A Delta State community, Orerokpe, hub of ancient civilization in Southern Nigeria and headquarters of the Okpe local government area on Monday marked and celebrated the inception of automated teller machine (ATM) services.
The advent of ATM in the community, championed by immediate past chairman of the local government, Godwin Ejinyere, marked a new era in the community.
TheNewsGuru reports, on assuming office, Ejinyere had contacted management of United Bank for Africa (UBA) on the need to extend ATM services to Orerokpe to help alleviate the challenges faced by residents of the historic community who move to and fro Warri or Agbarho just to get cash.
“Getting the bank’s headquarters/management to accept and approve ATMs for Orerokpe was like a camel passing through the eye of a needle,” the former council boss, now SSA to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa stated.
“But, I did not give up. After many meetings, pleadings and “lobbying”, the bank graciously approved and gave the go-ahead,” he added.
TheNewsGuru gathers that in February, a set of durable and modern ATMs were brought by UBA to Orerokpe after a first set was rejected by the former council boss on grounds that the machines were not durable and modern.
Orerokpe was renowned to be the hub of civilization in time past, and the Orodje Okpe, His Majesty, Orhue 1, Major Gen. Felix Mujakperuo (retd), became the first person to officially operate an ATM in Orerokpe.
The Okpe monarch became the first person to operate the ATM at the official commissioning of the machines on Monday, and the former council boss became the second person to operate an ATM in Orerokpe.
See photos:
Set of newly installed ATMs
Orodje Okpe making withdrawal as first person to officially operate an ATM in Orerokpe
Orodje Okpe shortly after the withdrawal
Elated Orodje Okpe
Ejinyere making withdrawal as second person to officially operate an ATM in Orerokpe
UBA representatives, Ejinyere and others at the commissioning of the ATMs
With this development, the unbanked and under-banked populations around the Orerokpe, Oviorie, Oha, and other neighbouring communities will now have access to this banking service, and also, the ATM will service entrepreneurs and small and medium business owners in the axis.
