Residents of Okemesi-Ekiti, headquarters of Okemesi/Ido-Ile Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Ekiti State are yearning for the return of banking services to their community, 11 years after a deadly robbery attack on a bank branch.
The robbery attack left two people dead and many injured, leading to the closure of the bank branch. Since then, the community has been without banking services.
The residents under the auspices of the Likes Group, a prominent club in the community, lamented that the absence of banking services had been devastating on the town with economic activities negatively affected.
The Mayor of the group, a former Deputy Speaker of state House of Assembly, Adesina Animasaun, spoke at Okemesi-Ekiti during the third Socio-Economic Summit and investiture of new executives for 2025/27.
Animasaun, who explained no business can thrive without a functional banking environment, said efforts were already ongoing to partner a private university in the town, for the return of the banking activities.
He said it had always been the agenda of the group to seek the reengineering of the economic and commercial focus of the community, by way of intervening and contributing to the welfare and well-being of the able class, particularly the youth, mostly the unemployed, students, farmers, traders and artisans alike.
“The responsibility of The Likes Group transcends self-interest. We have a responsibility to help our community flourish. It’s about lifting one another and facilitating opportunities where everyone can access the resources and support they need to realize their full potential.
“The Likes Club Reimagine dialogue is a catalyst aimed at creating a ripple effect that should transform our community.
“This community dialogue event is aimed at fostering collaboration, learning, and empowerment within our local community. It will address critical issues and aspirations that impact our collective well-being and future.
“We aspire to create a dynamic and inclusive event that inspires positive change and action through engaging sessions, meaningful dialogue, and community participation,” he said.
The traditional ruler of Okemesi-Ekiti, Oba Gbadebo Adedeji, commended the contributions of the group to the socio-economic development of the town.
Oba Adedeji, who described TLG as one of the few most functional groups in the town, urged other clubs to emulate its good works.
He lauded Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration for its efforts in uplifting Ekiti to its pride of place, saying the governor deserved a second term in office.
The lead discussant, and Chairman/CEO, Conference For Africa Studies, Bayo Ajijola, saluted the courage of TLG, for championing the struggle for economic emancipation of the community.
