Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has said the increasing influx of businesses, financial institutions and hospitality operators into the state is a clear endorsement of his administration’s deliberate reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business.
The governor made the assertion on Wednesday in Asaba during the inauguration of the second Asaba branch and 30th nationwide branch of Premium Trust Bank. He noted that the rising corporate presence in the state underscores Delta’s vast market potential and the conducive business environment fostered by government policies.
Governor Oborevwori said the operating environment for businesses had been significantly enhanced through massive infrastructural renewal, policy reforms, a business-friendly approach to governance and the sustenance of peace across the state.
According to him, the state government has adopted deliberate measures to boost ease of doing business, including policies targeted at business development. He cited the centralised building control system as one of such initiatives, explaining that it fast-tracks land and property acquisition for prospective investors.
The governor also observed that Asaba, the state capital, has experienced a real estate boom due to increased inflow of people from neighbouring states, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to positioning Delta as a preferred investment destination through the implementation of economic policies anchored on the MORE Agenda.
Congratulating the board, management and staff of Premium Trust Bank on the opening of the new branch, Oborevwori described the establishment of 30 branches within three years as a remarkable achievement, attributing the bank’s rapid growth to strong leadership, innovation, professionalism and personalised customer service.
He expressed optimism that the new branch would enhance human capital development, create employment opportunities and deepen retail sector activities in the state, noting that qualified youths had already been engaged by the bank.
The governor appealed to residents to remain peaceful and law-abiding, especially during the Christmas season, stressing that sustained peace would attract more investments and translate into increased job and wealth creation. He assured that the state government would continue to strengthen security across Delta.
He also cautioned host communities against intimidating companies, while urging corporate organisations to fulfil their corporate social responsibilities. Oborevwori emphasised 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 inaugurated outlet is the bank’s 30th branch nationwide, fifth in Delta State and second in Asaba.
Dr. Emefienem commended Governor Oborevwori for his visionary leadership and achievements in infrastructure development, youth empowerment and economic diversification, describing Delta State as “a project site” with visible development across critical sectors.