DIAMOND BANK HOSTS BUSINESS SEMINAR IN IBADAN

Lagos, May 31, 2013: In continuation of its support to Medium and Small business enterprises (MSMEs) Diamond Bank Nigeria Plc recently hosted the 31st Business Xpress Enterprise Series for its Ogun and Oyo region customers in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.

The Diamond Xpress Enterprise Series was launched in 2010 to add value to businesses such as micro, small or medium scale enterprise. The initiative has gone round many cities, mentoring entrepreneurs across the country and has been well received by entrepreneurs.

The Regional Director West, Diamond Bank, Mr Olusola Ajayi speaking at the seminar entitled 'MSME: Breaking the limits' said that, “Diamond Bank regards MSMEs as the engine room of the economy hence we have put in place structures to support this vital sector. In Diamond Bank, we have bankers who are specialists in helping MSMEs manage their finances. For us, we understand the importance of this vital sector and that informs our decision to cater to their needs even when other banks don't take them seriously.

Commenting further on the reasons for organising the seminars, Ajayi said that Diamond BusinessXpress Enterprise Series gives entrepreneurs the opportunity to learn and ask questions from those who have excelled in their field.

"As a bank, we are involved in the business of financial intermediation. That means that we fund business activities in the country. In the MSME space, we have given about N70 billion in loans to about 3000 entrepreneurs nationwide. By facilitating this seminar we are helping to develop businesses in Nigeria by increasing the capacity of our customers to be able to expand and manage their businesses successfully,” stressed Mr. Ajayi.

The facilitator and Proprietress of Christ Ambassador International College and Juniors International Nursery and Primary School, Ibadan, Mrs. Lillian Bademosi who spoke on extensively the theme encouraged the MSME owners to develop positive attitudes in the course of carrying out their businesses. She said, rather than thinking up ways in which an idea can fail, they should focus on ways to bring that idea to life.

“Develop a positive attitude in your business. Also you have to be very creative, look for new ways of doing things. There is really no area or field you want to get into that people are not there already. You have to be creative. As an entrepreneur you must be able to multi task until you achieve the targets you have set for your business”, said Mrs. Bademosi.

She admonished the entrepreneurs to keep working hard, aim for the top in their respective business lines. She advised them to attend trainings, acquire knowledge and skills; and arrange for refresher courses while they remain focused on their dreams..