By Anne Azuka
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State on Monday said that the state was safe and secure for investments as he lauded Premium Trust Bank for establishing a solid foundation in just three years.
He said that the relative security of life and property in the state was the real reason that many interests and corporate groups, including Premium Trust Bank, preferred to invest in it.
Oborevwori spoke at the inauguration of a branch of the bank in Effurun. The branch is the 21 of the bank, and it’s second in the Effurun area.
According to him, the state offers immense lucrative opportunities for investments and had enough of the vital resource of quality manpower to meet the needs of industry and other commercial undertakings in the state.
He commended the bank for its appreciable progress in the last three years highlighted by innovation, high-quality banking services, and excellent customer relations.
He praised the Managing Director, Pastor Emmanuel Emefienem, for his vision, courage, and dedication to the service of both God and humanity.
“Mr. Emefienem possesses the potential, tenacity, and passion for excellence. He is a typical ‘Warri boy’ full of ideas, energy, drive, and confidence,” the Governor said.
“The establishment of this branch is not only a welcome addition to the retail banking sector but also provides a significant boost to the local economy of the twin cities of Effurun and Warri, which serve as commercial hubs of Delta State.
The Governor expressed optimism about the bank’s potential to generate employment in the state.
“I am upbeat about the prospects this bank presents for job creation. Many of our qualified youths can now be employed whether as professionals or in other staff categories. Likewise, contractors and suppliers will benefit from the bank’s presence,” he noted.
He urged the bank to prioritize employing youths from the local community, noting that Delta State is rich with talented, competent, and promising young people.
He said: “by practicing both corporate and social responsibility, the bank can foster strong community relations and earn the trust of its host community”.
Governor Oborevwori also emphasized that the establishment of the bank signals growing investor confidence in Delta State, which he described as safe and conducive for business.
“While some security challenges persist, no society enjoys 100% security. Nevertheless, we are doing a lot to address these issues. Many arrests have been made for crimes like kidnapping and armed robbery but the police no longer publicize every case, as it may hinder investigations,” he explained.
The Managing Director of Premium Trust Bank, Mr. Emmanuel Emefienem, described the opening of the new branch as more than just an expansion but a reflection of the bank’s unwavering commitment to building trust, fostering prosperity, and empowering communities.
He said: “Since its inception on April 19, 2022, the bank has consistently pursued its vision to become the most trusted and impactful bank in Nigeria, earning widespread recognition for resilience, innovation, and excellence.
“Within just three years, Premium Trust Bank has achieved remarkable milestones, including reaching a balance sheet size of one trillion naira by the end of 2024.
“The bank is currently ranked among the top 12 most profitable banks in Nigeria. It has also received multiple awards, such as the Fastest Growing Bank in Africa (2024) from the Financial Derivatives Awards in the Netherlands, and Nigeria’s Fastest Growing Bank in 2022 and 2023. In addition, the bank has been honored as the Most Innovative Bank and the Best Workplace for Women in Nigeria.”
Mr. Emefienem emphasized the bank’s alignment with the Delta State Government’s development agenda, noting that the bank’s values of excellence, innovation, and community empowerment complement Governor Oborevwori’s mission to drive economic growth and improve quality of life.
He proudly announced the bank’s continued role as a lead sponsor and official banker for the 2025 National Sports Festival, set to take place this month in Abeokuta, reinforcing its commitment to youth and sports development.
As Premium Trust Bank deepens its presence in Delta State with its fourth branch and a fifth branch set to open soon, Mr. Emefienem reaffirmed the bank’s support for the state’s Medium-Term Development Plan (2024–2027).
He pledged ongoing collaboration with the government to create an enabling environment for businesses, empower SMEs, promote financial inclusion, and deliver sustainable value.
