Arukwe's arrival drew a significant crowd of enthusiastic customers and admirers. The actor further solidified his support for the initiative by personally opening two accounts through Sterling Bank's OneBank platform, which provides comprehensive digital banking services devoid of any transfer fees. This public demonstration followed a widely circulated tweet in which Arukwe had already voiced his strong approval of the bank's customer-centric policy.
Speaking directly to those present at the bank, Arukwe articulated his reasons for endorsing the zero-fee policy. "This initiative is fundamentally about prioritizing the financial well-being of the people," he stated. Emphasizing the particular benefits for specific segments, he added, "For creatives and small business owners like myself, this development is nothing short of a game changer. When a financial institution demonstrates a willingness to forgo charges simply for the movement of our own funds, it undeniably warrants our support and patronage."
Arukwe's visit was met with a warm and appreciative reception from Sterling Bank's executive leadership team. Key figures such as the Chief Operating Officer, Temitayo Adegoke, and the Growth Executive of Consumer and Business Banking, Obinna Ukachukwu, were present to acknowledge his endorsement. Both executives underscored the bank's unwavering commitment to alleviating the financial burden of banking fees for Nigerians across the board.
Obinna Ukachukwu further elaborated on the significance of this policy shift, stating, "This is not a minor adjustment or a mere tweak in our fee structure—it represents a complete and fundamental reset in our approach. Every single Naira that our customers save on bank charges can now be directly channeled towards essential needs such as food and education, or towards future investments. We are actively reimagining the fundamental role that banks play in the everyday lives of the people we serve."
Arukwe's public endorsement and personal engagement with the bank served as a powerful testament to the potential positive impact of Sterling Bank's zero digital transfer fee policy, particularly for individuals and small businesses who frequently rely on digital transactions. The event highlighted a growing expectation among consumers for more customer-friendly banking practices.