Premium Trust Bank has opened a regional office in Owerri, with Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma describing the development as a sign of growing investor confidence in the state.
The governor said the bank’s decision to establish its regional headquarters in the state capital reflected the impact of his administration’s investments in infrastructure, security and economic reforms.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony in Owerri, Uzodimma said the new facility reinforced Imo’s position as an emerging investment destination where “investment meets opportunities (IMO).”
He noted that the Premium Trust Bank office was the third regional banking facility to be inaugurated in Owerri within seven months. Access Bank and NOVA Bank had also established similar operations in the city since December 2025.
“Investment is a coward. It runs from noise, darkness and uncertainty. It settles only where it feels safe,” Uzodimma said, linking the state’s growing appeal to improvements in road infrastructure, security and electricity supply.
The governor also said the momentum from the 2025 Imo Economic and Investment Summit had continued to attract investors. He assured Premium Trust Bank and other businesses of government support through business-friendly policies and a skilled workforce developed under the Skill-Up Imo programme.
Uzodimma urged investors to consider Imo ahead of other destinations, saying: “Do not come to Imo last. Come first.”
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Premium Trust Bank, Emmanuel Emefienim, said the Owerri office was the bank’s 32nd branch opened within four years and its first branch in a South-East state capital.
Emefienim described the development as the start of a strategic partnership between the bank, the Imo State Government and residents. He added that more than 80 per cent of employees at the new branch were recruited from Imo, highlighting the bank’s focus on local employment, financial inclusion and economic development.
The commissioning was attended by Imo State Deputy Governor Chinyere Ekomaru, members of the state Executive Council and other dignitaries from within and outside the state.
