By Ibrahim Joenal Sesay
FREETOWN, June 14 (232news.com) – One of Sierra Leone largest regulated microfinance institutions, A Call to Business (ACTB) Savings and Loans Limited in their quest to provide inclusive financial services has up scaled it 11th branch along the Bo Road, Mile 91.
The branched which was re-opened by the Regent Chief’s representative took place last Friday 10th June at Mile 91 and attracted all walks of life.
In his brief remakes, the Regent Chief Yoni Mamaila Chiefdom representative, Akim Gebril Sesay thanked ACTB for bringing development in their region and resident of Mile 91 for their cooperation.
“We want to appreciate ACTB for selecting our community. We are so pleased they are here.”
He went on to say that they will be happier to see their own people work at the bank as that will bring more confidence to them.
In his Declaration of purpose, ACTB Chief Operating Officer, Idrissa Sesay described the moved as a mile stone as they are going where traditional institutions are not going.
“We have taken upon ourselves to reach the unreached and bring the smile to your door steps”.
The Local Unit Commander Mile 91 Police Division, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Edison Vandi said Mile 91 is a place many financial institutions avoids.
“ACTB embraces all that is why they are here and their products cover all works of life. We welcome them with open hands”
LUC Vandi assured ACTB of continuous work with them and they will make sure they succeed under safety and security.
President for Farmers Association E.S.A. Kargbo disclosed that ACTB was not in their community they deal with farmers, now they are there they have to embraced them.
He advised his audience not to venture to duplicate loan if they have taken loan elsewhere let them settle it first before reaching out to ACTB for farming loan because farmers are not paying loan easily.
“Let us take a different tone now, farmers are not paying debt. There is no relative in business. Any money you get, invest and develop it”. he advised.
Master of ceremony, ACTB Marketing and Deposit Mobilization Coordinator, Rockslyn Alwyn Findlay pointed out that ACTB provides financial solutions to people and communities in Sierra Leone that are regularly in need of it and that Mile 91 is part of Sierra Leone and also contribute to the economy of the country.
He went on to talked about the financial inclusion which is a drive led by the Bank of Sierra Leone as part of their promotion.
Rockslyn outlined some of the loans the bank is offering which includes, salaries loan and salary advance and the rural and agricultural loan that will change their lives.
ACTB Operates in Freetown (Head Office in Brookfields and branch office in Wellington), Makeni, Lungi, Kambia, Makeni, Kono, Bo, Magburaka, Port Loko, Lunsar and now Mile 91.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – A Call to Business Savings and Loans Limited, David A. Kamara in his keynote address presented ACTV formally to the Chief and other stakeholders of Mile 91.
He said ACTB have been in existence for 14 years now and have passed through several crises but still growing.
He disclosed that by the end of 2022 they will be counting up13 branches in the country after Mile 91.
He expressed joy to open branch in that part of the country as they came in style to make the difference in customer service.
He went on to say ACTB prides itself as one of the best in giving out loans that benefits both parties.
“We are giving loan to business people with different products based on the business you are doing. We are paying more than four thousand staff under government and private institutions through that we pride ourselves as the first bank that pays our customers on time.”
The CEO also spoke about the several loans they are offering such as: salary loan, assets financial loan, motorcycle(okada) loan, school development loan, solar loan and loan to current student.
He disclosed that they will work with universities to see how student can advance in computer for them to attract joy quicker after leaving university.
“We have built over hundred schools just within Freetown to increase the quality of education through our school loan to proprietors.”
He also extends the motorcycle(okada) loan to Mile 91 as the means of transportation is okada.
He emphasised that one doesn’t need to bribe in order to have access to their services.
“We frown at that and it is against our policy.”
The CEO reminded his audience about the re-domination of the Leones which he said it will take effect soon.
Earlier welcome remarked was done by Mile 91 Branch Manager, Alusine Koroma. A testimony of how ACTB has transformed lives with their Agricultural package was given by one of Mile 91 indigenes.
Statement was also made by the representative of the Yoni/Mile 91 Traders Union. The cutting of the tape by the Regent Chief Yoni Mamaila Chiefdom representative, Akim Gebril Sesay climax the opening.
