Obasanjo Tells Why He Doesn’t Like Bankers But Loves Access Bank

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, 84, has revealed why he doesn’t like bankers.

Obasanjo who was the President of Nigeria between 2009 till 2007 (a two-term of four years each), however, tells why he has made an exception of Access Bank.

According to Obasanjo who went all out to improve Nigeria’s international reputation, negotiated about 60% reduction in international debt and fostered a stronger economy with the National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (NEEDS) agenda while serving as President “My personal opinion of banks and bankers has not always been positive, particularly when they display short termism and a narrow focus devoid of national interest.

“Access Bank, whilst not perfect, has been refreshingly different from the normal run, its commitment to sustainable business practices has seen the bank take the lead on issues of economic development, health, women empowerment, corporate governance and so on.

“For this reason, whenever they seek my approval in their quest to become the world’s most respected African bank it is forthcoming….”

Obasanjo regarded as the most influential African leader alive made the revelation in the Foreword he wrote on “LEAVING THE TARMAC…BUYING A BANK IN AFRICA”, the book published by Aigboje AIG-Imoukhuede.

Imoukhuede, 55, who wrote the book with the self-explanatory title and his partner, Herbert Wigwe acquired Access Bank by buying a N1Billion public offer for subscription issued in 2001.

He was confirmed as the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Access Bank in 2005 – acted in “acting” capacity since 2003 – and handed over the reins of leadership to his Deputy and business partner Wigwe, 55, in 2014.

The friends and business partners are the same age though different months but just days apart – Wiwge is August 15 while Imoukhuede is September 24.

“LEAVING THE TARMAC…BUYING A BANK IN AFRICA”, the book that contains Obasanjo’s according to Imoukhuede in his “Introduction” dated May 2020 was ready for publication in 2015 but delayed – without any alteration – for reasons that may be revealed at a later date.