Shongom LG Chairperson commends ASO Savings and Loans For Turning Around Its Fortunes
By Samuel Luka
The Chairperson of Shongom Local Government Area, Gombe State, Rt. Hon. Fatima Binta Bello, has commended the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ASO Savings and Loans Plc, Hajiya Risikatu Ladi Ahmed over the Bank’s successful clearance of 10 years of outstanding audited accounts and its sustained return to profitability.
The Chairperson stated that, “I am proud of you, Risi. Gombe State is proud of you. You are a very hardworking and visionary woman. We know how much effort you’ve put in to restore this institution, and we will continue to celebrate you. Keep going.”
Her remarks, in a statement, came in recognition of the achievements of the financial institution during ASO’s 18th to 27th Annual General Meeting (AGM), held virtually on Monday, June 30, 2025.
At the AGM, shareholders and regulators also approved the Bank’s audited financial statements for the years 2015 to 2024.
Under the leadership of Hajiya Risikatu Ladi Ahmed since 2021, ASO has reversed over N6 billion loss, maintained four consecutive years of profitability and reported ₦1.3 billion in interest income and ₦82.8 million PAT in 2024.
Under her watch, ASO also cleared all legacy financial backlogs and reestablished compliance with regulatory frameworks.
AGM attendees, Dr. Faruk Umar, National President of the Association for the Advancement Rights of Nigerian Shareholders, praised the strategic updates and transparent governance.
Board Chairman, Alhaji Abdul Kofarsauri highlighted the bank’s renewed focus on long-term value and balance sheet strengthening.
Responding to shareholders, Hajiya Risikatu Ladi Ahmed stated that, said that the Bank’s management under her watch has stabilized the Bank, restored profitability, and paved the way for recapitalization in four years.
“We’re not just running a bank—we’re rebuilding an institution Nigerians can trust again.” she said.
Rt. Hon. Fatima Binta Bello, herself a trailblazer in public leadership, applauded Hajiya Risikatu’s achievement as a national example of women delivering transformational impact in leadership roles.
“Your performance is an inspiration to women and girls in leadership across Nigeria. Your turnaround of ASO is not just corporate—it is symbolic of what disciplined, focused leadership can achieve. You make Gombe and Nigeria proud,” she stressed.