Governor Ododo Commissions Premium Trust Bank Branch in Lokoja, Reiterates Commitment to Business Growth »

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, on Thursday commissioned the Lokoja branch of Premium Trust Bank, describing the bank’s establishment in the state capital as a strong vote of confidence in Kogi’s growing investment climate.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Governor Ododo commended the bank for its integrity, innovation, and commitment to excellent corporate governance, noting that its decision to open a branch in Lokoja aligns with his administration’s vision of making Kogi “the Confluence of Opportunities.”

The governor expressed appreciation to the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Premium Trust Bank, Mr. Emmanuel Efe Emefienim, CON, FCIB, for fulfilling his promise to bring the bank’s operations to Kogi State. He emphasized that the new branch would not only create employment but also boost financial inclusion by expanding access to banking services across the state.

Ododo highlighted Kogi’s strategic economic potential, describing it as a “blessed state” with vast natural and human resources. “We house the largest cement factory in Africa, possess extensive iron ore deposits, over 30 mineral resources in commercial quantities, and some of the most fertile lands for agriculture,” he said. “As the most central state in Nigeria, sharing borders with ten states and the Federal Capital Territory, Kogi offers unmatched opportunities for investors.”

He reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to partner with Premium Trust Bank and other progressive financial institutions to drive industrialization, agricultural transformation, and entrepreneurship. “We are opening up industrial parks, revitalizing farm settlements, and supporting agro-processing clusters,” he stated. “Banks like Premium Trust can play a pivotal role in providing the financial support and expertise that our small and medium enterprises need to thrive.”

The governor also called on other financial institutions in the state to align with the government’s development agenda by empowering individuals and businesses through loans, investments, and community-based initiatives.

Governor Ododo commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for implementing people-focused reforms in the financial sector, noting that such policies have strengthened the banking industry and enhanced depositor confidence nationwide.

He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to education and youth development, stressing that Kogi is equipping its young population with the skills and knowledge to seize emerging opportunities.

“Premium Trust Bank’s presence in Kogi State is another proof that our state remains safe, stable, and ready for sustainable business growth,” Ododo said. “We will continue to create an enabling environment for financial institutions and investors to flourish.”

The governor concluded by officially commissioning the new branch, expressing optimism that it would be the first of many to be established across the state.

“With this commissioning, we are not just opening a bank — we are opening new doors of opportunity for our people,” he said. “Together, we shall build an economy that works for everyone.”