Edo Govt Mulls Partnership With LAPO MfB To Empower Civil, Public Servants

By Simeon OSAJIE

‎Edo State Government has reiterated its commitment to partner the Lift Above Poverty Organization Microfinance Bank (LAPO MfB) to promote the economic empowerment of Civil and Public Servants in the State through homegrown initiatives and credit support.

This renewed stance was disclosed by the Edo State Head of Service (HOS), Dr. Anthony Okungbowa Esq. during a meeting with a delegation from the Lift Above Poverty Organization (LAPO) Microfinance Bank at his office in Government House, Benin, Edo State capital.

Dr. Okungbowa Esq. emphasized that Governor Monday Okpebholo remains deeply committed to grassroots-focused and locally-rooted solutions,  revealing that the proposed partnership with LAPO would mark a bold step towards enhancing the State’s Public Sector space and broadening the financial inclusion of Civil and Public Servants.

“Our Governor is very unique. He believes in homegrown systems in the way he runs government, in the way he empowers people and in how he has structured the Civil and Public Service. That principle has always guided him, and this is why initiatives like LAPO which started here in Edo, deserve priority, visibility and prominence” he said.

Reaffirming the Governor’s support, the HOS assured the delegation that the State would back LAPO’s efforts to provide financial services to Civil and Public Servants. He also advised the LAPO team to ensure that their products and rates remain competitive.

“We will support this venture to ensure its success. Yes, there are many financial institutions, but LAPO stands out. It has a good story and I believe it will deliver in a unique way.

“This is a highly competitive space. What you put on the table, the offerings, will determine how our officers engage with you. It’s not just about business, impact matters too” Dr. Okungbowa declared.

The Head of Service further noted that LAPO’s roots in Edo State are not only a point of pride but also a reason to trust the organization’s capacity to deliver sustainable and impactful services to Civil and Public Servants, while commending the Founder’s values and legacy.

“When LAPO came on stream to offer services, we knew the quality that went into building it and how well LAPO has proven itself over time.

“Undisputedly, LAPO has been a leader in the Microfinance industry in Nigeria. I know the Founder personally. His work ethics and integrity are the very things every worker should emulate. I have a lot of respect for him”, he said.

On his part, the Head of Communication, Lift Above Poverty Organization, Mr. Oluremi Akande expressed deep appreciation for the warm reception and reiterated LAPO MfB’s commitment to empowering Edo State employees and grassroots communities, while explaining that LAPO’s renewed engagement with the State was aimed at providing affordable financial services that would help Civil Servants meet their obligations without financial strain.

“LAPO is a household name in Edo State. We are proud of our roots here and the transformative leadership of the State Government. We recognize the Government’s efforts to improve Civil and Public Servants’ welfare, and we believe public-private partnerships such as this is crucial to sustaining that progress.

“This visit is to reintroduce our business through your office and make Civil and Public Servants aware of loan products that are accessible, fairly priced and tailored to improve their well-being. A happy Civil Servant means better productivity and sustainable service to the State.

“We are passionate about economic empowerment and social intervention. LAPO has awarded scholarships to over 3,000 people and provided skills training to over 1,500 beneficiaries, many of whom are from Edo State” Mr. Akande noted.