Staff Writer
Ademola Adeleke, the governor of Osun State, has pleaded with the management of banks to reopen their branches after being compelled to cease operations in certain of the state’s municipalities.
Speaking during the commissioning of the First Bank of Nigeria’s renovated Ede branch on Friday, Adeleke gave the crowd assurances of better security.
According to a statement released on Saturday in Osogbo by the governor’s spokeswoman, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke also stated that his administration has revised the state’s security architecture to better protect important cities and communities.
“The conditions that led to the closure of banks’ branches in Ila, Iree, Ikirun, Iwo, and other regions of the state no longer exist,” the statement continued. Banking operations can be done safely in Osun.
“I request that the top bank executives reopen your branches. Osun is underbanked; many communities still require physical offices even with digital applications.
“I just started the state’s sustainable industrial policy. I urge banks to work with us to accomplish this. We want the private sector to expand. The news is favorable for the financial sector.
The governor also praised First Bank’s management for its close relationship with the state and pushed it to broaden its influence since the administration was prepared to strengthen relationships with businesses and private organizations.
