Governments laud Banks’ developmental roles

By Chukwuma Umeorah

Nigerian banks have received commendation for their developmental efforts, particularly their humanitarian contributions to victims of natural disasters and socio-economic challenges. In a recent intervention, banks under the Committee of Nigeria’s Banks’ Chief Executive Officers donated multi-million naira relief materials to flood victims in Jigawa State.

Led by the Chairman of the Committee and Group Managing Director of United Bank for Africa (UBA), Dr. Oliver Alawuba, a delegation of bank executives visited Jigawa to empathize with residents and provide relief supplies, including food items, mattresses, and beverages. Other members of the delegation included the Group Managing Director of Access Bank Plc, Roosevelt Ogbonna; Group Managing Director of Zenith Bank, Adaora Umeoji; and Managing Director of Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe.

Speaking during the visit, Alawuba described the donation as a demonstration of the banking sector’s commitment to national development and the well-being of Nigerians. “As bankers, we are not just concerned about the economic implications of natural disasters; we are also deeply troubled by the human suffering that accompanies them. We believe that it is our collective responsibility to support those affected and help them rebuild their lives,” he said.

Jigawa State Governor, Mallam Umar Namadi, expressed gratitude for the banks’ intervention, describing it as a gesture of care and solidarity. “Never did we imagine four MDs of big banks in Nigeria would visit our state on behalf of their colleagues to empathize with us,” Namadi remarked.

The governor highlighted the long-standing support of banks to the state and assured that the relief materials would be evenly distributed. “We pray God to replenish the purse of Nigerian banks for their generosity to the people of the state,” he said.

Alawuba also underscored the banking sector’s contributions beyond disaster relief, citing interventions in healthcare, business recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic, and security. He recalled how banks rallied over N32 billion for national healthcare during the pandemic and supported businesses with stabilization funds to mitigate economic disruptions.

The sector’s efforts in security were also lauded, with initiatives such as contributions to the Lagos State Security Trust Fund and rebuilding police stations damaged during the #EndSARS protests.

“We will continue to work together to support those in need, promote economic growth and development, and contribute to the well-being of our great nation,” Alawuba pledged.

He reiterated that the banks’ latest humanitarian effort reinforces their role as agents of positive change in Nigeria, earning them recognition from government officials and citizens alike.