Polaris Bank hands over building to OOU
Polaris Bank Limited has donated the building and premises of its former branch within the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye to the authorities of the state-owned tertiary institution.
The bank recently relocated the operations of the University Branch to Ijebu-Igbo, in Ijebu North Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Consequently, in demonstration of its commitment to service the needs of customers and partners, the bank announced its decision to transfer ownership of its erstwhile branch to OOU.
An official of Polaris Bank, Mr. Adeleye Soyele, who conducted some Principal Officers of the University round the facility, said the donation was also part of the corporate social responsibility of the bank.
Mr. Soyele, who is the Project Facility Maintenance Officer, Corporate Support Department, South West Zone, said that the bank had good working relationship with the University but needed to shut down operations within the school environment in view of the decision of the bank management to “rationalise” some of its locations.
He explained that since banking activities were no longer being carried out at the defunct branch, it behooves on the bank to give the property back to the school.
Soyele said, “actually, it’s prompted by the bank’s decision to rationalise some of its locations. Of course, handing over the property back to the school is a corporate social responsibility.”
“As it is, it’s a lease-hold property. So, if we are going to be shutting down operations, naturally it goes back to the school. Since we no longer operate from here, we are giving it back to the school.”
Saying the bank remains a highly responsive and responsible financial institution that is always willing to give back to the society, Soyele restated the determination of the bank to continuously identify with and support the aspirations of OOU.
Responding after inspecting the donated building, the Registrar, Mr. Femi Ogunwomoju, who represented the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ganiyu O. Olatunde, expressed the appreciation of the University to the bank management for deeming it fit to transfer ownership of the facility to OOU.
Mr. Ogunwomoju, who was accompanied by the University Librarian, Dr. Adebambo Oduwole, and some Senior Officers of the University, disclosed that the building would be renovated in due course and the University would make judicious use of it.
According to him, the Management has made adequate plans for the building to be occupied and properly utilised.
He said, “the University is grateful to Polaris Bank for relinquishing this building and transferring the ownership to us.”
“Management has made adequate plans to make sure that this building does not go to waste. It will still be useful and plans are in top gear to make sure we make the best use of this place. Very soon, we will renovate it and make the best use of it.”
