Brutai Launches Army Agent Banking In Taraba

BY AMEH IDUJAGI, JALINGO – As part of the Nigerian Army’s corporate social responsibility, the Chief of Army Staff  Lt Gen Tukur Burutai on Tuesday launched the Agent banking at the 20 Battalion Model Barracks in Serti, Taraba state.

General Buratai said that the launching of the bank is in continuation of the federal government’s policy of financial inclusion for unbanked Nigerians. 

He also said that the move is aimed at bringing banking services closer to the army personnel and their families to save them the stress of travelling long distances to access the services.

The Army boss said the policy is aimed at enhancing army civil relationship as the agent bank would benefit the entire Gashaka local government area of the state and enhance the economic growth of the people. 

He said that the system would be explored in the payment of basic allowances for officers on the front line so that their families would be able to access the finds without difficulty. 

Buratai further said; “This will definitely bring banking services to the doorsteps of the men and officers of the Nigerian army and their families and indeed, the entire community. 

“This scheme, which is part of the federal government’s policy of financial inclusion for all Nigerians, is also part of army’s corporate social responsibility aimed at enhancing military civil relationship and the economic well-being of the people of the community.”

The COAS expressed delight with the impact of the skill acquisition programme his administration carried out for wives of the officers in the barracks in 2016 and promised to collaborate with the bank so that they can get financing to enhance their businesses. 

In the words of Buratai; “Wives of the Nigerian army offices requested for skills acquisition program and for banking services when I came here in 2016. I am glad that it is fulfilled today. I am most delighted at the impact of the skills acquisition as shown in the city’s presented to me today by the beneficiaries of the scheme. I will collaborate with our partner, the First Bank PLC so that you can access fundings to grow your businesses.” 

In his remarks, the northern head of retail banking of First Bank, Mr Shehu Aliyu said nothing was too good for the Nigerian army considering the huge sacrifices they make to sustain our nationhood and protect the lives and property of the citizens.

Aliyu assured the people of the entire community of safe and quality banking services.