By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A loan scheme tagged FirstGem that will benefit women in Oyo State has been launched by First Bank in partnership with the state government.
According to Chairman of First Bank, Mrs Ibukun Awosika, the initiative will allow account holders in their personal and business endeavours optimise the bundled value propositions of the product.
These, Mrs Awosika said, include free business advisory services to access bank loan and single digit loan from designated intervention funds that support socio-economic empowerment of women.
She noted that such funds include the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) N200 billion fund of which 60 percent is dedicated for women entrepreneurs, and the Bank of Industry (BoI) fashion fund, cottage fund and so on.
Mrs Awosika further explained that holders would also receive regular information on business opportunities in various sectors and industries, specialised training on business development initiatives for capacity building, and huge discounts at merchant outlets like grocery stores, event centres and book stores that offer lifestyle products and services. Beneficiaries will also get annual health checks through accredited health service agencies.
“It is available to all women aged 18 years and above, whether working professionals or entrepreneurs and it comes in two variants; savings and current account.
“FirstGem includes benefits which empower women to achieve their financial goals and aspirations.
“With FirstGem, our female customers, corporate and business women, are also able to access soft loans to grow their business,” she said.
Present at the launch on Tuesday was wife of the Oyo State Governor, Mrs Florence Ajimobi, who said she was excited that the scheme had come to the state after she witnessed its official launch in Lagos State.
Adedapo Adesanya 
Aduragbemi Omiyale