Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has said the presence of the Bank of Industry (BoI) in the state marks the beginning of economic transformation. 

   Ododo stated this while inaugurating the Bank of Industry complex in Lokoja, yesterday. 

   Ododo said: “Kogi State is ripe and open for businesses with the commissioning of the Bank of Industry today. The state government is ready to do all it takes to strengthen the BOI to facilitate the development of new and existing businesses in the state.

   “The programme of BOI will certainly fit into our 32-year development plan because BOI represents local solutions to local challenges.”

   The governor used the opportunity to applaud the administration of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for making BOI a reality in Kogi State. He added that: “It is my pleasure to witness the epoch-making event. There is no doubt that the future is bright for Kogi people. 

   In her remarks, the Executive Director of MSME, Mrs Ugochukwu Okabogu, urged the business community in the state to take advantage of the BOI and become entrepreneur. 

“We are out to industrialise the state,” she said. 

   Earlier in his welcome remarks, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Bank of Industry, Dr Olasupo Olusi, said: “It is an honour to be here today in Kogi, the Confluence State—where the rivers Niger and Benue meet, and where history, resources, and resilience converge. 

   “Today’s commissioning of the Bank of Industry’s new state office in Kogi is more than the unveiling of a building. It is a clear reaffirmation of our commitment to bringing development finance closer to the people and businesses that power Nigeria’s growth.

   “With this launch, Kogi becomes the latest addition to our growing nationwide network of BOI offices, in line with our goal to ensure every state in Nigeria has direct access to our services. 

  “This presence will enable MSMEs, cooperatives, women-and-youth-led businesses, and industrial ventures in the state to grow, create jobs, and contribute meaningfully to inclusive economic development.”

   He added that the commissioning was key to delivering on corporate strategy at the Bank of Industry, which focuses on deepening support for MSMEs, expanding access to affordable financing, promoting youth and women entrepreneurship, and strengthening impact in key sectors such as agriculture, solid minerals, manufacturing, the creative economy, and the circular economy.

   “With this dedicated office, Kogi State is now better positioned to tap into these strategic pillars. We see this not just as an expansion of infrastructure, but as the beginning of a stronger partnership, one that matches BOI’s resources and technical capacity with the state’s entrepreneurial energy and rich endowments to drive sustainable development.

   “Through facilities like the ₦200 billion MSME Intervention Fund and other targeted programmes, BOI will continue to support businesses that create jobs, stimulate innovation, and add real value to our economy.”