Governor Hope Uzodimma has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening economic growth in Imo State as he commissioned the new Access Bank Plc Regional Office in Owerri.
Speaking at the commissioning, Governor Uzodimma emphasized the critical role strong financial institutions play in stimulating economic activity. He noted that this understanding informed his swift approval of the location allocated for the bank’s new regional headquarters.
The facility, named in honour of renowned economist and business icon Sir Pascal Gabriel Dozie, underscores the values he championed indigenous enterprise development and broad-based financial inclusion. The governor stated that every transaction carried out in the new regional office would contribute to measurable financial growth within the State.
Governor Uzodimma also commended Access Bank Plc for achieving this milestone. He paid special tribute to the late Managing Director, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, recalling his personal commitment to establishing this partnership with the Imo State Government. The governor expressed confidence that the collaboration will continue to yield mutual benefits for both the bank and the people of Imo State.
Earlier in her welcome address, Deputy Managing Director, Access Bank plc, Chizoma Okoli, who said that the bank growth story is one of vision, resilience and commitment to service, stressed that it is most fitting that the new regional office is being named in honour of a man whose life’s work embodies these values.
Dr Pascal Gabriel Dozie ‘s contributions to Nigeria’s financial landscape are both foundational and transformational. He laid pathways for modern banking, empowered generations of entrepreneurs, and helped shape an industry that supports national development. By naming this branch after him , we celebrate a legacy that continues to inspire excellence, innovation and service.
According to the Deputy Managing Director who appreciated greatly the support Governor Hope Uzodimma is given to private sector, noted that the governor’s style of leadership has introduced policies that encourage enterprise development, strengthen financial inclusion and create opportunities for business to grow.
She disclosed that Uzodimma’s focus on infrastructure, security and ease of doing business has given institutions like theirs the confidence to invest, innovate and provide services that benefit the people.
Okoli further hinted that Access Bank currently operates 17 branches across the state, each serving as a link between opportunity and the people who power Imo economy, adding that with the unveiling of the new regional office which has made it 18 in the state capital, the expansion is a clear demonstration of their commitment to serve the people and businesses of Imo State with greater depth,reach and responsiveness.
She sounded it loud and clear that the new regional office has been strategically designed to enhance the banking experience for individuals, SMEs, corporates and public sector institutions across Imo and neighbouring states even as she said that their goal is simply to bring world- class financial services closer to their customers and to serve them better than ever before.