World Bank scribe scores AEA high on deepening biz growth in FCT

By Stanley Onyekwere

The World Bank Senior Financial Sector Specialist, Pranita Moni Sengupta has assessed the business activities of Abuja Enterprise Agency within the last 3 years, and rated the Agency very high, for its commitment in stimulating Small and Medium Enterprises(SMEs), particularly in the rural areas of the six Area Councils of FCT.
A statement from Head, AEA’s Corporate Communications, Tony Odey, which was made available to Peoplesdaily, at the weekend, disclosed that Sengupta gave the commendation during her special visit to the Headquarters of the Agency, in Jahi-Abuja.
It read in part: “In her response to the presentation made by the acting Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, Mr. Chudi Ugwuada-Ezirigwe, she expressed her satisfaction with the leadership and management of the Agency for upholding global best practices in all areas of its business operations, as it concerns SMEs and entrepreneurial development in FCT.
“Sengupta said she was particularly excited and impressed, considering the fact that the Agency’s engagement focuses more on the development, promotion and growth of Start-up businesses in rural communities of Kwali, Abaji, Gwagwalada, Bwari, Kuje and AMAC.
“She noted that the World Bank areas of assessment include: accurate data gathering and management, capacity building, fair, equitable and transparent disbursement of funds to SMEs, effective and user-friendly ICT Network development, widespread advocacy and campaigns, courteous staff-client’s relationship, amongst others.”
It added that the top World Bank Official explained that the purpose of the visit was to assist the Agency to provide solutions on areas of challenges as well as working towards assisting the Agency to expand the capacity of SMEs in FCT.
According to the statement, “earlier, in his welcome address, Ugwuada-Ezirigwe, expressed deep appreciation to World Bank for establishing and sustaining strong partnership with the Agency and the FCT Administration over the years.