Ademola Adeleke, the governor of Osun State, has appealed for the reopening of shuttered branches in several of the state’s municipalities. He appealed to the chief executive officers to allow the re-opening while assuring banks of appropriate security in the state.
There have been frequent incidences of armed robbery in the state from years ago. This had basically forced several banks have shut their branches in various towns.
In a statement released by his spokesperson Olawale Rasheed on Saturday, the governor was quoted as saying that his administration had revised the state’s security architecture to better protect essential towns and villages on Friday during the commissioning of the First Bank of Nigeria’s rebuilt branch in Ede.
While commissioning the branch, the Governor stated that –
“The conditions responsible for the closing of Banks’ branches at Ila, Iree, Ikirun, Iwo and other areas of the state no longer exist. Osun is secured for banking operations. There is a new Sheriff in town.
“I call on top bank management, reopen your branches. Osun is under-banked, even with digital applications, physical offices are still needed in many towns.
“I recently launched a sustainable industrial policy for the state. I call on banks to partner with us for implementation. We want to grow the private sector. This is good news for financial institutions.
“We are receiving high volumes of investors’ interest to enter the Osun market. We are creating an enabling environment. Bank chiefs should join us.
“I commend the First Bank for its deep partnership with Osun State. Expand your reach, our administration is prepared to deepen partnerships with financial institutions and private organizations.”
The bank’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dr Adesola Adeduntan, welcomed the Governor. He assured him and all Osun citizens of the bank’s commitment to offering high-quality financial services to its valued clients throughout the state.
cc: Vanguard Ng
