Keystone Bank, a prominent financial institution in Nigeria, celebrated the reopening of its modernized branch in Ketu, Lagos, marking a significant step in its retail expansion strategy and commitment to customer-centric banking. The event, held on a Friday, attracted a diverse crowd of business owners, customers, community leaders, and dignitaries, all eager to witness the unveiling of the revamped facility. Mr. Hassan Imam, the Managing Director/CEO of Keystone Bank, underscored the strategic importance of the Ketu branch, highlighting the area’s vibrant commercial ecosystem and the bank’s dedication to providing enhanced banking experiences to the local community. He emphasized the bank’s focus on customer satisfaction and financial inclusion, reiterating their commitment to seamless, secure, and convenient banking services.
The reopening of the Ketu branch symbolizes Keystone Bank’s dedication to bridging the gap between physical and digital banking services. While acknowledging the bank’s ongoing investment in digital solutions and fintech innovations, Mr. Imam stressed the continued relevance of physical branches in key commercial hubs like Ketu. These branches serve as crucial touchpoints for customers, enabling personalized interactions and fostering stronger relationships within the community. The revitalized Ketu branch will offer a comprehensive suite of financial services, catering to the diverse needs of individuals, businesses, and families in the area. This includes access to loans, account opening services, advisory services, and other vital financial solutions.
A key aspect of Keystone Bank’s strategy is its unwavering support for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Mr. Imam reiterated the bank’s commitment to empowering MSMEs through tailored loan products, capacity-building programs, and expert advisory services. He highlighted the bank’s track record of supporting the MSME sector over the past nine years, citing partnerships with reputable organizations such as Facebook, Google, the Enterprise Development Centre, and the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This commitment to fostering entrepreneurial growth aligns with the bank’s vision of contributing to the economic development of the Ketu community and beyond.
Mrs. Nnenna Anyim-Okoro, Executive Director, Corporate Bank & South, echoed the bank’s commitment to the Ketu community, emphasizing the branch’s role as a hub for economic empowerment. She highlighted the bank’s focus on building lasting relationships with customers and providing practical solutions to help businesses thrive. This includes offering accessible credit facilities, promoting financial literacy, and providing access to digital tools designed to facilitate business growth. The bank’s presence in Ketu is not merely transactional; it represents a long-term investment in the community’s economic prosperity.
The reopening ceremony was met with enthusiasm from the local community, with Alhaji Shehu Usman, Chairman of the Mile 12 (Ketu) International Market, expressing gratitude for Keystone Bank’s investment in the area. He emphasized the trust the community places in the bank, evidenced by the significant number of traders and business owners who had opened new accounts or reactivated existing ones in anticipation of the branch reopening. This demonstrates the strong bond between Keystone Bank and the Ketu business community, built on years of reliable service and mutual respect. Alhaji Usman also encouraged the bank to develop more customized financial packages tailored to the specific needs of small businesses in the region.
The positive impact of the Ketu branch reopening was further highlighted by local business owners like Ayokunle Ibikunle, an electronics merchant, who expressed excitement about the increased access to financial services. He noted that having a reliable bank nearby would streamline transactions, facilitate access to loans, and minimize delays, ultimately contributing to the efficiency and growth of his business. The event witnessed a surge in new account openings, with over 200 entrepreneurs and traders joining the Keystone Bank family, while many others reactivated dormant accounts, signaling renewed engagement with the bank. The Ketu branch is poised to become a pivotal hub for retail and SME banking services in the region, driving economic activity and fostering financial inclusion within the community. The presence of senior Keystone Bank executives, community leaders, market association heads, and members of the Lagos business community at the reopening ceremony further underscored the significance of this event.
