Zenith Bank management commends Abiodun, seeks deeper partnership with Ogun
Zenith Bank Management Commends Ogun State Governor During Courtesy Visit
The management team of Zenith Bank Plc visited Governor Dapo Abiodun at the Oke Mosan Government House in Ogun State on Tuesday, where they praised his administration for what they termed unprecedented transformation within the state.
The delegation was led by Adaorah Umeoji, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the bank. Other members included Executive Director Akin Ogunranti, Assistant General Manager and Zonal Head for Southwest 3, Joke Akinosi, and Afolake Ogunfowora.
During the meeting, Umeoji highlighted the governor’s achievements in infrastructure and economic development, particularly citing improvements in road conditions as evidence of effective governance. “I enjoyed the drive down here greatly. It is on a smooth road. This is a testimony that the Governor is working. Thank you for what you are doing for the people of Ogun State,” she stated.
Umeoji noted the purpose of the visit was to explore further collaboration with the state government, expanding a banking relationship that has lasted over two decades. “We are looking for areas of collaboration. We are seeking ways of partnering with the state to impact the lives of the people. Ogun State is very dear to our hearts at Zenith Bank, and we are optimistic that this meeting will open a new chapter in our relationship,” she added.
Ogunranti called the meeting a long-awaited opportunity to strengthen ties with the state government. In a post-meeting interview, he remarked that Ogun is welcoming to businesses, attributing an influx of factories, which are clients of the bank, to the administration’s significant investment in infrastructure. He expressed the bank’s commitment to continue supporting the state government.
“We appreciate the government for the partnership we have had over the years and look forward to other areas where we can support the state in achieving its goals and aspirations. We will support the great strides that the governor is making and the laudable projects he has undertaken to ensure that citizens enjoy the dividends of democracy,” he said.
Governor Abiodun welcomed the delegation and expressed gratitude for Zenith Bank’s commitment to enhancing its relationship with the state. He noted that Zenith Bank has been a long-time partner of Ogun and expressed his administration’s willingness to engage in mutually beneficial collaborations.
The governor proposed the formation of a joint team with representatives from both Zenith Bank and the state government to facilitate effective engagement.
Highlighting Ogun State’s competitive advantages, Abiodun pointed to its proximity to Lagos, abundant natural resources, ongoing infrastructure expansion, and its status as Nigeria’s industrial hub. He mentioned the establishment of an airport, newly discovered oil reserves, and two proposed dry ports, alongside over 1,600 kilometers of completed and ongoing road projects.
Abiodun also shared his administration’s development strategy, anchored on the ISEYA pillars, which focus on improving education, ease of doing business, and housing delivery, with approximately 7,000 housing units constructed in the last six years.
Attendees at the meeting included Secretary to the State Government Tokunbo Talabi, Chief of Staff to the Governor Oluwatoyin Taiwo, Commissioner for Finance Dapo Okubadejo, Commissioner for Industry, Trade, and Investment Adebola Sofela, and Special Adviser to the Governor Seye Ogunleye.
