Greenwich Bank opens Akure branch, Aiyedatiwa woos others
By Julius Alabi, Akure
The Ondo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to creating a business-friendly environment to attract investments, stimulate enterprise and accelerate economic growth, urging local and foreign investors to explore the state’s vast economic potential.
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa gave the assurance in Akure on Thursday during the opening ceremony of the Akure branch of Greenwich Bank, where he said his administration was implementing policies to enable businesses to thrive and investors to operate with confidence.
Represented by his deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami, the governor said the government was committed to building an economy that would provide opportunities for entrepreneurs, workers, young people and other residents.
“We are building an Ondo State in which the entrepreneur is not discouraged, the investor is not uncertain, the worker is not forgotten and the young person with an idea is not constrained by the absence of opportunity,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa described the establishment of the bank’s branch in Akure as a welcome development that would strengthen the state’s financial services sector and expand access to banking facilities for businesses and individuals.
He called on multinational companies, captains of industry and young entrepreneurs to take advantage of investment opportunities in agriculture, agro-processing, solid minerals, tourism, manufacturing and technology.
According to him, the state possesses significant economic potential that can be harnessed through strategic partnerships between the government and private sector operators.
“As we welcome Greenwich Bank today, we also reaffirm our invitation to investors everywhere: come, invest, build and grow with us,” the governor said.
He added that his administration would continue to provide the policy direction, institutional support and enabling environment required to promote private-sector growth and enterprise development.
The governor said increased investment in productive sectors would help expand economic activities and create opportunities for residents, while strengthening Ondo State’s position as an investment destination.
Aiyedatiwa commended the management of Greenwich Bank for choosing Akure for its fourth branch since obtaining a commercial banking licence, describing the decision as a positive addition to the state’s business community.
He expressed optimism that the bank’s presence would support commercial activities and provide financial services to businesses seeking to expand their operations.
In his remarks, the Group Chairman of Greenwich Bank, Mr Kayode Falowo, pledged the institution’s commitment to supporting businesses, farmers, entrepreneurs and other economic players in Ondo State.
Falowo said the Central Bank of Nigeria’s recent grant of a commercial banking licence had expanded the bank’s operational capacity, enabling it to extend its established merchant and investment banking services to individuals, businesses and communities.
He described Ondo State as a strategic economic destination, citing its agricultural potential, natural resources and expanding commercial and industrial activities.
The bank chairman said the institution was positioned to contribute to economic development by providing financial services to businesses and other customers across the state.
Also speaking, the Deji of Akure, Oba Ogunlade Aladelusi, commended the state government for its efforts to create an enabling environment for businesses to operate and appreciated Greenwich Bank for establishing a presence in the state capital.
The monarch assured the bank of the community’s cooperation and support, expressing confidence that its operations would contribute to commercial activities in Akure.
The ceremony attracted dignitaries, including the Olu of Ilu-Abo, Oba Oluyemisi Falae; the Board Chairman of Greenwich Bank, Mr Segun Oloketuyi; the Group Managing Director, Mr Oyewale Ariyibi; the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Benson Ogundeji; Prince Solagbade Amodeni; and Pastor Femi Agagu.
