BY OBASA IDRIS OLUWANISHOLA/with photos
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has commended Greenwich Bank Limited on the opening of its new branch on Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, describing it as an important milestone in the bank’s new phase as a regional commercial bank.
Governor Sanwo-Olu gave the commendation on Friday during his keynote address, delivered on his behalf by the Honourable Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Abayomi Oluyomi, at the official opening of the branch. He also called for stronger collaboration between government, the financial sector and the private sector to mobilise capital, support businesses, create jobs and expand economic opportunities for Lagos residents.
“The Government cannot build the economy alone. We need strong partnerships with the financial sector and the private sector to mobilise capital, support enterprise, create jobs and expand opportunities for our people,” Mr. Governor said.
He congratulated the Board, Management and staff of Greenwich Bank, noting that its transition to a regional commercial bank, backed by more than three decades of experience in Nigeria’s financial sector, presents a greater opportunity to serve individuals, small and growing businesses, and established enterprises.
Mr. Governor said the expansion was important for Lagos because the State’s economy is built on enterprise, with people starting and expanding businesses and seeking financial support to grow. He added that customers now expect banking services that are accessible, responsive and convenient, delivered by institutions that understand their businesses.
Sanwo-Olu urged the bank to use technology to expand access to financial services while retaining the human relationships that make those services truly valuable. He reaffirmed that the Lagos State Government would continue to invest in infrastructure, improve the business environment and create the conditions for businesses and investors to thrive.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of Greenwich Holdings Limited, Mr. Kayode Falowo, said the transition was part of a deliberate strategy to expand the group’s banking operations after obtaining a merchant banking licence in 2020.
According to him, the Ikoyi branch will also house Greenwich Asset Management and Greenwich Securities, allowing customers to access banking, investment and wealth management services from the same location.
“I promise you and assure you that in a very few years, we will be coming again to celebrate a much bigger enterprise, which will be the national bank that is spread all over Nigeria,” he said.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group, Alhaji Umaru Kwairanga, commended the management of the bank, stating that Greenwich’s experience in the capital market supported its expansion into commercial banking.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Greenwich Bank, Mr. Segun Oloketuyi, said the move into commercial banking was intended to broaden the group’s reach to individuals, households, entrepreneurs and businesses.
He charged employees at the new branch to focus on exceptional service, professionalism, operational excellence and strong governance as the bank expands its commercial banking operations.
The event was attended by top government officials, captains of industry, royal fathers and stakeholders from the financial services sector, among others.