Being Text of an Address by His Excellency, Alhaji Aliyu Akwe Doma (OON) Garkuwan Doma, Executive Governor of Nasarawa State on the Occasion of the Official Commissioning of First Inland Bank Plc, Doma Branch, Doma, Wednesday, 9th July, 2008

PROTOCOL

I have great pleasure in joining you today on this occasion of the official commissioning of Doma Branch of the First Inland Bank, Plc. This ceremony is a significant landmark in the pursuit of our efforts at boosting economic activities in the State.

2.Let me commence my address by welcoming, on behalf of the Government and people of Nasarawa State, the members of the Board and Management of First Inland Bank Plc., to Doma. I commend the foresight of the Bank to site a branch in Doma. I have no doubt that the services of the bank will soon enhance economic activities in the area.

3.Ladies and gentlemen, I observe that many banks are establishing their presence in Nasarawa State.This is a welcome and commendable development. Let me assure all that this Administration will continue to provide a conducive operational environment for financial institutions to engage in dynamic partnerships with the Government and people of Nasarawa State.

4.As you are all aware, Doma and its communities are an agrarian population engaged in large scale production of maize, yam, rice, sugar cane, beniseed, cassava and groundnuts, to mention just a few. The large-scale production of these crops has the capacity to stimulate the establishment of small-scale agro-allied industries with their attendant economic advantages to the people.

5.It is in this context that I welcome the establishment of this branch of First Inland Bank Plc. I hope that it will stimulate business activities in Doma for the good of all.

6.First Inland Bank Plc has proven to be a veritable partner in our efforts to engender meaningful economic growth and prosperity. I understand that the bank has started meeting its community obligations in some parts of the State through interventions in education and social services. I urge the Board and Management to continue in this way in order to strengthen the relationship between our communities and the bank.

7.As you are aware, Nasarawa State is one of the major shareholders of the bank. I am therefore delighted to note the encouraging efforts of the bank in the recent recapitalization exercise. I am informed that the exercise was nationally acknowledged as a huge success. I urge the bank to keep it up.

8.At this juncture, let me use this opportunity to point out the desire of Nasarawa State for stronger and better partnership with the bank through representation on the Board of Directors in the light of our substantial shareholding. I do hope that the Board of the bank will consider this request, as and when due.

9.While I welcome the establishment of this and other Banks, I will like to call on all financial institutions operating in the State, not only to grant loans, but to fully partner with us in our development efforts. I also hope that adequate attention will be given to the citizens of Nasarawa State in their recruitment exercises at all levels.

10.Now to the people of Doma. You now have this unique opportunity to enhance your socio-economic fortunes through the services and products of First Inland Bank Plc. I urge you to fully take advantage of this opportunity by patronizing the bank and embracing banking practices and culture. You cannot afford to fail in this regard.

11.Ladies and Gentlemen, on this note, it is now my pleasure to formally declare the Doma Branch of First Inland Bank Plc open.

12.Thank you and God bless.