Wema Bank Opens Owerri Branch, Eze Obiefule Assures Patronage
Photo : His Imperial Majesty Eze Dr. Thomas Obiefule, MFR in the middle cutting the tape for official commissioning and opening of Wema Bank PLC, Owerri branch office by his left is the Deputy Managing Director of the bank, Mr. Oluwole Ajimisinmi while right is HRH Eze Possible Uche of Umuonyeche autonomous community, Owerri.
By Everest Ezihe, Owerri
Wema Bank Plc has expanded its operations in the South-East region of Nigeria with the commissioning and opening of a new branch office in Owerri, Imo State capital, as His Imperial Majesty, Eze Dr. Thomas Agu Obiwuru Obiefule, MFR, assured the bank of maximum patronage and support.
The new branch, which was commissioned last Friday, is strategically located along the busy Wetheral Road in Owerri. The facility occupies a full plot of land and features a modern architectural design and customer-friendly environment aimed at enhancing banking services in the state.
The commissioning attracted dignitaries from different walks of life, including traditional rulers, traders, corporate organisations, state government officials, members of the business community and top management staff of Wema Bank from Lagos, Aba and other locations.
Among the traditional rulers present was the host community monarch, HRH Eze Possible Uche (Ihemefula I), the Traditional Ruler of Umuonyeche Autonomous Community, Owerri Municipal, where the bank is located.
The bank’s top management team was led by its Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Oluwole Ajimisinmi, who commended the Imo State Government for creating an enabling environment and promoting ease of doing business in the state.
Ajimisinmi reiterated Wema Bank’s customer-focused approach to service delivery, noting that the bank had continued to strengthen its operations through improved digital technology and innovative banking solutions.
He described Wema Bank as financially and administratively strong, while urging residents and businesses in Owerri to patronize the new branch and regard the institution as their own.
The Deputy Managing Director also acknowledged the wealth of experience of Eze Obiefule in the banking sector and commended his longstanding relationship with the bank.
Speaking at the event, Eze Obiefule, who was among the distinguished personalities at the ceremony and a major investor with Wema Bank, expressed appreciation for the transformation that has taken place in the bank’s management, operations and technological services.
The revered traditional ruler, who commissioned the branch, recalled that he served on the board of Wema Bank for eight years and subsequently spent another eight years on the board of Omega Bank, bringing his experience as a banking board director to 16 years.
According to him, “it is no mean feat.”
Eze Obiefule commended the management of Wema Bank for choosing Owerri for its latest expansion, assuring the institution of a high level of patronage and support.
He also assured the bank of the continued support of the Imo State Government and expressed optimism that the new branch would contribute significantly to the economic activities of the state.
In his vote of thanks, the newly commissioned Branch Business Development Manager, Mr. Ikechukwu Akah, expressed appreciation to the management of Wema Bank for its commitment to excellence and for ensuring the establishment of the Owerri branch.
Akah identified personalized customer service, skilled manpower and advanced digital technology as some of the major driving forces behind the bank’s operational successes.
He described the ceremony as well attended and commended the bank’s management for the quality of representation at the event, while also thanking the guests for honouring the invitation.
The branch manager further appreciated the guests with warm hospitality, specially customized gift items and entertainment galores.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the traditional presentation of kola nuts by the host traditional ruler, HRH Eze Possible Uche.
The traditional ruler, alongside Eze Obiefule, used the occasion to offer traditional blessings for the bank, its management, staff and customers, while praying for protection, guidance, prosperity and success.
The event also featured the formal commissioning and opening of the branch, as well as the cutting of a specially designed ceremonial cake, all performed by His Imperial Majesty Eze Dr. Thomas Agu Obiwuru Obiefule, MFR, Okairuru I of Umudioka Ancient Kingdom in Orlu LGA of Imo State and, according to the records, one of the longest-serving living traditional rulers in Nigeria. Many customers instantly opened account with the bank.
