Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has pleaded with Chief Executive Officers of commercial banks in Nigeria to reopen their closed branches in towns across the state, assuring that “there is a new Sheriff in town”.
Speaking at the commissioning of the rebuilt Ede branch of First Bank of Nigeria, on Friday, Governor Adeleke said his administration has reworked the security architecture of the State to secure major towns and villages.
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“The conditions responsible for the closure of banks’ branches at Ila, Iree, Ikirun, Iwo and other areas of the state no longer exist. Osun is secured for banking operations.
“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 organisations,” the Governor stated.
Speaking while welcoming the Governor, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the bank, Dr Adesola Adeduntan, reassured the Governor and all Osun residents of the resolve of his bank to provide banking operations of high standards to their esteemed customers across the State.
Commending the Governor for his pro-business policies and programmes, Dr Adeduntan, who was represented by the Executive Director, said First Bank is committed to expanding services to all under-served areas through its First Monie product.