Papa Orisejafor, Ejele, Kpedi, Ososuakpor Bag Awards As Okhimamhe Lauds Contributions To Microfinance Industry

By Jason Oghenevieze

Three prominent stakeholders in Delta State’s microfinance banking sector, including Papa Ayo Orisejafor, Evangelist Michael Diden Ejele, Dr. Ososoakpor Jonathan and Mrs Justina Kpedi, have been honoured for their contributions to the growth of the industry and job creation in the state.

The trio received the awards at the 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) and election of new executives of the Delta State Chapter of the National Association of Microfinance Banks (NAMB).

The awards were introduced by the immediate past chairman of the association, Mr Patrick Okhimamhe, as part of initiatives to recognise individuals whose contributions have impacted the microfinance sector in Delta State.

Orisejafor, founder of Eagles Flight Microfinance Bank, Ejele, founder of Mega Praise Microfinance Bank, Kpedi, co-founder of Wetland Microfinance Bank, and Dr. Ososuakpor Jonathan, immediate past Managing Director of Amju Unique Microfinance Bank, were among those recognised during the event.

Speaking at the AGM, Okhimamhe, who is also the Managing Director of Revelation Microfinance Bank, said the award programme was created to celebrate stakeholders who had contributed to the development of the industry.

“These are people that have contributed to the industry. These kinds of awards were not there. We created them,” he said.

Okhimamhe, who completed his two-year tenure as chairman of the association, said his administration also focused on restoring unity among member banks, increasing participation and promoting professional development within the sector.

He said the administration met an association where some members had become inactive or felt disconnected, adding that deliberate efforts were made to reconnect with microfinance banks across the state.

“Before we came in, people had no interest in the association. We tried to bring everybody in,” he said.

According to him, he personally visited almost every microfinance bank in the state to explain the importance of belonging to the association and encourage greater participation.

He said the administration also provided free capacity-building programmes for managing directors and staff of member banks throughout his tenure.

“Not just the managing directors, but also the staff of the member banks. And all the training that we did during my tenure, they were free of charge. We did not charge a dime,” Okhimamhe said.

On the financial management of the association, the outgoing chairman said his administration adopted measures to reduce unnecessary expenditure, including conducting about 99 per cent of its meetings online.

He said the prudent approach enabled the association to end the tenure with excess income over expenditure and without liabilities or borrowings.

Okhimamhe attributed the association’s improved financial standing to transparency and accountability in the management of members’ dues, noting that members became more willing to pay their obligations without persistent reminders.

He also said the administration anticipated possible divisions within the association and addressed them through engagement, consultation and strategic planning.

With the election of a new executive, Okhimamhe urged the incoming leadership to build on the achievements recorded during his tenure.

“My advice to them is to improve on what we have done. They should work transparently and ensure that whatever they want to do, they carry everybody along,” he said.

He further attributed his ability to combine his banking career with pastoral and community responsibilities to effective planning and delegation.

“I strategise. I plan. Put some people in strategic positions and you are good. Be open. Once they see that you are open, they will also be open,” he stated.

In his remarks the newly elected chairman of the association, Mr. Shadrach Okpala, promised to build on the achievements of his predecessor and continue to promote unity and inclusiveness of all members.

Speaking to journalists after receiving her award, Mrs Justina Kpedi commended the association for their unity and advised them to be more committed and invest more into their banks to expand their businesses.

She called on government to provided a more enabling environment for businesses to thrive especially in areas of double taxation and electricity.

Speaking in the same vein, Evangelist Michael Diden who was represented by his wife, Mrs Light Diden appreciated the association for award. He urged them to be committed to expanding their banks an its reach.

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