By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Asaba
DELTA: Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has reaffirmed that the state remains open and safe for business, citing a growing wave of investor confidence reflected in the continued expansion of corporate institutions like Premium Trust Bank.
Speaking during the inauguration of the bank’s new branch in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area, the governor commended the bank’s rapid growth and expressed optimism about its economic impact, especially in terms of employment and access to financial services.
“This new branch is more than a structure. It is a signal to investors that Delta is safe, stable, and ready for business,” Oborevwori declared. “We’ve worked hard to maintain a relatively secure environment for life and property, and the results are visible in the confidence of corporate players like Premium Trust Bank.”
The branch, the 21st of the bank nationwide and the second in Effurun, marks the fourth in Delta State, with a fifth scheduled to open soon.
Governor Oborevwori praised the bank’s Managing Director, Pastor Emmanuel Emefienem, for his visionary leadership, describing him as “a typical Warri boy—creative, driven, and bold.”
He added, “This investment will energize the local economy of Effurun and Warri, our twin commercial centres. Small businesses, traders, workers—everyone benefits from this proximity to quality banking services in a secure and welcoming environment.”
Beyond financial services, the governor emphasized the bank’s potential to generate jobs for Delta’s teeming youth population and urged the institution to recruit locally.
“Our young people are talented and ready to work. I encourage you to tap into this pool and contribute to the economic empowerment of the community,” he said.
While acknowledging that security challenges persist, Oborevwori noted that Delta remains one of the most stable and investor-friendly states in Nigeria.
“No society is immune to crime, but we’re not resting. We’ve made several arrests involving kidnapping and armed robbery. We’re working with security agencies to ensure peace and order,” he assured.
In his remarks, Pastor Emmanuel Emefienem said the new branch underscores the bank’s mission to build trust, foster prosperity, and empower communities across Nigeria.
“Our journey since April 2022 has been remarkable. We’ve grown our balance sheet to one trillion naira by the end of 2024 and ranked among Nigeria’s top 12 most profitable banks,” he said.
Highlighting the bank’s achievements, Emefienem listed awards such as the Fastest Growing Bank in Africa (2024), Most Innovative Bank, and Best Workplace for Women in Nigeria.
He reiterated the bank’s alignment with the Delta State Government’s economic vision, stating, “We are proud to support the state’s Medium-Term Development Plan. Our values of innovation and inclusion mirror Governor Oborevwori’s development goals.”
The bank is also a lead sponsor and official banker of the upcoming 2025 National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, a move Emefienem described as a demonstration of the bank’s commitment to youth and sports development.
“To the people of Effurun, Warri, and beyond, this new branch is your hub for opportunities. We are here to grow with you, invest in your dreams, and support your progress,” he said.
With its steady expansion in Delta, Premium Trust Bank is positioning itself as a strong player in the state’s economic future.