Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has called on commercial banks in the country to reopen their branches in the state, assuring that the security situations that led to the closure of some banks no longer ‘exist’.
The governor said his government has restored security across the state, particularly in some towns where some banks have stopped doing business due to restiveness.
Recall that some commercial banks have shut some branches in Iwo, Ikirun, Iree, and some other towns as a result of insecurity, but the governor has assured that normalcy has returned to those areas which now conducive for business.
The state is now safe for business due to the security architecture put in place by his administration, Adeleke said during the commissioning of the rebuilt Ede branch of First Bank of Nigeria, on Friday.
According to him, “The conditions that led to the closure of banks’ branches in Ila, Iree, Ikirun, Iwo, and other areas of the state no longer exist. Osun is now secure for banking operations.
“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,” he said.
