By Muslimat Itopa
Kogi State Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo has commissioned a branch of the Bank of Industry (BOI) in Lokoja, the state capital.
The establishment of this branch aims to boost economic development in the state, improve access to finance for local businesses, and promote industrialization.
It will also help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) thrive, providing them with the necessary financial support to grow and create more jobs for the people of Kogi State.
Governor Ododo in his speech to the event said the establishment of the bank is inline with his administration goals of attracting investments and supporting the entrepreneurial spirit of Kogi residents.
He noted that it will also help to increase the state’s industrial output and overall economic resilience.
“Today we are not just commissioning a building but unveiling a feature, anchored on with believe given by vision and powered by the collective will of the people determined to be the economic nerve center of our dear Nation, Ododo said.
He noted that on assumption of office in January two thousand and four he made a vow to make Kogi a true conference of opportunity where every citizen can strive and contribute meaningfully to the growth of Kogi State.
The Governor reassured the management team of the bank of industry that the people of Kogi State are resouceful and hungry for opportunity to grow, considering the abundant mineral resources and rich tourism assets of the state.
” Our 32yrs development plan is intentionally ambitious because we are here to build a state where youth can bring and achieve,where women and youth are empowered and were innovation strive, he said.
Governor Ododo appreciated President Ahmed Tinubu for extending the wings of BOI to Kogi State inorder to bring development to Kogi State making it possible for the people of Kogi to benefit from his administrations economic expansion program.
Earlier, the Managing Director Bank of Industry Lokoja Branch Mr Olashopo Olusi said the establishment of BOI in Kogi State is an affirmation of the industry commitment of bringing development closer to the people of Kogi State.
” Kogi State is a very important opportunity for us and we must laid the appropriate foundation to ensure that we make the right impact, inline with the vision of President Ahmed Tinubu agenda, He noted.
He said the presence of BOI will allowed SMEs, large Corporate Manufacturers, women and youth and Industrial Ventures in the state to grow,create jobs and contribute meeaningfully to the economic development of the Nation.
The Managing Director praised the state government for the approval of permanent site in Kogi State and promised to continue to support the present administration to succeed.
