Business

Ekondo MfB Partners NAMB, Water.org To Launch WASH Loan Products

Published

6 months ago

November 17, 2025

Cyril Ogar

In a move to support current Nigerian governments’ efforts to improve Nigeria’s healthcare system through grassroots-oriented funding, Ekondo Microfinance Bank (MfB) has launched EKWASH and EKPURELYFE loan products under the WaterCredit adoption programme in partnership Water.org and the National Association of Microfinance Banks (NAMB).
Speaking during the unveiling of the innovative products at Calabar, Cross River State, the Managing Director of the MfB, Mr. Charles Efedodama, said the initiative was more than a product, but represented the micro-credit lender’s commitment to improving lives.

***The Group photograph taken during the launching of the Ekondo MfB’s WASH Loan Products***

He maintained that access to safe water and decent sanitation remained not just a basic need but a strong driver of health, dignity, productivity, and economic growth.

According to him, through the partnership with the NAMB and Water-org, Ekondo MfB is expanding financial access to households, small businesses, and communities, enabling them to invest in water connections, boreholes, toilets, and hygiene facilities.

The banker explained: “At Ekondo MFB, our mission has always been to create value and empower people.

Today, we are turning that mission into deeper impact. With Water.org providing technical expertise and NAMB strengthening industry collaboration, we are confident that this product will transform thousands of lives across Cross River State and beyond.

“To every family that will gain access to clean water, to every woman relieved from spending hours fetching water, to every child who can now stay in school — this is why we are here”, Efedodama stressed.

He commended the MfB’s partners, board of directors, employees and every stakeholder who made this launch of the WASH facility a reality, adding that “together, we are not just launching a product — we are launching hope, dignity, and a healthier future for all Nigerians.”

In his remarks at the event, Senior Relationship Account Manager at Water.org, Gilbert Okpono, enthused: “Today, we’re proud of Ekondo Microfinance Bank for the launch of it’s new WSS loan products captioned EKWASH and EKPURELYFE respectively, under the WaterCredit adoption programme in partnership Water.org and NAMB.

“This collaboration empowers communities with access to safe water and sanitation while promoting financial inclusion. Together, we’re not just launching a product—we’re driving healthier lives and sustainable growth”, he added.

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Agriculture

PULA, Leadway Assurance Disburse ₦396 Million to Climate-Affected Farmers, Strengthen Food Security Efforts

Published

3 weeks ago

April 24, 2026

The Gleamer

In a major intervention to shield smallholder farmers from climate shocks, agri-insurtech firm PULA has spearheaded the disbursement of ₦396,697,672 in insurance claims to over 40,000 farmers impacted during the 2025 wet season.

The payout, executed in partnership with Leadway Assurance and supported by the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU), covered farmers across Taraba, Borno, Kaduna, and Plateau States who suffered climate-related losses.

The initiative was made possible in part by Bayer Foundation, whose $450,000 premium subsidy support in 2025 wet season helped lower the cost of insurance for thousands of vulnerable smallholders in 8 states, with 4 states receiving payouts. The Foundation is set to scale up its contribution to match the growing aspirations of state governments.

Speaking at the cheque presentation ceremony in Abuja during the 2025 Wet Season Insurance Claims Payout under the National Agribusiness Planning Mechanism (NAPM), PULA’s Nigeria Country Director, Dr. Michael Enahoro, said the initiative goes beyond compensation, insisting that it’s about securing Nigeria’s food systems.

“Our focus is not just on payouts but on increasing food production. We must continue to support farmers who work tirelessly under harsh conditions to feed the nation,” Dr. Enahoro said. He called for stronger policies that directly impact farmers and reaffirmed PULA’s commitment to expanding agricultural insurance as a tool for resilience.

PULA’s data-driven approach to climate risk was key to identifying affected farmers and triggering payments. The company worked with Leadway Assurance to underwrite the risk, while PFSCU aligned the program with the national food security agenda. State governments also supported grassroots enrollment.

Gboyega Lesi, MD/CEO of Leadway Assurance, described the payout as “a reinforcement of a safety net that protects the hard work of thousands of farmers,” adding that “through climate insurance, we ensure that a bad season does not translate into total loss of livelihood.” He commended PULA’s technology and field structure for making rapid, transparent payouts possible.

Ayoola Fatona, Global Head of Agric Solutions at Leadway Assurance, noted that the 2025 wet season brought significant climate variability and yield fluctuations. “The true value of insurance lies in claims payment, especially in challenging periods. Our data-driven partnership with PULA helped mitigate losses,” he said.

Looking ahead, PULA and Leadway Assurance plan to scale coverage to 73,000 farmers in the 2026 farming season, deepening penetration of climate insurance across Nigeria’s food-producing belts.

Commissioners from the beneficiary states commended PULA and Leadway Assurance for de-risking agriculture, restoring farmers’ confidence, and building a more resilient agricultural sector

State-by-state breakdown of claims facilitated by PULA: