Gowans Bank Distributes Motorcycles, HIJET Buses, Tricycles to NSCDC, Others
Our Reporter
As part of its efforts to empower Nigerians, Gowans Microfinance Bank Limited (GMFB) has commissioned and distributed 30 motorcycles, 10 tricycles, and 10 HI-JET minibuses on hire purchase arrangements to beneficiaries, including pastors and officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
This initiative is to support security agencies by providing them with alternative sources of income as they diligently work to ensure the safety of lives and properties in the state.
The distribution event was held at the bank’s premises in Jos, Plateau State, and was attended by the Executive of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), led by ECWA President Rev. Dr. Job Ayuba Bagat.
During the event, beneficiaries were presented with the keys to the motorcycles, vehicles, and tricycles.
Among others in attendance were Chief Executive Officers of other ECWA-affiliated companies, as well as heads of various ECWA departments and units.
In his remarks at the event, ECWA General Secretary Rev. Dr. Ayuba Asheshe highlighted that GMFB’s support for security agencies is vital in addressing security challenges, particularly in remote areas.
He also urged the government to ensure a peaceful and conducive environment for businesses to thrive and called on the federal government to enhance empowerment opportunities through the Federal Ministry for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to directly benefit grassroots populations.
Dr. Kingsley Dickson, the Acting Managing Director of Gowans Microfinance Bank Limited, explained that this initiative is part of GMFB’s intervention plans aimed at fostering greater business opportunities for security personnel in a subsidized manner.
He stated, “We have carefully assessed the situation and realized that tricycles will soon saturate the streets of Jos. Therefore, we decided to position ourselves with HIJET minibuses, which can provide more efficient services than tricycles.
“Today, we are handing over 30 motorcycles, 10 HIJET minibuses, and 10 tricycles to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). Additionally, we have 10 HIJET buses available, and we have already received six applications for hire purchase. We also have 27 motorcycles designated for missionary work,” he added.
Dr. Kingsley Dickson also mentioned that the repayment timeframe for the NSCDC personnel is eight months, while for pastors, it will be twenty-four months. He added that GMFB invested One Hundred and Forty-Seven Million Naira (₦147,000,000) in procuring the motorcycles, buses, and tricycles. Dr. Dickson further disclosed that all assets are “comprehensively covered with insurance.”
Mr. Pam Samuel Moses, President of the Plateau State NSCDC Staff Cooperative, spoke about the partnership between Gowans and NSCDC, emphasizing its aim to enhance operational effectiveness and improve the lives of personnel within the Command through the Staff Cooperative Society.
He remarked, “We have been operating a cooperative society in the state since we began our service, and we have developed a strong working relationship with this bank. The requests from our members wanting to join the program are numerous. Some members will use these vehicles for security surveillance, while others will deploy them to generate additional income to supplement their salaries.”
Regarding the recovery plan, Mr. Moses stated, “We will recover whatever our members receive from their salaries, and they will pay this off within eight months.” The highlight of the event was the commissioning and presentation of the assets to the beneficiaries.
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