Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has said the opening of a Premium Trust Bank branch in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area, will boost economic growth, improve access to financial services and create employment opportunities for residents.
The governor made the remarks on Friday during the inauguration of the bank’s new branch in Irrua, describing the development as a significant milestone for Edo Central, which had long operated without a new-generation commercial bank despite its expanding commercial activities.
“For many years, despite its strategic location and growing commercial activities, Irrua had no new-generation bank. Today, that gap has been closed, and a new chapter of economic growth and opportunity has opened,” Okpebholo said.
According to the governor, Premium Trust Bank’s decision to establish a branch in the town reflects growing investor confidence in Irrua’s economic potential and the business-friendly environment being promoted by his administration.
“It is a strong vote of confidence in the economic potential of Irrua and in the business-friendly environment being created by our administration. It affirms that Edo is safe, stable and open for investment,” he stated.
Okpebholo said the bank’s presence would bring banking services closer to residents, support the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), create jobs for young people and stimulate economic activities across Edo Central.
He commended the management of Premium Trust Bank for investing in the community and assured the institution of his administration’s continued commitment to providing an enabling environment for businesses to flourish.
The governor also encouraged residents to embrace the bank’s services.
“I always believed that one day we would have a new-generation bank in my local government, and you have made that dream a reality. Thank you very much. My people will patronise you, and we will continue to open up this area to attract more customers and businesses,” he added.
As part of the event, Governor Okpebholo and the Managing Director of Premium Trust Bank, Mr. Emmanuel Emefienim, also inaugurated a solar-powered water project at the Irrua Model Market.
The project is expected to improve access to clean water, promote public health and support environmental sustainability for traders and the surrounding community.
Earlier, Emefienim said the opening of the Irrua branch underscores the bank’s commitment to driving economic development in Esanland through financial inclusion, investment and job creation.
He disclosed that the new branch would provide meaningful employment opportunities for residents, noting that several Esan indigenes already occupy key management positions within Premium Trust Bank.
The Managing Director reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting communities through investments that promote sustainable development, economic empowerment and inclusive growth.
