Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has said the establishment of a Premium Trust Bank branch in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area, will stimulate economic growth, improve access to financial services and create employment opportunities for residents.
Speaking on Friday during the inauguration of the bank’s new branch, the governor described the development as a major milestone for Edo Central, noting that Irrua had, for years, lacked the presence of 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.
He described Premium Trust Bank’s investment as a strong vote of confidence in the economic potential of Irrua and the investment-friendly environment being fostered by his administration.
“It affirms that Edo is safe, stable and open for investment,” the governor stated.
According to him, the bank’s presence will expand financial inclusion, provide easier access to banking services, strengthen small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), create jobs for youths and stimulate commercial activities across Edo Central.
Okpebholo commended the management of Premium Trust Bank for investing in the community and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
He also urged residents to patronise the bank, expressing delight that a long-held aspiration for his hometown had become a reality.
“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. My people will patronise you, and we will continue to open up this area to attract more customers and businesses,” he said.
As part of the event, Governor Okpebholo and the Managing Director of Premium Trust Bank, Mr. Emmanuel Emefienim, also commissioned a solar-powered water project at the Irrua Model Market. The initiative is expected to improve access to clean water, promote public health and support environmental sustainability.
Earlier, Emefienim said the bank’s expansion into Irrua reflects its commitment to deepening financial inclusion and driving economic development in Esanland.
He disclosed that the new branch would generate employment opportunities for residents, adding that several Esan indigenes already occupy key management positions within Premium Trust Bank.
