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Diri: Premium Trust Bank Expansion Shows Growing Confidence In Bayelsa
Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has described Premium Trust Bank’s expansion in the state as a sign of growing investor confidence in the Bayelsa economy.
Diri stated this on while commissioning the bank’s second branch located around the Etegwe/Edepie roundabout axis in Yenagoa on Monday.
In a statement, Diri said the opening of another branch by the financial institution came at a time when Bayelsa was entering a new phase of economic opportunities, particularly with the expected commencement of operations of the state’s 60-megawatt independent power plant.
According to him, improved electricity supply would provide a major boost to businesses and industries by reducing some of the constraints associated with doing business in the state.
He said reliable power would stimulate enterprise, attract new investments, create jobs and improve the living standards of residents, adding that the emerging economic environment would also increase the demand for credible financial institutions.
“It will also increase the need for credible and innovative financial partners,” Diri said.
The governor said businesses and individuals would require financial institutions capable of providing innovative banking solutions and easier access to capital as economic activities expand.
He therefore urged Premium Trust Bank to look beyond Yenagoa and establish branches at local government headquarters and other emerging commercial and university communities across the state, including Amassomaand Otuoke.
Diri said expanding banking services across the state would deepen financial inclusion and make it easier for traders, farmers, fishermen, artisans, civil servants, women, entrepreneurs and young business owners to access financial services.
“When banking grows closer to the people, commerce becomes easier, enterprise expands and prosperity spreads,” he said.
The governor also urged residents and business owners to take advantage of the peaceful and secure environment created by his administration to build sustainable businesses.
He commended Premium Trust Bank for what he described as its professionalism, innovation and commitment to customer service.
On his part, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Premium Trust Bank, Dr. Emmanuel Emefienim, said the opening of the new branch demonstrated the bank’s long-term commitment to Bayelsa State.
Emefienim said the bank would continue to combine its physical branch network with digital banking solutions to make financial services more accessible to residents, businesses and institutions.
He commended the Diri administration for creating an environment that supports investment, security and business growth, assuring that the bank would continue to support businesses, empower individuals and contribute to the state’s economic development.
Also on Monday, Diri inaugurated the Bayelsa State Advisory Council, saying the initiative was designed to draw on the experience and expertise of citizens from different political backgrounds in the interest of good governance.
The governor said he inherited party-based local government caucuses when he assumed office in 2020 but subsequently reviewed the arrangement and transformed it into an all-inclusive advisory council.
Diri said the council was not established for political purposes, stressing that its membership cuts across political parties and was intended to provide informed advice to the government.
“What we are doing here is not only for politics as membership cuts across political parties. They are people that have what it takes to advise government. We need the advice of experienced citizens,” he said.
He added that members would be free to advise the government on virtually every area of governance, noting that collective experience was more valuable than relying on one person’s perspective.
“There are no limitations as they can advise on everything. I believe that when we put our heads together it is always better than one head,” Diri said.
He said the council would help ensure that governance was better coordinated across the state.
“You are being inaugurated to advise the governor and government so that governance will be streamlined across all levels,” he added.
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