Date: 2016-11-15

First Bank of Nigeria Plc, which closed its branch in Omu-Aran, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara since May, 2013, is set to re-start operations there. Mr Festus Egbodofo, the Business Development Manager of the bank in Kwara, gave the assurance in a goodwill message to the 2016 Annual Omu-Aran Festival of Clubs.

The event held at the Government Secondary School Playground, Onu-Aran. "Our bank will commence full banking transactions in Omu-Aran in few days' time," Egbodofo said. Armed robbers had, on May 14, 2013, attacked First bank and two other banks in the community, killing three persons.

Egbodofo said that all arrangements for commencement of full banking, including deployment of personnel and logistics, in the said branch, had been concluded.

The official, who expressed satisfaction at the commitment of Omu-Aran people, said that the bank was looking forward to having a fruitful business in the community and its environs.

He called on the bank's customers in the community to re-activate their accounts with the bank, and urged intending customers to open accounts to justify re-opening of the branch.

In his remarks, Mr Sonibare Luqman, the branch's Relationship Manager, solicited the support of all stakeholders to ensure hitch-free banking operations in the community.

The Traditional Ruler of the community and the Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Charles Ibitoye, said that re-opening of the branch would go a long way to alleviate the suffering of the community members. He called on indigenes and other residents of Omu-Aran to be united and peaceful to move the community forward.

Chief Peter Oyinloye, President Omu-Aran Development Association listed establishment of a fire service station and a National Open University of Nigeria study centre in the community as part of the association's achievement. He said that the forum was aimed at promoting interaction among the community members at home and in the Diaspora.

Chief Kola Oyedepo, the Chairman of the occasion, expressed happiness that the annual festival had continued to live up to expectations. Chief Jide Adebayo, a former Executive Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) described the event as a unifying factor toward socio-economic development of the community.

He said that the festival was a platform for promoting the culture of the community. The event also witnessed cultural display, presentation of prizes and donations toward the development of the community.