By Editor 
By Overlord-General Youssouf Hadji
Okeho, Oke-Ogun
The incident of bank robbery that happened in Okeho, the headquarter of Kajola on Wednesday, 29th July still lingering. Since this tragic occurrence, I keep asking myself, “will our bank ever open? ” Before the robbery, we had heard many times the news of how they were planning to close down the branch, so one will think this is the right excuse for the bank to close down its Okeho branch.And if this happens, we are in no ordinary mess, we are in a big mess.
Though in this technological period, people have grown more accustomed to using online banking to meet many of their financial service needs. But what we should know is that not everyone is ready, or wants to do all his/her banking on a smartphone. The elderly and some vulnerable groups aren’t always comfortable with or able to use mobile phone apps. Bank branches helps these set of people preserve their ability to live independently.
Poorer people are also more likely to rely on cash, which requires in-person banking infrastructure.
While online banking is widespread as I said, there is still a need for in person services when it comes to applying for loans and other more personalized financial services. And when it comes to face to face meeting with bank tellers and loan officers, session participants emphasized the importance of personal relationships.
Closing this bank will create problems to communities. The most immediate consequences for individuals and businesses requiring personal banking and financial services is the trouble and anxiety associated with having to make alternative banking arrangements coupled with the worry and uncertainty caused by having to adapt to new ways of banking.
The problems are particularly acute if the branch is the only one remaining in the town. Now imagine how many towns sharing this first bank, more than 15 towns (3 LG areas).
If this bank is closed, people have to journey a considerable distance to a nearby branch which adds to costs and the inconvenience this will cause most especially in an areas with poor transport systems and where significant travel is involved.
Lastly, not being able to access over the counter services limits people’s choices and creates circumstances where they may deposit and withdraw larger amounts of cash. The lack of access to over-the-counter banking services may also be less of an incentive to save.
We therefore call on the eminent people of our dear region and stakeholders to take a drastic step and use their influence to make sure that this bank is not close down and resuscitate the financial activities of the bank in no time for the benefit and safety of our people.
