Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State has described the establishment of Premium Trust Bank’s Regional Office in Owerri as an evidence of growing investor confidence in Imo State, attributing the development to his administration’s investments in infrastructure, security and economic reforms.
Speaking on Thursday during the inauguration of the bank’s Regional Headquarters in Owerri, Governor Uzodinma said the decision to locate the office in the State reinforced Imo’s reputation as a destination where “investment meets opportunities (IMO)”.
He stated that the Premium Trust Bank facility was the third regional banking office to be inaugurated in Owerri within seven months, following similar investments by Access Bank and NOVA Bank since December 2025.
“Investment is a coward. It runs from noise, darkness and uncertainty. It settles only where it feels safe,” the governor said, attributing the state’s growing appeal to improved road infrastructure, enhanced security and stable electricity.
The governor said the momentum generated by the 2025 Imo Economic and Investment Summit had continued to attract major investors and assured Premium Trust Bank of the state’s support through business-friendly policies and a skilled workforce produced under the Skill-Up Imo programme.
He urged prospective investors to use the opportunities in the State, saying: “Do not come to Imo last, come first.”
Earlier, Emmanuel Emefienim, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Premium Trust Bank, said that the Owerri office is the bank’s 32nd branch in four years and its first in any South-East State capital.
He said the new office marked “the beginning of a strategic partnership” with the Imo State Government and its people, adding that over 80% of the branch’s workforce was recruited from the State as part of the bank’s commitment to job creation, financial inclusion and economic development.
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