Business
Zenith Bank Extends Reach To Underserved Communities, Opens Osubi Branch In Delta
becoming the first commercial bank to establish a presence in the community.
Zenith Bank Plc has reinforced its commitment to financial inclusion and grassroots economic development with the commissioning of a new branch in Osubi, Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State, becoming the first commercial bank to establish a presence in the community.
The new branch, commissioned on Wednesday, marks a significant milestone in the bank’s expansion strategy and underscores growing efforts by financial institutions to extend banking services to previously underserved communities.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, described the development as a strong endorsement of the state’s economic potential and investment climate.
“This is a clear vote of confidence in the economic potential of our state. It shows that the investments we have made in infrastructure, economic development and ease of doing business are producing tangible results,” the governor said.
According to him, the decision by Zenith Bank to deepen its presence in Delta State sends a positive signal to investors about opportunities within the state.
“When a leading financial institution such as Zenith Bank expands its presence in Delta State, it sends a powerful message that Delta State is open for business and ready for greater investment,” he added.
Oborevwori also highlighted the strategic importance of the new branch to the host community, noting that residents and businesses in Okpe Local Government Area have long operated without access to a commercial bank.
“This branch is the only bank in the whole of Okpe Local Government as it is today. The significance of this bank to our people cannot be overemphasised because of the impact it will have on the economy of this local government,” he said.
The Governor further acknowledged his administration’s support for the project, including the provision of the land on which the branch was built, describing the initiative as part of broader efforts to encourage private sector investment and economic growth.
Speaking at the event, the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, expressed appreciation to the Delta State Government for creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
“We are deeply grateful to His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State, for his unwavering support and partnership, and for finding time to personally commission the branch today,” she said, adding “His generous donation of the land on which this branch is built is a testament to his administration’s commitment to fostering private sector investment and creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.”
Umeoji noted that the opening of the Osubi branch reflects Zenith Bank’s confidence in the economic prospects of the state and its determination to support inclusive growth through expanded access to financial services.
She said the branch, which is Zenith Bank’s 19th location in Delta State, represents another milestone in the lender’s longstanding relationship with the state and aligns with its broader objective of bringing banking services closer to individuals and businesses.
“Since assuming office, the Governor has driven significant infrastructure and socio-economic development across the state, and Zenith Bank is proud to contribute to that progress through this new branch in Osubi,” she said.
The bank’s chief executive reiterated Zenith Bank’s commitment to supporting underserved communities, women entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized enterprises, and emerging businesses through innovative banking solutions, access to finance and capacity-building programmes.
She added that the new branch is expected to stimulate commercial activity within Osubi and neighbouring communities by improving access to financial services and supporting local enterprise development.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by senior government officials, traditional rulers, members of the business community, customers and other stakeholders, reflecting the significance attached to the project and its anticipated impact on economic activity within the area.
For Zenith Bank, the Osubi expansion represents more than a branch opening. It signals a strategic push to deepen financial inclusion, unlock economic opportunities in underserved markets and strengthen the connection between formal banking services and local economic growth.
