Posted : 2026-07-09

PremiumTrust Bank Strengthens Presence in Edo State with New Branch in Irrua and Community Water Infrastructure Project

…expands financial access while advancing community development through its Blue Gold Initiative

IRRUA, Edo State, Nigeria — Friday, July 3rd, 2025 — PremiumTrust Bank has reinforced its commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable community development with the commissioning of two landmark projects in Irrua, Edo State: the opening of its 31st branch and the delivery of a solar-powered water facility under its Blue Gold Initiative.

The projects, commissioned during a ceremony attended by the Executive Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, senior government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders and executives of PremiumTrust Bank, underscore the Bank's continued investment in expanding access to financial services while supporting infrastructure that improves quality of life.

The opening of the Irrua branch extends PremiumTrust Bank's physical footprint into Edo Central, bringing retail, commercial and digital banking services closer to individuals, businesses and entrepreneurs within the region. Strategically located in Irrua Main Market, the branch is expected to deepen financial inclusion, support enterprise growth and improve access to banking services for surrounding communities.

Complementing this expansion is the commissioning of the Blue Gold Initiative, a solar-powered borehole designed to provide residents with sustainable access to clean and safe water. The project reflects the Bank's broader sustainability agenda and commitment to delivering practical interventions that address critical community needs.

Speaking at the commissioning, Emmanuel Efe Emefienim, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of PremiumTrust Bank, said:

"Today's commissioning reflects what PremiumTrust Bank stands for—creating value through purposeful investment in the communities we serve. The opening of our 31st branch in Irrua strengthens access to premium, inclusive banking services, while the Blue Gold Initiative responds to a critical community need by providing sustainable access to clean water. Together, these projects demonstrate our confidence in the people and economic potential of Esanland. Beyond expanding our footprint, we are committed to supporting local businesses, creating opportunities for young people, and partnering with the Edo State Government to drive sustainable economic and social development."

He added that the Irrua branch forms part of the Bank's strategy of bringing premium, accessible and technology-driven banking services closer to customers through its phygital banking model, while the Blue Gold Initiative demonstrates PremiumTrust Bank's commitment to delivering practical Corporate Social Responsibility interventions that create lasting impact in the communities where it operates.

Governor Monday Okpebholo described the projects as a significant milestone for Edo Central, noting that the establishment of a new-generation bank in Irrua represents an important step towards expanding economic opportunities within the district.

"For many years, despite its strategic location and growing commercial activities, Irrua had no new-generation bank. Today, that gap has been closed, and a new chapter of economic growth and opportunity has opened. This is a strong vote of confidence in the economic potential of Irrua and in the business-friendly environment being created by our administration. It affirms that Edo State is safe, stable and open for investment."

The Governor noted that the new branch would improve access to financial services, strengthen support for small and medium-sized enterprises, create employment opportunities for young people and stimulate commercial activity across Edo Central. He also commended PremiumTrust Bank for complementing government efforts through investments that deliver meaningful social and economic impact, adding that the Blue Gold Initiative would improve access to clean water and enhance living conditions for residents.

Community leaders equally welcomed both initiatives, describing the new branch as a catalyst for greater commercial activity and financial inclusion, while noting that the Blue Gold Initiative would significantly improve public health, sanitation and everyday living for households within the community.

The commissioning reflects PremiumTrust Bank's integrated approach to growth—expanding access to financial services while investing in infrastructure that improves livelihoods, strengthens communities and supports long-term economic development. As the Bank continues to expand its national footprint, it remains committed to delivering innovative banking solutions alongside sustainable initiatives that create measurable impact for customers and communities across Nigeria.