NMB KIJIJI DAY EDUCATES FARMERS ON FORESTRY, FOOD & BUSINESS IN NJOMBE

Farmers involved in forestry products, food and commercial crops, along with community groups, primary cooperative societies (AMCOS), savings and credit cooperatives (SACCOS), and savings and lending groups (VICOBA) in the Highlands regions, have been urged to maximize the opportunities provided by the NMB kijiji Day platform to expedite their economic growth.

NMB kijiji Day is an initiative aimed at providing financial literacy and inclusive banking services to residents of unbanked villages, launched by NMB Bank. This year, it also focuses on educating the public on the use of clean cooking energy, targeting 2,000 villages nationwide.

The call was made by the Representative of the Executive Director of the Njombe District Council, Frank Mganga, during the NMB kijiji Day event held this past weekend at Image Primary School grounds, Kidegembya Ward. The event brought together residents from that ward and Katembwe Ward to participate in seminars and various activities, including a sports bonanza.

In his speech at the bonanza, Mganga thanked NMB for bringing the Village Day platform to the wards, which have been neglected in terms of inclusive banking services despite having numerous residents and farmers of forestry products (such as trees and timber) and food and commercial crops, including tea, maize, and potatoes.

"The large turnout of residents, even during farming season, indicates that they have chosen to educate themselves through this vital platform for their livelihoods. They enjoyed everything from the bonanza, which began with jogging, sports, to the seminar for community groups.

"They are eager for this event to continue happening here to gain more insight into banking services that can accelerate their economic growth. This is why we commend NMB for selecting this venue, and we urge the residents of Kidegembya and Matembwe Wards to take advantage of all opportunities brought by the NMB kijiji Day for their development," said Mganga.

NMB Southern Highlands Zone Manager, Wogofya Mfalamagoha, who was accompanied by managers from the NMB branches in Njombe, Mafinga, Makambako, Makete, and Wanging’ombe, stated that to achieve the goal of delivering financial solutions to villages, the bank has planned to reach people where they are, through agents and encouraging businesses to come forward.

"There are many students present at the NMB kijiji Day, and our bank values and appreciates children, which is why we offer Child and Junior accounts. I urge parents to use this platform to open fee-free accounts for their children to instill a saving culture in them.

"We also have Group Accounts for various community groups, and the NMB Pesa account, which has no fees and can be opened with just a small amount. We are here to ensure no one among you is left behind. Entrepreneurs should seize this opportunity to register as our agents so that those opening accounts today can receive services," said Wogofya.

In his remarks, Image Village Chairman, Felix Payovela, appealed to the bank not to stop there but to continue educating his village and neighboring villages to recognize and exploit opportunities in the financial sector. He noted that having NMB agents in his village would boost the speed at which residents and groups save money.

"The large turnout and the numerous accounts being opened signify our need for NMB to continue visiting us regularly, as you have today. This event shows that NMB not only knows how to keep our money safe but also how to treat their customers courteously," said Payovela as he closed the event.

During the NMB kijiji Day, apart from seminars for community groups, savings and credit societies, and cooperatives conducted by Adamu Karazani, NMB’s Sales and Groups Manager, a total of eight teams competed in a soccer tournament, with Wanginyi FC from Wanginyi Village, Matembwe Ward, emerging victorious by defeating Mlangali FC 1-0.

In addition to football, other competitive activities included tug-of-war for men and women, where fans of the country’s top clubs Simba and Yanga competed fiercely, while Njombe District Council staff surprised NMB employees. There were also sack races, chicken chasing, choir performances, and traditional dance entertainment.