From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, on Monday commissioned a second branch of Premium Trust Bank in the Etegwe/Edepie roundabout axis of Yenagoa, describing the bank’s expansion as a significant boost and practical demonstration of investor confidence in the state’s economy.

Diri said the state was entering a new phase of economic possibilities with the coming on stream of its 60-megawatt independent power plant, which he noted would provide a major boost to businesses and industries.

According to the Bayelsa governor, reliable power will stimulate enterprise, attract investments, create jobs and improve the quality of life of the people.

“It will also increase the need for credible and innovative financial partners,” he said.

Diri also stated that the improved economic environment would require strong financial institutions capable of providing innovative banking solutions and easier access to capital for businesses and individuals.

He urged the bank to expand its presence beyond the state capital to local government headquarters and other commercial and university communities across the state, including Amassoma and Otuoke.

The state’s helmsman noted that traders, farmers, fishermen, artisans, civil servants, women, entrepreneurs and young business owners needed accessible modern financial services to grow their businesses and contribute to the state’s economy, adding that the expansion of banking services across the state would deepen financial inclusion, facilitate commerce and support the administration’s prosperity agenda.

“When banking grows closer to the people, commerce becomes easier, enterprise expands and prosperity spreads.”

He urged citizens and business owners to take advantage of the peaceful and secure environment created by his administration to build sustainable enterprises while commending Premium Trust Bank for its professionalism, innovation and commitment to customer service.

The bank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Emmanuel Emefienim, said the opening of the new branch reaffirmed the bank’s long-term commitment to Bayelsa State and its people.

He said the bank would continue to combine physical branches with digital banking solutions to make financial services more accessible to residents, businesses and institutions across the state.

Dr. Emefienim commended the Diri administration for promoting investment, security and an enabling business environment, assuring that the bank would continue to support businesses, empower individuals and contribute to the state’s economic development.

Also, on Monday, Senator Douye Diri inaugurated the state Advisory Council.

He explained that on assumption of office in 2020, he inherited party-based local government caucuses but decided to review it and changed it to an all-inclusive advisory council cutting across various political parties.

He said as governor, he does not know it all, stressing that he needed the advice and support of experienced Bayelsans to move the state forward.

Diri also noted that the peace and development enjoyed in the state was as a result of collective efforts.

His words: “When I came in as governor, we had local government caucuses but we reviewed it and decided to change the name to advisory council.

“What we are doing here is not only for politics as membership cuts across political parties. They are people that have what it takes to advise the government. We need the advice of experienced citizens.

“There are no limitations as they can advise on everything. I believe that when we put our heads together it is always better than one head.

“You are being inaugurated to advise the governor and government so that governance will be streamlined across all levels.”

He announced that all members of the national and state assembly from the state, all state executive council members, party working committee members, council chairmen and others will be statutory members of the council.

Responding on behalf of the Advisory Council, a former Deputy Governor, Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi, appreciated the governor for finding them worthy to serve.

He described Governor Diri as humble for recognizing the need for an advisory council, saying they are ready to serve to the best of their ability.

The National Pension Commission (PenCom) said discussions are ongoing with the Lagos State Government over concerns surrounding pension increases for retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

This was contained in a statement issued by the commission in Abuja on Monday.

PenCom said it recognised the concerns raised by Lagos State pensioners over delays in implementing approved pension adjustments and wage awards.

The commission assured retirees that efforts were being made to ensure eligible beneficiaries received all benefits legitimately due to them.

PenCom said it had engaged the state government and Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC) on administering pensions under the CPS.

It said discussions included extending appropriate pension adjustments to eligible CPS retirees in the state.

According to the commission, implementing pension enhancements requires determining eligibility, applicable adjustments, actuarial liabilities, funding and relevant data.

It said it also requires providing necessary instructions to Pension Fund Operators (PFOs) for effective implementation of approved adjustments.

PenCom said it was engaging relevant stakeholders to ensure the required processes were properly addressed and implemented.

The commission said it would continue working with the state government, LASPEC, Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) and pensioners’ representatives.

PenCom said that the collaboration was aimed at achieving a transparent, orderly and sustainable resolution of the issues.

The commission reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the interests of pension contributors and retirees under the CPS.

It also pledged to continue exercising its regulatory and supervisory mandate to ensure compliance with applicable pension laws and regulations. (NAN)

By Tony Obiechina, Abuja

The Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu has called for heightened fire safety awareness and preparedness among staff of the Commission, stressing the need for collective responsibility in preventing fire incidents and protecting lives and property.

Dr.

The Chairman emphasised the importance of the training, noting that fire incidents could occur unexpectedly and have devastating consequences if not properly managed.

He urged staff to take the knowledge acquired during the training seriously and apply it both in the workplace and at home.

 “Fire safety is a shared responsibility and everyone has a role to play in preventing fire outbreaks and responding appropriately when they occur.” he said.

The Chairman reiterated his commitment to maintaining a safe working environment at the Commission and therefore urged the staff to be cautious, particularly in the use of electrical appliances, handling of combustible materials and observance of emergency procedures.

In his remarks, the  Director, Technical Services Department of the Commission, Mr. Osanyamen Olaye who organised the training  stressed the importance of equipping staff with practical knowledge of fire prevention and response, observed that most fire disasters are preventable when people are properly informed, prepared and aew conscious of their environment.

Olaye reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to promoting a safe working environment and ensuring that its personnel are adequately equipped with the knowledge required to prevent and respond effectively to fire emergencies.

He encouraged participants to pay adequate attention to the training and share the knowledge gained with colleagues in their respective departments.

The Director disclosed that the objective was not only to create awareness but also to build a safety-conscious workforce capable of responding appropriately during emergencies.

The training, conducted by officials of the Federal Fire Service, covered the causes and classification of fire outbreaks, fire prevention measures, safe evacuation procedures and the appropriate use of fire extinguishers.

 Participants were also educated on the fire triangle heat, fuel and oxygen, and how removing any one of the three elements can help to extinguish a fire.

The trainers emphasised the importance of good housekeeping, responsible use of electrical appliances, proper storage of flammable materials and regular maintenance of fire safety equipment. Staff were also cautioned against attempting to fight fires that had progressed beyond the incipient stage, with emphasis placed on immediate evacuation and contacting the Fire Service when necessary.

The session also featured practical demonstrations on different types of fire extinguishers and their appropriate applications, as well as guidance on emergency exits, fire safety equipment and general workplace preparedness.

According to a statement by Hajia Mariam Yusuf, head of RMAFC Information unit some of the participants’ interviewed eulogised the Commission for organising such a training workshop and promised to make good use of the knowledge acquired.

The occasion was also witnessed by the Deputy Director of Technical Services Department, Okon Ante and the Deputy Director administration Ebenezer Jaiye Igbekele.