Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State described the expansion of PremiumTrust Bank in Yenagoa as a clear vote of confidence in the state’s growing economic stability and investment climate.
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, described the opening of Premium Trust Bank’s second branch in the state as a strong signal that private investors are gaining confidence in the local economy.
Governor Diri made the statement on Monday in Yenagoa while commissioning the bank’s new branch located around the Etegwe/Edepie Roundabout axis.
According to Governor Diri, the bank’s expansion comes as Bayelsa enters a new phase of economic growth, particularly with the expected launch of the state’s 60-megawatt independent power plant.
He explained that a steady electricity supply will lower enterprise costs, encourage new investments, create jobs and increase the demand for reliable banking partners who can provide convenient credit and modern financial services.
To ensure commerce thrives state-wide, the governor urged Premium Trust Bank not to concentrate its presence only in Yenagoa. He challenged the bank to establish branches in local government headquarters and major educational and commercial hubs like Amassoma and Otuoke.
Expanding banking services closer to the people, he noted that it will help traders, farmers, fishermen, artisans, civil servants, women and young business owners access the financial tools needed to grow their enterprises.
The governor also encouraged residents to take advantage of the state’s peaceful and secure environment to build sustainable businesses that do not depend entirely on government patronage.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Premium Trust Bank, Dr. Emmanuel Emefienim stated that the new branch demonstrates the bank’s long-term commitment to the state.
See also: CIBN Set to Hold 19th Annual Banking and Finance Conference in Abuja
Emefienim praised the Diri administration for fostering a secure and business-friendly environment. He assured residents that the bank will combine its physical branch footprint with digital banking tools to fund local enterprises, empower individuals, and drive sustainable economic development.
In a related development on Monday, Governor Diri inaugurated the Bayelsa State Advisory Council to help streamline governance across all levels.
The governor explained that the council replaces the former party-based local government caucuses he inherited in 2020. Emphasizing that he does not “know it all,” Diri noted that the new broad-based council cuts across political affiliations to draw on the collective experience of senior citizens. He stated that the non-partisan council faces no limitations and will offer informed well-rounded advice on all areas of governance to support state development.
