The delegation led by the Nigerian Ambassador to Liberia, Her Excellency Chigozie Obi-Nnadozie included the chairman of Keystone Bank, Moyo Ajekigba; managing director and chief executive officer, Philip Ikeazor; managing director of the Liberia Office, Philip Olujobi; among others.
Ambassador Obi-Nnadozie who presented the delegation to President Sirleaf emphasized that Liberia-Nigeria relations are strong on the political front, but that much more is required to strengthen and consolidate the economic aspect of the ties.
She informed President Sirleaf that the team, which has already met with officials of the Central Bank of Liberia, is in the country to explore the possibility of making investment interventions in the country’s economy and share its success story with Liberians.
According to an Executive Mansion release, the chairman of Keystone Bank, Moyo Ajekigba expressed thanks and gratefulness to President Sirleaf for the audience. He stressed the bank has kept its integrity and principle because of an accountable and transparent leadership and operational standard.
He recounted the establishment of Global Bank in Liberia five years ago and noted that the initial efforts have grown to about five branches so far with dozens of job opportunity for Liberians.
Mr. Ajekigba appealed to President Sirleaf to encourage Liberians, particularly those involved with business and investment to invest in Global Bank as shareholders. “I have observed that whenever I travel around the world, dozens of Liberians usually express their desire to return home. An investment in the operations of Global Bank is one available opportunity that can be utilized as an investment option when they return,” chairman Ajekigba pointed out.
For her part, President Sirleaf welcomed the Bank’s delegation to Liberia and expressed satisfaction about Nigeria’s interest in the country on all fronts. “I am impressed with the extension of banking activities in many rural parts of our country and acknowledge the role of Global Bank in this regard,” she said adding further, “Your new approach of encouraging Liberians to invest in the Bank is even more laudable and provides an opportunity to meet our middle-income objective as enshrined in the Agenda for Transformation.”
The Liberian leader acknowledged the many challenges facing the economy in general and the banking sector in particular and assured the delegation that steps are being taken to address them. She noted that Nigerian banks operating in Liberia can be used with others in the transitioning process.
“The government is interested in seeing Liberians in all sectors of the economy and so the offer is welcomed. I am also sure that the process and intent will be well circulated to capture the attention of potential Liberians in and out of the country to take advantage of the great investment opportunity,” she indicated.
President Sirleaf proposed to the bank executives that it will be a good to see the banking sector come together to support key projects or national interventions such as agro-processing, construction, etc. and reflected on examples and achievements of different countries that have done well including Nigeria.
She finally expressed satisfaction that the delegation had earlier met with officials of the Central Bank of Liberia about its mission.
