ASHA MfB Strengthens Families and Small Businesses Through Bursaries and Business Support

ASHA Microfinance Bank (MfB) has concluded a three-day bursary and client empowerment programme across Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo States, reinforcing its commitment to financial inclusion and sustainable community development.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the bank explained that the initiative forms part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, designed to support education and strengthen small businesses within its operating communities.

The programme kicked off at Ikotun Market in Lagos State, moved to Sango Ota in Ogun State, and concluded in Ibadan, Oyo State.

As part of the initiative, 100 students—children of ASHA Microfinance Bank clients—were awarded bursaries. The bank said the support was aimed at easing the financial burden of education on families while motivating students to strive for academic excellence.

In addition, 150 clients received eco-friendly deep freezers under the bank’s client reward and business support scheme. The intervention was targeted at traders and small business owners, especially those in the food and retail sectors, to improve product preservation, reduce waste, and encourage environmentally sustainable business practices.

Speaking at the Lagos event, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ASHA Microfinance Bank, Mrs Funmi Oladoyinbo, noted that the bank’s vision of financial inclusion goes beyond providing access to credit.

“At ASHA Microfinance Bank, we believe that true financial inclusion goes beyond access to finance. By investing in education and empowering entrepreneurs, we are strengthening families, supporting businesses, and contributing to long-term economic growth within our communities,” she said.

Beneficiaries of the CSR programme expressed gratitude to the bank for the timely support. A customer of the Shaki branch in Oyo State, Mrs Odumayo Demola, described the intervention as life-changing.

“I am super excited. The freezer is truly God’s answer to my prayers. I had been looking for money to buy one, and this support came at the right time,” she said.

Another beneficiary, Mrs Basit Oyetola, a long-term customer from Sango Ota, Ogun State, praised the bank for its impact on her personal and business growth.

“I have been an ASHA customer for 13 years. With the bank’s support, I built my house and paid my children’s school fees. The institution has played a major role in my growth,” she said.

ASHA Microfinance Bank reaffirmed that its CSR initiatives are carefully designed to address real community needs while strengthening trust and long-term relationships with clients. The bank added that such interventions remain a core part of its operations, positioning ASHA not just as a financial services provider, but as a catalyst for positive social and economic transformation across Nigeria.