Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Wednesday, said the growing influx of businesses, financial institutions and hospitality operators into the state is a clear vote of confidence in his administration’s deliberate reforms to ease the conduct of businesses.
Governor Oborevwori stated this in Asaba while inaugurating the second Asaba branch and 30th nationwide branch of Premium Trust Bank, noting that the increased corporate presence reflects Delta’s vast market potential and the conducive business climate created by government policies.
According to him, the operating environment for businesses has been enhanced through massive infrastructural renewal, policy reforms, a business-friendly posture of government and sustained peace across the state.
He added that deliberate measures had been adopted to improve the ease of doing business, including policies targeted at business development.
“One of our key policies is the centralised building control system, which helps to fast-track land and property acquisition for prospective investors,” the governor said, adding that Asaba, the state capital, has witnessed a real estate boom driven by rising inflows of people from neighbouring states.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to positioning Delta as a preferred investment destination through the implementation of economic policies embedded in the MORE Agenda.
Congratulating the board, management and staff of Premium Trust Bank on the opening of the branch, Oborevwori described the feat of 30 branches in three years as commendable and a testament to strong leadership, creativity and dedication.
He attributed the bank’s rapid growth to personalised customer service, innovative products and professionalism.
The Governor expressed optimism that the new branch would boost human capital development, create jobs and deepen retail sector activities in the state, adding that qualified youths had already been engaged by the bank.
Oborevwori also appealed to residents to remain peaceful and law-abiding, particularly during the Christmas season, stressing that peace was a win-win for all and would attract more investments, leading to increased job and wealth creation.
He assured that the state government would continue to strengthen security across Delta.
The governor cautioned host communities against intimidating companies, urging corporate organisations to fulfil their corporate social responsibilities, while emphasising that no company or oil installation would be shut down in the state under any guise.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of Premium Trust Bank, Dr. Emmanuel Emefienem, said the newly commissioned outlet was the bank’s 30th branch in Nigeria, fifth in Delta State and second in Asaba.
Dr. Emefienem commended Governor Oborevwori for his visionary leadership and strides in infrastructure, youth empowerment and economic diversification, describing Delta State as “a project site” with visible development across sectors.