By: Odieh Ramon, Yenagoa.

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, on Monday commissioned a second branch of Premium Trust Bank in the Etegwe/Edepie roundabout axis of Yenagoa, describing the bank’s expansion as a significant boost and practical demonstration of investor confidence in the state’s economy.

Governor Diri said the state was entering a new phase of economic possibilities with the coming on stream of its 60-megawatt independent power plant, which he noted would provide a major boost to businesses and industries.

According to the Bayelsa governor, reliable power will stimulate enterprise, attract investments, create jobs and improve the quality of life of the people.

“It will also increase the need for credible and innovative financial partners,” he said.

Governor Diri also stated that the improved economic environment would require strong financial institutions capable of providing innovative banking solutions and easier access to capital for businesses and individuals.

He urged the bank to expand its presence beyond the state capital to local government headquarters and other commercial and university communities across the state, including Amassoma and Otuoke.

The state’s helmsman noted that traders, farmers, fishermen, artisans, civil servants, women, entrepreneurs and young business owners needed accessible modern financial services to grow their businesses and contribute to the state’s economy, adding that the expansion of banking services across the state would deepen financial inclusion, facilitate commerce and support the administration’s prosperity agenda.

“When banking grows closer to the people, commerce becomes easier, enterprise expands and prosperity spreads.”

He urged citizens and business owners to take advantage of the peaceful and secure environment created by his administration to build sustainable enterprises while commending Premium Trust Bank for its professionalism, innovation and commitment to customer service.

Earlier, the bank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Emmanuel Emefienim, said the opening of the new branch reaffirmed the bank’s long-term commitment to Bayelsa State and its people.

He said the bank would continue to combine physical branches with digital banking solutions to make financial services more accessible to residents, businesses and institutions across the state.

Dr. Emefienim commended the Diri administration for promoting investment, security and an enabling business environment, assuring that the bank would continue to support businesses, empower individuals and contribute to the state’s economic development.

Also, on Monday, Senator Douye Diri inaugurated the state Advisory Council.

He explained that on assumption of office in 2020, he inherited party-based local government caucuses but decided to review it and changed it to an all-inclusive advisory council cutting across various political parties.

He said as governor, he does not know it all, stressing that he needed the advice and support of experienced Bayelsans to move the state forward.

Governor Diri also noted that the peace and development enjoyed in the state was as a result of collective efforts.

His words: “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 announced that all members of the national and state assembly from the state, all state executive council members, party working committee members, council cahairmen and others will be statutory members of the council.

Responding on behalf of the Advisory Council, a former Deputy Governor, Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi, appreciated the governor for finding them worthy to serve.

He described Governor Diri as humble for recognizing the need for an advisory council, saying they are ready to serve to the best of their ability.