The management team of Zenith Bank Plc on Tuesday paid a courtesy visit to Governor Dapo Abiodun at the Oke Mosan Government House, praising his administration for unprecedented transformation across Ogun State and exploring avenues for deeper collaboration.
The delegation was led by Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Adaorah Umeoji, and included Executive Director Akin Ogunranti, Assistant General Manager and Zonal Head Southwest 3 Mrs. Joke Akinosi, and Afolake Ogunfowora.
During the meeting, Umeoji commended Governor Abiodun’s efforts in infrastructure and economic development, particularly the state’s road projects, describing them as evidence of purposeful 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 said.
She explained that the visit aimed to strengthen the bank’s long-standing relationship with the state, which spans over two decades, and to identify areas for impactful collaboration.
“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,” Umeoji added.
Executive Director Akin Ogunranti described the engagement as a long-awaited opportunity to deepen ties with the state government. In a post-meeting interview, he noted that Ogun is receptive and accommodating for business, attributing the influx of factories by many of the bank’s clients to the administration’s heavy investment in infrastructure.
He pledged the bank’s continued support for the state’s developmental projects. “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 willingness to expand its partnership with the state.
He highlighted the bank’s long-standing collaboration with Ogun and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to mutually beneficial engagement.
The governor proposed the establishment of a joint team comprising representatives of the bank and the state government to work out modalities for seamless and productive collaboration.
Abiodun highlighted Ogun State’s strategic advantages, including its proximity to Lagos, abundant natural resources, expanding infrastructure, and status as Nigeria’s industrial hub.
He disclosed that the state now boasts an airport, newly discovered oil deposits, and two proposed dry ports, alongside more than 1,600 kilometres of completed and ongoing road projects.
He further explained that his administration’s development blueprint, anchored on the ISEYA pillars, has positioned Ogun as a leading state in education, ease of doing business, and housing delivery, with about 7,000 housing units constructed over the past six years.
Top government officials present at the meeting included the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Oluwatoyin Taiwo; Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo; Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Adebola Sofela; and Special Adviser to the Governor, Mr. Seye Ogunleye.
