The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo on Monday 16th March commiserated with traders and other victims of Sunday’s explosion at Abule-Ado, Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area (LGA) of Lagos State.
Speaking during a visit to the site with some other top officials of the bank, Mr. Okonkwo prayed for the repose of the souls of those who died in the explosion.
He said the bank was prepared to contribute towards efforts to ameliorate the plight of members of the traders’ associations whose shops and other property were destroyed.
“We thought to come this morning to commiserate with you and see first-hand the damages caused by effects of the explosions”, said Okonkwo.
The Fidelity Bank team was received by the leaders of the Balogun Business Association (BBA), Auto Spare Parts and Machinery Dealers Association (ASPAMDA), and Association of Progressive Traders (APT), who thanked the bank for its gesture.
The market leaders noted that Fidelity Bank had been a true supporter and remained the most responsive of all financial institutions in the market. “Fidelity is not the only bank in this market. Coming here barely 24 hours after this incident and offering financial support in addition, is quite commendable. We are still evaluating the extent of damages and the number of our members affected” said President of BBA, Chief Anthony Obih.
The Presidents of ASPAMDA and APT also expressed gratitude to Fidelity Bank. “You have indeed demonstrated to us that we are indeed partners. We will reciprocate this kindness and will continue to do everything within our powers to support the bank”, stated President ASPAMDA, Chief Daniel Oforkansi.
On his part, the APT Market Association President, Chief Eric Ilechukwu called on other corporate entities to emulate Fidelity Bank, saying, “it is people and organizations like you that we want. If others are like you, things will be better for”.
Several residential and commercial buildings as well as cars were destroyed in the explosion that rocked Abule-Ado and environs on Sunday.
The resulting fire, from the explosion, later spread to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) oil pipeline passing through the area, although the pipeline was shut down as a precautionary measure. The explosion caused widespread panic among Lagos residents after it shook many houses in Ijegun, Festac Town and other communities outside Amuwo Odofin.
PHOTO 1 – Left to Right: Eric Ilechukwu, President, Association of Progressive Traders (APT); Nnamdi Okonkwo, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc; and Daniel Oforkansi, President, Auto Spare Parts and Machinery Dealers Association (ASPAMDA) and Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Executive Director, Lagos & South-West, Fidelity Bank Plc during the visit.
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PHOTO BELOW – Left to Right: Ezenwa Oguadinma, Treasurer, Balogun Business Association (BBA); Nnamdi Okonkwo, MD, Fidelity Bank Plc; Tony Obih, President, BBA and Emeka Igbosupolu, Vice President, BBA during the visit to the markets at BBA, ASPAMDA and APT on Monday.
