Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, on Saturday commissioned the ultra-modern Baptist Primary School, Ikogosi-Ekiti, newly remodeled by Premium Trust Bank as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative to support education and improve learning environment for pupils in the state.
Facilities at the remodeled school include newly built classrooms, ICT facilities, staff quarters and other supporting infrastructure, which were officially handed over to the Ekiti State Government to provide a conducive environment for teaching and learning.
Speaking while commissioning the project, Governor Oyebanji expressed deep appreciation to the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Premium Trust Bank, Dr. Emmanuel Emefienim, and the management of the bank for the intervention, describing the gesture as a demonstration of the bank’s commitment to education and community development.
The Governor, who is an alumnus of the school, commended the bank for responding promptly to the needs of his alma mater and providing facilities that would enhance teaching and learning.
Describing Premium Trust Bank as a partner in progress and a dependable ally in the development of Ekiti State, Oyebanji noted that the intervention was not the first by the bank in the state. He said the bank’s commitment to improving educational infrastructure across the country reflects its understanding that the future of education depends not only on what is taught, but also on where and how teaching takes place.
He stated that the intervention aligns with his administration’s vision for educational transformation, which focuses on where children learn, how they are taught, and what they are taught.
The Governor expressed confidence that the improved facilities, alongside efforts to strengthen teaching and curriculum delivery, would help prepare pupils to meet the demands of the 21st century.
He assured the bank that his government would continue to provide a business-friendly environment that would attract Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and encourage more private sector investment in the development of the state.
“What we have here today is part of the Corporate Social Responsibility of Premium Trust Bank, Ekiti State Government did not have one naira in this project. I thank my brother, the CEO of Premium Trust Bank, Dr. Emmanuel Emefienim, for facilitating this.
“Standing behind me was my classroom while I was in Primary Six, and I did not know I would be standing here today as a Governor of this state. So you have given hope to people without hope, you are shaping lives, shaping futures and leaders of tomorrow, and it is my prayer that in your lifetime, an alumnus of this school will become something great as a result of what you have done here today,” the Governor said.
Speaking shortly before handing over the project, the Managing Director of Premium Trust Bank, Dr. Emmanuel Emefienim, commended Governor Oyebanji for his commitment to education, people-oriented governance and creation of a conducive environment for investment to improve educational infrastructure and learning outcomes across the state.
Emefienim, who described the remodeled school as more than a renovated structure, said it represents hope, opportunity and collective commitment to the future of children.
According to him, every classroom and improved learning space reflects the belief that every child deserves a safe and inspiring environment to learn, nurture dreams and develop potential.
He explained that education occupies a special place in the bank’s CSR agenda, stressing that the future of every society depends largely on the quality of education provided for its children, adding that while government provides leadership and policy direction, the private sector has a responsibility to complement its efforts.
Also speaking at the event, the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, commended Governor Oyebanji for building enduring relationships that continue to attract support and development to the state, saying the remodeled school is an initiative supported by the bank as part of efforts to complement the Oyebanji administration’s commitment to educational development.
The Senate Leader described the intervention as a product of the longstanding friendship between Governor Oyebanji and the bank’s leadership, noting that such relationships have continued to yield positive results for the state and its people.
Bamidele praised the bank’s leadership for its generosity and commitment to supporting development, recalling that Dr. Emefienim had provided over a hundred million naira in financial support to the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, Iyin-Ekiti, when the institution needed assistance. He said the contribution reflects the banker’s character and commitment to public good.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Ekiti State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Prof. Femi Akinwumi, commended the bank for the school upgrade, describing the intervention as a significant contribution to educational development and a demonstration of effective partnership with the administration of Governor Oyebanji. He added that the school was designed to promote inclusive education and expand access to quality learning opportunities for children.
