Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has reiterated commitment to ensuring conducive environment that encourages businesses to thrive and contribute to the state’s economic development.
The Governor gave the assurance during the commissioning of the Lokoja branch of Premium Trust Bank on Thursday.
He emphasized that the presence of the bank in the state would expand access to financial services, promote financial inclusion, and generate employment opportunities for the people of Kogi State.
Governor Ododo described the first branch of the bank in Kogi as a significant step towards building a more prosperous Kogi State.
“Kogi State continues to provide a business friendly environment that attracts credible, high value investors like Premium Trust Bank as our deliberate policy on ease of doing business, security and infrastructure are yielding visible results,” he said.
Today, we proudly welcome Premium Trust Bank as one of the latest investors to believe in our vision for a prosperous Kogi State,” Governor Ododo stated.
The Governor assured the management of Premium Trust Bank of the continued support of the state government in fostering a secure and conducive environment for businesses to flourish.
“Our administration is ready and willing to partner with Premium Trust Bank and other forward-looking institutions to accelerate development.
I urge the management of this bank to key into our industrialization and agricultural transformation drive. We are opening up industrial parks, revitalizing farm settlements, and supporting agro-processing clusters,” he added.
He added that Kogi State is strategically positioned to succeed economically, stressing that the state has all it takes to be a melting pot of economic growth and prosperity.
He also acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ongoing reforms in the financial sector, noting that the banking industry has greatly benefited from the policy directions of the federal government.
In his remarks, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Premium Trust Bank, Mr. Emmanuel Efe, expressed gratitude to the Kogi State Government for its warm reception and continuous support.
He described the commissioning of the Lokoja branch as a major milestone in the bank’s growth and a significant investment in the future of Kogi State and its people.
“This is not merely an expansion of our physical footprint, but a deliberate and profound investment in the future of this state and its people.
Our presence here reflects a resolute commitment to partnering with Kogi in unlocking extraordinary economic potentials, advancing financial inclusion and delivering banking solutions that are transformative, enduring and purpose driven” Mr. Efe stated.
He commended Governor Ododo for his visionary leadership and bold initiatives in positioning Kogi State for sustainable economic prosperity, evident in the state’s growing infrastructure, economic vitality, and improved security.
Highlighting the bank’s achievements, Mr. Efe noted that Premium Trust Bank has earned several awards, including “Most Innovative Bank 2025” and “Best Place for Women to Work 2025, among others.”
He added that the bank maintains a strong financial standing, with its first global credit rating achieving an ‘A’ grade and a stable outlook.
Mr. Efe reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to partnering with the Kogi State Government and its people, describing Premium Trust Bank as “the people’s bank” that is ready to empower residents and support the state’s economic growth.
