ASHA Microfinance Bank has concluded a three-day bursary and client empowerment programme across Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo States aimed at strengthening financial inclusion and sustainable community development.
In a statement on Wednesday, the MfB said the initiative was part of its Corporate Social Responsibility.
The initiative was designed to support education and empower small business owners within the bank’s operating communities. The programme commenced at Ikotun Market in Lagos State, continued in Sango Ota, Ogun State, and culminated in Ibadan, Oyo State.
As part of the initiative, 100 students were awarded bursaries. The beneficiaries were outstanding children of ASHA Microfinance Bank clients. The bursaries aim to ease the financial burden of education on families while encouraging academic excellence.
In addition, 150 clients received eco-friendly deep freezers as part of the client reward and business support scheme. This intervention targets traders and small business owners, particularly in the food and retail sectors, to improve product preservation, reduce waste, and promote environmentally sustainable business practices.
Speaking at the Lagos event, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of ASHA Microfinance Bank, Mrs. Funmi Oladoyinbo, said, “At ASHA Microfinance Bank, we believe that true financial inclusion goes beyond access to finance. By investing in education and empowering entrepreneurs, we are strengthening families, supporting businesses, and contributing to long-term economic growth within our communities.”
Some of the beneficiaries of the CSR also expressed appreciation for the support. One of the bank’s customers of the Shaki branch in Oyo State, Mrs. Odumayo Demola, said, “I am super excited. The freezer is truly God’s answer to my prayers. I had been looking for money to buy one, and this support came at the right time.”
Similarly, Mrs. Basit Oyetola, a long-term customer from Sango Ota, Ogun State, said, “I have been an ASHA customer for 13 years. With the bank’s support, I built my house and paid my children’s school fees. The institution has played a major role in my growth.”
ASHA Microfinance Bank reiterated that its CSR programmes are strategically designed to address real community needs while strengthening trust and long-term relationships with clients.
The bank emphasised that these interventions remain a cornerstone of its operations, positioning ASHA not only as a financial services provider but also as a catalyst for positive social and economic transformation across Nigeria.
