…Blesses Petra Microfinance new bank centre
Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins has said that any venture carried out by the Church in any area of life is for the sole intention of participating in God’s act of creation and making God’s creation to continue from generation to generation. Archbishop Martins made this disclosure at the grand opening and blessing of Petra Micro Finance Bank’s new office, held recently in the premises at Herbert Macaulay Way, Yaba, Lagos. The Archbishop disclosed that the bank began from the angle of catering for the needs of the poor, as he expressed joy that it began from there, adding that among other things, what makes any venture in the Catholic Church unique is the fact that it has as its purpose of existence, the enhancement of the human dignity.
For this reason, he congratulated Petra Micro Finance Bank for being part and parcel of the very purpose for which the Catholic Church carries out any of its duties. He commended the team for the efforts they have been putting into the venture over the years, in order that the bank is where it is today, adding that these efforts to enhance human dignity and continue God’s act of creation has continued to improve. According to him, “One of the expectations of any venture in the Catholic Church is that its ethical verge wouldn’t be questioned.” He urged the board and management of the bank to ensure that they uphold the ethics of engaging in money business in the way they are doing, such that the trust attracts intending customers and shareholders to the bank.
Also speaking on the occasion, Very Rev. Fr. Modestus Ngwu, OP, Prior Provincial, Order of Preachers St. Joseph the Worker Province, Nigeria and Ghana, noting the living conditions of the average Nigerian, urged them to take advantage of opportunities that they have and work together so as to improve their living conditions. According to Fr. Ngwu, Nigerians have been exposed to suffering, that they have to struggle to pay for everything, adding that the quality of life of the people has been drastically reduced. Speaking on the impact of mortgage and credit on the lives of people, he said Petra was started on the basis of helping the poor to access finances for their businesses, adding that this brings transformation to the community and society at large.
For Dr. Victor Dike, Chairman Board of Directors, Petra Micro Finance Bank, he said the bank gives loans to all categories of customers, including micro and small businesses, parishes and Catholic institutions. He thanked the Archbishop for always responding promptly on being aware when any parish needs the bank’s services, and his support in several ways which has helped Petra to be where it is. He disclosed that the bank was established at the advice of Rev. Fr. MaryVin Ubili, OP, former Parish Priest of St. Dominic Catholic Church, so that parishioners who needed it, could access financial assistance to startup businesses of their choice.
