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‘We have undergone immense change in the past 30 years’
By Osaro Peters
The micro-finance bank, Lift Above Poverty Organization LAPO has revealed that in 2016 alone, it collectively disbursed loans valued at 140.4billion naira within and outside Nigeria.
This was made known by the founder of the Organization, Dr Godwin Ehigiamusoe at the annual Staff Award Ceremony held recently in Benin city.
Ehigiamusoe who was represented at the event by the Executive Director of the organization, Mrs Sabrina Idowu Osehobo, said that LAPO had undergone drastic changes within the last 30 years of its existence and had witnessed unequalled growth in spite of the very challenging operating environment.
He also said that the feat was made possible because of the steadfastness and commitment of staff of the organization who he hailed for their commitment to the collective business aspiration of the organization, which is working to improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians, most especially the marginalized and disadvantaged in the society.
In the award ceremony proper, certificates and valuable gift items were handed over to one employee who had spent 25years in service, 6 employees who had successful completed 20years in service, 16 employees who have put in 15 years and 131 employees who have put in 10years respectively.
Also, 27 employees of the organization received the performance Awards as Best credit and Best Non-Credit Staff while the Best Performing Branches for 2016 are Imota Branch as Best Regular Branch, Makun Branch as Best Super Branch, and Badagry Branch as Best Mega Branch.
In another category which is the LAPO Agricultural and Rural Development Initiative, Benin 1 emerged as the Branch with the Highest Loan Portfolio for the year 2016 with Achalla coming tops as the Branch with the Highest Savings Portfolio. Items such as generator sets, deep freezers and microwave ovens were also given to award winners.
The founder of the organization further enjoined the staffs to keep up the good work. He said: “our colleagues who have received various awards today are therefore acknowledged and commended for their hard work and invaluable contributions to the achievements of these lofty ideas. I am convinced that you will continue to serve in the same manner which has now accorded you this special recognition.”
The Lift Above Poverty Organization currently has a staff strength of 7,233 persons with a customer base standing at 2.9million spread across 30 states in the country and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Established in 1987, LAPO has its headquarters in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
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