When I was working in a factory in Okpella, Edo State, the only bank there had to close down because of incessant attacks by armed robbers. They used to visit the bank every two weeks to rob. And any security man who tried to prove that he is a gallant officer was immediately gunned down and sent to an early grave. So, the bank was closed and staff transferred to Auchi.
Then the attention of these dare-devil armed robbers moved to Auchi. I think that was one of the reasons Bank PHB (now known as Keystone) had to relocate to Ekpoma.
Sometimes, I wonder at the depth of ignorance by supposedly educated folks on why Dr. Asue Ighodalo did not approve the citing of a branch of Sterling Bank in his village. A bank is not like setting up a grinding machine business. The location of a bank has to be bankable!
Let’s start with client base!
His village is Ewohimi, which is relatively rural. There are not too many big businesses there. I don’t think subsistence farmers or petty traders are very much inclined to saving with banks. Banks are clustered in certain locations because of educational institutions located in that environment. A good example is Ekpoma.
You also have to meet the requirements of the regulators like the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Company. Then you talk of the security and safety of staff, as well as property. And infrastructure – apart from roads, one can’t expect a bank to run 24/7 on generators. These are just a few things to consider.
So let’s not become so petty in the name of politics when better issues are there to discuss.
Ighodalo has done exceptionally well in the corporate world, and one good quality of a good leader is making objective decisions. Those expecting him to be biased or emotionally immature and use sentiments to bring a bank to his village should be reasonable.
I expect him to be that decisive as governor! This is the sort of man I want to lead Edo State for the next 4 years.
Audu, a logistics provider, writes from Benin City
