Nigeria: The University of Uyo Microfinance Bank (Uniuyo MfB) has unveiled a new loan facility, WashLoan, aimed at improving access to water, sanitation, and hygiene for residents within the university community and its surrounding areas. Dr. Millicent Idiong, the Managing Director of the bank, announced that this initiative seeks to enhance the availability of safe water for the local populace.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the loan facility’s inauguration was held in collaboration with Water.org, a prominent global civil advocacy group focused on expanding water access. This initiative also partners with the National Association of Microfinance Banks (NAMB), which serves as the umbrella organization for all microfinance banks in Nigeria. Dr. Idiong emphasized that clean water and proper sanitation are fundamental human rights, yet they remain inaccessible to many households, schools, and small businesses in the community.
Dr. Idiong highlighted the WashLoan initiative as a commitment to ensuring that no family struggles for safe water, no child learns in an unsafe environment, and no community is left behind due to inadequate sanitation. She expressed gratitude to Water.org and NAMB for their collaboration in expanding access to safe water and sanitation at the university.
The partnership aligns with Uniuyo MFB’s mission as a development-focused financial institution, aiming to use finance as a transformative tool rather than solely for profit. The WashLoan is designed to be affordable, flexible, and accessible, supporting individuals, households, schools, landlords, and water-related businesses in investing in sustainable water and sanitation solutions. Dr. Idiong stated that this financing supports not just infrastructure but also health, dignity, productivity, and community resilience.
Gilbert Okpono, Senior Relationship Account Manager at Water.org, remarked that the launch of the WashLoan product by Uniuyo MFB offers hope for universal access to safe water and sanitation across the state and country. He noted that the innovative finance solution would sustainably support households and SMEs.
Alhaji Abubakar Ahmad, National President of NAMB, highlighted the initiative’s significant benefits to millions within the university and its environs. He described the WashLoan product as a testament to the collaborative spirit aimed at improving hygiene and health for clients and communities. Ahmad reiterated NAMB’s commitment to seeking more partnerships to deliver sustainable, life-changing practices to its customers and communities.