Oceanic Bank International Plc has assured Akwa Ibom State government of its readiness to support developmental projects in the state.
The bank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive, Mr. John Aboh gave the assurance weekend in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital while on a courtesy visit to the state governor, Governor Godswill Akpabio.

The governor lauded the appointment of the new bank chief, describing it as a manifestation of his track record of excellent professional career, which showed he has what it takes to move the bank forward.

Oceanic Bank, according to him, has over the years done very well with good brand and franchise and that he was happy to receive the new Chief Executive. He however advised Aboh to put God first in all his undertakings.

He said “We have good relationship with Oceanic Bank and we are quite happy to receive the news that the bank is sound and safe. I enjoin you to put God first in all you do. When you put God first, you succeed. We are making progress in Akwa Ibom State because we put God first. I must confess to you that God is the source of our power and enablement.”

Aboh in his remarks thanked the state government for its continuous support and patronage with a pledge that the bank will partner the state in all its developmental projects.

He said the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s intervention will not impact negatively on the existing relationship as the bank remains sound, safe and strong. Since the intervention, Aboh revealed that the bank has continued with its normal transactions and has remained stronger and more customers oriented than before. From the outstanding non_performing loans, the bank has so far recovered over N25 billion.

The huge recovery, according to the bank was made possible by the aggressive debt recovery strategy employed by the new bank management, in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as well as the State Security Service (SSS).
Aboh expressed satisfaction at the cooperation of the debtors while assuring customers of the move to further improve the service delivery channels of the bank.

In a chat with the bank staff at Akwa Ibom, Aboh said his mission was to restore Oceanic Bank to its formidable position as a leading bank within and outside the shores of Nigeria.The mandate of the new management, he said are to entrench strong corporate governance; evolve a robust risk management framework; aggressively pursue the recovery of non-performing loans; clean up the bank’s balance sheet and take the business to the next level.

According to him: “Let me reassure you that the CBN intervention is an essential building block for generating the right environment for staff and customer confidence to thrive. CBN’s action is a normal practice in the global banking system, which follows the current pattern in Europe and America, where the economic meltdown has had an adverse effect on the banking sector.”