By Emmanuel Mandella

His Majesty Atoroba Peni Rikito, King of the Azande Kingdom, has urged the Bank of South Sudan (BoSS) to establish a branch in Western Equatoria State to support economic growth and empower local businesses.

During a courtesy visit to the bank’s headquarters in Juba on Tuesday, the King met with BoSS Governor Hon. Johnny Ohisa Damian, formally requesting the financial institution to extend its services to Yambio, where traders and government institutions face challenges due to limited banking access.

“The Azande Kingdom is committed to restoring South Sudanese cultural values, promoting peace, and strengthening agriculture. Our people need financial support to fully utilize the region’s fertile lands and contribute to the national economy,” King Atoroba stated.

The King further requested for agricultural assistance, urging the bank to facilitate access to farming tools and equipment to enhance local production. His appeal was echoed by Pia Philip Michael, a member of the royal delegation, who praised BoSS’s role in economic transformation and emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to peace.

In response, Governor Ohisa welcomed the King’s request and confirmed that BoSS had already acquired land in Yambio for the proposed branch. He assured the delegation that groundwork for the construction would commence soon, with a formal foundation stone-laying ceremony thereafter.

Gan Samuel Bwogo, BoSS Second Deputy Governor for Administration and Finance, commended the Azande Kingdom’s efforts in fostering unity and economic development. He emphasized that financial inclusion in rural states is key to sustainable growth.

Meanwhile, BoSS Director for Communication and Public Relations, Mr. Nikodemo Majok Arou, underscored the Kingdom’s vital role in promoting peace, noting that stability is a prerequisite for economic prosperity.

The meeting, attended by top bank officials and the Azande delegation, highlighted the Kingdom’s vision for economic transformation through strategic banking expansion and agricultural investment—a move expected to unlock new opportunities for Western Equatoria’s business community and economy.