Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has said that the expansion of Premium Trust Bank in the state is a practical demonstration of investor confidence in the state’s economy.
Diri disclosed this on Monday in Yenagoa at the commissioning of the second branch of the bank at Etegwe/Edepie Roundabout.
The governor said the state was entering a new phase of economic possibilities with the coming on stream of its 60-megawatt Independent Power Plant, which will provide a major boost to businesses and industries.
He said reliable power will stimulate enterprise, attract more investments, create jobs and improve the quality of life of the people, adding that it will also increase the need for credible and innovative financial partners.
According to him, the improved economic environment requires strong financial institutions that can provide innovative banking solutions and easier access to capital for businesses and individuals.
The governor urged the bank to expand its presence beyond the state capital to local government headquarters and other commercial and university communities, including Amassoma and Otuoke.
He said traders, farmers, fishermen, artisans, civil servants, women, entrepreneurs and young business owners need accessible modern financial services to grow their businesses and contribute to the state’s economy.
He added that the expansion of banking services across the state would deepen financial inclusion, facilitate commerce and support the administration’s prosperity agenda.
“When banking grows closer to the people, commerce becomes easier, enterprise expands and prosperity spreads,” Diri said.
He urged citizens and business owners to take advantage of the peaceful and secure environment created by his administration to build sustainable enterprises.
In his remarks, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the bank, Dr. Emmanuel Emefienim, said the opening of the new branch reaffirmed the bank’s long-term commitment to Bayelsa State and its people.
Emefienim said the bank would continue to combine physical branches with digital banking solutions to make financial services more accessible to residents, businesses and institutions across the state.
He commended the Diri administration for promoting investment, security and an enabling business environment, assuring that the bank would continue to support businesses, empower individuals and contribute to the state’s economic development.
Meanwhile, Governor Diri also inaugurated the State Advisory Council on Monday.
The governor explained that on assumption of office in 2020, he inherited party-based local government caucuses but decided to review and change it to an all-inclusive advisory council cutting across various political parties.
He said as governor, he does not know it all and needs the advice and support of experienced Bayelsans to move the state forward, noting that the peace and development in the state was as a result of collective efforts.
“When I came in as governor, we had local government caucuses but we reviewed it and decided to change the name to Advisory Council. 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.
“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. You are being inaugurated to advise the governor and government so that governance will be streamlined across all levels,” he said.
He announced that all members of the National and State Assembly from the state, all State Executive Council members, party working committee members, council chairmen and others will be statutory members of the council.
Responding on behalf of the Advisory Council, a former Deputy Governor, Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi, appreciated the governor for finding them worthy to serve.
Ebebi described Governor Diri as humble for recognising the need for an advisory council, saying they are ready to serve to the best of their ability.
