Ekiti State Government has said it is partnering with three commercial banks to commence the Agency Banking Programme in every local government area of the state.

The government said that it would officially flag off the Agency Banking programme on Tuesday, 27th May, 2025, as part of efforts to create employment opportunities and empower the people.

Recall that there has been an exodus of banks from many Ekiti communities, largely because of security concerns, particularly bank robberies and killings.

The repeated attacks have led banks to shut down operations in these areas, leaving residents with limited access to banking services.

Many customers are forced to travel long distances to access banking services, which has negatively impacted businesses and daily life. Some residents have expressed frustration and helplessness due to the situation.

However, the State Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Mr. Kayode Fasae, disclosed this during a live radio audience participatory programme in the state environs, tagged “Ekiti Loni/Ekiti Today.”

Fasae added that the State Government has entered into an agreement with three banks to drive the scheme, expressing confidence that the arrangement would provide job opportunities, help businesses scale to a larger level, give people easier access to banking services, and boost the socioeconomic activities of the people.

He noted that the scheme is in tandem with both Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s Shared Prosperity vision and President Bola Tinubu’s agenda of ensuring that there is at least one financial institution in every ward in the country.

The commissioner reiterated the government’s commitment to the rapid development of the state and improving the lot of the people.

Mr. Fasae explained that 200 trained and licensed people would be engaged as “Super Sole Agents,” with each of them superintending over five licensed commission agents under the Agency Banking arrangement across the state to operate the system.

He lamented that collaboration between public and private stakeholders had hitherto been very limited, resulting in weak synergies and challenges in assessing impact at a holistic level, emphasizing that the ongoing efforts to develop skills and promote sustainable growth for decent employment opportunities are, therefore, priorities for both public and private stakeholders.