IT was jubilation at the weekend in the oil rich city of Warri for some Okada riders as they emerged beneficiaries of the Coastline Microfinance Bank ‘Keke’ Loan Scheme.

The eight beneficiaries of the Coastline Microfinance Bank Keke Loan Scheme had been without job since the ban on motorbike, popularly known as Okada by the Delta State Government.

Sir Ono Edeh, Resident Director, Coastline Microfinance Bank in a handshake with one of the beneficiaries, Ojiwete Emmanuel at the event.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony of Coastline MicroFinance Bank Keke Loan Scheme at the Bank premises, Okere road, Warri, the Resident Director, Sir. Ono D. Edeh. While welcoming the beneficiaries said the aim of the Keke Loan Scheme was an effort of the bank to alleviate the suffering of former Okada riders.

He implored members of the public to avail themselves of the bank Keke Loan Scheme just as he prayed for the beneficiaries of the scheme to succeed in their endeavour.

Sir Edeh who urged the eight beneficiaries to put the Keke into good use to enable them over poverty reeled out some other products of the bank also geared towards the alleviation of poverty in the state.

Also speaking at the well attended ceremony, the Head of Micro credit of Coastine Microfinance Bank, Miss Fejiro Obodo, held that the vision of the bank is to effectively drive grassroot economic growth amongst the poor and to alleviate poverty.

According to her, the bank has designed a Micro credit Model to suit the active poor and encouraged all present and the general public to come and access loans.

“We also need Esusu agents who will be paid for bringing customers to the bank. The bank has been in existence for 20 years now and has empowered over 20,000 men and women through daily savings contribution,” Miss Obodo said.

She added; “To become an agent to the Bank, you do not need a high level of education but simply introducing the customers to the bank. I therefore urge you all beneficiaries and our customers present here this day to encourage our women out there to come and work for Coastline Microfinance bank as agents to earn more money to better their lives; most especially our local collectors out there, come and we will help you empower your customers while you retain them.”

The Head of Credit Marketing, Mr. Babatunde Toyin disclosed that salary earners, business owners- both private and corporate are also entitled to loan facilities in the Bank.

High point of the ceremony was the presentation of the Keke (Tricycle) to the beneficiaries who expressed appreciation to the bank for making the offer to them and advised the public to do business with the bank.