Providus Bank meets with high commissioner Sarafa Ishola ahead of Canuk AGM tomorrow

PROVIDUS Bank has announced ambitious plans to step up its presence in the UK as part of a major plan to tap into the Nigerian diaspora by offering a variety of packages including mortgages and business loans.

Founded in 2016, Providus is a very ambitious bank with 12 branches across Nigeria and it now plans to add five more to this over the next year. Apart from this, the bank is also eager to tap into the lucrative diaspora market  by offering unique packages that will appeal to diasporans.

As part of thus diaspora plan, Providus Bank has opted to sponsor the Central Association of Nigerians in the UK's (Canuk) 2022 annual general meeting (AGM). Taking place tomorrow Saturday May 21 aboard the boat the MV Emerald upon the River Thames, the AGM will start at 12 noon and last until 5pm.

At a meeting with the Nigerian high commissioner to the UK Ambassador Sarafa Ishola today,  the Providus Bank managing director Walter Akpani, outlined their vision. He pointed out that as a bank, Providus is very much interested in the diaspora and have an array of products that will appeal to the UK diaspora.

Mr Akpani said: "As a bank, we are very ambitious but we will never promise what we cannot deliver. We are very interested in the diaspora and as a bank we will offer them products like mortgages and business loans that will enable our people settle down and open businesses in Nigeria.

Tomorrow, Mr Akpani will outline the benefits of bank verification numbers (BVN) to Canuk delegates and will look to offer them to those who open accounts with the bank. Over the long term, Providus bank is also looking to launch a Canuk-embossed credit card, which will be available to members of member associations.

Welcoming the Providus Bank delegation which included Deoye Ojuroye, the bank's chief financial officer and Ifeoma Nwogbo, the bank's head of affluent and personal banking, Ambassador Ishola thanked them for supporting Canuk. He added that his mission would always be there to assist any Nigerian business that wants to expand into the UK.

Canuk chairman, Ayo Akinfe, who was also at the meeting, added: "For the first time in the history of Canuk, we have decided to hold the AGM on the Rivers Thames. Providus Bank approached us to sponsor the event and we are delighted that we have now established a partnership.

"This fits in with our idea of offering a range of services to those who are members of Canuk associations. Going forward, we are looking at offering our members Canuk embossed credit cards, BVNs, discounted national identity numbers, discounted shopping at selected stores and the possibility of getting Nigerian drivers licences as well."