TheCable

Ademola Adeleke, the governor of Osun, has pleaded with chief executive officers (CEOs) of commercial banks to reopen their branches across the state, because “there is a new sheriff in town”.

The governor said the state is ready to grow its private sector by providing an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

Adeleke gave the assurances on Friday, at the commissioning of the rebuilt Ede branch of First Bank of Nigeria.

He said his administration has reworked the security architecture of the state to make major towns and villages safer for business.

“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,” he said.

“I call on top bank management to reopen their 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 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.”