Ibekimi Oriamaja Reports
Delta Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has stated that his administration will continue to provide the necessary environment to stimulate the growth of commercial activities in the state.
The governor made the remarks while inaugurating the regional branch of Providus Bank in Asaba on Thursday.
He stated that the state government would continue to work tirelessly to ensure peace and security in Asaba and other parts of the state.
He emphasized that the influx of commercial banks in the state is a positive development and that his administration will continue to do everything possible to ensure that businesses thrive in the state.
According to him, the increase in the number of commercial banks in the state capital indicates that the state’s economy is thriving and should be capitalized on by investors.
Okowa praised the bank’s management for all of its interventions in schools and at the General Hospital in Ibusa, and expressed hope that more interventions would be made with the bank’s establishment in Asaba.
“We’ve been hearing about Providus Bank, but today we have you here in Asaba.”
“And, as you’ve already stated, it’s not just a branch; it’s a regional branch that will cover the entire catchment area.”
“Not long ago, we had Premium Trust Bank here in Asaba, and now it is Providus Bank.”
“We are pleased as a state because the more banks there are, the more banking and support services there are for both the business community and the state government.”
“It is also a sign that the economy in the specific location where the branches are located is a thriving economy that can be tapped into.”
“And, to that extent,” he said, “you are assisting us in judging or having a true assessment of the impact of our governance in the state capital.”
“We have several banks in the state capital here,” the governor added, “and a lot of businesses have moved in in the last few years.”
“Many of our brothers from across Niger now live here and travel to Onitsha for business.” This is because Asaba has become increasingly peaceful over time.
“The environment has become so welcoming, and people are at ease raising their children here because of the various institutions available,” he added.
Earlier in his welcome address, Mr. Walter Akpani, the bank’s Managing Director, stated that the bank, which was licensed for commercial banking operations in 2016, has 13 branches nationwide.
He stated that four new branches would be opened soon, and that the Asaba branch would serve as the bank’s regional hub.
He stated that the bank’s mission is to assist businesses across the country in prospering.
He praised Gov. Okowa’s administration for creating the conducive environment that has aided business growth in the state.
According to Akpani, the bank’s track record includes not only supporting businesses but also institutions.
