By Eric Moore
NIGERIA’S leading digital retail commercial bank, Polaris Bank, said it is committed to supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to empower Nigeria’s economic ecosystem.
Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) of the bank, Kayode Lawal, said this at the commissioning of EveryDay Group Shopping Complex in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Monday.
He stated that the bank takes pride in partnering choice businesses that drive growth, create jobs and foster economic development in the country.
The MD/CEO, who spoke through Mr. Raphael Abaziem, Directorate Head, South-East/South-South Business, said the shopping complex, situated along Peter Odili road in the state capital, is a testament to the resilience of Nigeria’s entrepreneurial spirit.
Lawal expressed: “It is with great pleasure that I stand before you today as we celebrate the commissioning of the EveryDay Group Shopping Complex—an outstanding addition to the economic landscape of Port Harcourt and a testament to the resilience of Nigeria’s entrepreneurial spirit.
“At Polaris Bank, we take immense pride in being the financial partner of choice for businesses that drive growth, create jobs, and foster economic development.
“Our commitment to supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) is not just a business imperative but a core pillar of our mission to empower Nigeria’s economic ecosystem.”
According to the MD/CEO, the commitment is a “dedication that has earned us recognition from reputable institutions for our role in powering entrepreneurial success stories across the country.
“Our partnership in financing this landmark project is a reflection of our belief in the vast potential of businesses in Port Harcourt, the South-South region, and Nigeria at large.
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to providing tailored financial solutions that enable businesses to thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development.
“As we officially unveil this remarkable complex today, I commend the vision of the EveryDay Group for their unwavering commitment to excellence and community impact.
“I also reaffirm Polaris Bank’s readiness to support businesses and entrepreneurs in Port Harcourt and beyond, ensuring that we continue to be a catalyst for growth and innovation.
“We look forward to seeing the positive impact this shopping complex will bring to the people of Port Harcourt and the South-South region.”
Earlier, Chairman of EveryDay Group, Yemi Osindero, disclosed that the company has established 14 retail outlets across the Southern States of the country and has provided direct employment to over 700 persons.
Osindero said: “EveryDay group has hired over 700 staff. Everytime we open a new branch, we hire up 65 to 70 people depending on the size. We are impacting on hundreds of businesses around the country.
“We are going direct to farmers, signing up agreement with them to be supplying items to the store. We are impacting and changing lives across Nigeria. We give farmers the opportunity to scale, which is one of the problems we have in agric business.”
The bank financed the construction of the outlet 100 percent.