Gov. Otti Unveils Two Signature Bank Branches, Tells Investors Abia Is Open For Business

Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, has declared that the state is open for business and that his administration will do everything within its power to assist bona fide investors in order to increase the state’s economy, generate wealth, and lift its citizens out of deep poverty.

Governor Otti stated this on Wednesday at the official opening ceremony of two branches of Signature Bank Limited in Aba and Umuahia.

He said that the fact that Signature Bank opened two branches in a single day was a significant indication of the confidence that Abia State’s business community now has in the administration’s ability to provide stable enterprise and economic growth.

“Abia is open for business and anyone who wants to invest in Abia, be it in banking, in finance, in trade, major businesses, we will be there to support you. And when you have erected your building and you are ready to open for business, please invite us, we will come  to open it with you.

“We promised at the inception of this administration that we shall be a business friendly government, adopting robust initiatives to enhance our ease of doing business ranking, supporting micro, small and medium scale entreprises. We can confidently say that Abia has become a strategic investment zone for business planning to tap into new frontier of opportunities,” the Governor said.

Prior to taking office as governor of Abia State on May 29, 2023, Governor Otti assisted in the founding of Signature Bank. He made use of the occasion to make it clear that he is no longer a director or member of the board of the bank.

“I wish to state that until about eight months ago, I served on the board of Signature Bank as a pioneer non-executive director and one of its founders until my present role. It’s also important to indicate that I had to resign before taking up the role I am occupying at this time. So, I am here not as a director or a founder but as the Governor of Abia State and a guest,” he declared.

Governor Otti said he was optimistic that many more businesses would be welcomed in the State in the months ahead, following discussions his government has had with leading investors, who are very eager to take advantage of the economic promises of the New Abia.

According to him, “Our dear State has become a place of serious interest for investors including major foreign conglomerates on account of our active commitment to turning every part of the State into a major centre of enterprise.

“Our guiding philosophy as a government is firmed on being proactive in decision making, cutting down barriers to enterprise success, and answering the important questions of security, critical infrastructure, and environmental sustainability.”

He said the decision by Signature Bank to open two branches simultaneously in Aba and Umuahia was a pointer to the fact that the government was doing things right in the State.

He added that he was proud that the Bank, after about one year of its establishment has become a very important player in the Nigerian financial services industry and appreciated the Board and Management for believing in Nigeria and the limitless possibilities it holds and for heeding the call of investing in Abia State.

“We understand the pivotal role small and micro scale entreprise play in driving the economic development. Our goal is to be a catalyst for their success, offering stable financial solutions to their growth and innovation,” he said.

The Chairman thanked Governor Otti for coming to grace the occasion and for offering the Bank the opportunity to invest in Abia.

Also speaking, the Managing Director of the bank, Mr. Godwin Nosike, said that the launch of the branches in Aba and Umuahia was in recognition of the opportunities and potentials that exist in Abia State.

“Our mission is to provide the necessary support to grow the business in Abia State. We believe in the power of partnership and relationships. In opening of the branches, we aim to provide a wide array of financial services to meet the uniqueness of our customers in State,” Nosike said.