IRRUA, Edo State – 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, expand access to financial services and create employment opportunities for residents.
The governor stated this on Friday during the inauguration of the bank’s new branch in Irrua, describing the development as a major milestone for Edo Central, which had for years lacked the presence of a new-generation commercial bank despite its growing 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 him, Premium Trust Bank’s decision to establish a branch in the town demonstrates confidence in Irrua’s economic potential and the investment-friendly environment being fostered 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,” the governor said.
He noted that the bank’s presence would make financial services more accessible, support the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), create employment opportunities for young people and stimulate economic activities across Edo Central.
Okpebholo commended the management of Premium Trust Bank for investing in the community and assured the institution of his administration’s continued commitment to creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
He also urged residents of the area to patronise 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 said.
As part of the visit, 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 in the market and surrounding community.
Earlier, Emefienim said the opening of the Irrua branch reflected the bank’s commitment to promoting economic development in Esanland through financial inclusion and job creation.
He disclosed that the bank would provide meaningful employment opportunities for residents, adding 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 drive sustainable development and economic empowerment.
