Nigeria’s leading commercial bank, Sterling Bank Plc, recently inaugurated a new branch amidst pomp and pageantry in Igbogbo LCDA of Ikorodu Local Government Area bringing smiles to the lips of business people, farmers and residents in the community who hitherto had to travel several kilometres to access banking services.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Comrade Olusesan Daini, Chairman of Igbogbo-Bayeiku Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Igbogbo, commended the bank for building a branch in the area. He assured the bank that it would have more reasons to invest in the community in the near future given the rapid development taking place in the region, adding that this is more so because the people are widely known to be very productive and commercially oriented.

“Igbogbo is the fastest growing community in Ikorodu so there’s no doubt about the level of patronage Sterling Bank will enjoy. As you have paved the way for commercial banking in the community, we are certain your competitors will follow suit to open their own branches. My advice is to ensure your ATMs are promptly serviced at all times to lay a good foundation for your business dealings with members of the community” Mr. Daini opined.

Also speaking, His Royal Majesty, Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, the Adegboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom applauded Sterling Bank for building and operating a branch in his community. The royal father called on the people of the community to patronise Sterling Bank, while assuring the bank that the people would do the best they could in terms of support.

“We look forward to working with you. We pray that your coming will usher in other commercial activities in Igbogbo. We want to implore you to also look at ways to support the community through your corporate social responsibility,” the Oba said.

Commenting on the new branch, Executive Director, Retail & Consumer Banking, Sterling Bank, Grama Narasimhan. said, “Our decision to site a new branch in Igbogbo/Baiyeku Local Council Development Area is in line with the bank’s determination to bring world class banking services closer to the doorsteps of Nigerians. The new branch will further boost the socio-economic development of the area by assisting SMEs and micro-businesses with soft loans to strengthen their capacity and productivity level, thereby creating job opportunities for the youths of Igbogbo and its environs.”

The full suite of Sterling Bank products and services are accessible at any of our branches spread across the country,” he added.

Earlier in her welcome address, Ms. Olufunke Usalo, Regional Business Executive for Sterling Bank in Ikorodu and Beyond, thanked the traditional ruler and the people of the community for their support during the period leading to the opening of the branch – the only commercial bank in the community.

She reiterated the bank’s commitment to providing support to five critical sectors of the economy, including health, education, agriculture, renewable energy and transportation (H.E.A.R.T.).

Ms. Usalo assured residents of the community that the days when they had to travel to Ikorodu or Ogolonto for their banking needs have come to an end while she urged them to engage with members of staff in the branch for details of Sterling Bank’s bouquet of products available to customers in the branch.

“We are promising not just good service but excellent service,” Ms. Usalo enthused.