Pa Ayo Orisejafor, Evangelist Michael Ejele and Mrs. Justina Kpedi have been honoured for their contributions to the growth of microfinance banking and job creation in Delta State.
The trio were recognised at the 2026 annual general meeting and election of new executives of the Delta State Chapter of the National Association of Microfinance Banks (NAMB), following an initiative introduced by the immediate past Chairman of the association, Mr. Patrick Okhimamhe.
Okhimamhe, said the awardees were selected in recognition of their contributions to the development of the industry, noting that the initiative is introduced to celebrate stakeholders whose efforts have positively impacted the sector.
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Orisejafor is the Chief Executive Officer of Eagles Height Microfinance Bank, Diden Ejele is the Chief Executive Officer of Mega Praise Microfinance Bank, while Kpedi is the co-founder of Wetland Microfinance Bank.
Speaking further on his two-year tenure, Okhimamhe said his administration prioritised unity among member banks, increased participation and professional development within the association.
He said the association had previously experienced low participation, with some members becoming inactive or disconnected from its activities.
According to him, he personally visited almost every microfinance bank in the state to engage their management and encourage them to participate actively in the association.
Okhimamhe also disclosed that his administration provide free capacity-building programmes for managing directors and staff of member banks throughout his tenure.
On the association’s finances, he said his administration adopted measures to minimise expenditure, including conducting about 99 percent of its meetings online.
He said the prudent management of resources enables the association to end his tenure with excess income over expenditure and without liabilities or borrowings.
Okhimamhe attributed the improved financial position to transparency and accountability in the management of members’ dues, adding that members became more willing to meet their obligations.
He also said his administration deliberately worked to prevent divisions within the association through consultation, engagement and strategic planning.
With a new executive now in place, Okhimamhe urged the incoming leadership, led by Mr. Shadrach Okpala, to consolidate the achievements recorded during his tenure.
The newly elected Chairman, Okpala, pledged to build on the achievements of the previous administration and strengthen unity and inclusiveness among members.
Speaking after receiving her award, Kpedi commended the association for its unity and urged members to remain committed to developing their banks through increased investment and expansion.
She also appealed to the state government to provide a more conducive environment for businesses to thrive, particularly by addressing multiple taxation and electricity challenges.
Ejele, who was represented at the event by his wife, Mrs. Light Diden, expressed appreciation to the association for the recognition and urged members to remain committed to expanding their banks and extending their services to more communities.
