D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

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121 Our Zeal, Our Success at Dmcp

125 Elders on Dmcp

134 Dmcp Sparkles in Ghana

138 Cookery

144 Tips on Plantain Cultivation

Editor’s Note

“The State of being poor is related not only to economic and physical circumstances but also the attitudes of society and the individuals and communities concerned. The dismayal cycle of impoverishment is difficult to break, but once broken by positive changes in circumstances accompanied by changes in attitudes, this downward spiral can be reversed.”

A

- Clarence Shubert.

The modus operandi of the Delta

rural Communities and the Urban poor.

State Micro-Credit Programme (DMCP)

We salute the purposeful Leadership of

is therefore based on the premise that

Governor Uduaghan who allowed the

restoring adequate rates of self-sustained

Programme Office to work professionally,

growth should be the primary objective

we salute our Partners - 28 Micro Finance

of development. Therefore, no adequate

Banks, Oceanic Bank Plc and of course the

poverty alleviation strategy can be

Clients of the Programme. Our fervent

sustained without restoring economic

promise is that we shall not rest on our

growth. This is in recognition that

laurels.

growth is not an end in itself, its effects must be widely distributed if it is to be sustainable. This requires very conscious systematic development of human capital – a primary engine of long-term

Antonia I. Ashiedu (Ph.d)

development.

Executive Assistant to Delta State Governor

on Micro Credit.

The critical changes, the Delta State

Micro-Credit Programme has been recording in the lives of individuals in

fter 2 years of

various communities in Delta State has

implementation of the

helped to leap-frog the programme from

Delta State Micro-Credit

being a basic micro-loan programme

Programme (DMCP), it

to one in which several clients of the

is cheering to note that

programme are migrating from basic

issues of poverty can effectively be

micro businesses to small/cottage

addressed with the capitalization of the

industries. Thereby assisting in creating a

elements of State Power, especially if

veritable platform for the industrialization

governance is simplified and demystified.

of the State.

At the launching of the Programme on

the 14th December 2007, the Governor

operation, the programme recorded 4,708

of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta

Groups comprising of 51,186 persons,

Uduaghan, did a thorough global

which is made up of 32,410 Women and

evaluation of previous poverty alleviation

18,776 Men.

Building Partnership for Urban Poverty Alleviation, UNCHS, 1966, P.3.

At the end of the second year of

programmes and concluded that some

of the programmes failed because of the

‘Feel Good Factor’ is palpable with the

In every Local Government, the

politics of self-interest inherent in the

massive participation of Deltans in

motives of the initiators and their political

the Programme. The Programme has

interest groups.

revealed the entrepreneurial spirit of

Editor-In-Chief | Antonia Ashiedu (Ph. D) Contributors/Correspondents | Amaechi Udemba, Kennedy Bienose, Ogochukwu Ikeje, Lucky Oji, Monday Uwagwu, Lucky Oyibo, John Agborga, Sunday Nwaobi, Vincent Ogbunisi, Julius Osahon, Julius Oweh, Sylvester Idowu, Aiwerie Okungbowa Secretariat/ARCHIVES & RESEARCH | Pascal Abanum, Friday Chibogwu, George Okonta, Ambrose Akeh, Ikechukwu Mokobia, Winifred Adone, Vivian Okoh, Ndudi Francis PHOTOGRAPHY CONSULTANT | Mike Inyang IN-HOUSE Photography | Otobore Umukoro, Steven Ikekhua Design/Layout | Eightace Communications Ltd. Printing | Printserve Limited.

DMCP Journal is a Bi-Annual publication of DELTA STATE MICRO-CREDIT PROGRAMME Governor’s Office, Anwai Road, Asaba, Delta State - Nigeria. Tel: 0706 209 3727, 0705 615 9141, 0808 066 3497 Website: www.deltamcp.com | Email: deltamcp@yahoo.com

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D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

Putting Springs in the

Footsteps of Deltans Profile

T

he Delta State

and diversification of the economy,

Government

especially to mainly an agro-based

of Nigeria

economy. The Delta State Micro-Credit

recognizes that

Programme (DMCP) was established to

poverty is a

achieve this purpose. The Programme,

threat to peace

launched on December 14, 2007, was

and security

designed to address poverty among

to the socio-economic development

the urban poor.

in general. Alleviate poverty and

driving socio-economic development

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Deltans in rural communities and also

of the state and the human race

The DMCP facilitates the access of

economically weak and disadvantaged

at the grassroots will ultimately lead

segments of the population to

to achieving the state government’s

productive assets and services with

3-point agenda on peace and security,

a view to making rural economies

human capital development and

commercially active. The Programme

infrastructural development.

does not disburse money or give

equipment directly to clients. Instead,

Furthermore, the government of Delta State acknowledges

it promotes the subtle redistribution

the contribution of micro-

of wealth in partnership with 28

credit delivery towards

microfinance banks located in the 25

promoting productive

local government areas of Delta State.

self-employment,

The Programme operates two windows.

community development

The first caters for basic micro-credit

Group No. of Female Male Groups Activity 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

No. of Persons

Cottage Industries 357 2,162 1,716 3,878 22,203 9,890 32,093 Trading 2,985 Agric Products 997 5,670 5,683 11,353 Service Industries 369 2,375 1,487 3,862 DOMSA Account 16 89 116 205 Total

4,724

32,499

18,892 51,391

comprising 32,410 women and 18,776

micro businesses into small businesses

which promotes cottage industries has

men were empowered in various micro

through the establishment of cottage

a single digit interest rate. Both are very

enterprises.

industries such as the Palm Wine

soft loans and grassroots-friendly.

Cottage Industry and Shoe Makers

to promote the 3-point agenda of

Village. The culture of micro-financing

sowing hope and putting springs

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan across

is presently being cultivated in the state

in the footsteps of rural and urban

the State. Take the agenda on peace

through the Programme.

poor in Delta State. The Programme

and security. Uvwie Local Government

participants are called clients, not

Area of Delta State, Nigeria, was once

promote micro-financing in Delta

beneficiaries, and they participate

known for youth restiveness and

State through the activities of the

in the design, implementation and

volatility. However through micro-credit

28 microfinance banks partners. This

monitoring of the programme. They

delivery to fish farmers at Ekpan in

earned the state various awards from

have come to understand that the

Uvwie, many youths are now engaged

the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The

Programme is not a social welfare or

in income generating activities. Uvwie

prizes include the Best Agric Support

government handout; it is not a political

is now the benchmark for aquaculture

Governor in 2008, Best Governor under

settlement, neither is it a safety net.

in Delta State. Presently, there are over

Microfinance/SME in 2009, and first

3,500 fish farmers and over 8,600 fish

runner-up Agric Credit Guarantee

attributes: empowering the grassroots

ponds.

Scheme (Trust Fund Model) in 2009. A

population; creating new wealth at

client of the Programme, producers

that level; reducing unemployment

includes organising training

of IDS instant spices, also won two

in the productive age bracket. It

programmes for micro-entrepreneurs

CBN awards in 2009: the Best Micro

targets the rural and urban poor,

with a focus on value-added

Entrepreneur ‘most innovative product’

unemployed poor particularly school

production. The Programme further

and the ‘most marketed product’. 

leavers, economically disadvantaged

assists clients in the following: proper

persons especially women, physically

packaging of products, e.g. palm oil,

challenged persons and HIV infected

plantain flour, crayfish, liquid soap,

persons who are discriminated against

detergents, etc; registration of products

because of their status.

with regulatory agencies; the marketing

From inception in December

and distribution of DMCP’s clients’

14, 2007 to April 30, 2010, a total of

products within and outside Delta

51,186 persons (4,703 cluster groups)

State. DMCP is also growing some

DMCP has been instrumental in

The Programme has three

The Programme has helped

DMCP human capital strategy

The Programme has helped to

Dr. Antonia Ashiedu Executive Assistant to the Delta State Governor On Micro-Credit Governor’s Office Delta State Nigeria

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

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Profile

clients and is interest-free. The second

Interview

after receiving an award for the best micro-credit ‘We Will Shortly programme in the country, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan in this speaks on the transformational effect of the DMCP. Export interview Excerpts: More Dmcp Products Soon’ What is your comment on the award you

that are helping to alleviate poverty.

received in Abuja?

We have the infrastructure that we are

I thank God for it and dedicate it to our

building; we also have our peace and

people who are on the lower rungs of the

security strategy.

ladder of the society. They have accepted

our Micro-Credit scheme and have been

We realized that small-scale businesses

very consistent.

in this country, like selling Akara, have

Why did we go for micro-credit?

no access to credit. And there is no way

Uduaghan

8

Why did you set up the DMCP?

business can grow without access to

The strategy of poverty reduction is

credit. So we have this special office

multi-faceted. There are so many angles

which I put directly under me so that I can

to it. To be able to reduce poverty, we

monitor it. Before now, we used to have

need to empower our people. One of the

micro-credit activities in various Ministries

strategies we are using is micro-credit. But

spread all over the place, but they were

there are other things too we are doing

not effective. So we have the Micro-Credit

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

Office directly under me, and I brought

started from a micro-level, grinding

somebody who has enough knowledge

pepper, crayfish and selling them in

of running and managing micro-credit

small containers. But today, she is able

activity. That was why we started it.

to package those spices, bottle them, cork them and now has outlets outside

How many people has the DMCP

Nigeria. She has outlets in South Africa,

empowered?

Brussels and has even started exporting

About 51,186 persons, mostly women. We

to America. You can’t call that micro-

have about 32,410 women and 18,776 men.

How much impact have the agricultural loans had on the youths?

I think it has impacted a lot because we have a lot of youths now who have formed cluster-groups, mostly in the agricultural sector. For instance, in Ekpan, Uvwie Local Government, before 2007, we had “Deve”. If you wanted to build a house, a group of youths would just

development fees. They were doing that because they were jobless.

Akanon Plantain Flour for export

in the morning, they go to their fish farms and they are doing well. So for us, it has impacted on the lives of the youths, but we still have a lot more of our youths we need to focus attention on. But there are two problems there. One is funding constraints. We cannot fund everybody at the same time. The second problem is that for many of these youths, we need to do a mindset change to let them know that you need to work to be able to get money.

They are used to getting free money like development fees, illegal funds from bunkering and other criminal activities.

We need to change that mindset, so that they will accept that whatever you get, you should at least work genuinely for it. And one of the ways, you can do it is through the Micro-Credit scheme.

business any longer; she has grown.

That’s the kind of thing I want to see in the future, the Akwa Ocha group, the traditional wrappers that you see.

We want a situation that we can start exporting them. Ghana is exporting “kente” materials. We also can export. In fact, we are developing a shoe Industry now, an area designated for shoemakers.

If you see some of the shoes you will think they were made outside the country. So we are expecting that with time, these shoes will also be exported, first to African countries and the outside world.

What’s your message to Deltans?

It is that we keep hope alive. By the grace of God, with the Micro-Credit scheme and other things we are putting in place, we are going to alleviate poverty eventually in the state. 

On this small-scale development But they’ve now formed cluster groups and started fish farms on their own. So the state government came in and started funding them. We constructed a road to the place, gave them vehicles to enable then distribute this product. And today ‘Deve’ is no more in that local government. Many of the youths are they

engaged. When wake up

platform, what future do you envisage for the growth of the state economy?

The prospects are very bright. If microcredit succeeded in other places, why not here? Like you heard, farming businesses have grown countries. A man and his wife starting a micro-business will eventually grow it to small-scale, then to medium-scale and finally largescale. There is a woman, a spice maker, who

9

Interview

swarm over you demanding

Already being exported to UK, America and South Africa.

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Cover Feature

Delta’s Industrial Seed Sprouts

O

n December

struggled to make a living, they have

14, 2007 a

become so comfortable that even good

revolution

old modesty will not prevent them from

started quietly

acknowledging that things have changed

in the state.

for the better.

Through some

The scenario is the same for some

local financial institutions, the DMCP

textile makers. Before now the ladies

started granting soft loans to skilled and

worked very hard at their simple loom but

industrious but economically-challenged

all they could spin out was so insignificant

Deltans. It worked. The people known as

that they could not help feeling so

clients, rather than beneficiaries, came

unproductive.

together in what is called cluster-groups,

and got cracking. Women who fried

horizon has been widened. They have

and sold akara or bean-cakes to 20 or

become empowered. Hunger is banished

30 people in a day now find themselves

from the home. But that is just one layer

supplying the needs of far more clients.

of the story. The other segment is that a

Young men who once laboured to

whole new industrial world is opening up

harvest only a few bowls of catfish from

in the state. The seed of cottage industry

their ponds are now established fish

has sprouted. Across the three senatorial

merchants. Where bead-makers once

zones in the state, the story is not just that

The DMCP has changed all that. Their

life is turning around for some individuals who tapped into the DMCP opportunity.

These individuals are themselves turning around the lives of other individuals who depend on them. Moreover, and more important, small-time one-man outfits are fast changing to cottage industries run by a number of skilled partners whose expertise is further sharpened and deepened by virtue of collective effort and on-the-job training.

Thanks to more funds at their disposal,

they acquire more raw materials with relative ease. They service their machinery better these days and even change wornout parts. They produce more and the Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, flanked by his Executive Assistant on Micro-Credit, Dr. Antonia Ashiedu, present the repackaged Akanon Plantain Flour to the general public, during a recent DMCP youth convention, in Asaba.

quality of their products is quite high, as is their turnover rate. Business is good, and

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Cover Feature

Barely two years ago, the idea was essentially to empower as many economically challenged people as would step forward and embrace a beckoning opportunity.

Many did step forward. Today, that empowerment is helping to chase hunger out of many homes. More food has been gracing the family table. There are more cheerful faces at grassroots neighbourhoods as a lot more people achieve economic independence. But how many of them imagined that a brand new industrial base would emerge in the process? That is the story of the Delta State Micro-credit Programme or DMCP.

By Ogochukwu Ikeje

Cover Feature

Delta’s Industrial seed sprouts

you can tell from the glint in their eyes,

memorable awards, the latest of which

headgear called gele.

the smile on their faces and the tone of

was in January 2010 in Abuja at a forum

their voices.

organised by the Central Bank of Nigeria

emerged.

(CBN). The seed of dry spices cottage

who has strengthened our group, and

industry has truly sprouted in Delta. The

community near the oil Warri city are also

we thank the Delta State government

only way to go is up.

enjoying their sweet turn of fortunes.

for they helped us and placed us at an

But their greatest story is that they are

international level,” said Mrs. Ireyeesorise

state, some female textile makers have

changing lives in their town and making

woods Akumagba. Sixty-nine-year-old

since branded themselves Otu Omenka,

the point that a fish industry can thrive

Akumagba, a consecrated bishop, is

roughly translating to the ‘guild of skilled

in a place once written off as criminals’

founder of the Ireyeesorise Dry Spices

professionals’. As their funds increased,

paradise.

group. It was once a small-time, struggling

their craft also improved. They too were

Bead-making has got a foothold in

family affair. It has since been turned

at Abuja in January where they put up

Delta, too. And the makers are flaunting

around by the DMCP.

a great showing with their white textile

more than the various colours in which

She got started with the total sum of

products. Otu Omenka clothed CBN

their products come; they are also

N25 Kobo some 25 years ago. Of course,

Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi on the

showcasing quality. They can transform

she struggled and sweated but she

night. The apex bank chief proudly slung

a hard working bank chief into a royal

persevered. Her break came as the DMCP

across his shoulders the glistening fabric

figure. Sanusi was a classic example, and

came to life. Today she is comfortably

gift the group presented to him.

judging from his carriage after donning a

spicing up soups from her native Itsekiri

breathtaking bead headgear in Abuja that

land in Delta to other parts of the state,

DMCP,” says Kate Mekwuye, president of

January night, the CBN boss looked like

and from across the country to various

the group, “but it was essentially bare

he could wear it all night.

parts of the world. Her company even

existence. We were quite skilled and

has outlets in Europe and the United

hardworking but our business could not

bead.

States. Her dry spices have charmed not

grow because we lacked funds.”

just her regular clientele but also the

have so grown in craft and number that

National Agency for Foods and Drug

anonymity. Now, Mekwuye says, their

Dr. Antonia Ashiedu who runs the DMCP is

Administration and Control (NAFDAC)

textile job is in good shape. Their profile

on the verge of setting up a shoemaking

which wasted no time in approving

and status in society have also changed.

village. The Executive Assistant to

them. They have won Akumagba some

They can now afford to do the flamboyant

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan on

“The glory goes to the Almighty

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In Ubulu, in the northern part of the

“We were in existence before the

Those were days of torture and

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

A cottage textile industry has Young men raising fish in Ekpan, a

Delta State can make something of There are also the shoemakers who

Delta’s Industrial seed sprouts

to the state. Two times in as many years

bar. For two years now, they campaigned

Governor Uduaghan was singled out for

and sensitised people on tapping into

praise and handed the best award on offer

the micro-credit programme. Many have

for grassroots micro-credit empowerment

responded and have been enjoying a new

efforts.

lease of life.

“we are budgeting more money than we

“We are now taking it some notches

“In 2010,” Uduaghan said in Abuja,

higher,” Ashiedu says. “We now want to

did in the two previous years because the

grow from micro-businesses to small

DMCP has become acceptable.”

businesses so that from those small

businesses we start having real cottage

a third time. With cottage industries

industries. We can also start having

emerging, he might expand his laurel

colonies of different kinds of products. For

chest. 

The governor will be happy to win

“We were in existence before the DMCP,” says Kate Mekwuye, president of the group, “but it was essentially bare existence. We were quite skilled and hardworking but our business could not grow because we lacked funds.”

instance, this year we want to actualise our desire to have shoemakers produce very wonderful shoes”.

By December 2008, one year after

takeoff, 25,537 people across Delta’s three senatorial districts and across diverse endeavours received the DMCP loan. Out of that figure 16,561 were women while 8,976 were men. By December 2009, the number of DMCP beneficiaries rose to 51,186. The number of women stood at a respectable 32,410 over the men whose tally stood at 18,776. Clearly, women who are usually more excluded from the scheme of things have found a platform to regain more than their pride.

The DMCP has also brought honour

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Cover Feature

Micro-Credit says the DMCP is raising the

“If we have five successful programmes like the Delta Micro-Credit scheme, Governor Uduaghan does not need to campaign to be re-elected” -Professor B.I.C. Ijomah

Testament

“We know that there is still a lot of poverty around. But the effort of the womanin-charge (Dr. Antonia Ashiedu) in pursuing the policy to relieve the pains of the grassroots gives us hope” -Comrade Joseph Evah  leader, Ijaw Monitoring Group

Quotes

“CBN should go ahead and provide funds to states that are performing, rather than give them a plaque. Giving the Governor a plaque or certificate is not enough. We need money for this operation”.

Chief Sam Odibo, Chairman, Dolphin Microfinance Bank, on how the Central Bank of Nigeria should support Delta State’s micro-credit efforts “This is the first time that this kind of thing is happening in Delta State. That loan is given to people without interest, and with enough flexible conditions to repay. It has helped to promote our business. It is a wonderful initiative” -Mrs. Rosaline Akoyere, DMCP client “If you pay back, you get another. You have seen the place (barbing salon) looking bright and busy. It is not for us to go and marry more wives. It is good for those who know the value.

-Victor Mordi, DMCP client “They will understand that being a criminal does not pay. If they join this MicroCredit, it will give them their own work, their own businesses, and things will be better. So, I advise the youths to hold onto DMCP”

-Chief (Mrs.) Margaret Amaechi  DMCP client, on why youths should embrace the programme “As expected, there were many rivers and swamps to cross, and inaccessible roads to trek through. It would be interesting to note that all this exercise in scorching

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

15

testament hot weather did not deter the Delta State Micro-Credit team, thus reaffirming the passion, commitment and dedication of the programme coordinator in ensuring that the Governor Uduaghan’s dream of empowering the grassroots population was not only a political statement but one that would stand the test of time” -John Agborga, Oceanic Bank Plc “We are budgeting more money than we did in the two previous years because the DMCP has become acceptable”  -Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, in Abuja, soon after receiving the CBN award in January 2010

“It was difficult. I was buying on credit. After returning the money to the owner, I had nothing left. But since I took the DMCP loan, things have been better” -Teresa Osei, DMCP client, on past experience with money lenders

Quotes

“Women, as good managers of homes, have added more value to the state government’s Micro-Credit Programme. Their roles have helped in fast-tracking food production for the society” -Jerry Ossai, Chairman, All Farmers Association (AFAN), Delta State Chapter “Delta State Government through its Micro-Credit Programme has done something good for Deltans. The loans would enhance agriculture, trading, and ultimately reduce poverty to its barest minimum” -HRM Johnson Obuenwe Ekpechi Ulu, the Ezemu of Emu Kingdom “This is the first of its kind in Warri South West Local Government Area. It has never happened before”.

-Mrs. Anitetsoma Nelly Egere, Community Development Officer, at a DMCP loan disbursement exercise “We are now taking DMCP some notches higher. We now want to grow from microbusinesses to small businesses so that from those small businesses we will start having real cottage industries” 

-Dr. Antonia Ashiedu, Executive Assistant to Governor Uduaghan on Micro-Credit “It helps us a lot. We don’t borrow money again. We don’t run around looking for money. The ones the DMCP gave us we used to execute our businesses in palm oil” -Maria Monye, Secretary, Palm Oil Cluster Group “It was really very hard. We worked all day, all night to meet the demand. But since the Government came in and supported us with money, we have been able to buy

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D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

testament grinding machines, cracking machines and we are now building a permanent site.

Our products (spices) are internationally accepted” -Madam Ireyeesorise Woods, DMCP client “Malaysia today has flourished due to micro-finance. More state governments should emulate the example of Delta State for the betterment of the poor” -President Goodluck Jonathan,  while handing over the CBN Award on Micro-Credit to Governor Uduaghan “I dedicate the CBN award to the poor people of Delta State who have accepted this Micro-Credit Scheme” -Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan shortly after receiving the Award in January 2010, at Abuja “This scheme has even promoted a lot of entrepreneurs in the state. You saw where a Reverend Father who had a pineapple farm was given something. ” -Honorable Emmanuel Udo Udorah, Vice Chairman, Oshimili South Local Government Area

Quotes

“This is a great impact. It will linger on for a long time in the minds of the people of Warri South West Local Government Area. It is one great dividend of democracy” -Engr. Timinimi Welfare, Secretary, Gbaramatu Development Committee, at a DMCP loan disbursement exercise in Ogbe-Ijoh

“Micro-Credit scheme has thrived so well in Uwvie. It has removed so many youths from walking the streets” -Rev. Godwin Akpoduta, Special Adviser to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan on Religious Matters “We just awarded Delta State as one of the states where microfinance has been effectively utilized to tackle poverty. We saw a cluster group that started with nothing, and now they are exporting to Europe” -Lamido Sanusi  CBN Governor on why Delta State won the Best Performing State on Micro-Credit Award “God used Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan to intervene at the right time when hunger and starvation was the order of the day” -His Lordship, Most Rev. (Dr.) Hyacinth Egbedo, Catholic Bishop of Bomadi Diocese “The Award winning Micro-Credit Programme of the state (DMCP) has made the difference between the present administration and past ones in the state” -Honourable Elijah Ologe, Vice Chairman, Patani Local Government Area

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

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MADAM BIBIANA IKPEBA

New Limb, New Life A Woman With An Indomitable Spirit Illustrates DMCP As A Socio-Economic Programme

N

Focus

By Amaechi Udemba

Madam Bibiana Ikpeba being supported on a walking stick

18

ovember 27,

journey began. A few hours later, life

2009, will

for Madam Ikpeba took a dramatic

remain fresh

twist. Events began to unfold in quick

in her mind.

succession. She was soon to lose a leg.

It was the

Her words: “On November 27th, 2009, I

day her world

went to a party. When the party ended,

came crumbling down. There were no

I wasn’t drunk. I boarded a commercial

warning signs, and Madam Bibiana

motor cycle (okada, in local parlance);

Ikpeba, 61, described as effervescent,

we were almost at the entrance of

had woken up full of energy and hope.

Orerokpe when suddenly a car from

A devout Catholic, she said her prayers

nowhere hit us. I instantly became

and attended to household chores,

unconscious. I only saw myself in the

typical of a devoted mother.

hospital. It was there I was told of the

driver of the car that hit me. I learnt

She left home at 10am and headed

for her shop in downtown Orerokpe.

he was drunk. Luckily, the okadaman

As usual, she’d stopped at business

did not die. But my left leg was badly

outlets belonging to members of her

damaged. I also broke my hand. The

cluster-group. This is typical of Madam

doctors had to amputate the leg”.

Bibiana Ikpeba. It’s an attribute which

has earned her the enviable tag of team

albeit temporary. For the next few

leader, both in Saint Ann’s Catholic

weeks, Madam Ikpeba spent the greater

Church where she worships and the

part of her time on one of the sofas in

Orerokpe community.

her living room. When it was time to

answer the call of nature, her children,

But that was where the downward

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

That singular act altered her life,

Madam Bibiana Ikpeba making a point at DMCP loan disbursement event at Okpe

eight in number, attended to her. From

the programme.

that sofa she directed affairs at home,

the shop and the church.

her. In a telephone conversation, she

told Dr. Ashiedu, “All I want is to walk

The visit on that day of the managing

again”.

Director of Okpe Microfinance Bank,

Samuel Bubu, to the DMCP office in

Ashiedu through whom the feat was

Asaba for assessment report, marked

made possible acknowledged Madam

the turning point for Madam Bibiana

Ikpeba started the process. “The

Ikpeba.

encouragement, the motivation came

from her, said Dr. Ashiedu.

“When I was told, it immediately

She has been walking, but Dr.

dampened my spirit,” said Dr. Ashiedu.

“All I could remember was this happy

Delta Micro-Credit Programme began

woman full of energy. There are people

the process of giving Madam Bibiana

who are blessed with that kind of virtue.

Ikpeba, a new leg and a new lease of

Anywhere they go, they light up the

life. Her first hint of it came when a

place. They put energy in the place. That

team of medical experts arrived from

was what I saw in her.”

Igbobi Orthopaedic Hospital in Lagos to

Orerokpe to cast the leg, preparatory to

Ashiedu has had fond memories

Focus

March 10, 2010 was quite telling.

Madam Ikpeba’s will made a way for

Despite the constraints of funds, the

of Madam Bibiana since the now

acquiring an artificial limb.

famous July 29, 2009 embrace. That

embrace, captured in picture, is a prized

about the president of the church

possession of the DMCP, a constant

women society, who lost her leg

reminder of the people’s appreciation of

through okada accident. I felt very 

“I was informed by my mother

The Artificial Limb displayed before camera.

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

19

Focus

madam bibiana ikpeba

Madam Bibiana Ikpeba back to active life and here presenting a DMCP loan certificate to a client in Okpe.

Despite the constraints of funds, the Delta Micro-Credit Programme began the

bad. Later, one Dr. Antonia Ashiedu,

more. I never believed this kind of thing

who I have not met before called

will happen,” she said, moments after

me and said the Delta Micro-Credit

taking her first walk with the help of

Programme wants to help the poor

the artificial limb, two crutches and a

woman,” said Dr. Lucky Oghoghorie, a

quadruple, all imported from Germany

physician and head of the medical team

at the expense of the Delta State

from Igbobi Lagos.

government, through the Doctors.

Relatives, friends, members of Saint

In good and bad times, the

process of giving Madam

Anne’s Catholic Church friends and the

Delta Micro-Credit Programme has

Bibiana Ikpeba, a new leg

entire community of Orerokpe waited

demonstrated uncommon ability to

with bated breath to witness the day

stand by its clients. Madam Bibiana

Madam Ikpeba would walk again.

Ikpeba’s gripping story is just one

That day came momentously. Madam

of many soul-lifting examples of

Ikpeba’s gratitude poured out from the

extraordinary love and commitment

heart.

characterizing the micro-credit scheme

and its clients.

and a new lease of life.

20

“Our father, Governor Uduaghan;

please help me greet him. Because

what he has done for me (artificial limb

government can be so interested

and a job) has strengthened me the

in her job like this. This programme

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

“I am shocked that an agent of

madam bibiana ikpeba

Cover Feature

Madam Bibiana Ikpeba in a group photograph with members of St. Ann Catholic Church, Orerokpe and Dr. Antonia Ashiedu before the fixing of artificial limb.

Madam Bibiana Ikpeba in DMCP event on the 2nd September, 2010.

has helped my people. I am proud

brightest part of her day. Little wonder

to be a Deltan,” enthused Dr. Lucky

she was quick to draw inference from

Oghoghorie.

the Bible, saying, “No matter the

situation, give thanks to God”. 

For Madam Bibiana, the darkest

Madam Bibiana Ikpeba on her Thanksgiving Day, 4th of July 2010.

point of the night has given birth to the

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

21

Feature

Spectacle of

Grassroot Revolution

By Ogochukwu Ikeje

 51,186 people have accessed Delta's Micro-credit loan in the 1st window of the programme.  Clients products in overseas markets.

I

f it wasn't for humble

Abuja Sheraton Hotels, on the podium,

grassroots folks raising

the master of ceremony Mr. Ebere

fish in ponds, weaving

Young Acharaike, rich in voice and

out breakthrough textile

professional in delivery, ensured that

material, making spicy

not many yawned in boredom.

condiments for soups,

producing colorful beads

boomed. Delta State governor, Dr.

Then, the public address system

or frying bean- cakes (akara in local

Emmanuel Uduaghan sprang to his

parlance), the spectacle that took place

feet to receive the Best Micro Credit

at that massive hall in the nation's

Financing state Award for year 2009.

capital recently would certainly not

The audience responded with a

have happened. As the day was giving

reverberating applause. Handing out

way to night fall, Kwali Conference Hall,

the award on behalf of the Central 

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

23

Feature

grassroot revolution Bank of Nigeria was President Goodluck

gloss over the

Jonathan in his reach-down traditional

fact that the

attire topped off with a typical Niger

bead makers

Delta style hat.

crowned Sanusi

with their

At some point, CBN Governor Sanusi

Lamido also received a gift he appeared

bead shaped

to cherish deeply: a good length of

like a royal

custom-made textile from a group of

headgear, just

female ethnic cloth-weavers from Delta

as the textile

State. Thereafter, he walked briskly to

ladies clothed

his seat, a smile on his face, his gift slug

the apex

proudly across his shoulder.

banker, while

connoisseurs

these days. Oshogbo is badly deformed

stepped up to receive her own prize.

swarmed round the spice-maker for her

in the right leg. But he was keen to

Her soup spices won the best marketed

offering.

assess the DMCP loan and get on with

product award for 2009. She also hails

his bicycle repair trade. He got the loan.

from Delta State. She smiled, and up

that began hundreds of miles away

Now, the Best man Repairers group, a

went her hands clutching her prize. It

from the glitzy nation's capital. It began

team he formed with other colleagues

was impossible to hide her joy.

in 2007 with the Delta State Micro

in the business, and heads, is the better

Credit Programme or DMCP headed

for it.

other states but it was clear that the

by Dr. Antonia Ashiedu who functions

two-day event tagged 4th Annual

as Executive Assistant to the Governor

not buy quality tools that would make

Micro Finance Conference (January

on the Programme. It was a spectacle

the work quicker and we have bought

21-22) organized by the CBN swung

powered by DMCP because every one

many spare parts�.

Delta's way. You could not miss the red

of those stars on that night, from the

beads stand or the spice spot or the

textile women to the spice lady to the

also have similar testimonies. Now the

textile shop complete with a loom. Or

bead-makers and so many others who

women have been lifted away from

did not make the trip to Abuja, was

the pain of waiting for their husbands

funded and propped up by the DMCP.

to pick up just about every bill in the

family. The women now have been

At another point, a woman, 69,

A few prizes also went to two or

24

But it was a spectacle with a story

Yet, says Ashiedu, the programme

Before the loan, he said, "we could

The Akara sellers of Onicha-Ugbo

is not a charity or government handout

helping to pay school fees. For instance,

outlet. It is rather a project that targets

Priests, too, who have some time on

the economically weak in the State

their own way and shore up their

and strengthens them simply by giving

economic base, have tapped into the

them loans that will not suffocate

DMCP project, and have been thanking

them while trying to pay back. This

the Lord for it.

economic empowerment programme,

she explains, “makes our communities

maker Mrs. Ireyeesorieseone

commercially active with financial

woods Akumagba, founder of the

and technical support for income

Ireyeesorieseone Dry Spices, is a

generating activities''.

consecrated bishop of the Yeshual

Embassy Network of churches, USA. She

Clients cut across the board, and

The award-winning spice-

does not discriminate, Ashiedu says.

had been making spices for years but

That is why Mr. Joseph Oshogbo of

never had the mileage she does now.

Abavo, near Agbor, is a happier man

The Bishop's spice products have since

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

grassroot revolution

gone international, marketed even in

would not have

finance, urged more state governments

afforded it.

to embrace it for the betterment of the

poor.

The DMCP,

Ashiedu says,

targets cottage

government. “We just awarded Delta

Sanusi praised the Delta State

industries, as

State as one of the states where micro

it supports

finance has been effectively utilised to

groups of men

tackle poverty. We saw a cluster group

and women

that started with nothing, and now they

in trading,

are exporting to Europe. They have a

agriculture and

representative in Europe. We have seen

the services. By

the production of traditional beads and

December 2008,

other materials that have strong export

that is, one year after takeoff, some

market. What is being produced now

25,537 people across these activities

in Delta State can complete with those

who has strengthened our group, she

had received the DMCP loan. Of them,

being produced in Ghana. And that is

told News extra, “and we thank the

16,561 were women while 8,976 were

the kind of things government needs to

state government for the help which

men. By December 2009 the number

do”.

has placed us at an international level.”

of DMCP beneficiaries had jumped to

She also prayed God to help and inspire

51,186. The number of women stood

says the programme is essentially

Dr. Ashiedu more for all the assistance

at a respectable 32,410 over the men

stabilized, but adds that she is looking

the DMCP has availed her group. She

whose tally stood at 18,776. It is clear

to raise the bar, by, for instance, helping

started the business, she said, with 25

that women who are usually more

micro-credit businesses to graduate

kobo, and that was 25 years ago.

excluded from the scheme of things

into small businesses.

have found a platform to regain more

Oh, she said, you have to be gifted. But

than their pride.

higher”, she says. “We now want to grow

it takes more than gift to sustain it, as

from micro- businesses to small, so that

Newsextra found from her son who

more than giving people loans. It

from those small businesses we start

said they travel very far, sometimes

takes constant motivation and close

having real cottage industries. We can

even outside the state, to find the spice

monitoring. Sometimes DMCP wades

also start having colonies of different

materials in the wild.

through beneficiaries' fields to ensure

kinds of products. For instance, this year

that things are just right.

we want to actualise our desire to have

Warri, are reckoned not only to have

shoe-makers produce very wonderful

found a new life for themselves, now

been rewarding to the state. In 2008

being empowered, but have also

Uduaghan picked up the same award

changed the unflattering profile

for the DMCP'S efforts at the grassroots.

of their town, once said to harbor

“In 2010,” he said at Kwali Hall, “We are

troublemakers.

budgeting more money than we did

On the night of the awards, the

in the two previous years because the

Otu Omega cloth-makers, gorgeously

DMCP has become acceptable. There

decked out in choice apparel crowned

are many things which we have learnt

with the flamboyant headgear called

and we have performed better than the

'gele' admitted that, a few years

previous years.”

Europe.

“The glory goes to the Almighty

The fish farmers of Ekpan , near

But pulling this feat off involves

The grassroots revolution has

before, their outfit would have been

unthinkable. In other words, they

shining example of Malaysia in micro

“We are now taking it some notches

shoes". 

President Jonathan, taken by the

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

25

Feature

What does it take to make spices?

Dr. Ashiedu, anchor of the DMCP,

DMCP

A Promise Kept The expression on the face of Felicia Nwakolo, an indigene of Ashaka and leader of garri sellers association, one of the 319 cluster groups, which comprised 3,531 persons so far empowered in Ndokwa East and West Local Government council of Delta State through the state Micro Credit Programme, says it all. As she stared at the Delta Micro Credit Programme (DMCP) loan certificate, the gloom written all over her face gave way to radiant smile. “I don't know that this kind of thing exists. I haven't seen this kind of programme before in my life. I believe in hard work, but lack of fund has been my problem. Now, it is a new dawn”. She enthused.

Feature

By Amaechi Udemba

R

ecent loan disbursement exercise, which took the DMCP team to Ndokwaland, Isoko, Ika South,

Dr. Ashiedu addressing All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) Delta State womens' wing annual general meeting at Ughelli

Oshimili North, Burutu, Warri South West, Otor-jeremi have emblazoned

the confidence of people like Felicia

uncommon in many, has become the

he added.

Nwakolo in the sincerity of the Delta

essential tonic that has kept the spirit

State Government to empower the rural

of entrepreneurship alive via the Delta

Pender Ukoko, have had a raw deal in

and Urban poor through its poverty

Micro Credit Programme (DMCP). It is

the hands of money lenders. Twice, he

alleviation scheme.

also, on account of this, that Pender

had to forfeit huge quantity of palm oil

Ukoko, a palm oil seller, whose cluster

to the unrelenting money lenders, due

Isoko South Local Government area.

group Uyoyou-Ovo farmers, is a first

to his inability to repay, often with high

The atmosphere became electrified

time recipient. Unable to contain his

interest rate. Evidently, to get a loan

when the Executive Assistant to the

excitement for the interest free DMCP

without interest, 3 months gestation

Delta State Governor on Micro Credit

loan, Ukoko, almost broke down in

period and 12 months to repay can no

Dr. Antonia Ashiedu commended the

tears, soon after he received his group's

doubt be likened to a miracle.

people of Isoko South for being the

loan certificate. “Since I was born in

only local government area where a

Isoko, such a thing especially in Ideze

people considered as the un-banked

cluster group had received DMCP loan

has never happened. We are grateful. By

population due to their inability to

thrice and repaid.

the grace of God we will pay back in 10

produce a collateral have not seen a

Consider, for example, at Oleh

26

In every coloration, this act of trust,

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

months to qualify us for another one” More than any other individual,

For too long, this category of

Handing over a DMCP loan certificate to a Palmwine tapper at Ubulu-uku

situation where a loan is given without any stringent conditions attached, except an honest commitment to repay which is spread for 15 months. “This is first of its kind in Warri Southwest local government area. It has never happened before. I want to appreciate

grassroots.”

Truly, as a

Deltans will be empowered in

grassroots oriented

the subsequent years. And more

programme, the

unemployed graduate like Isaac Garry,

Delta Micro Credit

an indigene of Ogunlaha and leader

Programme,

of local soap makers association, one

has boosted the

of the cluster group to have received

growth of cottage

DMCP loans, will be assisted to lead

industries, trading,

a meaningful live,” This DMCP loan

agricultural

will help me and my members, who

production and

are mostly youths in our soap making

service industries

business. But in particular, it will prevent us from being used as political

in the last 2 years.

From here, it follows that more

To this end, 51,186 persons in 4,708

thugs” he said.

cluster groups have received DMCP

As nation-builders, youths are

loans to boost their trading and small

important instrument in the re-banding

scale business, from 14th December

effort of the country. As small scale

2007 to 31st December 2009.

farmers and industrialists, they are no

DMCP. In every ward, everyone has benefitted. Indeed, DMCP is one of administration. We are very happy” noted Anitetsoma Egere, a Community Development Officer, with the Warri Southwest Local Government Council,

DMCP Clients and Fish Farmers hold up their giant Cat fish at Ekpan Fish Farm.

who was among the dignitary that

doubt pivotal partners in the effort to

witnessed the disbursement of Micro

alleviate poverty, reduce crime, and

Credit loans to 3,348 persons in 233

promote local economic development

cluster groups at Ogbe Ijoh.

and boost agricultural.

As a largely rural setting, Ogbe Ijoh, A DMCP Cluster Group in Bomadi, during a sensitization programme

is made up of Ijaws and Itsekiris living side by side. Both communities came in their thousands. And they did so with their fishing nets, food items and farming tools, positioned for all to see.

From their actions, the DMCP

disbursement exercise was a day they have been waiting for, noted Timinimi Welfare, Secretary Gbaramatu Community Development Committee said “This is a great impact that will linger on for a long time in the minds of the people. In fact, it is one great aspect of dividends of democracy. For the first time, Government has gotten to the

Regardless, this huge impact,

As studies have shown, 6% of total

member of poor people in the World is found in Nigeria. And if recent report by

the programme office headed by

the African peers review mechanism is

the Executive Assistant to the Delta

anything to go by, which indicate 70%

State Governor on Micro Credit, Dr.

of our population as being poor, it then

Antonia Ashiedu, has affirmed the state

means, we have a lot in our hands.

government commitment to creating

wealth at the grassroots level. In other

there is need for a more concerted

words, rural and Urban poor in Delta

effort at all levels of government to

State has nothing to worry. All they

tackle poverty. Through the Delta Micro

need do is to form a one product cluster

Credit Programme, it has been proven

group, approach any Micro Finance

that the fight against poverty can be

bank nearest to them and their journey

won. This is one cheering development

to prosperity has began.

that should be emulated by all. 

To deal with the situation, therefore,

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

27

Feature

the greatest achievements of this

Feature

Aquaculture One Of The Alternatives To Oil

WATER, experts say is an enigma.

explain why the train the trainers

This is because water is both

course organized by the Delta

simple and complex. Each

Micro Credit Programme (DMCP)

molecule of water, investigation

in conjunction with the Nigerian

reveals contains just three atoms-

institute for Oceanography and

two of hydrogen and one of

Marine Research, for fish farmers

H

Oxygen. Yet, despite this amazing

in the state on issues like water

spirit of fish farmers in the state. She

discovery, scientists still do not

quality management in ponds,

said, the train the trainers course became

fully understand how water

feed formulation and production,

molecules work

post harvest processing and

value addition to fish and fishery

Said her: “During his visit, the Executive

is that water is essential to life,

products, is apt, timely and

Director interacted with fish farmers in

making up about 60% by weight

appropriate to our national life.

By Amaechi Udemba

What we all know, though,

of all living things. This, perhaps

28

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

eld under the theme: “Building technical and management capacity in aquaculture,"

the Executive Assistant to Delta State Governor on Micro Credit Dr. Antonia Ashiedu, saluted the entrepreneurial

imperative due to observed lapses by NIOMR Executive Director, Dr. Jide Ayinla, during an on –the – spot assessment visit.

three of our fish farms-united fish farm estate Ekpan, Progressive fish farm estate in Ugboroke and Crusaders fish farm.

The farmers were able to identify their

problem areas and showed willingness

because of the piracy in our waters, over-

In other words, aquaculture can reduce

to embrace modern technology in order

fishing going on. The amount of fish that

the amount of foreign exchange we are

to improve on the quality of their farm

is required to feed the nation is unable to

spending just to import frozen fish alone

produce and compete favourably with

be met. As a matter of fact, W.H.O says we

into the country. From this, it is obvious

fish farmers within and outside Nigeria”.

are taking just 8 kilogrammes of fish per

that, by dint of sheer industry, we can

Indeed, the need to compete favourably

person and the nutritional requirement

cut back on the huge sum expended on

with aqua culturists outside the shore

is 20 kilogrammes. So it means that we

importation of fish and channel same to

of the country is more pertinent to food

are not taking as much. So the only way

fix other key sector of our national life.

security now than before. More so, when

we can meet our fish requirement is to go

And the place to start from is by tackling

we are one of the largest fish consumers

into aquaculture. That's why what they are

our energy problem identified as one of

in the World, with an estimated total

doing at Ekpan, Ugboroke and Crusader

the major risks facing aquaculture project

consumption of 2.10 million metric tons

fish farms is very important and desirable

in the country. Though, others like pump

annually.

for the state and the nation. If all states

failure, fish diseases, pilfering and poor

could emulate Delta State, then, we don’t

management are no less important. The

besides, being an opportunity to acquire

have any business with such deficiency

Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and

new knowledge in aquaculture and

in fish consumption as observed by

Marine Research, says, it has began the

translate same to others, also is to expose

the World Health Organization (W.H.O)

process of addressing some of the risks

The one day train the trainers course,

Dr. Oresegun, put it aptly: “Right now,

can check this trend through aquaculture.

factor. “We held training for veterinarians

packaging, record keeping management,

who are not in the area of fishery. But,

sales and right pricing and fish disease

they are conversant with diseases. So we

control. Dr. Adekunle Oresegun,

simply trained them on fish disease, so

Assistant Director, Nigeria Institute for

that they can be part of the process to

Oceanography and Marine Research shed

begin to inform people, enlighten people

more lights: “We have been able to see a

on fish disease", says Dr. Jide Ayinla,

couple of things they are doing at the fish

Executive Director, NIOMR.

farm Ekpan that are not right. They do it

not knowing that it is not right. So what

For Delta State and the course

participants, the journey to find an

we are doing (train the trainers course)

he added. In effect, our population

enduring alternative to oil has indeed

is to expose them (fish farmers) to better

nutritional intake may continue to be

began. Interestingly, the Delta Micro

knowledge. This will ensure that they (fish

dependent on foreign supplies, if local

Credit Programme (DMCP) has already

farmers) do their feeding right and get

fish production remains to occupy

laid a solid foundation by tarring the

value for their money”.

the backseat in policy formulation. At

access road leading to the fish farm estate,

present, about 600 million dollars is

providing 2 Hilux vans to fish farmers in

these fish farmers will ultimately impact

expended annually on importation

Ekpan and 2 water pumping machines.

positive on the contribution of fisheries

of frozen fish into the country. When,

What's more, the interest free DMCP loans

to the nation's Gross Domestic Product

ironically, the aquaculture industry if

have boosted economic activity there.

(GDP) which now stands at 3-4%. Though,

given the concern it deserves is capable

Records show that the number of fish

it occupies significant position in the

of contributing about N22 billion to our

farmers had increased from 800 to 2,800

primary sector, as aquaculture is known

national coffers. For Dr. Bola Akande,

with a corresponding increase in the

to have provided employment to over

Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and

number of ponds to 6,000 from a lowly

a million people and also contributing

Marine Research, nothing could be more

2,000 before the DMCP intervention.

about 50% of the animal protein intake

worrisome than the situation we have

of our population. There is however fear

found ourselves. Said him: “As at 2007, we

private sector to occupy the driving seat

that much of this may be lost, unless there

have spent about 600 million dollars to

in the aquaculture industry. There is so

is attitudinal change mainly by those in

import frozen fish into the country. And

much money to be made, but what is

the private sector to support government

because, there is so much demand, we

required is attitudinal change, increased

initiative as amplified by the DMCP.

resorted to importation of fish. But, we

funding and policy re-direction. 

Resultantly, a better knowledge by

Obviously, now is the time for the

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

29

Feature

the 52 course participants to better

Feature

DMCP At 2, Empowers 51,186 Breaks New Frontiers

By Monday Uwagwu

T

completed before this year end, would

launch in Koko, the

earn the products the vital NAFDAC seal,

Delta Micro- Credit

and, on that account, open a vista of bright

programme (DMCP),

marketing prospects for them.

is living up to the

third dream of its

and Drug Administration and Control),

creation to activate

ensures standards of food, drugs and other

NAFDAC (National Agency for Food

Deltans and help reduce the incidence of

consumables in the country. Its seal is an

material poverty in the state.

official endorsement of the quality of the

product involved.

At the last count, it has empowered

51,186 clients, made up of 4,708 groups,

technically called clusters.

processing, while one relates to cosmetics.

These clusters are drawn from 4,708

Two of the products are related to food

The three products add prejudice to the

clusters, which are sub-divided into four

other DMCP clients' products undergoing

activity classifications cottage industries,

registration process with NAFDAC.

trading; agriculture production and service

industries.

funds are disbursed by 28 micro-finance

banks (technically called participating

The women overwhelming activity

According to Dr. Ashiedu, DMCP which

in the DMCP was also typical by their

financial institutions), had opened a second

dominance in three of the subgroups

window DOMSA.

(cottage industries; trading and services

DOMSA (Delta Oceanic Micro Credit

industries). The men, quite naturally, led the

Scheme Account) which was put on stream

agricultural group, leaving women.

in October 2008, when the Memorandum

of Understanding (MoU) was endorsed by

But the empowerment of the

numerically significant 51, 186 clients is not

stakeholders, has empowered 16 cluster

the only feather on the cap of the two – year

groups.

old DMCP.

have also been appraised and would be

Dr. Ashiedu, Executive Assistant to the

About 40 other applicant cluster groups

State Governor on Micro Credit, revealed

empowered this year.

that DMCP was in the final stages of

registering three core products of DMCP

attracts a minimal interest rate, unlike the

clients with NAFDAC.

primary window, (DMCP), which doles out

30

wo years after its

The process, which she said, could be

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

DOMSA has a bigger facility profile and

micro (small) interest-free loans to clients.

It is a tripartite product of the Delta

The state government is collaborating

The first batch has already been held

State Government (via DMCP), Oceanic

with the Federal Institute for Industrial

under the aegis of the train-the trainers

Bank and the Central Bank of Nigeria, (CBN),

Research, Oshodi, (Lagos), FIIRO, for

programme.

which guarantees the DOMSA loans.

effective value-addition and canning of

palm wine.

metamorphosized into a critical economic

government planned to establish a shoe

tool that had helped to restore the

makers' village in the state capital territory.

areas in traditional palm wine tapping, are

confidence between the government and

listed to benefit from the collaboration with

Deltans

FIIRO.

.

needed to enhance the efficiency of

the culture of micro-finance and economic

individual shoe makers now on the DMCP

working with the Nigerian Institute of

activism among Deltans and hedged the

mill.

Oceanography and Marine Research,

state for a sweeping economic growth,

(NIOMR), Lagos, for constant training of fish

following what she tagged a silent

farmers in the state.

economic revolution now taking place in

The village is to sit on a six-hectare

land and is expected to house all facilities

Already, some 232 cobblers have lined

up for the village project.

Ubulu-Okiti and Mosogar, two popular

Aside this, the programme is also

From this, it shows that DMCP had

What’s more, it has also helped grow

the state, on the strength of DMCP.

As a reward for this, the State Governor,

Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, won CBN 2008/2009 award for effective microcredit lending. Who says DMCP has not performed. ď‚­

Wife of the Delta State governor , Mrs. Roli Uduaghan, presenting a Delta Oceanic Micro Credit Scheme Account (domsa) loan certificate to Mr. Stanley Agwudosi, leader Ifunanya Plantain, Yam and Vegetable Farmers, Oko-Ogbele, Oshimili South L.G.A

Dr. Ashiedu, Executive Assistant to the State Governor on Micro Credit, revealed that DMCP was in the final stages of registering three core products of DMCP clients with NAFDAC..

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

31

Feature

Dr. Ashiedu said that under DMCP, the

Ekpan

years in Uvwie particularly in Ekpan as more youths have embraced youth empowerment schemes put in place by the government. This has assisted in the reduction of anti-social behaviours and

METAMORPHOSIS OF A DELTA TOWN

A fish farmer, Pastor Chris Okwechime,

notes that due to the unprecedented growth at the fish town, government assistance through the DCMP to some farmers has taken a while and wants more commitment from the Uduaghan administration to farmers in the phase two area of the Ekpan Fish Farm.

t is a new life that one man

joined, as at that time we had only 20

fostered with just four

farmers, but today we have over 2,800 fish

said. "It is very good. It is just that there is

fish ponds. But within two

farmers with over 6,000 ponds.”

no financial assistance. We do everything

"The fishing business is lucrative," he

years and with the effort of

the state government, the

had always been notorious for things

hard for you. We are just struggling to

number has increased in

other than fish farming. Specifically, it

do it; it is not that the business is not

geometric proportions. They

was known for "Gbeghe" and "Deve", two

good, it is good but it will be better if

have also formed a formidable union, the

terms, euphemistically used to denote the

we have support” Continuing, "We want

United Fishers Multi-Purpose Cooperative

eagerness of the youths to foment trouble

government to assist us financially and

Society, whose chairman Deacon David

and engage in illegal collection of fees

materially so that the business can uplift

Omoesiri was only happy to volunteer

from property developers. Thus, Uvwie

us from poverty, because this business

information on Ekpan's new fishing

community became a byword for many

is very lucrative and this farm is the

profile.

vile anti-social tendencies in the state.

His words: "This farm started with one

Many dreaded coming into the town, a

biggest in Nigeria."

man, Mr. College Ukale Adjenughure who

typical development that fit snugly into

owned four ponds in 1994. Thereafter

the bad-zone motif that the Niger Delta

four others joined him. More farmers

Before this economic miracle, Uvwie

area has been cast.

But a lot has changed in the last two

on our own and without loans it is very

But for 17-year-old Ovie Osherakpor,

an SS II student at Ekpan Secondary School, the fish farm has helped him a great deal, pointing out that he earns about N1,500 daily for engaging in odd jobs at the fish town.

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L



33

Feature

I

By Aiwerie Okungbowa

violent crimes in the community.

He says with earnings from the

maiden visit to the Farm last year, the lot

farm he is averse to violent behaviour

"My advice to youths is that they should work at the Fish Farm and do menial jobs... instead of resorting to crime..."

associated with youths of the community and wants other youths to emulate him and turn from crime and embrace youth empowerment schemes of government in order to improve themselves.

His words, "My advice to the youth

is that they come to the fish farms and do menial jobs to improve themselves instead of resorting to crime, especially those who do not understand that there is dignity in labour. From doing these menial jobs they can earn enough money to own their own farms."

Oghenedorho Okitiapke, 19, is

Feature

another youth, who owns a farm. Having

of fish farmers, undoubtedly, is on the ascendancy.

He observed that the N3 million loan

facilities given by the DMCP in October 2008 disbursed through United MicroFinance Bank, Ekpan and a further N34.3 million has triggered an economic boom to the fish farmers in Ekpan Community.

He said that fish production at

the farm using DCMP loans facility, has increased, adding that during the blockade by the military Joint Task Force of riverine communities in May, the farms were able to meet the supply of cat fish in Delta, Bayelsa and other neighbouring States.

done odd jobs at the fish farm for two

need to join the 'Gbeghe boys' because,

years now he owns a fish pond.

as he said, he did not see anything good

Ekpan Fish Town to be achieved, Deacon

Yet another youth, Ewetan Uma, alias

he could gain from them. He went to the

Omoesiri wants government to assist in

"Second to Uduaghan" is an Itsekiri youth

farm to "hustle", as he put it.

the provision of a feed processing plant

who lives in Ekpan. He notes that after

Young Ewetan says that with the

to reduce the cost of fish, storage facility,

graduation from Joe's School of Marine

proceeds from his hustling he intends to

drying and processing facilities, tarring of

Technology, Ekpan, he was without a job

further his education and get a good job.

the second access road, training and more

and decided to come out to the fish farm

credit facilities.

"to hustle".

State Micro-Credit Programme to the

fish farms, Deacon Omoesiri maintained

Director, United Microfinance Bank, Ekpan

find a job. So he went "to the farm to work

that after a Director in the Department of

maintained that impact of the Fish Town

and make money." He no longer had any

Fisheries, Mr. Larry Onyeche facilitated a

has brought tremendous confidence to

meeting with the Executive Assistant to

residents. She said that with government's

the Governor, Micro-Credit, Dr Antonia

intervention in the fish town, people's

Ashiedu their lives have never remained

perspective about the community and the

the same.

larger Uvwie society has changed.

After graduation, he said, he could not

34

On the contribution of the Delta

With tarring of one of the roads

In order for the full potentials of

Callister Bomagwonor, Managing

To achieve the full potentials of the

leading to phase one of the Ekpan Fish

Fish Town, Bomagwonor believes the

completed, provision of two Hilux Toyota

issues of funding, high cost of production,

vans, water pumping machine donated

security and field monitoring must be

by Gov. Emmanuel Uduaghan on his

tackled. ď‚­

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

Feature

Containing Hunger, Poverty with

Fish Farming SHORT DESCRIPTION OF CONCEPT AND SCOPE OF PROJECT

Dr. Jide Ayinla

36

E

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

once food insufficiencies are addressed, and man-hours and associated creative energies reinvigorated, the bite is taken from all other elements of poverty.

xperience

Ironically, majority of the impoverished

worldwide has

in Nigeria are rural folks who are

shown that

primarily farmers.

malnutrition is

the most telling

malnutrition and shore up the nation’s

manifestation of

food production capacity is to engage

poverty, and that

actively in agriculture. Fish production

One way to avert the dangers of

is one viable option.

aquaculture production,

especially fish farming. It has been

In the fisheries sub-sector, the need

for productivity upgrade is urgent.

estimated that aquaculture

Currently, domestic fish production

enterprises can generate

hovers around 0.511 tones, whereas

over 2. 0 million tones

projected fish demand is about 1.7

of fish annually at the prevailing

million tones. The shortfall between

level of home-made technologies,

demand and local fish production (from

leading to fish production self-

all sources) about 0.5-1.0 million tones

sufficiency in Nigeria.

necessitates massive importation, so

much so that Nigeria is the largest

the intake of animal

importer of frozen fish and stockfish in

protein in Nigeria,

the entire world.

abysmally low at

less than 15gm per

The foreign exchange drain annually

Through aquaculture,

capital, will

implication has to be confronted

increase

and addressed urgently. Fortunately,

and sales from

however, Nigeria is blessed with a vast

the operations

expanse of inland, freshwater, and

will

brackish water ecosystems suitable for

increase the revenue base of the rural poor.

government areas in the country is

But aquaculture is yet

here proposed towards food security.

to benefit from developmental

The institutionalisation of the farm

patronage and infrastructural support

estate system benefiting from pooled

commensurate with the endowment

resources, input supplies, extension

nationwide.

services and cooperatives will catalyse

The establishment of a fish

farm estate in each of 774 local

sustainable agricultural production increase in Nigeria. ď‚­

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

37

Feature

is staggering. The food security

Oceanic Bank Relives Dmcp Partnership Experience

By John Agborga

the true meaning of rural empowerment

business for a considerable period of time.

recall that in the

and challenged to come up with a

However, the strategy adopted for the

first edition, we

unique product paper that would

programme's implementation was the

said that Oceanic

provide a veritable financial linkage to

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Trust Fund

Bank International

Delta entrepreneurs within the micro,

Model in which Delta State Government

Plc, through its

small and medium scale (MSME) bracket

shall provide 25% of the total product

Development

with specific emphasis on agriculture

offering whilst CBN provides a 75%

Finance Department (DFD), reeled out a

and agricultural-related concerns, i.e.

Guarantee.

catalogue of very unique micro savings

fish processing, crop processing, animal

retail products aimed at providing

husbandry farming, aquaculture, small-

DOMSA programme and disbursement

financial services to the under-banked

scale agro-allied and agro-processing. This

of loan certificates, Delta State micro-

and the un-banked active population

was in the bid to meet the need of the

credit office ensured that an investigative

of the Nigerian society as well as to

growing demand of micro-credit clients

visitation spree to all the prospective

competitively boost the bank's stand

who have performed excellently in the

DOMSA clients was embarked upon to

as the foremost bank in development

first window and wish to access higher

ascertain the existence of their farms and

financing and poverty alleviation. Thus

amounts in order to take their businesses

the authenticity of their loan purpose.

following this most laudable initiative,

to the next level. In response to this

With the DMCP programme coordinator in

we commenced our micro-credit drive

challenge, the Delta-Oceanic Micro-Credit

the forefront, the team went on a tasking

with the Delta State Micro-credit office

Scheme Account (DOMSA) was conceived

farm-to-farm visitation to every remote

(DMCP) with a desire to partner with

after a thorough scrutiny of all the

nook and cranny of the three senatorial

the programme organisers by providing

proposals that were brought to the fore.

districts in the state in the bid to reassure

requisite financing that would further

prospective clients that the scheme was

promote their activities and expand their

product for self-help/cluster groups and

not all about disbursing funds alone but

reach.

cooperatives in the 25 local governments

served as a medium through which the

However, following a series of training

This scheme was designed as a

Prior to the official launching of the

in Delta State, which must organise

state was reaching out to them and their

sessions (though informal) at our various

themselves into a concise unit with key

business concerns.

meetings, field visitations and project

members as executives who are involved

appraisals, we were further sensitised on

in the same trade and have been in

masses of rivers to cross, swamps to 

As expected, there were large

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

39

Feature

Y

ou may wish to

thread and inaccessible roads to trek

get a comprehensive and detailed

through. It would be interesting to note

understanding of each client's trade and

that all this exercise under the scorching

farm processes so as to fully appreciate

weather did not deter the Delta state

the challenges of converting cash

micro-credit team, thus reaffirming the

received at the point of disbursement

passion, commitment and dedication of

back to cash from sales to repay monthly

the programme coordinator in ensuring

obligations.

that the Governor Uduaghan dream of

empowering the grassroots population

another challenging area of interest in our

was not only a statement of political

experience with DMCP. Initially, we were

will but one that would stand the test

unable to fully comprehend the inability

of time. We, as commercial bankers, were also challenged to see beyond the comfort of our cosy offices and reach out to clients in the field in order to ensure proper understanding of their business needs; a valuable point often emphasised by regulators tagged KYC (Know Your Customer). This entire process took three

Feature

long weeks and formed the first phase of the loan disbursement process.

Following the investigative calls to

the various farms, we were privileged to seat with a high powered delegation of CBN and DMCP officials in a brain storming project appraisal session.

This session gave us an opportunity to scrutinize the financing needs of each client vis-a -vis the loan purpose. We would at this juncture wish to note here that, under the supervision of the Delta State micro-credit office, a well drafted proposal with cash flow projections showing a net positive position on a monthly basis cannot guarantee loan approval and disbursement. With the expert knowledge of the stakeholders, all

"Given the bewildering results of over 80% of the clients empowered, it would not be too quick to conclude that it has been a very fulfilling experience and to add that microcredit financing in Delta state has come of age and is striding to greater heights."

Loan monitoring and recovery was

of some clients to meet obligations as at when due. However, interactions with the programme coordinator and microfinance banks that had similar challenges in the first window helped us re-strategise our recovery efforts. Thus, weekly joint recovery calls with the CBN and DMCP officials to each DOMSA group gave us a greater appreciation of the challenges of each farming concern and an avenue to proffer solutions. In the course of these meetings, issues bothering on overstocking, overtrading, underpricing, and theft were addressed. This, followed by an intensive week-to-week loan monitoring calls has engendered significant improvements in loan repayments.

Finally, whilst ruminating on the

activities of the last one and half years of partnering with Delta Micro-Credit Programme (DMCP), one big question comes to mind: “Has it been a fulfilling experience and have we touched the lives of Deltans positively?� Given the bewildering results of over 80% of the

proposals are fully perused, scrutinised

need to structure all loan repayments

clients empowered, it would not be too

and dissected and figures compared

along those lines. For instance, a fish

quick to conclude that it has been a very

with the current realities. Interesting as

farmer would require a minimum of 3-4

fulfilling experience and to add that

this may seem, the appraisal process

months moratorium to breed his fish

micro-credit financing in Delta state has

also gave us an opportunity to further

from fingerlings, juveniles and table

come of age and is striding to greater

understand the asset conversion cycles

fish before the bank can cash in on the

heights. ď‚­

(cash to cash cycles) of the various agric

proceeds of his sales. Our experience

Oceanic Bank Plc,

further reveals that it is expedient to

Okpanam Road Branch, Asaba

and agric related concerns and the

40

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

The AkwaOcha of Delta North (Anioma)

By Nwaobi Sunday

I

Akwa-ocha. These notwithstanding, the Akwa-ocha upon the Anioma man and woman remains a grace to behold.

Akwa-ocha is always reporting a very interesting sense of grandeur, not only to the wearer but also to the beholder.

It is acknowledgeable and noticeable everywhere and it makes the wearer unique at occasions.

Akwa-ocha is certainly one of the gifts of God to the Aniomas. This has also influenced some of the uses of the fabric by the people.

A memorably lasting gift from a mother to a daughter at marriage is Akwaocha. It is priceless. Anioma man/adult cherishes forever a gift of Akwa-ocha from the mother. It is jealously guarded.

Akwa-ocha transmits more messages in addition to that of love and appreciation. One sure way to come in contact with the message of Akwa-ocha is to observe the apparel upon a fully fledged Anioma man or woman. One immediately beholds a transmission of a radiance of dignity, respect, calmness, grandeur and elegance. It is a reflection of the content of the inner mind of the weavers and the intent of the wearers, and thus some dominant features of the Anioma personality. 

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

41

Feature

t comes in these names; Akwaocha, Akwa-olulu, Otu-ogwu, Akwa-Enuani. It is the AKWAOCHA of ANIOMA. Akwa-ocha, a hand woven basically white clothing fabric is unique in many ways. The fabric has outstandingly outwitted the ever changing trends in fashion and designs and it has the potentials of lasting forever, along with the Anioma people Akwa-ocha is a gift of the Almighty to the Anioma people found mostly in the Anioma areas of Delta State and some settlements along the River Niger course in Anambra and Imo States of Nigeria. The clothing is fondly a outfit for important occasions, ceremonies and festivities, where it serves as symbol of identification of Anioma people all over the World. It is seldom a casual wear. In fact it is seldom for leisure.

Akwa-ocha serves occasions only, where it reveals the values (creativity and manner of life) of the Anioma people. It is a work of art

and craft of essentially the females. Every Akwa-ocha fabric comes into existence through the creative imagination, originality of ideas as well as skillfulness of the Anioma Woman.

The weaving process, usually starts with spinning of wools into thread 9in the distant past), followed by arranging thread in a continuity basis in a loom, and then weaving these into various sizes and designs of the Akwa-ocha fabric. The final product is usually presented as a two piece sets of wrappers; with one of the piece larger than the other.

Akwa-ocha is worn by men, women and children. And all wear the outfit in the two piece format. Upon the male, Akwa-ocha is worn as a two piece toga.

The smaller piece is used as underwear to wrap round from the waistline down to above the ankles. The larger piece is jolted from under the right armpit in a full stretch unto the left shoulder to form a full length toga.

For the woman, Akwaocha is also worn as a two piece outfit. Again the smaller piece serves the woman as underwear, while the larger piece is most elegantly wrapped tight above the burst line and under the armpits.

This outfit, when adorned with ornaments reveals the Anioma woman as that “good thing and favour from God”.

New vogues in dressing with Akwa-ocha now abounds. Some sow long skirts and blouse with it, others use assorted loose shirts and fitting trousers with the Akwa-ocha serving as two wrappers. Men now sow assorted loose shirts and fitting trousers with

A H C O A te a t S W a AK Delt from

Nigerian clothing is completely based

on the Nigerian culture and is quite creative and interesting.

The Akwa Ocha from Delta State is an

early civilization and cultural identity of the people from Delta North.

It is hand woven and made of fine

cotton (Olulu) with predominant white background which reflect the culture and attitude of its origin.

These are Peace, Humility, Unity,

Transparency, Love and Honour.

The Akwa Ocha is used for personal

clothing, interior decoration, precious gift items, for honouring a revered personality etc.

DELTA STATE MICRO-CREDIT PROGRAMME

... prosperity for all deltans Micro-Credit Programme Governor's Office, Anwai Road, Asaba Tel: 0706 209 3727, 0705 615 9141, 0808 066 3497; E-Mail: deltamcp@yahoo.com

Crusading for the Rebirth of

Organic Farming

By Kennedy Bienose

May 27th 2010 starts off like any other day. There was early morning downpour. But it soon subsided enough to enable members, of the All Farmers Association Oshimili South and a delegation from the State Micro Credit Programme, led by Dr. Antonia Ashiedu, Executive Assistant to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan on Micro Credit Programme, to settle down to serious talk.

turning point for these farmers. Already,

Now more attentive, Dr. Antonia Ashiedu

is the new rave in

the Delta Micro Credit Programme has

implored members of the association

farming known as

initiated courses of action to partner with

to spread the gospel of economic

Organic Farming.

the Nigerian Export Promotion Council.

empowerment to friends, children and

With the exception of

The sole aim for this is to export these rich

wards, rather than roaming aimlessly on

the agrarian people

organic products to the outside world.

the street or, worse yet, allow themselves

of Oko-Ogbele, most farmers in the state

to be used as thugs by men whose

are yet to tap into the magic of Mother

Association, the parley was a rare

children are either abroad or in the best

Nature with its provision of rich alluvial

priviledge in many ways. “It is not easy

schools in the country, she said, “you

soil for yam, vegetable, tomatoes and

to bring her here. She believes in going

have something wonderful in your hands

other cultivation.

from bush to bush, village to village.

already. Your organic farming is the future.

She has no business in the city” stated

Challenge yourselves with what nature

has shown, maximizes biological activity

Charles Gbalobi. Chairman of All Farmers

has given you and move up to the next

and maintains long-term soil health.

Association, Oshimili South Chapter.

level”.

The farmers of Oko-Ogbele, as earlier

Charles Gbalobi had earlier met a brick

mentioned are not strangers to this kind

wall when he attempted to invite Dr.

farming and the corollary organic

of farming. Located on the bank of the

Ashiedu to one of the Association's

products is sustained, Delta State, and

River Niger, Oko-Ogbele, has a population

meeting held in a hotel.

by extension, the country will soon

of about 500 people, mainly farmers and

begin to reap bountifully from Organic

fishermen. They are Igbo speaking people

Ashiedu went straight into the business of

Food Products. But more importantly,

of Delta State who have enjoyed this quite

the day, “this thing wey we dey talk na talk

the take to organic farming would help

agricultural revolution over the years.

na do because our governor sef na talk na

to redeem humanity from the gamut of

This rich natural fertilizer, as research

This natural endowment explains why

But for the members of All Farmers

Social niceties aside, Dr. Antonia

Truly, if the campaign for organic

do” she said in fractured English to over

health challenges plaguing the World as

agricultural products like yams, plantains,

100 members of AFAN. She counseled

a result of unnatural and unhealthy food

tomatoes and others produced by the

them to the need to form cluster groups,

products. 

Oko-Ogbele farmers turn out richer in

the process involved in becoming a

quality and safer for human consumption.

client of the programme and the benefits

inherent for clients of the programme.

This much was evidenced during Dr.

Antonia Ashiedu's visit to Oko-Ogbele

in late last year. “I could not but notice the goldmine on which the people of this town are blessed with”, opined Dr. Ashiedu, during an interactive session with newsmen at one of the farms.

That visit however, was the

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

43

Feature

T

op on the agenda

Wheelchair-Bound Lady

Gets New Life

By Sylvester Idowu

W

ith only a

“But you can see what this laudable

secondary

programme of Governor Uduaghan

school

in poverty alleviation has done to her.

certificate, all

On Kate's part she did not see the loan

Kate Oputa

advanced to her as government largesse

could hope for was a menial job. But

but utilized it for the purpose for which it

even the search for that job was a huge

was meant. Now she has a success story

challenge because she is wheelchair-

to tell.”

bound. The 32-year-old surrendered to

fate. Then the Delta State Micro-credit

the impact of Delta State Micro-Credit

Programme came in and hope returned.

Programme on the lives of over 35,000

Kate had heard of the DMCP loan

Deltans, mostly petty traders, farmers,

scheme and visited its office located close

tailors, tomato sellers, crayfish traders,

to Government House, Asaba, to make

recharge card sellers since it was launched

enquiries. She could get a loan but only through a microfinance bank, she was told.

Kate visited LandRock Microfinance

Bank and applied for the loan. Without collateral, she was granted N110,000.

“I couldn't believe it when the loan

was granted to me barely a few weeks after I applied for it,” she told Saturday Tribune. ”Without collateral, I was given that loan. Honestly, it was a big surprise to me and my friend.”

Things began to happen fast as Kate

started a small business office in her family house and soon needed another loan. Again, she applied and again, she was granted after repaying the initial credit.

She bought computers, photocopying

and laminating machines. The loan was to be paid back in 15 months, three months for the business to be organized and 12

months for repayment. Kate refunded the money ahead of time.

“God blessed me in the course of

running my business and I ploughed part of the money back to offset the loan,” she told a bewildered audience at the disbursement of another round of loans to people considered to be economically challenged.

Executive Assistant to Governor

Emmanuel Uduaghan, Dr. Antonia

on December 14, 2007 by Governor Emannuel Ewetan Uduaghan under his three-point agenda of Peace and Security, Infrastructural Development and Human Capital Development.

The implementation of the Human

Capital Development of his administration led to the establishment of Delta State Micro-Credit Programme with the sole aim of liberating the “common man” from lack, helplessness and poverty. 

Ashiedu who was in Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State to distribute certificates to 53 cluster groups comprising another 557 beneficiaries of the credit programme, was so proud of Kate that she used her as an example of what the state government had in mind with the establishment of the programme.

“Here was a young girl who had lost

all hope of making it in life,” she said.

“I couldn't believe it when the loan was granted to me barely a few weeks after I applied for it,”

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

45

Entrepreneaur

Kate’s rise from grass to grace reflects

A LOAN NOT A GIFT

DELTA STATE

MICRO-CREDIT PROGRAMME

... prosperity for all deltans Micro-Credit Programme Governor's Office, Anwai Road, Asaba Tel: 0706 209 3727, 0705 615 9141, 0808 066 3497; E-Mail: deltamcp@yahoo.com

DELTA STATE

MICRO-CREDIT PROGRAMME

Summary of State-Wide Loan Portfolio as at December 31, 2008

S/NO.

GROUP ACTIVITY

NO. OF GROUP

FEMALE

MALE

NO. OF PERSONS

1.

Cottage Industries

129

898

613

1,511

2. Trading

12,485 5,360

17,845

3.

Agric Products

346

2,040

2,266

4,306

4.

Service Industries

176

1,138

737

1,875

Report

1,566

Total

2,217

16,561 8,976

25,537

DELTA STATE MICRO-CREDIT PROGRAMME CHECK LIST ACTIVITIES TO BE FINANCED

CLUSTER GROUP FORMATION



 Form a Micro-Credit Cluster Group of 10-

Group guarantee.

25 members.



Repayment in weekly or monthly

and aqua-culture.



All members of a group must be involved

installments repayable in 52 weeks.



Agro processing.

No collateral for Micro-Credit Loan but



Agricultural production in crop, animal

 Cottage industries e.g. metal/wood works,

in the same trade.



Each group must have a chairman,

TARGET GROUP

welding and foundary, leather works, shoe

secretary and treasurer.

 The rural population and the urban poor.

making, pottery, soap/cosmetic



All members of any group must be resident

 Economically disadvantaged persons

manufacturing. Fish smoking, carpentary.

in the Local Government of origin.



Sanitation (waste disposal) services: hair



Group formation can cut across Wards in

 HIV infected persons who are

dressing, tailoring, phone service, petty

L.G.A. 

especially women. discriminated upon because of their status.

DMCP cut across gender.

trading and food vending, e.t.c.



Loan Portfolio: All loans, must be Micro.

Managing Directors of DMCP Participating Micro Finance Banks with Dr. Antonia Ashiedu the  Executive Assistant to the Governor on Micro Credit at the year 2010 Retreat at Issele-Uku Aniocha North LGA.

48

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

DELTA STATE

MICRO-CREDIT PROGRAMME

Summary of State-Wide Loan Portfolio from January 1 to December 31, 2009

S/NO.

GROUP ACTIVITY

NO. OF GROUP

FEMALE

MALE

NO. OF PERSONS

1.

Cottage Industries

228

1,264

1,103

2,367

2. Trading

1,419

9,718 4,533

14,251

3.

Agric Products

651

3,630

3,417

7,047

4.

Service Industries

193

1,234

750

1,984

Total

2,491

15,846 9,803

25,649

CRITERIA TO BE MET BY ELIGIBLE

 Must be autonomous in governance and

TARGET GROUP

BENEFITTING GROUP

management.



Joint enterprises.

 Must have enhancement of members

 Must have a system in place to ensure



Small scale industry.

sustainable income earning capacity as its

programme and financial accountability



Cottage industry.

prime objectives.

and transparency.

 Membership of the group should be

 Adopt the Delta State Micro-Credit

voluntary.

Report

DELTA STATE MICRO-CREDIT PROGRAMME CHECK LIST

operational guidelines.

Managing Directors of DMCP Participating Micro Finance Banks with Dr. Antonia Ashiedu the  Executive Assistant to the Governor on Micro Credit in one of the regular meetings at DMCP office in Asaba.

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

49

DELTA STATE

MICRO-CREDIT PROGRAMME Summary of State-Wide Loan Portfolio from December 14, 2007 to December 31, 2009

S/NO.

GROUP ACTIVITY

NO. OF GROUP

FEMALE

MALE

NO. OF PERSONS

1.

Cottage Industries

357

2,162

1,716

3,878

2. Trading

2,985

22,203 9,890

32,093

3.

Agric Products

997

5,670

5,683

11,353

4.

Service Industries

369

2,375

1,487

3,862

Total

4,708

32,410 18,776

Report

Disbursement day at Uvwie LGA Sowing hope and putting springs in the footsteps of Deltans

50

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

51,186

BROADBASE MICRO FINANCE BANK LTD 1, Bank Road, Ayama, Bomadi Local Government Area, Bomadi, Delta State, Nigeria.

Visit us for:

 Saving Account  Current Account  Funds Placement  Small & Medium Enterprise Financing  Local Banking & Group Lending  Thrift Association/Loan Scheme  Business Advisory Services  Micro Credit  LPO'S Financing  Agri Financing  Salary Advance Service  Furniture Loans  Fund Transfer Broadbase Micro Finance Bank... A Solid Base Helping You To Grow

News Report

Delta to Open

Shoemakers' Village

T

he Delta State

state to expand on the businesses. She

government says it will

appealed to DMCP clients in Ethiope

Rev David Akpobasahan and Madam

set up shoe makers'

West Local Government Area to use

Alice Nmigboro, harped on the need for

village, equipped

the loans judiciously, to be able to

prompt repayment of DMCP loans, to

with modern shoe

Earlier, two community leaders,

contribute their quota to the overall

enable other Deltans to benefit from

making machines to encourage local

growth of the economy.

the scheme. ď‚­

production of footwears.

groups comprising

The Executive Assistant to the

She commended the 49 cluster

Governor on Micro-Credit, Dr Antonia

502 persons,

Ashiedu, disclosed this in Agbarho,

drawn from Jesse,

Ughelli North Local Government Area,

Mosogar, Oghareki

during the presentation of DMCP

and Oghara for

certificates to 25 cluster groups made

embracing the

up of 225 persons in the locality.

Delta Micro-Credit

Programme

Dr Ashiedu, who identified small

scale businesses as the engine of

to better their

growth, said the state government will

economic well-

continue to assist entrepreneurs in the

beings.

52

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

Microfinance Key to Sustainable Grassroot Economy President Goodluck Jonathan

P

resident Goodluck

the coveted Central Bank of Nigeria

Jonathan

Awards for the second time, said in

has described

2010, “we are budgeting more money

microfinance as

than we had in the two previous years.

of Nigeria (CBN), Sanusi Lamido

crucial to economic

There are many points which we have

Sanusi commended the Delta State

development

noted and we have performed better

government for its consistency in

and sustainable

than the previous years.”

alleviating poverty. The CBN chief

explains the choice of Delta State.

grassroot economy.

He stated this during the

presentation of the Best State of the Enterprises category and the first runner-up under Agric Credit Guarantee Scheme-Trust Fund Model awards to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State in Abuja.

President Jonathan who gave

the example of Malaysia where microfinance has improved the lot of the poor, appealed to state governments to take the issue of wealth creation at the grassroots level very

“We just awarded Delta State as one of the states where micro finance has been effectively utilised to tackle poverty. We saw a cluster group that started with nothing, and now they are exporting to Europe".

He said: “We just awarded Delta

State as one of the states where micro finance has been effectively utilised to tackle poverty. We saw a cluster group that started with nothing, and now they are exporting to Europe. They have a representative in Europe. We have seen the production of traditional beads and other materials that have strong export market. What is being produced now in Delta State can compete with those being produced in Ghana. And that is the kind of thing government needs to do.” 

seriously.

Speaking after receiving the Award,

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan said he has dedicated the award to the poor people of the state, who have accepted and embraced the State Micro-Credit Programme (DMCP).

His words: “We dedicate the awards

to the poor people of Delta State who have accepted the DMCP because not everybody has accepted it; some people still believe it is not workable, some say it is too small, but from little grains you get big grains.

Governor Uduaghan who received

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

53

News Report

Microfinance, Small and Medium

The Governor of Central Bank

President Goodluck Jonathan Federal Republic of Nigeria

DMCP'S BOLD INITIATIVE TO TACKLE POVERTY - Basil Ganagana

T

he Deputy Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Honorable Basil Ganagana, has described the Delta Micro Credit Programme,

as a bold initiative to tackle poverty. Speaking in Patani, after the presentation of DMCP certificates to 751 persons in 76 cluster groups, Honorable Ganagana, said he is impressed with the massive turn-out and level of compliance so far witnessed in the state. His words: “I am pleased with the level of compliance by the people of the state. You know, the purpose of setting up the Delta Micro Credit Programme is to alleviate poverty and with

News Report

this kind of turn-out, the objective to alleviate poverty will be achieved”.

Meanwhile, the Executive Assistant to the Delta

State Governor on Micro Credit, Dr. Antonia Ashiedu, has commended Ojevwe potato farmers cluster group for the full repayment of DMCP loan earlier collected.

Dr. Ashiedu, who appealed to other cluster groups to toe the same line, said poverty is not God-made and can only be reversed through discipline, hard work and determination.

The team leader of the Ojevwe cluster group,

Jonathan Omorubu, said they were able to repay promptly because the fund was used judiciously. He said the DMCP loan has impacted positively on the cluster

‘Key into DMCP programme’ - Ashiedu Urges Youths

Y

ouths in Delta State have been advised to seize the opportunities provided by the state MicroCredit Programme to improve their economic

wellbeing.

Speaking in Otu-Jeremi, Ughelli South Local

Government Area of the state, the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Micro-Credit, Dr. Antonia Ashiedu, commended the over 1,000 youths, who turned up at

group line of business and commended the Delta State

Otughievwen for the presentation of the DMCP loans

Government for reaching out to the poor. 

certificates to clients.

Ashiedu said the youths in the state are not bereft

of ideas, but are hampered by lack of access to financial facility to better their lot. She said the interest-free DMCP loan is designed to give them a fresh start in life.

She identified lack of financial discipline as one

major factor inimical to the growth and development of such laudable schemes and therefore implored DMCP clients from Otu-Jeremi, Imode, Oginibo, Ekakpamre and Ophori-Olomu, to imbibe financial discipline and also learn to start small and watch their businesses grow. 

54

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

Cheer As DMCP Disburses Loan Certificate

A

total of 4,378 persons in 430 cluster group have been presented with micro-credit loans in Ughelli South, and North, Uvwie, Warri North and Ethiope

East local government areas of Delta State.

The Executive Assistant to the state Governor on

Micro-Credit, Dr. Antonia Ashiedu, gave this breakdown in Eku, during the presentation of loans certificates to 984

According to her, the absence of white collar jobs has

made it imperative for people to develop entrepreneurial skills in order to escape the poverty trap. Dr. Ashiedu, who was particularly impressed by the ingenuity of unique fashion hats and bead makers, a cluster group made up of young girls who specialized in hat-making through locally made materials, pledged the state government assistant in the development of their trades.

Managing Director of Macrod Microfinance Bank, Edward

Oaikhena, said 1,698 persons in 168 cluster groups have benefited from the scheme in Eku, Ethiope East LGA alone. ď‚­

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

55

News Report

individuals in 98 cluster groups.

Ojevwe Potato Farmers Praised

E

News Report

xecutive Assistant to the

TOMATO GRINDING GROUP

- Agbor

I

n the olden days in parts of the then Mid-Western Nigeria, one of the criteria used to access the marriageable credentials of women was if she could grind tomatoes and pepper into a fine paste or using a grinding stone. It was a

tedious process which required a lot of energy and meticulous application to ensure that all the tomatoes and pepper do not end up on the floor.

Delta State Governor on

Micro-Credit, Dr. Antonia

to be seen as a major addition in every woman's kitchen, albeit symbolic and some

Ashiedu, has commended Ojevwe

traditional families have even continued to insist that a grinding test be performed

Potato Farmers cluster group for the full repayment of the DMCP loan

Even with the advent of the electric blender, the grinding stone still continues

by the wife-to-be just to see how domesticated she is.

But in Agbor, a group of women have raised the bar and taken grinding to a

new level by turning the act in profitable venture by setting up a cluster group

they took.

whose main occupation is to save women the tedious process of using the grinding

stone to do business. 

Ashiedu, who appealed to

other cluster groups to toe the same line, said poverty is not Godmade and can only be reversed through discipline, hard work and determination.

The team leader of the group, Mr.

Jonathan Omorubu said they were able to repay promptly because the fund was used judiciously.

He said the DMCP loan has

impacted positively on the cluster group’s line of business, and commended the Delta State government for reaching out to the poor. 

56

Dmcp Commissions Plantain Flour Factory

A

factory which processes plantain into flour has been commissioned in Delta State.

Akanaon Plantain Flour factory owned

by Mrs Roselyn Akoyere, a client of the Delta State Micro-Credit Programme (DMCP) is located in Oteri in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.

At its commissioning presided over by the Executive Assistant to the State Governor on Micro-Credit, Dr. Antonia Ashiedu, on behalf of the governor, the state government assured the people of its commitment to the rapid industrialisation of the area.

Ashiedu said the plantain factory is built in compliance with the health standards of the country.

She attributed the success of the flour

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

factory to the entrepreneurial spirit of the cluster group. She also said the technical and financial assistance rendered by DMCP played a major role in its establishment.

The state chairman, Plantain Farmers Association, Delta State chapter, Joshua Adjarho, expressed happiness for the financial and technical assistance given to farmers by the Delta State Government.

In her remark, the proprietress of Akanon Plantain Flour, Roseline Akoyere, lauded Gov Uduaghan, saying his resilience and commitment to poverty eradication is worthy of emulation.

Akanon Plantain Flour factory is the first of its kind in the country and is duly registered by relevant regulatory agencies. 

Uk Fish Merchants Applaud DMCP Fish Farmers

A

visiting team of United Kingdom-based investors has harped on the need for

the nation to embrace agriculture in order to enhance food production.

The leader of the U.K investors,

Lanre Adedipe, said this at an interactive session with officials of the Delta State Micro-Credit Programme (DMCP) at Ekpan, Uvwie assessment tour of some fish farms in the state.

The Executive Assistant to the

state Governor on Micro-Credit, Dr.

Director, Nigerian Institute of

are about the largest industries in the

Antonia Ashiedu who described the

Oceanography and Marine Research,

world. It is not oil. If everybody takes

fish merchants as good ambassadors

Dr. Jide Ayinla, told newsmen that the

to fish production and agricultural

of the country, assured that

nation stands to gain more if policies

farming, then the country will be

everything was being done by the

are initiated to give impetus to food

better for it. And the youths will have

state government to give agriculture

production.

jobs, and it is jobs for life. ”

its pride of place.

"Agriculture and Tourism are about the largest industries in the world, it is not oil".

Ashiedu, who led the tour of

Ekpan, Ugboroke and Crusaders' fish ponds, said the support programme has enabled the farmers to realise their full agricultural potential.

The Regional Director, Bank

of Industry, Joseph Babatunde, described the assessment tour as an

Ayinla whose institute has

assisted fish farmers in Delta State, echoed similar sentiments, saying “in terms of agriculture, we can have investment in fish production, fish feed production and fish processing production. It can take all levels of different kinds of investments. At the level of fishery, we are talking about

eye-opener on the vast potentials

available in fish production,

Director of Asiko House of Food based

Nigeria, we are only exploring 0–50

promising that the bank will assist

in the UK, cited the examples of Iceland

miles depth of water. Down beyond

fish farmers with mill plants and dry

and Ireland, where he said agriculture

it is virgin. It means we have a lot of

fish processing plants to enable them

and tourism have boosted their

resources that we are not making use

meet the export market standard.

economies.

of at all.” 

Adedipe and the Executive

Adedipe, who is also the Managing

industrial fisheries. Right now in

His words: “Agriculture and tourism

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

57

News Report

Local Government Area while on an

World Bank impressed with DMCP

R

ecently, a team

a lot of things that we did not know

of World Bank

about while we were out there in Abuja.

officials was in the

And I think that if these things are

state to determine

Interview

ways of partnering

financed, the state stands a chance of alleviating a sizeable portion of

with its government on human capital

poverty. So, I think the state needs

development, particularly micro-credit.

some encouragement and that is why

In this interview with DMCP Journal,

the World Bank is here. We are here to

the leader of the team and Human

actually support what the state is doing,

Development Sector Leader of the Bank, Prof. Folorunso Okwunmadewa, expresses his warm impressions on the state’s effort in alleviating poverty. Excerpts: What is your assessment of Delta State’s poverty alleviation efforts?

I honestly believe that Delta State government is moving in the right direction. I have been here for a couple of days now talking to government officials about the programme we are running in the areas of youth’s development, job creation, community development and so on. I think we are beginning to see

58

properly coordinated and effectively

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

make it more effective and more result – oriented.

Specially, we (the World Bank) are

quite happy with the Micro-Credit Programme because, in other climes, it would have been marred by political manipulations. Consequently, one would have noticed that the real people it was intended to assist, the commoners, are not the actual beneficiaries. But with what we have seen, particularly the array of microcredit assisted products all over the place and the calibers of cluster groups behind these products, only point to the fact that the credit went to the right persons.

We also like the partnership that

exists between the Delta Micro-Credit Programme and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) aside other relevant

agencies of government, including the Micro-Credit Insurance Programme.

So, in all, we think the state government is doing the right things and the World Bank is quite happy about it.

How exactly can the World Bank support the state government in this regard?

What the World Bank normally does

in any state is to look at what is already being done with a view to determining the challenges confronting such a state and then assist it to take care of the challenges. As it stands now, we are still talking with the Delta State government; we are still studying what they are doing and where they claimed that there are challenges and gaps. It that we can specifically say that we can assist in so and so areas.

Everyone including the World Bank is quick to cite Bangladesh and other countries as places where micro-credit has succeeded. Can’t the Federal Government evolve a successful microcredit programme that will attract global attention?

The Federal Government has a lot

of micro-credit schemes, but not many are successful. When we go round as an institution to offer technical advice (we do not only give credit, we also offer technical advice), what we use as example are the things that have happened in other countries like Bangladesh, Indonesia, Mexico and others where they have even moved up to what is called Micro-Credit Plus.

However, the point here is that we

don’t have to go that far if we have a

programme so that you can affect the

have in Delta State. It is for the above

ultra poor. You take those who are not

reason that I have suggested that in

economically active, train them and

the event of any programme involving

equip them with some skills before

micro-credit, they should let us know so

setting them up with a starter-pack

that we can invite some other persons

which is the micro-credit that we have

who need to know that this is the

been talking about. ď‚­

right way to go about it. Others need to know how to do it right because poverty knows no boundary. You can eradicate poverty in Delta State and it would still remain because unless the neighboring states succeed in achieving the same result, there will be influx of other poor people into the state such that at the end of the day, the situation remains the same.

So, it is better that we spread the

good practice to others. Typical of Nigerians, we love to replicate other people success. We are hoping that can also happen in running micro-credit programme.

How does the micro-credit differ from the micro-credit plus module you earlier mentioned?

"With what we have seen, particularly the array of microcredit assisted products all over the place and the calibers of cluster groups behind these products, only point to the fact that the credit went to the right persons."

Micro-credit plus requires that you

build skills training into micro-credit

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

59

Interview

is when we are through with the talks

successful programme like what you

Photo Gallery

25

Local Government Councils

in Delta State

DELTA STATE

MICRO-CREDIT PROGRAMME

... prosperity for all deltans

Aniocha - North 62

DMCP Clients

Dr. Antonia Ashiedu Executive Assistant to Governor Uduaghan on Micro Credit, in an handshake with a DMCP client, while presenting a loan.

The Akara Cluster group of Onicha-Ugbo

Leader of the Akara group, dance to the admiration of many, soon after receiving her groups, loan disbursement certificate.

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

Aniocha - South

Dr. Antonia Ashiedu, (standing) addressing DMCP clients in Ubulu-Uku.

Emeritus Professor Kamene Okonjo, wife of the Obi of Ogwashi-uku, present a DMCP certificate to a client.

Starch made by a DMCP client.

Ugbo-Ogede local plantain pudding

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

63

Bomadi

DMCP clients involve in petty trading.

Bishop Hyacinth Egbebo presenting a DMCP certificate to a client.

DMCP clients during a loan disbursement event.

Amanowei of Bomadi, present a DMCP loan disbursement certificate to a rural woman involved in petty trading.

Dr. Antonia Ashiedu, Executive Assistant on Micro Credit, present a DMCP loan disbursement certificate to a client.

64

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

Cross section of DMCP clients during loan disbursement exercise.

Burutu

Staff of DMCP in a boatride to Burutu, on a loan disbursement mission.

True face of the riverine community in Burutu.

Smoked fish - a typical occupational skill of Burutu people.

Periwinkle

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

65

Ethiope - East

Finished products of Ethiope-East Hat makers.

Cross section of DMCP clients.

Waterleaf

L-R, A client of the programme, receiving her cluster group's loan certificate from Chairman, Macrod MFB, Chief Paul Amrasa

Palm Oil.

66

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

Ethiope - West

Palmwine tappers tool, common features in Ethiope-West

A DMCP client, receiving her loan certificate with smiles.

Okro.

Clients of the Programme, during a loan disbursement exercise.

Palm kernel

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

67

Ika North-East

Appreciative applauses from clients of the programme in Owa Oyibo

Shoes made by DMCP clients.

Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, honourable Sam Obi, present DMCP certificate to a client.

Obi of Owa Kingdom, HRH Dr. Emmanuel Efezimor, felicitate with Dr. Antonia Ashiedu, during courtesy call by DMCP team.

Heaps of Cassava, a typical produce of Ika people.

68

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

Delightful clients in joyous mood.

Ika South

Chin-chin from Ika South.

Chief Mrs. Margaret Amaechi, present DMCP loan certificate to a client.

Palm oil

Pineapple

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

69

Isoko North

Dr. Antonia Ashiedu looks on as leader of St. Annes Women Cluster Group makes a commendation remarks on DMCP activity.

A client receiving a loan certificate from Rev. Godspower Agbuduta, special Adviser to Governor Uduaghan on Religious Affairs.

Palm Oil.

A cluster group involved in bicycle repairs.

A long roll of DMCP clients during disbursement exercise.

70

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

Isoko South

Clients of DMCP queing to receive their disbursement certificate.

DMCP clients.

A tailoring cluster group, during a loan certificate presentation exercise.

Appreciative DMCP clients.

L-R, a client of DMCP, in an handshake with MD, IC-Global Bank, Chief Oyibo, during a loan disbursement exerscise.

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

71

Ndokwa East

Clients of DMCP.

L – R, HRH Johnson Ekpechi Ulu, Ezemu of Emu Kingdom, present a DMCP loan certificate to a client, recently.

L – R, Chief I. B. Ochonogor, Chairman Aspire Microfinance Bank, presents a DMCP loan certificate to a client, during credit disbursement exercise.

Plantain farmers cluster group.

Dr. Antonia Ashiedu, Executive Assistant on Micro Credit, in a handshake with a client, during loan certificate presentation.

72

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

Ndokwa West

Cross section of DMCP clients listening to instructions on Micro Credit, during a recent loan disbursement exercise.

A community leader gives DMCP certificate to a client.

A handicapped client of DMCP, being presented a loan disbursement certificate by Dr. Antonia Ashiedu, recently.

Clients of DMCP in a single file, during a loan disbursement exercise.

DMCP clients in joyful mood, after receiving their loans certificate.

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

73

Okpe

Clients of the Programme, during a loan disbursement exercise

Smoked fish cluster group.

Madam Bibiana Ikpeba, pose with Dr. Ashiedu during a recent disbursement exercise on the 2nd of September, 2010.

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D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

Catfish from Okpe

Oshimili North

Clients of the programme with Dr. Ashiedu, on arrival to disburse loan.

Tomatoes

Corn.

Plantain of Oshimili people.

Physically challenged clients involves in hair making.

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

75

Oshimili South

Shoes made in Asaba.

76

Organic Yams from oko-ogbole

Works of beads in bags and flower vases.

DMCP clients in joyous mood as their hope is fulfilled.

Cross section of clients of DMCP

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

Clients of DMCP in a dance with Dr. Antonia Ashiedu, (Middle) after receiving their loan certificates.

Patani

Crayfish.

Madiga Bread at Tuomo.

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

77

Sapele

Mrs. Morgan's Ajimele Palm Oil cluster group.

DMCP Clients

Shoe makers

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D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

Garri.

Coral beads

Udu

L – R, A client of DMCP (Smiling) while receiving his group's loan

Happy clients of DMCP embracing one another after receiving their loan disbursement certificate.

Bead makers of Udu.

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

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Ughelli North

Cardigan of Ughelli.

Dr. Ashiedu, admire a product of a Cardigan cluster group.

Beautiful hats from Ughelli.

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D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

DMCP clients

Ughelli South

Clients of the Delta Micro Credit Programme, in a joyful mood, soon after receiving their loans disbursement certificate with Dr. Antonia Ashiedu, Executive Assistant on Micro Credit, addressing them.

Dr. Antonia Ashiedu, Executive Assistant to Governor Uduaghan on Micro Credit, in an handshake with Chief Andrew Disi, Chiarman Ughievwen Microfinance Bank.

Dr. Antonia Ashiedu Executive Assistant Micro Credit to Governor Uduaghan,

Cassava.

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

81

Ukwani

Clients of the programme during a disbursement exercise

82

Dr. Antonia Ashiedu, presenting a loan disbursement certificate to a client.

MD Wetland Microfinance Bank, present a DMCP certificate to a client.

Happy clients after receiving their loans.

DMCP clients.

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

Uvwie

Govt Uduaghan at Ekpan fish farm.

Soap made in Uvwie.

Dr. Antonia Ashiedu, Sandwiched by clients of DMCP, after a successful loan disbursement event.

Women involved in concrete mixing and extraneous labour in building sites alias 'Konkri Women' being empowered to go into less extraneous jobs.

Govt Uduaghan at Ekpan fish farm throwing feedmill while other government officials watch with interest.

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83

Warri North

A woman with her child during a fishing expedition - a typical way of life in Niger Delta region.

A DMCP client receives his cluster group loan certificate from a community leader, Papa Edeward Gbaragada in Koko.

Periwinkle, a delicacy common in Warri North.

Dry fish, produce of DMCP clients.

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D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

Warri South

Dr. Antonia Ashiedu (with shoe) explaining a point to shoe makers cluster group, while MD Wetland Microfinance Bank looks on.

Commercial life of riverine communities.

Spices

Snail

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85

Warri South-West

Happy DMCP clients, in joyous mood with Dr. Ashiedu after receiving their interest-free loan certificates.

Fresh Pepper

Fishing trap.

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D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

Plantain.

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AGBARHO MICROFINANCE BANK

‘Dmcp Shows Government’s Heart For The Poor’

T

he Managing Director of Agbarho Microfinance Bank, Mr. E.A. Fregene, has described the Delta Micro-Credit Programme as one of the boldest steps in the fight against poverty eradication in the state. In a statement, Mr. Fregene says the DMCP is a “concerted effort to eradicate, nurture and possibly change the psyche of the average

Deltan on Poverty Eradication effort”. He says the DMCP experience has shown that human beings are willing to improve on themselves if given the opportunity to do so”.

Meanwhile, DMCP clients-Palm Wine Tappers, Joy Rental Services, Ohrerhe Cassava Mill, and Ejovwo Palm Tree Farmers

have commended the Delta State Government for having the poor at heart. They attributed the change in standards of living

The MFBs

to the ability to buy new milling engines which has resulted in better output.

However, they appealed to the State Government to ensure that the programme outlived this administration in order for

their businesses to grow into small-scale enterprises. 

T

BROADBASE MICROFINANCE NEWS

he Broadbase Microfinance

drawn from Bomadi, Burutu and Patani

Bank Limited has lauded

local government areas.

the efforts of the Delta State

government in empowering the rural

Group in Oguboeded quarters,

and urban poor in Bomadi and its

Kpakioma and the Core Contemporary

environs. In a statement, the bank‘s

Arts, Akugbene say the DMCP has

Managing Director, Mary Koyaya

opened a new vista of hope and

described the poverty alleviation effort

opportunities in their businesses.

through the Delta State Micro-Credit

Programme (DMCP) as a thing of joy for

the growth of their business in the

the people.

acquisition of new and modern carving

instruments that have helped in mass

“It is a programme which has

“The DMCP loans have boosted

touched many lives and has changed

production of art works and better

their destiny for the better,” she said.

finishing,” they said.

Koyaya said many cottage industries

have progressed to small-scale

Bomadi Women Cassava Processing

businesses through the financial

Group and Palm Oil Sellers, Korobiri,

support of the programme. She

said the interest-free loan has upped

described as soul-lifting, the financial

sales and improved profit margin. 

impact the DMCP has had on clients

88

Meanwhile, the Plantain Sellers

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

In a related development, the

Adaigbo Microfinance Bank

Proud Partner

ANIOCHA MICRO FINANCE BANK

T

he Managing director of Aniocha Microfinance Bank, Sylvester Ogboh, has lauded

where 58 groups, that is, 588 persons

Microfinance Bank Limited,

are benefiting from this current year.

Ogwashi-Uku, says the company

We have never had it so good. The

is proud to partner with the Delta

people of Aniocha South are very

State Micro-Credit Programme

grateful to the state governor and

in its effort to lift Deltans out of

his executive assistant,” Mr. Okozi

poverty.

stressed.

A

the Delta Micro-Credit Programme, for its positive and life-changing impact on the people of the community.

Ogboh, who described the bank’s

experience with the DMCP as eventful, said the initial nine cluster groups which were the first set of clients, have

The MD, however, appealed to

risen to 155 cluster groups within

ccording to the bank, the

the beneficiaries to judiciously use

two years of operation. Hear him: “It is

micro-credit programme of

the money for the purpose for which

gratifying to note that many people

the Delta State government

they were given, while urging them

took advantage of this programme to

has greatly affected about 2,488

to promptly pay back the loan as that

better their lot and by the end of the

persons within Aniocha South

is the only way they stand the chance

first year, 868 people from 155 cluster

Council Area alone.

of getting more money.

groups had been empowered through

The Managing Director of the

In her remark, the Executive

our office”.

bank, Mr. Nnamudi Okozi, said that

Assistant to the Governor on Micro

with the laudable programme, more

Credit, Dr. Antonia Ashiedu, urged the

and more people have already been

beneficiaries not to misuse the loan,

lifted up above the poverty level.

explaining that the loan is open to

His words: “We are so grateful

those who pay back what they have

to the governor of Delta State, Dr.

received as they stand the chance of

Emmanuel Uduaghan, for his people-

getting more.

oriented programme, especially the

DMCP ably piloted by Dr. Antonia

to ensure that they use the loan to

Ashiedu.

enhance their wellbeing, adding that

is what the programme is designed

said it has revolutionized the concept of

for. 

on-lending as exemplified by the DMCP.

“Today, we are here for the

certificates presentation ceremony

She advised the beneficiaries

He said the interest-free loans of the

DMCP have boosted the operations of the bank to reach the poor who are in the majority in the community.

In apparent reference to the success

stories of the barbers association in Issele-Uku, akara women group and palm oil group, both from Onicha Ugbo, the head of Aniocha Microfinance Bank



D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

89

The MFBs

MANAGEMENT of Adaigbo

IC-GLOBAL MICROFINANCE BANK LTD. Microfinance Bank, Female Entrepreneurs Hail Dmcp

The MFBs

T

“In Isoko and Ndokwa communities,

transformation of their businesses as a

the lives of people have been

dream come true.

transformed,” he said. “Many poor

people who had ideas but no money

Association, made up of women,

to put their ideas into reality have

attributed their ability to contribute to

overcome this handicap due to DMCP

the upkeep of the house to the financial

loans”.

support of the DMCP.

Lucky said the continuation of the

The Emiovo Palm Oil Dealers

he Managing Director, IC-

Global Microfinance Bank,

programme became necessary in view

higher institutions with ease,” they said.

Omoyibo Lucky has appealed

of the large-scale poverty in the land.

“Our husbands are relieved because we

to the Delta State government to

Also, the associations of yoghurt

are able to support in the upkeep of the

continue to empower the urban and

producers, Emamokugbe traders, garri

house”.

rural poor in the state through the

sellers, and palm oil entrepreneurs

instrumentality of the Delta Micro-

in the state have expressed their

programme in 2007, over 285 cluster

Credit Programme.

appreciation to the Governor

groups which is made up of 3,015

Emmanuel Uduaghan for setting up the

persons have been empowered in Isoko

has stimulated a new wave of

Delta Micro-Credit Programme.

and Ndokwa Communities. 

entrepreneurial spirit in the people of

Isoko and Ndokwa.

savour their successes described the

Lucky says the programme

90

The entrepreneurs who now

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

“We are training our children in

Since the inception of the

Delta’s Industrial seed sprouts

Microfinance

A Tool for National Development View Point

By: Amaechi Udemba

In advanced economies, the challenge of saving and making payments was sorted out long ago. All that the individual needed to do was open a bank account and everything fell into place. In developing economies like Nigeria, many people operate no accounts and have been in different kinds of crisis.

I

92

n 2005, the Central

Micro Credit Programme (DMCP)

Bank of Nigeria (CBN)

between 2007-2009, coupled with

resolved the problem

other stress-free credit facilities offered

when it introduced

by microfinance banks , it is clear that

formal microfinance in

micro-financing, if properly managed,

the country. Though

can serve as a veritable tool for national

experts like Dr. Ndidi

development.

Edozien, President, Growing Business

Foundation, believe that microfinance

Adaigbo Microfinance Bank, a DMCP

dates back to the “Susu” days, a good

partner, echoed similar sentiments

number of the poor did not start

when asked to examine the role

making any bank account transactions

of microfinance in the economic

until this bold step from the CBN.

development of the country.

Nine hundred microfinance banks

Nnamdi Okozie, Managing Director,

Hear him: “The idea of microfinance

have been licenced as at December

banking is to empower the rural active

31, 2009. Out of that number, 29 are

poor. Some of these people have ideas

located in Delta State, the second

on how to make money, but have no

highest in the south-south zone.

access to fund. So, our role is to provide

Judging from the 51,186 active but

them these funds, so that they can

economically weak people who have

contribute toward the development

been empowered through the Delta

of our economy. If the poor farmer has

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

microfinance - a tool for national development money to farm then he will produce

government has promised not just to

enough food to feed our teeming

sustain the tempo, but to make the

population. If the youths have money

rural and urban poor stakeholders in

to open a re-charge card shop, they get

the economic development of the

employed. If a youth opens a barbing

state. Governor Uduaghan gave this

salon, he gets employed. By so doing,

assurance in Abuja soon after receiving

more people will get employed. And

the coveted award from the CBN. He

the more people are employed the

said “In 2010, we have budgeted more

bigger our economy will be”.

money than we did in the previous

years because the programme has

For the national economy to

grow, then lending to petty traders,

become acceptable…”

artisans and other economically weak

individuals without collateral should

a client of the DMCP, is one such

be encouraged and sustained. Recent

stakeholder. They won the most

statistics released by the CBN shows

marketed product

that countries like India, Bangladesh,

/service award

Malaysia, etc, have made a huge success

under the

of this developmental initiative.

Best

In Nigeria, with over 140 million

The Ireyeesorie dry spices group,

"Micro financing can be a solution to the Niger Delta problem for it could provide sustainable economic growth to improve lives. Economic growth reduces hunger which in turn wipes out anger which is at the root of the crises in the Niger Delta Region" - Gov Emmanuel Uduaghan



View Point

people, 70% of which are poor and have no access to credit in a conventional banking environment, makes it imperative for us as a people to encourage the federal, state and local governments to adopt the micro-credit concept as a tool for national development.

Delta State, under Governor

Emmanuel Uduaghan, has taken the lead. In recognition of the giant impact the state has made in microfinancing, the CBN, in 2009 and 2010, adjudged the state as the Best support State Government under the Microfinance Small/Middle Scale category and also the 1st runner-up under the Agric Credit Guarantee Scheme trust fund model.

The Delta State

93

microfinance - a tool for national development Micro Entrepreneur, at the CBN 4th

will collect the loan and when it is

for the small firms and low-income

Annual Microfinance Conference/

time to pay back he hires a lawyer

individuals. In Bangladesh, Zambia,

Entrepreneurship Awards in Abuja. This

and an accountant but the farmer

Bolivia and Nicaragua, Microfinance

group, registered as a multipurpose

does not want to be harassed; he

institutions have overtaken banks

cooperative society in 1999; today it is

gets easily embarrassed. So for us, the

in the number of clients and now

one of the big players in the making

programme has also proven like what

have three times more borrowers

of indigenous spices for export, many

is happening elsewhere that the poor

than the commercial banks. This can

thanks to the DMCP. They have spices

are creditworthy, has happened in

be replicated in Nigeria. All that is

for different kinds of soup and sauces:

Delta State” says Dr. Antonia Ashiedu,

required is for government at all levels

pepper soup, instant banga, palm oil

Executive Assistant to the Delta State

to make adequate provisions for the

juice, dry vegetable, dry crayfish, instant

Governor on Micro-Credit.

development of the microfinance

Ogbono and Onugbu. These spices

were subjected to laboratory tests at

focused on increased access to credit

It follows that emphasis should be

the Federal Institution of Industrial Research, Oshodi and at the National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and were found to be suitable for consumption.

View Point

CBN governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi

said one criterion that earned Delta State the award was its ability to “follow through”.

He said: “You saw a group that

started with nothing, but now they are exporting to Europe. They actually have a representative over there. They are exporting basic spices use for food.

You saw the production of traditional beads which we can source with local materials. It now has solid export market. The materials being produced now out of Delta State will compete with those being produced in Ghana.

And that is the kind of things we expect state government to do.”

Clients of the DMCP such as small

traders, farmers pay back their loans promptly and without hassle. So the fears expressed in some quarters on the creditworthiness of these categories of people are unfounded.

“It is empirical evidence everywhere

in the world; it is accepted now that the so-called farmer pays back his loan. It is the big men, rich men that

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D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

sector in their annual budget. 

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Entrepreneur

A Sweet Tale of

Akara

Empowerment

T Mrs. Theresa Uzoka, President Akara Women Cluster Group Onicha-Ugbo

96

he pleasant aroma

Mrs. Theresa Osei, a beautiful

filled the air, blending

African woman, sat in a wooden chair

with the chirping

nodding and humming to traditional

melody of tiny birds. A

songs.

gentle wind caressed

Before her was a wide frying pan

the tree branches, causing them to

sitting on a metal tripod. A small fire

sway gently by the tarred road to

blazed underneath as she stirred

Ogbe-Owelle quarters in Onicha-Ugbo,

the rounded akara (bean cake) balls

a small sleepy town in Aniocha-North

swimming in the steaming oil in the

Local Government Area of Delta State.

frying pan. A smile beamed on her

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

face as she attended to the customers

paid into our account at Aniocha North

pray that the Almighty Father will bless

standing and waiting patiently before

Microfinance Bank.

those that gave us the money, and that

her for the bean cakes to brown up into

customers will come to buy our akara

tasty snacks. To many of her customers,

Now, how have you utilized the second

from those of us who are DMCP clients

it is irresistible breakfast. She has taken

loan?

so that we will be able to pay back.

her spot diligently by the junction near

the Obi's palace since the Delta Micro-

beans, onions, pepper, wood and

Credit Programme (DMCP) visited them

gallons of groundnut oil.

We also used it to buy bags of What additional support is your group anticipating from DMCP?

in Onicha Ugbo.

Victoria Okwuoma, secretary of the

How was your business faring before

group adds:

called the Akara Group, registered

the DMCP loan?

with the DMCP. For her and the other

members of the group, the DMCP credit

credit. After returning the money to

are appealing to the DMCP to help us

has provided them not only a means

the owner, I had nothing left. But since

build a shop for our cluster members.

of livelihood, but also pride and an

the DMCP loan, things have been a bit

We need a shop with chairs, so that

identity as well as empowered them to

better. I now use the money as my own.

customers will have where to buy and

cater for their families.

I use it judiciously and profitably. We

eat akara. ď‚­

She belongs to the cluster group

It was difficult. I was buying on

First, we appreciate the Executive

Assistant for assisting us. However, we

Mrs. Osei reveals more in this

interview. Excerpts:

Entrepreneur

How did your cluster group use the first loan?

We used the loan to buy bags of

beans, gallons of oil and wood to fry the akara. The wood is expensive, but the loan assisted us to buy these items in large quantity and at a cheap rate too.

How did it impact on your business?

It helped us a lot. Patronage became

very high. People could now buy akara in bulk. Before, we could only fry small quantities of akara. This development

DMCP Clients at work.

translated into cash and the market has grown now.

Your group has repaid the first loan and you are enjoying the second one.

How were you able to repay the first loan?

We were able to repay by tasking

all cluster members to contribute a certain amount monthly to pay back to the microfinance bank. The secretary of our cluster group then joined and

Disbursement day at Issele-uku Aniocha North LGA.

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

97

Dmcp is Last Hope for

Clients

EconomicallyDisadvantaged ď ´

Mrs. Roseline Akoyere, a DMCP client, specializes in the making of plantain flour.

In this interview, she says, among other things, that the micro-credit programme is a platform of hope for the economically disadvantaged in the state. Excerpts: Tell us the challenges you faced as a plantain flour entrepreneur?

The major challenge was finance. The fund to start and to continue wasn't there. All this while, I had been managing my little

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D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

resources as a civil servant. I am now registered with Delta State Ministry of Commerce and Industry. From there, they picked me as one of their entrepreneur exhibitors in one of their trade fairs. I have been going along with them on national and international trade fairs. From there, I faced another challenge. I had to register with the Corporate Affairs Commission. Then I had another challenge of registering with NAFDAC. That was where I came to a halt. I had to slow down because the fund wasn't there. But then, as God will have it, I met with Dr. Ashiedu. She said, Madam, you are into plantain flour.

I said yes. She said, I should go and submit application for loan.

How did you meet Dr. Ashiedu?

The first day, I heard over the

business?

plantain flour business. It really boosted

programme. They were going to start

my business. The loan also helped me

from Oshimili South, I think in 2007.

that I now started to pursue NAFDAC

to expand and improve on the business

I attended the sensitization programme.

registration number. But on another

premises and hiring of more workers.

I travelled to Asaba. At the event, we

visit I made to Dr. Ashiedu’s office, she

Now, the issue of NAFDAC registration

were told that the sensitization exercise

told me the money I got from Macrod

too has been completed (she displays a

will cover the whole state. We were also

Microfinance Bank will not go anywhere

NAFDAC registration certificate).

advised to register our businesses. That

and that I should apply to Oceanic

was when I went for this registration

Bank, a DMCP partner. I was very happy

How do you feel as a Deltan to see a

(she brandishes a C. A. C. certificate).

and applied to DOMSA (Delta Oceanic

government that made a promise and

If you look at the certificate, Akanon

Micro Credit Scheme Account). Dr.

fulfilled it?

Plantain flour was registered in 2008.

Ashiedu made every effort to see that

After that, I went to DMCP office to

Oceanic gave me the loan with which I

this thing (DMCP) will materialize to

see Dr. Ashiedu. "I never knew she

was able to buy all the machines for my

this level. It is beyond my expectations.

The loan helped me to the extent

I am overwhelmed. I never knew

knows me to that extent", she said,

All along I had been meeting

"go and submit your loan application".

Commissioners but it did not help. But

She recommended me to Macrod

with the DMCP, I give gratitude to God

Microfinance Bank. But I said Macrod is

and Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan

the teacher's bank. That was the remark

who made this programme available

I made, because I never took it seriously.

in Delta State. And more so, the one

I was saying, Can this bank assist one

the Governor has chosen to handle this

in need of money? Well, I submitted

programme. In short, she is a perfect

the application. Later, we were invited

woman. She does everything possible

to Ughelli before my cluster group

to make sure that the loan gets to the

migrated to the second window of

grassroots. There is no issue of hijacking

DMCP where we got a bigger loan.

it by the big men and taking everything away. The Executive Assistant to the

How has this loan helped your

Governor has done more

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L



99

Clients

television about the sensitization

than expected. We thank Governor

How has your business impacted on

What advice do you have for other

Uduaghan for having a heart for the

your immediate family?

women who are at home doing

poor.

nothing?

Even now that I have not started

exporting, my family income has

What is the future for Akanon Plantain

increased. We can now afford basic

business already. If you recall, Mrs.

Flour with support from DMCP?

things of life. As soon as we sell, the

Woods (the spice maker) Madam

profit is used to meet domestic financial

Whegbere (the rice Farmer) and my

the sense that, from here, we are

requirements. By the time we start

humble self are retired school heads

meeting with the Nigerian Export

exporting, it will go a long way in

that have gone into business. We have

Promotion Council. This is the body that

making all of us smile. Everybody that

been encouraging other women to

recommends products for export. I have

has received this loan is happy. This is

start business and apply to DMCP once

registered with them. All I need do now

the first time that this kind of thing is

they have retired. We have told them to

is to take further steps to actualize our

happening in Delta State, that loan is

form a cluster group, apply for DMCP

dream of exporting Akanon Plantain

given to people without interest, but

loans and the rest is history.

Flour to the outside world. Once that

enough flexible conditions to repay. It

Thank you very much. ď‚­

is achieved, I can now contribute

has helped to promote their businesses.

meaningfully to the family unit because

It is a wonderful initiative.

The sky is our limit. I say this in

Clients

it will usher in new wealth to my family.

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D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

I think some of them are into

Seasoned Teacher Speaks On Her

Spices

Clients

Madam Ireyeesorise Akumagba-Woods is a renowned maker of spices based in Warri. A recipient of several national and international awards, which includes the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Most Marketed Product/Service Award under the Best Micro-Entrepreneur, Woods is a client of the Delta Micro-Credit Programme.

In this interview with Amaechi Udemba, she speaks on the role of DMCP in her business and her dream for the future.

Excerpts:

102

Why did you go into spice-making?

of preparing our Nigerian dishes made

it difficult to meet the time frame of

It all started in 1984. I was still

in the Ministry of Education, in the

the examination for the food section

department of Home Economics,

of the subject, more so, when students

Arts and Culture. While there, I felt

opted for English dishes to prepare

that students of Home Economics,

rather than our own local dishes. Take

apart from learning how to prepare

the pepper soup for example, as a first

British, American, French and German

course. To take the different spices to

dishes, should also be exposed to

make an appetiser, students wasted

more Nigerian dishes. As an inspector,

all their time. So, in cooking Nigerian

I found out that the cumbersome way

dishes they failed. So I pondered over

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

this problem.

Money has been provided for us to buy

preserving meat, etc.

modern equipment. When, we go into What were the challenges you faced

operation. We will be able to compete

Now, you have won Awards. How will

before you met the DMCP?

at the world market favourably. Our

they impact on your business?

spices even at this level are accepted

help us. Apart from the orthodox

all over the world. We have people

the publicity given to it by the CBN and

wooden items, that we were using, we

selling in America, in England, in France,

the state has been making our business

also used stones and hammers to crack.

in South Africa, in Rome, in Australia.

to grow so fast, faster than it has been

And so before government came in,

These are a few countries I have

for years. We are having demands right

it was really very hard. We worked all

counted. We have covered all the states

and left, both home and even abroad.

day, all night, to meet the demands.

all over Nigeria.

People want to distribute, some want to

We needed machines that could

But since the government came in, and

Since the awards came in January,

buy and sell, even some others want to

supported us with money, we have

What’s the future of your business as

come and learn. I'm a seasoned teacher.

been able to buy grinding and cracking

you can see?

You must have a school for people to

machines. Now after we got all these,

learn where all the details about spice

we found out that our product was

are God's gifts to Delta State and more

more internationally accepted. Then, we

of them are in Delta South. Our people

had to get modern machines to make

have been using spices for ages. Like

our packaging compete favourably in

you may have heard, Itsekiri women

the world market. Again, we appealed

discovered it centuries ago and kept

to the Delta State government and

it secret. When they prepared food,

approval was given for us to buy those

people everywhere appreciated. People

machines. Also we appealed again

used to think they used charms, love

to the state government that our

potion. No! It was the spices which you

temporary site was becoming too tight

can find in our forest, river, which were

for us. Now a permanent site has been

exclusively used by them and hidden.

approved.

They are God's given spices. Remember,

The sky is just the limit. The spices

making will be taught.ď‚­

Clients

the bible says, we have the spice of life.

What’s your experience with DOMSA?

These spices will stay forever because

God wants them for good appetisers.

With the Executive Assistant on

Micro Credit on our side, we have now

They are medicinal too. The spices

moved from micro to a bigger one now.

can also be used for bathing, cooking,

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103

A Civil War Veteran Who

Defied Disability - Victor Mordi

Clients

H

e was humming a popular tune I remember when I was a soldier as we entered his barbing shop. A combatant during the civil war, he could have gone to accompany the song with a befitting march but for the injuries sustained in that war that left him with a limp.

But Victor Mordi is a man of steel and will let nothing break him down. In this interview, Mordi who chairs the Cluster Group of Aniocha Barbers Association, Issele-Uku tells how the DMCP helped him along.

Excerpts: Tell us what you did with the first loan.

As an individual, I used my loan to buy a generator. I had a small generator before, but I used the loan to buy a big one in order to ensure that there is no power failure. I also bought additional clippers and chemicals for hairdressing.

That was how I used the first loan.

What about the second loan?

With it, I bought another bigger generator. I also bought more clippers

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for sale now. I now sell clippers to other barbers and those who want to go into barbing business. I invested more money in the hairdressing business.

How were you able to repay your loans?

I will say I am lucky to have good boys in my cluster group. They responded. They cooperated. We met and decided how much to pay monthly and they paid up.

Even when someone had no money, the next month he paid double. After paying the loan, we had N20, 000 as extra in our cluster group account.

Before you came in contact with DMCP, how were you running your business?

I used part of my pension to run it, but it was not easy because it affected my commitments at home. But with the loan, I was able to buy those things I could not buy with my pension. That was how I was running it.

How has the DMCP loan transformed your life and business?

Like I told you, I bought those things I needed immediately I received the loan because if you didn't do that, you’d probably use the money for other things.

If you look at [my] shop it is looking fine.

The loan assisted me to make it beautiful, so that those who saw it last year will see a new outlook this year. This attracts the customers, unlike before when it was not well painted.

The chairs are now OK. So the new look attracts people. Even the Reverend Fathers in this town (Issele-Uku) all are my customers. My boys visit their houses to barb them because they see the place looking

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

beautiful. I have to renovate the place to make sure it is okay for people to use.

This programme is meant to alleviate poverty. Has it done so in your case?

Yes, of course. I bought things I could not have saved money to buy at a time.

I have three generators. If one stops, another will pick up. This way, customers will not be disappointed. You can now understand that without DMCP loans, I could not have bought all these things. I would still have been using one generator and when customers come, I would tell them there is no light.

What message do you have for Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan for introducing the Delta Micro-Credit Programme and Dr. Ashiedu for ensuring it gets to the grassroots?

I will tell them that we the recipients know the value. Some people say it is political money which you don't need to rush to repay. But, personally, I know that the name microfinance or micro-credit means you pay back to get again. The first one, we had N160,000; this last one, we had N300,000. I believe that by the grace of the Almighty Father that with Governor Uduaghan coming back again as governor, we may get N1million. Yes, it is possible as long as we are credit-worthy.

You have seen the place looking bright and busy. It is not for us (DMCP clients) to go and marry more wives or whatever.

Like I told you, I would like to celebrate my 70 years with a new baby, but it will run me down. That's why I am saying it is good for those who know the value. ď‚­

African Spices from

DELTA STATE

DELTA STATE

MICRO-CREDIT PROGRAMME

... prosperity for all deltans Micro-Credit Programme Governor's Office, Anwai Road, Asaba Tel: 0706 209 3727, 0705 615 9141, 0808 066 3497; E-Mail: deltamcp@yahoo.com

Clients’ Forum Ughelli Madam, may we know your name and

those programmes?

judiciously reached out to the entire

business?

I can categorically say without mincing

Deltans with the DMCP entrusted to

My name is Mrs. Patience Ogbodane,

words that DMCP could best be

her without politicizing it or polluting it

chief executive/chairman, Akanon

described as a life-reviving programme.

with tribal sentiments.

Plantain Flour Mills, Oteri in Ughelli

Without DMCP, I and my business would

North Local Government Area.

have been nowhere and many people

By this singular programme, Dr.

now working in my mill would have

Emmanuel Uduaghan is our governor

been roaming the streets hopelessly.

again, come 2011 and even when

Have you heard of DMCP?

he is no more in the office, he still

Clients

Yes! DMCP is a household name and I have not only heard the name and its

What is your message for the initiator

remains our life governor because

activities but have also felt its impact

and operators of DMCP?

he has touched the peoples' lives

because I am one of the many people

I would want to thank Governor

while Dr. Ifeanyi Ashiedu remains our

that have benefited from its laudable

Uduaghan for initiating and funding

unforgettable and No 1 mother of

programme.

the programme, and I am proud of

wealth creation in Delta State.

How would you describe the impact of

Dr. Ashiedu as a woman who has

Agbarha Otor What is your name and business,

Eweta Uduaghan as governor of

meals. I support my husband due to

Madam?

Delta State. I also thank God for

the availability of raw materials in

My name is Mrs. Precious Echeta,

the establishment of DMCP by

abundance which I purchased with free

chairlady, Agbarha Cardigan Knitting

his government; it is a welcome

interest loans provided to me by the

Cluster Group.

development.

Delta State Micro-Credit Programme

Can we have your comment on the

Have you felt the impact of DMCP as a

government led by Dr. Uduaghan

DMCP?

person?

through the DMCP boss, Dr. Antonia

Thank God for giving us Dr. Emmanuel

Yes if not for DMCP, I would have

Ashiedu.

ended up in abject poverty. Perhaps

my knitting factory would have folded

Having benefited, are you paying back

up due to lack of funds to purchase

promptly to enable you and others

enough raw materials. Since DMCP

receive further loans?

came to my rescue, I have been

Yes, we are paying back because my

conveniently knitting cardigans for

group of 10 persons knows that the

both adults and children worth N6,000-

earlier we paid back the better chance

N10,000 per day. With the help of

we stood to benefit again and again.

made available by the present state

DMCP, my family can eat three square

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D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

Abraka Madam, what is your name and

The DMCP has been able to put food on

I am Hope Ogbalorhor, secretary to the

business?

the tables of the poor through the good

Unique Hats and Beads Cluster Group,

My name is Mrs. Ruth Omosor. I am a

administrative efforts of Dr. Antonia

Abraka.

hat-maker in Abraka and by the grace of God, the chairlady of the Divine

What is your own view on DMCP?

Creative Art Cluster Group.

DMCP is a very good programme established by the governor of the state, Dr. Uduaghan to help boost the

DMCP in your business?

economic activities of the poor and it is

Oh! The positive impact DMCP on the

highly applauded. I thank the governor

people of Delta State, particularly my

for the programme and would want

very self, cannot be quantified. With

to urge him to keep the DMCP up and

the establishment of DMCP by the

ensure that the programme remained

Governor Uduaghan-led government,

Ashiedu.

all through seasons as Deltans are praying for the return of Dr. Uduaghan

the common man and grassroots people have been elevated above

Young lady, could you tell us your

poverty level and eating half a meal.

name too?

as governor of Delta State, come 2011.

Patani What is your name, business and

Patani.

loan has actually boosted the sweet potatoes' farm products because as

cluster group?

I am Mr. Jonathan Omorubu, a sweet

How would you rate the activities of

many as benefited dived deep into

potatoes' farmer and chairman, Fertile

DMCP?

potato production in high quantity and

Land Potato Farmers' Cluster Group,

The story is the same jubilation all over

it has helped us to train our children

the state. Joy is written

in the higher institution, we thanked

all over the faces of the

governor Uduaghan and Dr. Ashiedu

beneficiaries spreading

praying them to continue with the

like wild fire to all nooks

hope rising programme.

and cranny of Delta State.

Since the existence of

Patani Cont'd

DMCP, my group has benefited twice and twice

Can we have your names and position,

we have paid back; we are

Sir?

expecting the third one.

I am Honourable Elijah Ologe, Vice

The DMCP, Interest-free

Chairman of Patani Local Government

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107

Clients

Is your group feeling the impact of

Clients’ Forum Council Area.

to its positive help in their lives. Apart

difference between his government

from the award-winning Micro-Credit

and the past governance of Delta State.

As a community leader, what is your

Programme which made the rural and

I am also commending Dr. Antonia

view on DMCP?

grassroots people to benefit immensely

Ashiedu for the success of DMCP for her

DMCP as I see it has created new lives

from the present government, Dr.

wealth of knowledge and honesty in

in hopeless persons and many who

Uduaghan has also done so well in

the discharge of the state micro-credit

have been granted the loan testified

many other areas and has created the

duties entrusted to her.

I am HRH, Apostle Sunday Sapele, a

programme throughout the existence

commissioned by God to intervene at

religious leader, former Amananaowei

of the state.

the right time in the suffering of the

Bomadi

of Bomadi kingdom, fish farmer and

Clients

member, Tamokunou Fish Farm Cluster

people with the establishment of DMCP.

Bomadi Cont'd

Group.

God's hands are upon DMCP hence a transparent and hard-working woman

Sir, may we know you?

was chosen to head the programme to

What is your view on DMCP?

I am a Bomadi-base

success.

DMCP has actually touched my family

Catholic priest, Bishop

positively and injected life in my fish

Hyacinth Egbebo.

Sir, what is your prayer for the people and DMCP?

farm business. I praise God for the life of Governor Uduaghan who has used

How do you see the

While I urge Dr. Uduaghan to keep it up,

DMCP to make an impact in the lives of

DMCP activities in the

I pray God to make it possible for him

the poor. I also appeal to him to keep

state?

to be there again for the people, come

it up and equally urge the state House

Well, DMCP as I see it could best be

2011 to enable him solidly complete

of Assembly members to make laws

described as God's divine intervention

all his life-touching programmes he

that will mandate all governors in Delta

agency against poverty through

initiated.

State after 2011 to continue with the

Governor Uduaghan. He was only

Bomadi, Patani and Burutu Let us know your name, Madam?

What is your assessment of DMCP?

I am Mrs. Koyaya, Managing Director

Well, I am full of praises to our amiable

of Broad-Based Microfinance Bank in

governor, Dr. Uduaghan for his wisdom,

charge of Burutu, Patani and Bomadi

initiative in laying the foundation for

areas.

the economic growth of the poor in the state through DMCP. It is an awardwinning programme.

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What is the profile of loan repayment

repayment schedule has been very

thousands of Deltans to call for the

in your area?

encouraging and it goes a long way

return of Dr. Uduaghan in 2011.

Since the disbursement of the loan

to prove that the lives of the people

by Dr. Ashiedu through our bank, the

are touched positively. I therefore join

Kwale Please, let us know your name and

us by God through Governor Uduaghan

profile

to rescue the poor amongst us.

I am Chief (Mrs.) Beatrice Ezukwu, chairlady of Tomatoes' Sellers Cluster

Are you satisfied with the way the loan

Group.

grants are distributed?

Yes, the loan is strictly, correctly, carefully and judiciously distributed

lives of the credit recipients?

by Dr. Ashiedu amongst the people

DMCP is our economic messiah, sent to

without any political connections.

Clients

How can you describe DMCP in the

Ashaka impact of

poor in the state.

DMCP? DMCP is manna

Your name, please

from Governor

I am Chuks, one of the officials of the

Uduaghan;

Aspire Macro Finance Bank, Kwale,

it is his own

DMCP loans were distributed through

dividends of

our bank.

democracy to the poor, but

What would you say about DMCP?

we call on him

DMCP is a good programme made for

to increase

the poor and it is very encouraging,

the interest

it is a hope giving programme. I’d

free loan to

recommend it to subsequent governors

enable us do

of Delta State. I also urge Dr. Uduaghan

What is your name, young man?

something more tangible with it. The

to create a ministry for DMCP and fund

I am Mr. Tom Chukwudi Onah, chairman

interest-free loan, no matter how small,

it adequately in the interest of the poor

of the Rising Star Traders' Cluster Group,

has impacted positively on the lives of

masses. ď‚­

Ashaka.

the people, especially the youths. I call

How are your people feeling the

for its continuation in the interest of the

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109

DELTA STATE

MICRO-CREDIT PROGRAMME ... sowing hope and putting springs in the footsteps of deltans

GO GORGEOUS WITH EXOTIC CORAL BEADS FROM DELTA STATE

A

The People's Platform

wide range of

The essence was to allow each farmer

found it very difficult in our area (as

DMCP clients

an opportunity to invest the loan into

young men) to farm just because there

his area of need.

was no money to invest. But as soon

Formerly, I was not producing

as we were given loans, it was easy

enough crops the way I am producing

for us to buy what we had not been

now. We did not have enough funds

buying before; we could get a plot of

to go into farming. But since the Delta

land. Secondly, the loan has helped us

Micro-Credit Programme assisted us

to increase our yam seedlings. Before,

with a loan, our farms have grown.

we could only buy 400–1000 seedlings.

I used the money to invest in large

But now, we can afford more and in

Vegetable Farmers in Oko-

plantain plantations, organic yams and

fact have increased our yam seedlings

Ogbele in Oko community

potatoes.

to 4000, the plantain suckers to 10,000.

Why? It is because there is enough

speak on their experiences.

The first is an

organic farmer, Somadina Stanley Agwudosi, leader of Ifunnaya Plaintain/Yam/

Also, the DMCP loan assisted me to

harvest the crops and to transport them

money to follow up the farming season.

from Oko-Ogbele to the neighbouring

Farming is less cumbersome when

State. He dwells on the ease of

villages to sell. The loan assisted me and

you have money. Farming becomes

empowerment. Excerpts:

my family a lot. It added great value

less strenuous. We used to do manual

into my farm. I utilized the loan very

farming, but now the loan gives us

How many times has your cluster

well.

the opportunity to purchase modern

Government Area of Delta

farming equipment, and that makes

group benefitted from DMCP?

We have benefitted twice. The first

Why did you choose organic farming?

farming easy.

one came from the micro-level, while

the other one came from the second

fertilizer. Our product is natural. Our

As a Deltan who has been empowered,

window called DOMSA. The first loan

plantain, yams and vegetables are

would you want the programme to

was used to buy chemicals. The group

not planted with fertilizer. If you

continue?

used the loan to buy chemicals in order

add fertilizer, when you harvest the

to fumigate the crops against attacks

product, it will get bad after two or

the programme to continue. The

by insects. That was how we used the

three months. But in our case, we have

programme makes us to talk in the

money.

a natural land (alluvial soil) that does

area of farming today. The DMCP

not need a fertilizer to make crops

Programme has changed our lives. We

grow. And that's why it is called organic

are living very well. We are bagging the

farming.

state government to help us the more,

How was the second loan utilized?

In Oko-Ogbele, we have what we

Organic farming does not require

In fact, our cluster group wants

so that our lives will be better than it is

call 'communal farms' alongside our individual farms. During the period we

Has this DMCP assistance impacted on

received the loan, we decided to share

your living standard?

it individually, but repaid it collectively.

today.

Of course yes. In the first place, we

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111

Clients

of Oshimili South Local

Clients

Madam Alice Agbogin, president, Egwuono Group of Vegetable Growers, Warri You are women farmers; what about

first place we were farming was taken

How is the market?

your husbands?

from us and our crops and vegetables

The market of the vegetable is very

They are at home.

destroyed by the landowners. We

good because when we go to the

invested so much on that land only for

market, consumers rush for it but we

Why are you on the farm when your

the owners to destroy our investment

need more money to cultivate bigger

husbands are at home?

without waiting for us to harvest our

farms. For example, a plastic paint tub

They are doing their own work and

sweat. That’s how we lost most of the

ugu (pumpkin) seedlings is sold betwen

some of them have no jobs, so since we

money we got from the DCMP. Right

N10,000 and N15, 000 and you can

had no money to go into buying and

now, we need another bigger land for

only get it from Akwa-Ibom and Cross

selling, we decided to go into vegetable

us to farm and also money because

River states because their kind of land

farming. We use our own hand to do

these things are very important in

favours its growth. It is hard to get the

the work.

our job. We want government to

seedling here and we have to travel to

give us land with a fence and gate to

Uyo and Calabar to get them; so you

How did you come in contact with the

avoid theft and encroachment. We

can imagine the money we require to

Delta State Micro-Credit scheme?

also need farming equipment like

do this farming successfully.

The woman came to us and introduced

sprayer because to weed the farm is

the programme; we applied through

a very hard job for a woman. We also

What other challenges are you facing

United Microfinance Bank and they

need fertilizers, and government can

either at work or home?

gave us some money.

subsidize it for us to buy. If we can get

Our husbands have no job and our

all these things we can cultivate more

children rely on this vegetable farm to

What do you want DCMP to do?

and make good profit and it will be

feed and go to school.

We still need more money because the

cheap in the market.

Mrs. Flora Vincent, also with a baby on her back and mixed cement on her head How long have you be doing this work?

About four months now. Since I lost my husband and I have two children, one is about 10 years and the other nine months old and the family of my husband is not helping me to take care of them, I want the government to help me with some loan to start business because the work is too much for me. I want to be able to train my children.

Mrs. Blessing Otobo, 48, Secretary-General, Konkri Women Association How long have you been doing this

The condition of living was not very

Will you leave this hard labour, if

work?

good and so we used this to support

government gives you a loan to start a

For over 15 years now

our children and our husbands who,

small business of your own?

even when they had a job, were not

Yes. They have given us some money

paid enough to take care of the house.

before. We have heard of DMCP. The

Why did you go into the work meant for men?

112

programme is very good because Dr.

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

food and other things in the house including feeding your husband?

No, God has decreed that the man is the head of the house and it will remain so and we are the helpers. Everything we do here is to support their efforts.

How many people are registered with this konkri association?

We have over 2,000 women in the association and every one of them is into the business of carrying Konkri.

Anthonia Ashiedu helped us a lot but

the money they got to sell maybe

you know this work gives us money

kerosene or fish or pepper.

everyday and it will be hard to tell the Don’t you now feel like the head of

season when construction work slows

the home because not only have you

down a bit, some of the women used

grown muscles, you also provide the

Clients

women to leave the work. In the rainy

Mrs. Roseline Akporido, a widow How long have you been in this

What do you want government to do

to do is to help me train my boy who

business?

for you?

has dropped out of school.

Since 1991

The only thing I want the government

How many children do you have?

I have seven children and my husband died in 1991, and nobody to help me take care of them.

Where are the children now?

The senior one (a boy) is over there; the other two girls were impregnated by their boyfriends and presently live with them. The rest are all at home because there is no money to put them into school and they sometimes join me here to carry konkri.

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

113

Sir EDWARD GbAragada (JP) Though it has come to

What other areas of improvement do

some rural areas, it still

you suggest to help the less privileged?

needs to be extended

I want the total amount of money

to more areas. You see

given to each person to be increased so

people from such areas

that it can be sufficient for them to do

that the programme has

business.

not reached still come to me requesting that I

Some people still think it is free money

help them get the loan

from the government. How can we

because they have seen

solve this problem?

the effectiveness of it.

My advice is that Dr. Ashiedu should ensure that the people who are going

Clients

What strategy do

to guarantee the clients will pay back

People say one of the great

you employ in mobilizing for the

the loan if the receiver is not able to pay

achievements of the present

programme?

back.

administration in Delta State is the

Actually the politicians wanted to hijack

Delta Micro-Credit Programme. What

it but for the fact that Dr. Ashiedu does

How can this good programme

is your assessment of its impact?

not know whether you are politician or

continue?

The DCMP is one of the best things

not provided you are qualified for the

By the grace of God, the present

to happen to the people of Delta

loan. She is handling the programme

administration will come back in

State. The people in Warri North

very well and that is why they have

2010 but only God knows what will

appreciate Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan

been unable to hijack it.

happen tomorrow. But if the inevitable

for such a laudable programme. The

happens, I think the programme will

programme is very successful in the

In Warri North, which other areas do

have to continue because of the good

local government but people still need

you think the DCMP needs to reach?

and laudable performance of the DCMP

the programme to be extended to more

Apart from fishing, there are other area

led by Dr. Antonia Ashiedu.

and more people in the rural areas.

like buying and selling.

Welfare Timinimi, Warri South-West How would you describe the Delta

Assistant to the Governor on Micro-

State Micro-Credit Programme

Credit, Dr. Antonia Ashiedu during

(DMCP)?

the disbursement of certificate

I think it is a laudable programme put

of loans to most of the displaced

in place by His Excellency, because

people of Gbaramatu Kingdom in

in governance, you have to touch

the aftermath of last year crisis. After

all facets of development. You must

that programme and disbursement

touch those that are in the city and

at Ogbe-Ijoh a lot of people have

most especially people in the rural

come to tell me as the Secretary of the

in Gbaramatu Kingdom set up by

communities. I was with the Executive

community Development Committee

the State Government to maintain

114

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

peace and harmony, to be able to bring government to the grassroots.

We have been trying our best to see that this fund that comes from the government gets to the grassroots. I was contacted by Dr. Anthonia Ashiedu to mobilize my people for this loan and we found that it is a reality and not a mirage. Why I am saying this is because a lot of loan schemes have been introduced by the previous Delta State Government but most of them were not organized successfully as this particular one handled by Dr. Ashiedu.

For example, the woman sees the beneficiaries of these loans and she makes sure they are really poor and needs the money, then they fill the forms signed by a guarantor, backed up the loan; no lobbying to get it. Why I am particularly happy because it came to the grassroots at a time the people of Gbaramatu were displaced as a result of the fight between the Joint Task Force (JTF) and the freedom fighters

senatorial zones of the state.

fight, houses were destroyed, fishing boats destroyed and people ran to the

What part of the programme do you

bush while some escaped and found

want the government to improve

themselves in the camp at Ogbe-Ijoh. It

upon?

was at that time that Dr. Ashiedu got to

It is fishing because the main livelihood

meet me and told me about her plan.

of my people is fishing. There are also

people who are doing communication

Apart from this, I think the Delta

State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel

businesses in my area. Some of our

Uduaghan has done very well because

people are also traders because our

apart from my local government area,

rivers where we fish have been polluted

the scheme has gone round the three

by oil spillage which has affected the aquaculture. These traders have to be empowered. And because of the water pollution, fishes are dead or have escaped to the wide ocean and so there is the need to empower people to have fish ponds and also poultry and even cattle ranch. For example, the cost of transporting a cow leg to my place from Warri is far more than the money used to buy it. If you want to buy foodstuffs in quantity from here in Warri, you have to hire a boat with N25,000. Tell me how much foodstuff can you buy and how much profit you can make from it? ď‚­

Community leader, Timinimi Welfare giving a DMCP certificate to a client in Ogbe-Ijoh, Warri South-West LGA.

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115

Clients

with the microfinance banks and get

of Gbaramatu Kingdom. After the

A day of Tusks and Mufflers

Izu Anioma

I

By Ogochukwu Ikeje

t was a day a prized elephant tusk was heartily given and cheerfully received. Anioma people of Delta State, united by a common language, hosted their governor Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan in Asaba, the state capital. There were happy faces further brightened by akwa ocha or white attire proudly worn by representatives of Izu Anioma, a socio-cultural platform of Anioma people. Orange-coloured headties sat gracefully on the heads of women from Aniocha North, a segment of this linguistic and cultural unit. If you add the red caps sported by traditional rulers from all the nine local councils that make up the Anioma region, then you had quite a colourful outing.

There were other things that stood out that day. They were the mufflers around the necks of dignitaries.

Uduaghan was one of those. He wore his tremendous with happiness. Why? The mufflers were the handiwork of clients of the state micro-credit programme (DMCP), which he set up to liberate people from the hold of poverty.

Yet, the significance of the day did not lie merely in fabric and colours. Anioma people looked every bit happy with their governor and thought they just might as well let him know what they felt about him and his

Made by DMCP

116

Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan Governor, Delta State government. So, they organised a reception for him. The respected retired Colonel Mike Okwechime, National President of Izu Anioma, conveyed the same message to the governor. Dr. Antonia Ashiedu Executive Assistant to the Governor on Micro-Credit, seen as exemplary in the job of empowering the economically-challenged in the state, led over 200 women from Aniocha North to the event.

It was on that occasion that the tusk was given to the governor as a mark of the people’s appreciation. For, indeed, the tusk is not an everyday gift.

Uduaghan, on his part, gave every indication that the gesture was not lost on him. He honoured the invitation with his wife Roli who was there beside him even as the tusk was handed over. There were also members of his cabinet including his deputy Professor Amos Utuama.

Chief Uso Onianwa, the Oza-Ikita of Asaba, who chaired the organising committee of the event, said the "rating of Governor Uduaghan is impressive," adding that the people of Anioma believed he had done well, hence the need to appreciate him.

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

He listed some of the governor’s achievements to include bursary awards, the micro-credit programme, which has won Uduaghan some of his most cherished awards.

Other laudable programmes of the Uduaghan government, the chief noted, are the Asaba airport, healthcare and water transportation.

Onianwa said that "as a non-partisan organisation, Izu Anioma was well positioned to make a dispassionate assessment of any political leader in the state. Anioma people have agreed that it is the right time to give our governor a befitting Anioma cum carnival reception because of his very high performance rating" To that effect, the royal fathers from the region’s nine local councils, including Obi of Issele-Uku, His Royal Highness Henry Ezeagwuna 1, and the Obi of Owa Oyibo, Emmanuel Efezomor, staged a procession rally.

Uduaghan greeted the people in Anioma language, and proceeded to assure his hosts that he was poised to deliver more services to them. He said he was on a mission to develop every part of Delta State. He commended the people for being peaceful and promised that the Asaba airport would be ready in "record time".

Dr. Ashiedu, herself of Anioma stock, was happy that all the planning and strategies have paid off, making the reception of the governor successful. On the Delta State Micro-Credit Programme or DMCP, which she pilots, she said there was still work to be done.

"We will not rest on our oars," she said. "We will continue to work hard.

This particular year, we are raising the bar. We will put more efforts to translate most of the micro-business into cottage industries."

Perhaps, the producers of those wonderful mufflers will make the transition too. 

. . . s t a h h t i w n o i h s a f e c n e i r e p x  Hats for the Next Level.

E  Head Gears for the HAT Modest Women.

Crowns for Today's MAKERS  Women.

Fortress Crescent Art Group 25, Market Road, Abraka.

DELTA STATE

MICRO-CREDIT PROGRAMME

... prosperity for all deltans

Events

When Youths Gathered For

DMCP Convention

By Ogochukwu Ikeje

Y

ouths are not the most

thunderously.

difficult people to work

with. But sometimes

Centre, Asaba venue of the occasion.

they can throw a few

surprises. The wet

even louder.

weather that Friday

Silence fell on the expansive Event He greeted again. The response was With the crowd comfortably in his

did not help matters. Neither did the

hands, as it were, the governor proceeded

slight delay in the kickoff of the event.

to address them. He spoke in pidgin,

On occasions, they were a bit restive. But

speaking with the ease of someone at a

when Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan

refreshment session with his peers.

stood before them, no one could guess

the crowd-control strategies at the

nevertheless, but when it did, Uduaghan

Noise broke out from time to time,

disposal of the Delta State chief executive.

effortlessly found some other means to

‘’Great Delta youths,’’ he greeted.

cool things down. He lifted up his voice

‘’Great,’’ the youths replied

like a pastor on the pulpit and shouted ‘’Holy Ghost’’, dragging the second word in such a way that the people responded obediently with a deafening ‘’Fire’’.

118

It was a gathering of Delta State

youths organised by the state MicroCredit Programme (DMCP) to sensitise them further on the empowerment opportunities still open for them to grab.

The programme is powered by another amazing crowd-control specialist, Dr. Antonia Ashiedu, Executive Assistant to the Governor on Micro-Credit.

Even before the governor arrived, a

combination of Ashiedu’s personal charm, her track record at the DMCP, strength of character plus her communication and dancing skills cooled the atmosphere.

Ashiedu told the mammoth crowd

The state’s micro-credit anchor said

of youths that the micro-credit scheme

although the situation had been brought

is not a political package meant to settle

under control, ‘’ the DMCP under which

party members or any other politicians,

these farmers got the loan is dear to the

but a deliberate effort of government to

Governor’s heart and he is on it. I can tell

eradicate poverty and provide dividends

you that he is taking the matter to very

of democracy to the electorate.

high quarters.

She said the programme is designed

‘’The programme has helped promote

the government’s three-point agenda

removed in the disbursement of loans,

across the state. For instance, on the

making it possible for all the clients of the

agenda of peace and security, Uvwie

programme to get the loans in spite of

Local Government Area was once known

their political persuasions.

for youth restiveness and volatility.

She said the state government has

However, through micro-credit delivery

made it clear that poverty has no political

to fish farmers at Ekpan Fish Farm estate

coloration and is fought on that premise.

in Uvwie, many youths are now engaged

She said one does not need a political

in income generating activities. As a

godfather to access the loans as long as

result, Uvwie is now the benchmark for

you belong to a cluster group.

aquaculture in Delta State. 

Ashiedu said the scheme has come

to stay and that Deltans should give the governor a second tenure so that more people can benefit from the unique poverty alleviation programme.

Ashiedu disclosed that the governor

has been so gracious in the funding of the project as N1.5 billion was budgeted for the programme in the current fiscal year.

On the oil spill in Ekpan Fish Farm, Dr.

Ashiedu said the government was on top of the situation.

Ashiedu lamented the billions of naira

lost by the fish farmers as result of the effect of the spill on their fish.

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

119

Events

in such a way that political influences are

"The Micro-Credit scheme is not a political package meant to settle party members or any other politicians, but a deliberate effort of government to eradicate poverty and provide dividends of democracy to the electorate."

Exclusive

"To the Glory of God, we think we have made a very good impact in the state."

Dr. Antonia Ashiedu 120

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

Our Zeal, Our Success at Dmcp

By Dr. Antonia Ashiedu

any government programme, that programme is very likely to succeed.

This indeed has been why we had the kind of impact we had. This is actually the premise that guided this programme.

What is the process of disbursing credit to the people?

We were very lucky in the

Programme office that when we presented the blueprint to the state governor, he accepted it. Essentially, that blueprint was the basis of what we wanted to do. Number one, that government should take itself away

up, community-based approach model.

from the disbursement of the money,

the Delta Micro-Credit Programme?

It means that you will not sit in the

because once government begins

office to do the programme. You must

to disburse money in this kind of

was campaigning as an aspirant to the

go down to the people. You must relate

programme, it gets misunderstood.

position of governor for Delta state, he

with them. You must allow them to

If you don't want government to

made a promise that his government

understand what the programme is.

start disbursing, what do you do?

will be people-oriented. He meant he

We did a lot of sensitisation to make

You have to go into partnership. We

will operate programmes that will touch

them understand that they are principal

looked at all the structures we had

If you recall, when the Governor

the people. One of such programmes that he created is the Delta Micro-Credit Programme.

What has been its impact?

To the Glory of God, we think we

have made a very good impact in the state. I wouldn't tell you it has been smooth-sailing since the beginning of the programme. Indeed, if there was a big challenge we had, it was the cynicism of the people the programme was meant for. They were justifiably so. They thought this is another

"This is the second time we are wining the CBN award. In the first year of the programme, we were adjudged the best in the country."

on the ground. We considered the microfinance banks, which otherwise are just community-based banks. So, we got the microfinance banks to partner with us based on mutually agreeable memorandum of understanding. One, they will become participating financial institutions to the programme. And being participating financial institutions to the programme, they will work hand in hand with us as Participating Financial Institutions (PFI). They will come along with us when we are organising the groups. We call these groups cluster groups. They will assist

government arrangement, another formula for the government to use in

partners of the programme. Once we

us in perfecting the groups. They will

the name of the people. That kind of

were able to do this and with a lot

be with us when we are monitoring and

cynicism galvanized us to implement

of missionary zeal, they bought into

mentoring the groups. Then, of course,

the blueprint, which we already had.

the programme. And, it also proves

there’s the capacity building of the

And that blueprint was geared towards

what any development experts will

groups. Again, the disbursement is a

running the programme on a bottom-

tell you, that when people buy into

critical aspect.

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121

Exclusive

What informed the establishment of

But after the disbursement, comes

analysing all the time.

Exclusive

another major aspect and that is the

people economically weak, because

"What we would like to happen and are working towards is to see a Delta in which you have so many cottage industries. These are the people who will take others off the street. And it is already happening in this programme."

monitoring and evaluation. If you

The target is the grassroots. Why is

don't monitor all the time, if you

this?

don't evaluate all the time, you are

not going to understand when the

persons. There is urban poverty just as

groups run into trouble. Then you can

you have rural poverty. So I will rather

prop them up, admonish them and

fall within the phrase of economically

get them back on track. So, the PFIs

weak persons. Now, they are the target

are with us because they are critical

because when you are looking at the

in the monitoring and evaluation of

economically weak persons, you are

the programme. They are also crucial

actually also targeting some persons

in recovery because this is not a

in the middle class who hitherto were

government largesse; it is not charity,

OK. But I tell you what happened in

neither is it a safety net. What they

Nigeria in the 90's, the effect is still

recover gets back immediately into the

with us. That's the effect of Structural

programme fund and then re-injected,

Adjustment Programme (SAP). The

we want to encourage those groups of

so that the volume of fund will enable

middle class in Nigeria as we used to

people to come into the programme

us to reach out to more people.

know in the 60's, 70's and the early

because of their latent knowledge,

80's is not really there anymore. It is

their latent resilience, and their latent

about rejuvenating itself gradually. The

strength.

Every month, we receive periodic

reports on each cluster group, because

I will rather say economically weak

middle class is the

engine of growth

like this, they are able to turn what

in any economy.

ordinarily would look like a very petty

The middle class

trade into a cottage industry. And

is also a very

our dream, what we foresee, what we

proud class; that's

would like to happen and are working

why you will see

towards is to see a Delta in which

people in the

you have so many cottage industries.

middle class who

These are the people who will take the

because of the

jobless off the street. And it is already

downward effect

happening in this programme.

When they tap into a programme

of the economy, find themselves

Give us an insight into the DMCP

moving

impact on the youths of Uvwie

economically

downward,

area that we are very proud. Uvwie

having a kind of

is our flagship for aquaculture in the

downward social

programme. Before the advent of this

and economic

administration, Uvwie used to be a

Uvwie is a local government

we want to know how they are faring.

mobility. And they will not admit to

place you visited with a lot of anxiety,

If they are not doing well, we want to

the fact that they are poor. The middle

always anticipating that something

know why? That's why in our office,

class by origin will never call themselves

untoward will happen. But, happily all

everybody is busy all the time because

poor, no matter how frustrated they

the negative parts of Uvwie are almost

the reports are coming in and we are

are economically. So we classify such

gone. Not just because of the effect of

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D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

government, but because of the people

Do you have a specific sum of money

months moratorium because at three

of Uvwie themselves. In Uvwie, there

for every group which you support in

months, the fish is not ready for harvest.

is something the Nigerian Institute of

the programme?

And because we are with him all the

Oceanography and Marine Research

No, No, because, first of all, we don't

time, we know that in five to six months

called ‘a phenomenon’. It started

give loans to individuals but to clusters.

he will be able to harvest. So for people

ordinarily by the youths of Uvwie, not

Whatever you are going to disburse

like that, their moratorium is five to six

by the government. At the point of

to the cluster group is determined by

months, and the repayment is a bullet

intervention in

repayment.

August 2008, What

visited the place,

recommended

we met on the

the state for the

ground 800 fish

CBN award which

farmers and 2000

it won?

fish ponds. And

It’s the second

we thought that

time we are

was wonderful,

wining that award.

and indeed, it

In the first year of

is wonderful.

the programme,

On the 22nd of

we were adjudged

October 2008 the

the best in the

Governor came

country. In the

to visit; he was

first year, (2008)

very impressed

we had one award

and on the spot,

from the CBN. In

he gave them a

2009, we had two

cheque of N39

awards from the

million, provided

CBN. For us, being

two Hilux vehicles

adjudged by the

for them to move

apex financial

their produce

regulatory body

and buy their

in this country

feeds. He also

that uses so

tarred the roads. Because we monitor

the characteristic of their trade. For

many stringent yardsticks to judge

and evaluate all the time, we were

example, a fish farmer does not get the

every state and found us worthy, we

pleasantly surprised that from 800 fish

same amount as a garri fryer. A barber

say we are very grateful for that. And

farmers and 2000 fish ponds, today,

and akara frying cluster group are

the only thing we can do to justify that

we have 2,800 fish famers and 6,200

not the same; same for a shoemaker.

confidence reposed in us is not to rest

fish ponds. For us, it is a phenomenon

So, we look at the peculiarities of any

on our laurels. And I can assure you that

and the market for the product of the

trade, and of any cluster group before

we will not rest on our oars. We have

aquaculture phenomenon going on in

we determine how much any group

the determination, we have the passion,

Uvwie goes as far as Bayelsa, Rivers and

will get. We also look at the gestation

we have the political and administrative

Edo States. People are also coming in

period for the loan, the moratorium

will from the Governor of the State,

from Kogi State to buy the fish.

period, which is generally three months.

Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, to lift this

But then, a fish farmer cannot get three

programme to greater heights. 

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Exclusive

when the DMCP

... sowing hope and putting springs in the footsteps of Deltan Communities

DELTA STATE

MICRO-CREDIT PROGRAMME

... prosperity for all deltans

Dmcp, A State-Wide Impact

D

Apart from the enthusiastic entrepreneurial clients of the scheme who engaged in smallscale businesses through the interest-free loan facility to earn a living, its highly skilled and creative ones have used its resources to migrate to cottage industries, like the Managing Director of Ireyeesorise Dry Spices, Warri and the Managing Director of Akanon Plantain Flour, Ughelli who are already blazing the trail in commercial production of food spices and packaged plantain flours exported to the international markets.

From the Ijaws of the creek lines of Bomadi, Burutu, Patani, and Warri-North; the Itsekiris of the coastline of Warri-South, Warri-South West; the people of the two Isoko councils; the Delta Central District of the Urhobos and the Delta North District of the Anioma nation, the success stories of their enterprises could be attributed to their hard labour which goes with rewards. As the empowerment scheme continues, the geometric participation and progression of clients of the DMCP is capable of eradicating poverty among the down-trodden in the state in the near future.

From the tomato, pumpkin (ugu) leaf, meat sellers…. and bead makers, the testimonies have been so rewarding that ordinarily, people who may not have sources of livelihood are not only able to feed for themselves, but are employers of labour through their small-scale businesses.

Dr. Ashiedu in different loan disbursement centres across the council areas of the state, has always stressed the need for prudent financial management of clients’ businesses, to enable them migrate to cottage industries, as early repayment of the loans will automatically qualify them to get bigger loans increasingly.

“Let me assure you that the government of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has set aside a lot of money for the programme in this fiscal year,” Dr. Ashiedu. “The loan is not meant for lazy people. I assure you, if you pay your loans at the stipulated 15 months duration, you automatically qualify to get bigger loans increasingly.”

Mrs. Esther Gbakara who is the President of Orhuwhorun bead makers cluster group in Udu local government area gave a testimony of their business success.

“I want to urge the new clients of the programme to be prudent in the management of their businesses. This is the third time we are taken the loans and early repayment had qualified us to take bigger loans today. The DMCP programme has taken us to Abuja,

Lagos, Jos and Asaba through this our bead making business. It is our prayer to use the business as a platform to cross the shores of this country. If you are transparent and honest, the sky is your limit in this business programme, Mrs. Gbakara advised the beneficiaries.

Accordingly, an Anglican priest, Rev. Joshua Abogu who is the President of UPS Fashion Association at Agbor – specialising in chorister gowns, clergy robes, academic gowns, convocation gowns, suits for lawyers and judges, etc, spoke on their successes.

“When we took the loan for the first time, we promised to pay back in nine months, but as God will have it, we were able to pay back in the seventh month and we are asked to come and take a bigger loan today. It is very good to take such loans especially when you are dynamic and truthful… There are people that took the loans and are unable to pay back, and I don’t think they are coming to take for the second time.

Cardigan Producers Group (Sunday Ayuse, president); and Gods Grace Hamper Basket Weavers (Mr. Daniel Esan, president); both DMCP clients of Okpe Micro-Finance Bank, Orerokpe; Mrs. Justina Oshan, President of Palm Oil Sellers, Kwale; Mrs. Patience Egi, President of Palm Kernel Oil Cluster Group, Obiaruku; Miss Justina Avwromaba, a graduate of Economics and president of a grocery store group and Mrs. Sunny Okpe (meat sellers group, Warri) were among those who justifiably repaid the loan they collected from DMCP and were rewarded by certificate of commendations by the state government.

Madam Bibiana Ikpeba is blazing the trail in her new assignment as the facilitator of DMCP in Okpe Local Government Area. The handicapped who looks able has garnered no fewer than thirty cluster groups for the scheme in the last disbursement exercise in the area.

Applauding the empowerment programme of the state government, the first Ijaw man to become Catholic Bishop worldwide and the Bishop of Bomadi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Hyacinth Egbebo, and the President of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Warri North Chapter, Mr. Edward Onoharigho, have on different occasions said the scheme has become a shining example in the country for other state governors to emulate, as little or nothing was not heard of poverty alleviation from the past administrations right from the defunct Bendel State. 

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Elders on DMCP

ecember 14, 2007 will ever remain indelible in the minds of pioneer clients of the Delta State Micro-Credit Programme who have used its interest free revolving loan facility to create wealth. It was a day when Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan flagged off the launch of the empowerment scheme at Koko, headquarters of Warri North Local Government Area of the State.

Initially, there may be scepticism in the minds of the people, owing to the failure of similar governments’ scheme meant to alleviate poverty among economically weak persons in the society, only to end up unfortunately in the pockets of few comfortable individuals.

One wonders then what the scheme has in the offing for Deltans.

In his maiden address during the launching ceremony, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan said emphatically, “our objective is to achieve the happiness, economic enhancement and independence of the poorest, the weakest, the most disadvantaged and vulnerable…. We are also convinced that we will go along to oil the peace and security of our dear state….”

Over two years of launch of the scheme, Deltans have since come to realize that putting such programme in the hands of those who have passion for the job and the people will go a long way to alleviate poverty in the society.

To achieve the desired objective of the scheme, the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Micro-Credit Programme, Dr. Antonia Ashiedu, armed with the participation of the 28 partnering microfinance banks in the state was unequivocal on the reality of the scheme capable of stimulating the economy of the rural communities of our dear state.

Judging from the giant strides recorded by the scheme (the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) micro-credit award won on two consecutive occasions by Governor Uduaghan and the international award presented to him in Accra, Ghana, early this year) was a reflection of over 51,367 empowered clients of the programme who have successfully managed their businesses to create wealth through its loan facility since the inception of the scheme.

However, the 2010 first batch disbursement exercise, which has recorded over 20,000 empowered clients, has brought to fore plethora of testimonies by clients who have used its credit loans to create wealth across the twenty-five local government areas of the state.

By Lucky Oyibo

Dmcp is the Hope of the Poor –

Elders on DMCP

Comrade Evah Comrade Joseph Evah, National Coordinator, Ijaw Monitoring Group (IMG), critic and champion of the oppressed, bares his mind in this interview on the impact of the Delta State Micro-Credit Programme. Excerpts: Sir, you once described DMCP as

Sometime ago, I mobilised over 1000

having a human face. What does this

students, blind people inclusive, to

imply?

Chevron to force the oil company to

give these youths scholarship, due to

Yes, people see us as critics who

don't appreciate good things, but it

the inability of the parents to pay their

is not true. I am one critic who will

school fees. It is to reduce poverty. To

see what is encouraging and want to

train even an able person is a problem.

identify with it. Recall that Professor

Then imagine training a blind person;

Wole Soyinka, a critic, was the pioneer

it requires a brail machine to read and

Chairman of Federal Road Safety

do other things. Today, Chevron is

Corps. So if you are a genuine critic,

doing that to reduce poverty. So when

you must balance issues. If you go to

you now see a government institution

my office, you will see people waiting

trying to see how poverty can be

to see me over problems caused by

reduced, not permanently, because

the widespread poverty in the land.

there is poverty in America, Japan

"If you know the level of poverty in the country, you will appreciate the effort of the Delta State government in dealing with the poverty problem in the state."

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

127

Elders on DMCP

and other parts of the World, [then

but only criticize, people will ask you,

if everybody is comfortable, crime

you should encourage it]. For us at

what is the solution? So what Delta

will reduce drastically. So if you see

Ijaw Monitoring Group, we have gone

State government is doing as far as

something good, please commend it.

through the Niger Delta states to look

micro-credit is concerned, gives hope

That made me to make that statement.

at how government is using the scarce

to the masses. It is the hope of those

resources to reduce poverty. And we are

on the ground who cannot get up. We

The Governor, in receiving the CBN

surprised that Central Bank of Nigeria

want the government to inject more

awards in Abuja, said he has used

now confirmed what we have already

funds.

the DMCP to tackle human capital

found out. We did not go to the Micro-

development and peace security

Credit woman (Dr. Antonia Ashiedu)

proof, at the banks you will not see

In Dubai, you will not see burglary

challenges. What's your take on this?

to ask: what are you doing? We were

asking people on the streets of Delta

statement that more money needs

State, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom; we went

to be put into the scheme in order to

round. What are the state governments

achieve greater results. From what I

doing for people who are involved in

saw in the budget, the allocation to

cassava processing, people involved in

micro-credit is very small (N1.5b was

fish farming, people who need grinding

earmarked); we want World Bank to be

machines? We are proud of what we

interested in the scheme. China and

are seeing in Delta State. But Governor

India have done a lot in microfinance.

Emmanuel Uduaghan needs to do

India is today recognized all over

more. He should pump money into the

the world as one country that has

micro-credit scheme because it is the

done a lot in alleviating poverty.

link between those who are under-

The Governor should ask all the oil

privileged and those who are on top.

companies to contribute their quota

So I believed the Governor needs to do

in fighting poverty in the land. As far

more.

as this micro-credit is concerned, we

You also said the zeal with which the DMCP was pursuing the scheme gave you hope. Could you explain this, Sir?

Like I said, we went round the Niger

Delta states and even beyond. When we saw what is happening in Delta State, we asked: Is this woman (Dr. Ashiedu) an activist? I continue to wonder. Is she an activist? Her zeal is like do-or-die.

If you know the level of poverty in the country, you will appreciate the effort of the Delta State government in dealing

When we saw what is happening in Delta State, we asked, is this woman (Dr. Ashiedu) an activist? I continue to wonder, is she an activist?

It still boils down to my earlier

hope that this year's budget will be big. The Governor should try to bring in oil companies, who on their own, can even solicit support from abroad.

They can tell their people that this programme in Delta State had reduced crime, youth restiveness, violence and ethnic problems. Therefore, we want international engagement with the scheme, so that permanently, violence will be dealt with. A lot of young people will be engaged and as they are engaged, peace will return to the areas.

with the poverty problem in the state. I

policemen with sirens, guns, teargas

We want the Governor to do that; if that

believe Dr Ashiedu is saying, if anybody

to deal with people. There is nothing

is done, the sky will be the limit of this

is in a position of authority, the person

like mobile police with guns waiting

programme for the poor people in our

should make his or her mark and give

for armed robbers. No! Why? Because

area. ď‚­

something extra in the service of the

the wealth that God gives to these

people. If you don't commend people,

people, the leaders there know that

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D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

Dmcp has Particularly Helped Women What is your assessment of the programme?

In fact, this Delta Micro-Credit

Programme is a wonderful programme for Deltans, especially women. Before

wonderful.

Has the programme alleviated poverty in our land?

I will say yes because quite a

number of women in Agbor who have benefitted from the programme are very happy. In a week, they frequently go to the inner village markets to buy

C

hief (Mrs.) Margret Amaechi (JP) is a DMCP client of so many years. In this interview, she speaks on her impression of DMCP and its impact in eradicating poverty.

goods because they now have more money in their hands. Before now, they could only go once in a week.

Talking of women, has DMCP impacted on their standard of living?

"Most of the Women were finding it difficult to survive.

But now, they boldly come out to buy things in more quantity than before."

Yes. Before now, most of the women

were finding it difficult to survive. But now, they buy things in more quantity.

The DMCP has impacted positively on their homes; they help with the little profit they realise from their sales.

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

129

Elders on DMCP

now, I had never seen a thing like it. It is

Do you have any suggestions for the

because we have three months grace

programme?

period. If you don't hold women tight,

they can seep away like water.

Well, we are asking that this Micro-

has lifted the lives of our people. ď‚­

Credit continue. Women will be happier and things will be smoother.

Would you want to repay and qualify

Can this programme take the youth

for a bigger loan?

out of crime?

eggs will prefer bitter leaf. We want to

We pray that when we speak to

them, they will listen and understand

Yes. Nobody who is asked to take

repay and go for another help.

that being a criminal does not pay. If they join this Micro-Credit, it will give

Would you have any advice for

them work and things will be better. So

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan on

I advise the youths to hold onto DMCP.

DMCP?

Elders on DMCP

We thank the Governor so much

What is your repayment experience in

and Dr. Antonia Ashiedu who is working

groups you are mentoring in Agbor?

day and night with her officials. We wish

the programme will continue because it

We have started repaying already

130

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

Delta MicroCredit Programme is a wonderful programme for Deltans, especially women.

CARDIGAN KNITTERS  Keep yourself warm with Cardigan from Delta State.  Drive the cold with our Cardigan  Kids wear in time of cold  Experience great comfort in our Cardigan

DELTA STATE

MICRO-CREDIT PROGRAMME

... prosperity for all deltans

Agbarha Cardigan Knitting Group Ughelli North Local Government Area, 5, Ojaveta, Ughelli, Delta State.

Professorial

Impressions Elders on DMCP

In this interview, B. I. C. Ijomah, elder statesman, professor of History and founder of Madonna College, Asaba, bares his mind on the Delta Micro-Credit Programme. Excerpts: The DMCP is two years. How would you rate its effort to eradicate poverty?

The micro-credit scheme is one

successful programme of Governor Uduaghan's administration. If we have five successful programmes like the Micro-Credit Scheme, Uduaghan does not need to campaign to be re-elected. She (Dr. Ashiedu) is doing very well; she has touched all lives. People have benefited.

She has shown that the poor man can be empowered. That is the essence of empowerment, that a poor man, who does not have a brother or godfather, can receive government empowerment even in the village. I have gone home. I have seen people who don't know Dr. Ashiedu, talking about the benefits of the microcredit scheme. It is a great success.

And, all I can tell her is stay on your

course, continue to help the people. If the people are able to eat food, they will remember the government. If the poor

"If we have five successful programmes like the Micro-Credit Scheme, Uduaghan does not need to campaign to be re-elected.

She (Dr. Ashiedu) is doing very well; she has touched all lives."

are hungry, it is an invitation to crisis. If everybody can eat at least, two meals a

Scheme is a great success and I call on the

day, then the government has succeeded.

Governor to put in more money because

Any government that cannot say my

this is the only area I see where his effort

people have arrived has not touched the

is yielding fruits.

souls of the people. The Micro-Credit

132

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

Sir, what is your take on the awards the Governor has won on the DMCP empowerment efforts?

If the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN),

with all its connections in all the states, single out Delta State, as the best performer, the Governor should look back. Who was behind the performance?

I am telling him that money put in the Micro-Credit Scheme is well spent; put more. That is the message.

Thank you very much, sir. ď‚­

International Brief

Dr. Antonia Ashiedu, Executive Assistant to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan on Micro Credit who received the award on behalf of the Governor.

Dmcp

Sparkles in Ghana

T

134

By Amaechi Udemba

he spirit

Conference, Trade and Exhibition, held

and voices

in Accra, the capital of Ghana, a once-

of oneness

in-a-lifetime event.

combined

perfectly

different parts of the world, look for

with the

developed nations and partner with

“Now, we want to be able to go to

array of colours and sundry African

them. We have to decide what our

flags to make the second edition of

needs are. We need partners to work

Africa Sister Cities International

with us to achieve those things we

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

want to achieve for our people,” said

Dr. Abduljhawl Tafawa Balewa, son

Credit Programme to stir souls. Some

of the first Prime Minister of Nigeria

51,186 persons have been empowered

and Chairman Organising Committee.

through the programme. Of this

“To prioritise our needs, countries in

figure, 32,410 are women while a great

Africa must embrace change, as aptly

number, too, is made up of the youths.

captured in the theme of the gala night:

Delta State government beat five other

“Africa! Change must happen”.

States to clinch the coveted award.

But how will that change come?

There is much in the Delta Micro-

The international award is more

Who will spearhead it?

than an effort recognized. It is a

global acclaim of a programme that is

His Excellency, Kwasi Quartey, the

Ghanaian Ambassador to the United

acknowledged by many as the seed for

Nations, who delivered a Keynote

Industrialization of the State.

address at the event, said leaders and

the led must do well to be on the right

Governor has been doing on micro-

side of change. “The people of Africa

credit has spread very wide and people

must stop doing things the old way. We

took note of what has been happening

must accept that change is all around

in Delta State,” said Dr. Antonia Ashiedu,

us,” he said.

Executive Assistant to Governor

Emmanuel Uduaghan on Micro Credit

"The micro-finance

International have begun the process of

who received the award on behalf of

programme in Delta

change. Part of that process is to begin

the Governor.

with recognising private individuals,

government and agents of government

performance, a lot more still needs

that have changed the old ways of

to be done. Good enough, efforts to

doing things.

translate most of the small businesses

into cottage industries have begun.

Tafawa Balewa as he

of other things they can do for their

This process, if sustained, has the

explained why Delta

people. The micro-finance programme

potential to foster development in

in Delta State is a good example. It is

different communities as epitomised

the International Award

very broad and it is helping people in

by the Sister Cities International,

the rural areas,” said Dr. Tafawa Balewa

founded in 1956 by a former President

on the development and

as he explained why Delta State

of United States of America, Dwight D.

Government won the International

Eisenhover. 

“We want to use them as examples

State is a good example.

But, despite the sterling

It is very broad and it is helping people in the rural areas, said Dr.

State Government won

empowerment of women and youths."

Award on the development and empowerment of women and youths.

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

135

International Brief

Already, members of the Sister Cities

“We didn't know that the job our

The Award Winning Micro-Credit Programme

DELTA STATE

MICRO-CREDIT PROGRAMME

... prosperity for all deltans

Want to Make Akara?

Here’s How:  Put 2 cups of BEAN flour in a bowl. 

Measure 2 cups of warm or cold water.



Add the measured water gradually and mix to get a light



consistency, and then leave for 15 minutes.



Add some chopped onions, pepper and salt to taste, and

Cookery

then stir mixture properly.



Fry in hot oil until golden (deep frying).



Serve hot with custard for breakfast, with Garri or Eko for lunch.

Moin-Moin Recipe  Put 2 cups of bean flour in a bowl.  Measure 4 ½ cups of fairly hot water.  Then add the water gradually and mix into a smooth

paste, then leave for at least 15 minutes.

 Add ½ cup of cooking oil, ground medium size onion,

pepper, shrimps and salt to taste.

 Mix all together properly.  Put mixture in greased tins or in traditional leaves.  Add pieces of fish or sliced egg into each portion.  Steam portion in pot containing some water for

about 25 minutes or until mixture is cooked.

 Serve hot with custard, jollof or by itself.

138

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

How to Prepare Plantain Flour Meal  Boil in a clean pot.  Remove pot from fire, turn flour into

boiled water and stir properly for 3 minutes.

 Return pot to fire, stir till found well cooked and

brownish in colour.

 Serve hot with vegetable soup or any soup of choice.

Cookery

Pepper Soup Tips  Steam the meat or fish for the pepper soup, with salt and pepper if required.  Add 10gm of pepper soup spice to 1 litre of water to prepare

pepper soup for a family of five.

 Add pepper if required. Serve hot with boiled yam, plantain, agidi,

rice etc.

 Cook for ten minutes and serve hot.

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

139

...the Award Winning Micro-Credit Programme

Plantain Cultivation Tips On

By: Adjarho oghenekaro

Tips

Plantains and bananas are generally produced in small fields under shifting cultivation and bush fallow, but yields decline rapidly after the first production cycle. They are also produced in intensively managed home gardens or backyards in which application of manure and household refuse ensures continuous high productivity for many years. These production systems have worked well in the past but they are now unable to produce sufficient fruits to meet the demand of a rising population. More efficient production systems are needed.

Here’s how to boost production:

I

Choose a good field

have poor organic matter.

How and when to establish a field

n determining a field for

Plantains can be cultivated

the cultivation of plantain

throughout the rainy

and banana for sustainable

season. However, it is

production, you must

better in the middle

take into account the

of the rainy season when

basic need of high organic

they can be produced off-season and

matter, nutrients and

farmers will get higher prices for them.

water supply. Note that forest field is

Spacing is 3m between rows and 2m

the most ideal and it must be a hot and

within rows.

humid environment with an average of temperature of 25-30’C.

Planting of seedlings

Dig seedling ground space of a

Your area must have an average

rainfall of 120-160mm per month and a

minimum size of 30cm x 30cm x 30cm

well-drained soil rich in organic matter

(spade size) and keep top soil separate

in long fallow or with lots of mulch.

from bottom soil. Place seedling

Grasslands are surface feeders like

centrally in the ground space dug.

plantains and bananas and will

Cover, first with top soil and then with

compete for nutrients. Grasslands also

bottom soil.

144

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

"Elephant grass is a good source of potassium, and old dead leaves are good for mulching.

Others include palm refuse, cassava peels and domestic refuse."

Now, what next? De-suckering

a superficial root system should be

(thinning)

considered a weed in a plantain field.

When suckers are left to develop freely,

Intercropping with early maturing

Fertilizer application

they compete against each other and

or shade-tolerant crops also helps to

Application of fertilizer (or farmyard

reduce yield. Unnecessary suckers

control weeds. Weeds can be controlled

manure) should start one month after

must be pruned. Sucker management

manually by hand or slashing.

planting or at the onset of the rains in

refuse.

an old field and should be applied at

in plantain fields involves two components: pruning of water suckers

Mulching

regular intervals. Application should

and the selection of best suckers to

Nutrients and organic matter diminish

be done based on the soil nutrient

perpetuate it after harvesting the

in plantain and banana fields. To

status and should not be applied in dry

mother crop.

replenish the fields, mulching (with

season. The fertilizer is applied around

plants and/or manure) is necessary. This

the main plant in a circle about 50 cm in

Pruning (de-leafing)

also conserves moisture and prevents

diameter.

The periodical removal of old and dead

a situation whereby roots and suckers

leaves and cutting back of hedge-

rise above the soil line and become

ha/yr of nitrogen (as urea) and 550kg

row in a field with alley cropping is

exposed to dehydration and physical

(ha/yr of potassium (as muriate of

recommended. The bio-mass is used for

damage, causing the plant to fall and

potash) applied in six split applications.

mulching.

die.

Elephant grass is a good source of

The recommended dose is 300kg /

Disease and pest control

potassium, and old dead leaves are

Black sigatoka is the major disease

The falling over of plantain

good for mulching. Others include palm

affecting plantain and bananas while

pseudo-stems due to the weight of

refuse, cassava peels and domestic

nematodes and weevils are the major

exceptionally large bunches, weak

pests. The only effective means of

pseudo-stems and strong winds

control is:

can cause partial damage to the

A. Clean planting materials

plant or even total bunch loss.

B. Resistant varieties

Propping is done to support

C. Mulching and trapping.

the plant. The prop should be clear of the bunch to avoid fruit

Harvesting

scarring.

When a field is properly selected, established and maintained, the

De-budding

yield and quality of harvest is

The removal of male buds after

rewarding. Harvesting is done

full-hand opening will prevent

when fruits are fully filled and one

seeds forming in the pulp and also

or two fingertips start yellowing.

increase yield.

Matured bunches are harvested carefully with a sharp cutlass to

You must control weed

prevent damage to fruits and

Weed control starts during field

bunches.

preparation and should be done regularly at least every six to

Culled from banana and plantain

eight weeks depending on the

production: A means of generating

agro-ecology. Any plant with

income and creating employment

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

145

Tips

Propping

146

D E LTA S TAT E M I C R O - C R E D I T P R O G R A M M E J O U R N A L

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how not to handle the naira Any of these forms of abuse of the Naira can attract: a fine of N50,000, six-month jail term or both.

Follow the guide below and stay on the right side of the law.

Do not store the Naira indecently

Neatly arrange your money in pouches

Do not squeeze the Naira

Neatly arrange your money in wallets

Do not stain the Naira

Neatly arrange your money in pouches & wallets

Do not deface the Naira

Use proper writing materials

Do not spray the Naira

Give out cash gifts properly

BA RAL NT CE

NK OF N IGE

RI A

This message is from the Central Bank of Nigeria