Gov Usman Ododo New banking facility expected to boost financial inclusion, enhance investment flow, and support Governor Ododo’s industrial and agricultural transformation agenda.
Kogi State took another stride toward economic expansion and financial inclusivity as Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo commissioned a new branch of Premium Trust Bank in Lokoja, the state capital. The landmark event underscores growing investor confidence in the state’s economy and aligns with the government’s vision to create an enabling environment for sustainable development.
Governor Ododo, while addressing dignitaries, industry stakeholders, and residents at the commissioning ceremony, described the establishment of the new branch as a testament to Kogi State’s emerging economic strength and the administration’s relentless commitment to fostering private sector participation. He commended the management of Premium Trust Bank for their decision to invest in Kogi, noting that such initiatives are crucial to driving industrial growth, job creation, and community development.
“Our administration is ready and willing to partner with Premium Trust Bank and other forward-looking institutions to accelerate development,” the Governor declared. “We are opening up industrial parks, revitalizing farm settlements, and supporting agro-processing clusters. These initiatives require strong financial backing, and banks like Premium Trust can play a pivotal role in providing the needed capital and expertise to our small and medium enterprises.”
Governor Ododo further urged other financial institutions to follow Premium Trust Bank’s example by establishing a presence in the state and supporting his administration’s economic blueprint. He emphasized that banking institutions have a vital role in empowering local businesses and individuals through accessible loans, business support, and community-based financial services.
“When banks empower society through loans, business support, and community investments, society in turn builds the stability and prosperity that keep the banks in business,” he added.
In his remarks, the Governor expressed gratitude to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for implementing reforms that have stabilized and revitalized the nation’s financial sector. “Let me also appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his radical, timely, and people-focused reforms in the financial sector. His policies have strengthened our banks, increased depositor confidence, and opened new opportunities for investment and growth,” Governor Ododo said. “The banking industry remains one of the biggest beneficiaries of these historic reforms, and I urge all players to use this renewed strength to support our national and subnational development agendas.”
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Premium Trust Bank, Dr. Emmanuel Efe Emefie, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting Kogi State’s economic initiatives. He noted that the new branch would provide innovative banking solutions tailored to meet the needs of individuals, businesses, and government institutions across the state. According to him, the bank’s expansion into Kogi is part of a broader strategy to strengthen financial inclusion and foster regional economic growth.
Dr. Emefie praised the Kogi State Government for its forward-thinking policies and for creating an investor-friendly environment that encourages sustainable partnerships. He assured that Premium Trust Bank would continue to align with the state’s development agenda by offering strategic financial support to key sectors such as agriculture, industry, and infrastructure.
The commissioning ceremony attracted a wide array of government officials, business leaders, and community representatives, all of whom hailed the development as a step toward transforming Kogi into a major investment destination in Nigeria.
With the opening of Premium Trust Bank’s new branch in Lokoja, Kogi State is poised to experience increased financial accessibility, enhanced business confidence, and broader economic opportunities. The collaboration between the Ododo-led administration and the financial sector signals a renewed commitment to prosperity, inclusivity, and the overall well-being of the people.
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