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Oceanic Bank International Plc has pledged to contribute to the socio-economic and infrastructural development of Kebbi State through sustained public-private partnerships (PPPs) that will cut across various sectors of the state. The bank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. (Mrs.) Cecilia Ibru disclosed this during a courtesy visit to Kebbi State governor, Alhaji Saidu Usman Dakingari, in Birnin Kebbi.

Ibru told the governor that Oceanic Bank is prepared to partner with the state on the realisaton of projects that will enhance the standard of living of Kebbi State indigenes, facilitate the erection of infrastructure that will promote trade and commerce; upgrade educational and health facilities; and ultimately stamp out poverty in the state. “Oceanic Bank has distinguished itself as an institution that is committed to partnering with the various tiers of government on development-based initiatives.

Given the visionary leadership of the governor and his team, I believe we can work together to deliver better standard of living to the people of Kebbi State,” she said.
Governor Dakingari thanked the Oceanic Bank team for the visit, adding that the state is prepared to explore various partnership initiatives with Oceanic Bank. He said “I have watched the growth of Oceanic Bank under the leadership of Dr. Ibru for the past 10 years and I am convinced that we are in good hands and Kebbi State is excited at the prospects of partnering with the bank to improve the lot of the state.”

Governor Dankari said the state is pursuing various projects that will lead to economic empowerment and eradication of poverty. “We are developing strategic plans for various sectors of the state and would like Oceanic Bank to be involved in that of education in addition to other projects we will execute with the bank,” he added.

Ibru said given the importance of education, the bank would study the document passionately and come up with a partnership blueprint with the state. The Oceanic Bank boss said PPPs are being deployed globally as a vehicle of achieving fast-paced development, adding that the bank will leverage on its vast experience in this area to ensure that Kebbi State experiences a revolution that will make its economy vibrant.

“If we can get infrastructure and education working in the state, then we can start talking about development. So much can be done in Kebbi State in terms of agriculture and commerce, all we need is to create an enabling infrastructure to drive these processes and we are ready to replicate the success record in our partnerships with other states in Kebbi.”

Ibru however noted that the state would have to pay attention to human capital development to grow a knowledge base that will sustain the achievements created by PPPs. Oceanic Bank recently held a global leaders forum which identified human capital development as the greatest hurdle to Nigeria emerging as a top 20 economy in the world. The bank is willing to partner with Kebbi in this regard through initiatives that will guarantee qualitative education in the state, she added.

It would be recalled that Oceanic Bank has also entered into partnership with some state governments such as Delta State; Osun State and the Federal Capital Territory for the development of industrial parks. Memoranda of understanding (MOU) have been executed with the involved states.
Taking its involvement in PPP to a higher note, the bank recently unveiled plans to raise a N50 billion development bond for Anambra State.

According to Dr. (Mrs.) Ibru, the bond could be likened to a Marshall Plan for the state and would provide funds directly to the Anambra State Government or her Development Partners under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP).

The Oceanic Bank package includes interventions in education, health, the environment and ecology, commerce and industry, housing and urban development, roads and bridges, power and energy, transport, poverty alleviation, wealth creation and economic development.