Introduction

SOBIC is an acronym that stands for Showers of Blessing Investment Company. It is the story of a man who believed he could change the world from his little corner and started in a little way with that vision. Registered in July 2008, SOBIC and Company began operations on August 1, 2008 as a microfinance institution and is a member, Association of Non-bank Microfinance Institution of Nigeria (ANMFIN).
The vision of SOBIC is ‘to be the preferred microfinance institution in Nigeria’ and to achieve this vision the Company has decided to provide quality microfinance service through commitment to exceptional customer experience and professionalism. Our value is centered on excellence: Accountability, Commitment and Excellence=ACE. This is the core of our service and our pursuit.

The Expansion
From a one branch MFI in 2008, the Company has grown to a network of 42 branches across the Southwest and North-central geo-political zones in Nigeria with over 150,000 clients. The fact remains that SOBIC is still growing! This is possible through a workforce of young and dedicated members of staff with visionary leadership provided by the MD/CEO and founder Mr Kehinde Adejumo, FCA, MCIB a seasoned financial expert.

A Sure Career Path
While some companies are growing and expanding at the expense of their employees, SOBIC and Company stands out as a company that has created a career path for her workforce. Three members of the management team started out as Credit Officers- the first cadre in any microfinance institution. They include the Assistant General Manager, Administration; Assistant General Manager, Operations; and Head, Internal Control Department. Many others have become Area Managers and Unit Managers in the Company. a clear evidence of a sure career path.
From one staff member in August 2008, SOBIC now has over 400 members of staff in 11 years of its existence. There is still room for more capable, diligent and God-fearing hands to work with SOBIC and Company as we cruise on in the expansion drive to make SOBIC the best in Nigeria and beyond.

Staff Welfare & Development
Members of staff at SOBIC and Company enjoy healthcare insurance packages, retirement benefits, 13th month salary, wardrobe allowances, performance benefits, and leave bonus. There are other benefits attached to administrative positions among others. All this benefits are reviewed from time to time.
Human capacity development is the heart of every organization that desires to grow. At SOBIC and Company we are committed to learning and development. SOBIC Training Centre was established to develop the capacity of our workforce. Training sessions have been organized centrally and on area basis across the eleven Areas in the Company. External training and professional certifications have been sponsored to equip managers at all levels for the achievement of the SOBIC vision.

The Standards
There are rules and regulations in every sane clime. The rules are meant to guide the operations and relationships in such societies. Likewise in SOBIC, we have sets of rules and guidelines for our day-to-day operations. However, there are individuals who seek to change these standards to suit their selfish interest contrary to that of the organization.
Even where maltreatment or injustice is perceived among employees, there is a way to address such occurrences as the organization gives room for feedback and conflict resolution. Whatsapp groups, company Closed User Group (CUG) phones are some of the avenues by which employees give feedback to the company’s management, all in a bid to ensure that nobody impinges on the rights of any member of staff. SOBIC and Company has a human face!
And in case of resignation, necessary conditions for severance of the contractual working relationship between the company and her employees are well spelt out in the company’s offer of provisional appointment.

Scholarship Award
As part of our Corporate Social Responsibility, a scholarship award was introduced in 2016. Since then, 98 students who are children of our clients have benefitted from the programme. This is one of the ways we delight our customers and they have always been looking ahead to December of every year for this special award. SOBIC is a company that gives back to the society!

Conclusion
SOBIC is evolving; tough times and situations are only proving our resilience to stand out as well as our determination to give excellence customer services to our clients in all seasons. SOBIC is a divine project that cannot be pulled down by detractors, our focus is on the goal- to give the best and be the best in what we do.

Is this not the same sobic that employees are complaining about?