By Haruna Usman, Birnin Kebbi
Residents of Kamba in Dandi Local Government Area of Kebbi State, have expressed optimism that the opening of a new branch of Fidelity Bank Plc in the town will ease long-standing financial challenges faced by farmers, traditional rulers and small-scale traders.
The residents made the commendation on Thursday during the inauguration of the bank’s branch in the area.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of Dandi Local Government Council, Dr Mansur Isah-Kamba, said the absence of a commercial bank in the locality had imposed financial and logistical burdens on residents.
“For years, many residents, including over 83 traditional rulers on the local government payroll, had to travel to Birnin Kebbi, the state capital, to resolve banking issues and access their funds.
“ Our traditional rulers often travel long distances for salary-related matters and other transactions.
” With this bank now in our area, that stress will be reduced significantly,” he said.
Isah-Kamba, represented by the Council Secretary, Alhaji Abdulkadir Muhammad, commended the bank for its foresight and commitment to supporting farmers and small and medium-scale enterprise (SME) owners.
Earlier, the Sarkin Shikon Kamba, Alhaji Mahmoud Zarumai-Fana, said farming remained the dominant occupation in the area, with many families depending on it for their livelihood.
“Our people are predominantly farmers; access to financial services will help them improve their productivity and livelihoods,” he said.
He noted that farmers required support such as pumping machines, fertilisers and pesticides to enhance output, adding that proximity to banking services would facilitate savings, access to loans and participation in agricultural intervention programmes.
“ We assure the bank that the community will support its presence here. It is a welcome development for our people,” he said.
Also speaking, the Regional Bank Head, North-West, Sokoto, Mr Muhammad Lawal-Ahijo, said the branch was established after consultations with community leaders and an assessment of the area’s needs.
He urged residents to patronise the facility, stressing that its sustainability would largely depend on community support.
“ This bank is not just ours; it belongs to the community. We appeal to you to take ownership and make maximum use of the services available,” he said.
Lawal-Ahijo assured residents of the bank’s commitment to supporting farmers and SMEs in the area.
In his remarks, a member of the Kebbi State House of Assembly representing Dandi Constituency, Dr Abubakar Suleiman-Fana, described the branch as a step toward strengthening financial inclusion in rural communities.