Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State has inaugurated the new regional headquarters of Premium Trust Bank in Owerri, describing it as a testament to growing investor confidence in the state.

Speaking at the inauguration on Thursday, August 6, 2026, Uzodinma highlighted that the facility is the third regional banking office to open in Owerri within a seven-month span. This follows similar investments by Access Bank and NOVA Bank since December 2025.

The governor attributed the influx of financial institutions to his administration's targeted investments in infrastructure, security, and economic reforms. He noted that the momentum from the 2025 Imo Economic and Investment Summit continues to attract major corporate players to the state.

Emmanuel Emefienim, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Premium Trust Bank, stated that the Owerri office is the bank's 32nd branch established within four years. It also marks the bank's first regional office in any South-East state capital.

Emefienim emphasized that the expansion represents a strategic partnership with the Imo State Government. To support local economic development and job creation, the bank recruited over 80% of the branch's workforce directly from the state.

Uzodinma assured the bank of continued state support through business-friendly policies and access to a skilled talent pool, particularly graduates of the Skill-Up Imo programme. He urged other prospective investors to prioritize Imo State for their expansion plans.