Date: 2017-09-13

KWARA state governor, Mr Abdulfatah Ahmed says Islamic banking provides a feasible alternative to conventional banking and is open to all irrespective of race or religion.

Speaking in Ilorin at the Jaiz Bank’s customer awareness forum organized to sensitize the public and enlighten them on the importance of Islamic banking in the economy.

Represented his Commissioner of Finance Engr Ademola Banu, the governor said Islamic banking offers a lot of opportunities because it promotes sharing of loss and profit and also prohibits collection or payment of interest.

He said: "Islamic banking offers a range of financial products and services that are interest-free, devoid of gambling and unacceptable risk, and are of benefits to both the banks and customers. It also promotes wealth and income distribution. I am, therefore, delighted that Jaiz Bank is coming up with this customer awareness/interactive session that is designed to sensitize and educate the general public on the opportunities and importance of non-interest banking.

"Without doubt, programmes such as this will further raise public awareness about non-interest banking and also increase people’s patronage of Islamic banking. I urge Jaiz Bank to continually hold for a like this to educate people on advantages and the need to patronize Islamic banking as it provides a feasible alternative to all irrespective of race or religion."

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director/CEO of Jaiz Bank Hassan Usman said he is optimistic about the future of the bank and therefore urged everyone irrespective of their religious background to key into the model.

Usman said: "Gradually, we kept surpassing our challenges and are waxing stronger. Looking at what we have achieved over the short existence as a bank, I have a strong faith that Islamic Banking is going to command a lot of respect and a force to reckon with in this country in the nearest future."