Greenwich Bank Targets SMEs And Farmers, Opens Ondo, Ekiti Branches
Greenwich Bank Limited has expanded its commercial banking footprint into Ondo and Ekiti States with the commissioning of branches in Akure and Ado-Ekiti, as the financial institution advances its strategy to bring a broader range of banking services closer to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), entrepreneurs, traders, farmers and other businesses across the South-West.
The Akure branch was commissioned on Thursday by Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by his Deputy, Dr. Olayide Adelami, while the Ado-Ekiti branch was commissioned on Friday, October 9, by Ekiti State Governor Abiodun Oyebanji, represented by the Chief of Staff, Hon. Niyi Adebayo.
In a statement, the Bank’s Head of Corporate Communications, Ozena Utulu, said the expansion underscored Greenwich Bank’s commitment to improving access to financial services, supporting business growth and contributing to economic development across the r egion.
Group Chairman of Greenwich Holdings Limited, Kayode Falowo, described the opening of the Akure branch as the result of a deliberate, patient transformation journey that has helped Greenwich build a strong reputation in investment and merchant banking.
According to Falowo, Greenwich’s new commercial banking status provides the platform to take its expertise in investment and merchant banking beyond large institutions and serve the everyday businesses and individuals that drive economic activities.
“With the commercial banking licence granted by the Central Bank of Nigeria, Greenwich Bank will extend its expertise into communities across the country, serving not only as an adviser to major institutions but also as a trusted partner to the farmers, traders, entrepreneurs and families who form the foundation of our economy,” he said.
The Group Chairman added: We will support farmers and cooperatives, back processors and exporters who add value locally, and equip Akure’s traders and entrepreneurs with the banking tools of a modern economy. in doing so, we hope to help keep more of the value of Ondo’s produce here at home, in the hands of the people who create it. We will work to develop businesses and promote value chain enterprises as trusted partners in the state,” he said.
Chairman of Greenwich Bank Limited, Segun Oloketuyi, said the new branches marked more than an expansion of the bank’s physical presence, describing them as a strategic milestone in its evolution into a broader-based financial institution.
Oloketuyi explained that the bank would leverage its strengthened capital base, industry expertise, technology and relationship-driven approach to deliver innovative and accessible banking solutions to customers.
Speaking at the Akure commissioning, Governor Aiyedatiwa commended Greenwich Bank for bringing its services to Ondo State, describing the development as a positive contribution to the state’s economic growth.
He urged residents and businesses to take advantage of the bank’s services, noting that Greenwich Bank would play a significant role in supporting the development aspirations of the state.
He assured Greenwich Bank of the state government’s support as it expands its operations and contributes to the economic and business aspirations of the people of Ondo State.
In Ekiti State, Governor Oyebanji, commended Greenwich Bank’s management for opening a branch in Ado-Ekiti, expressing confidence that the bank’s presence would enhance business activities and economic development.
The Governor said the people of Ekiti State were ready to benefit from the bank’s commitment to excellence, expressing confidence that its presence would create new opportunities and promote shared prosperity across the state.
The Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, Odundun II, Ilu Abo, Oba Olu Falae, welcomed Greenwich Bank to Ondo State and expressed confidence that the institution’s experience in financial services would benefit residents and businesses. The Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Aladesanmi, also commended Greenwich Bank’s Board and Management for the initiative to establish a branch in Ado Ekiti.
The Akure and Ado-Ekiti openings follow the commissioning of three branches in Lagos State, marking the next phase of Greenwich Bank’s physical expansion since its transition into commercial banking.
With the opening of its Akure and Ado-Ekiti branches, Greenwich Bank aims to strengthen its foothold in the South-West by bringing its comprehensive financial services and technology-driven banking solutions closer to the entrepreneurs, businesses and households powering economic activities across the region.
The commissioning ceremonies attracted government officials, traditional rulers, business leaders, professionals, traders, artisans and other stakeholders, reflecting strong interest in the bank’s expansion and its potential to support economic growth in both states. Also in attendance were the Group Managing Director of Greenwich Holdings Limited, Oyewale Ariyibi, and the Managing Director of Greenwich Bank Limited, Benson Ogundeji.
Greenwich Bank’s history dates back to June 1994, when Greenwich Trust Limited commenced operations as a Securities and Exchange Commission-regulated financial adviser and issuing house. The institution subsequently evolved into Greenwich Merchant Bank in 2020 after obtaining a merchant banking licence, before its latest transition into commercial banking.
