Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has described the opening of a second Premium Trust Bank branch in Yenagoa as a strong indication of growing investor confidence in the state’s economy and business environment.
Speaking on Monday during the commissioning of the bank’s new branch at the Etegwe/Edepie Roundabout area of Yenagoa, Diri said Bayelsa was on the verge of greater economic expansion, particularly with the expected impact of the state’s 60-megawatt independent power plant.
The governor noted that improved electricity supply would stimulate business activities, attract investments, create jobs and enhance the living conditions of residents, while increasing demand for reliable financial institutions capable of supporting economic growth.
He said the evolving economic landscape would require innovative banking services and easier access to financing for businesses and individuals, urging Premium Trust Bank to extend its operations beyond Yenagoa to other parts of the state.
Diri specifically called for the expansion of banking services to local government headquarters and key commercial and university communities such as Amassoma and Otuoke to promote financial inclusion and support enterprise development.
According to him, traders, farmers, fishermen, artisans, civil servants, women, entrepreneurs and young business owners require accessible modern banking services to grow their ventures and contribute meaningfully to the state’s economy.
“When banking grows closer to the people, commerce becomes easier, enterprise expands and prosperity spreads,” the governor said.
He also encouraged residents and investors to take advantage of the peaceful and secure environment in Bayelsa to establish sustainable businesses, while commending Premium Trust Bank for its innovation, professionalism and customer-focused services.
Earlier, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Premium Trust Bank, Dr. Emmanuel Emefienim, said the new branch reflected the bank’s long-term commitment to Bayelsa and its people.
Emefienim stated that the bank would continue to combine physical branch expansion with digital banking solutions to improve access to financial services for residents, businesses and institutions across the state.
He commended the Diri administration for fostering security, investment and a business-friendly environment, assuring that the bank would continue to support economic growth and empower individuals and businesses.
Meanwhile, Governor Diri also inaugurated the Bayelsa State Advisory Council, saying the body was created to provide broad-based guidance for government and governance.
The governor explained that upon assuming office in 2020, he inherited party-based local government caucuses but restructured the arrangement into an inclusive advisory council comprising experienced individuals from different political backgrounds.
“When I came in as governor, we had local government caucuses but we reviewed it and decided to change the name to advisory council.
“What we are doing here is not only for politics as membership cuts across political parties. They are people that have what it takes to advise government. We need the advice of experienced citizens.
“There are no limitations as they can advise on everything. I believe that when we put our heads together it is always better than one head.
“You are being inaugurated to advise the governor and government so that governance will be streamlined across all levels,” he said.
Diri announced that members of the National Assembly and State House of Assembly from Bayelsa, members of the State Executive Council, party officials and council chairmen would serve as statutory members of the advisory body.
Responding on behalf of the council, former Deputy Governor, Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi, thanked the governor for the opportunity to serve and pledged the members’ commitment to supporting the administration with valuable advice aimed at advancing the state’s development.
