Governor Monday Okpebholo has declared that the opening of a Premium Trust Bank branch in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State, would boost economic growth, expand access to financial services and create employment opportunities for residents.
Speaking at the inauguration of the bank’s new branch at Irrua, the governor said the investment marked a significant milestone for Edo Central, which had long lacked 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,” he said.
Governor Okpebholo said Premium Trust Bank’s decision to establish a branch in Irrua reflected confidence in the town’s economic potential and the business-friendly environment created 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,” he added.
The governor said the bank would provide easier access to financial services, support small and medium-sized businesses, create jobs for young people, and stimulate economic activities across the Edo Central district.
He commended the bank’s management for investing in the community and pledged that the Edo State Government would continue to provide an enabling environment for businesses and investors.
Governor Okpebholo also urged residents to support the bank by patronising its 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.
The governor 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 designed to improve access to clean water, promote public health, and support environmental sustainability.
Earlier, Emefienim said the bank’s presence in Irrua underscored its commitment to driving economic development in Esanland through increased financial inclusion and employment opportunities.
He said the bank would create meaningful jobs for residents, noting that several indigenes of Esanland already hold key management positions within the bank.
