APC Chieftain Calls for Reopening of Idoani Bank Branch

Steve Otaloro, an APC chieftain and former chairman of Irekari Local Council Development Area (LCDA), has appealed to First Bank Nigeria PLC to reopen its Idoani branch, which has been closed for seven years following an armed robbery on April 8, 2019. Otaloro emphasized the historical significance of the branch, which was established during the tenure of Chief Samuel Oyewol Asabia, the first indigenous managing director of First Bank in 1975.

He noted that the closure has left thousands of residents without convenient banking services, forcing them to travel long distances for transactions. Otaloro argued that reopening the branch would honor Asabia's legacy and restore essential financial services to the community.

He urged the current management of First Bank to reconsider the previous decision to close the branch, highlighting its importance as a financial hub for various local stakeholders, including farmers, traders, and public servants.