Elderly woman visits bank, faces disrespect while seeking her money

A Nigerian woman, Mary Ojo, from Ikorodu, Lagos, has raised concerns about how some bank workers treat customers, especially elderly people who need help with banking services.

Speaking to Next Africa Daily, Ojo recalled an experience involving an elderly woman who visited a bank to withdraw her money but did not understand a particular banking process.

According to her, the woman kept asking questions because she needed assistance, but the way some bank workers spoke to her was disappointing.

Ojo said the experience made her lose interest in having further dealings with the bank. However, she declined to mention the bank's name.

She stressed that customers deserve respect, especially when they are only trying to access their hard-earned money. Beyond the banking experience, Ojo also expressed concerns about unemployment and favouritism in Nigeria.

She recalled hearing a statement from someone associated with a bank suggesting that Nigerian youths are not ready to work because there are enough job opportunities available.

However, she disagreed with this position, arguing that many young Nigerians are willing to work but struggle to secure employment because some opportunities are given to relatives, friends and people with personal connections.

She questioned why qualifications and the ability to do a job are sometimes overlooked in favour of personal relationships.

Ojo further argued that corruption is not only a government problem, as ordinary Nigerians also contribute to it when they use their positions and connections to favour people they know.

She called on employers and those in positions of authority to give qualified people fair opportunities instead of putting personal relationships first.

She also urged Nigerians to reflect on their actions and responsibilities as the country approaches another election, stressing the need for fairness, honesty and a better society.