By Danzumi Ishaku
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Tukur Burutai has launched agent banking at the 20 Battalion Barracks in Serti Taraba state, in continuation of federal government’s policy of financial inclusion for unbanked Nigerians.
Burutai said the move was aimed at bringing banking services closer to the army personnel and their families and save them the stress of travelling long distances to access the services.
The COAS said this was part of army’s Corporate social responsibility aimed at enhancing army civil relationship as the agent bank would benefit the entire Gashaka local government area of the state and enhance the economic growth of the people.
He said that the system would be explored in the payment of basic allowances for officers on the front line so that their families would be able to access the finds without difficulty.
“It is with great pleasure that I launch this agent banking here at this 20 Battalion barracks in Serti Baruwa, Gashaka local government area of Taraba state.This will definitely bring banking services to the doorsteps of the men and officers of the Nigerian army and their families and indeed, the entire community.
“This scheme, which is part of federal government’s policy of financial inclusion for all Nigerians, is also part of army’s corporate social responsibility aimed at enhancing military civil relationship and the economic well-being of the people of the community.”
The COAS expressed delight with the impact of the skill acquisition program his administration carried out for Wives of the officers on the barracks in 2016 and promised to collaborate with the bank so that they can get financing to enhance their businesses.
“Wives of the Nigerian army offices requested for skills acquisition program and for banking services when I came here in 2016. I am glad that it is fulfilled today. I am most delighted at the impact of the skills acquisition as shown in the city’s presented to me today by the beneficiaries of the scheme. I will collaborate with our partner, the First Bank plc so that you can access findings to grow your businesses” Burutai said.
The northern head of retail banking at First Bank Mr Shehu Aliyu in his remarks said that “nothing was too good for the Nigerian army considering the huge sacrifices they make to sustain our nationhood and protect the lives and property of the citizens” and promised the people of the entire community “safe and quality banking services.”
