Hon. Akpososo Urges Nigeria’s Major Banks to Invest in Rural Delta Communities for Inclusive Growth and Job Creation

 

In a compelling call to action, Hon. Oghenekaro Akpososo—prominent political advocate and convener of the Mimikay Organization—has urged Nigeria’s seven largest banks to expand their footprints into underserved rural heartlands of Delta State. Specifically naming Access Bank, Zenith Bank, GTBank, First Bank, UBA, Fidelity Bank, and Stanbic IBTC, Akpososo challenged these financial giants to open full-service branches, ATMs, and digital banking hubs in emerging communities like Afiesere in Ughelli North and the historic Olomu Kingdom.

“These seven powerhouse banks have the capital, expertise, and corporate social responsibility mandates to transform rural Delta,” Akpososo declared before a packed audience of farmers, traders, and youth leaders. “Access Bank, Zenith, GTBank, First Bank, UBA, Fidelity, and Stanbic IBTC—this is your moment to invest where it matters most. Come to Afiesere. Come to Olomu. Partner with our people, not just extract from them.”

Akpososo highlighted the stark financial exclusion plaguing these vibrant yet overlooked areas. In Afiesere—a cassava and palm oil hub—forcing residents to travel over 20 km to Ughelli for basic banking. Olomu Kingdom, one of Urhobo’s oldest monarchies with a legacy tracing to pre-colonial Benin migrations, thrives on local trade but lacks a single formal financial outlet. “These are not remote villages—they are economic engines waiting for ignition,” he stressed.

1. By establishing physical and digital presence, the seven banks could:
2. Create thousands of direct jobs (tellers, customer service, IT, security, and branch management roles).
3. Unlock SME lending for farming cooperatives, women-led micro-enterprises, and youth agribusinesses.
4. Reduce urban migration by making financial services as accessible as local markets.
5. Boost non-oil GDP through lower-cost credit and digital payment ecosystems.

Akpososo also appealed directly to Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori to fast-track state-backed microfinance banks in these zones, aligning with the “More Agenda” for inclusive development. “Your Excellency, let Access, Zenith, GTBank, First Bank, UBA, Fidelity, and Stanbic IBTC lead the charge—but the state must seed the soil with microfinance institutions that understand our people’s needs,” he urged.

Citing a 2024 Central Bank of Nigeria report, Akpososo noted that rural areas—home to over 60% of Nigerians—access less than 20% of formal credit. In Delta, high-interest informal lending and long travel for transactions stifle growth despite rich agricultural output.

“This is a win-win,” Akpososo concluded. “For the banks: loyal new customer bases, untapped deposits, and CSR leadership. For our communities: jobs, dignity, and a future built from the roots up. Access Bank, Zenith, GTBank, First Bank, UBA, Fidelity, Stanbic IBTC—Delta’s door is open. Will you walk through it?”