Onome Amuge
Hope Uzodinma, Imo State Governor, has announced the state government’s commitment to provide land for the development of NOVA Bank’s permanent regional head office for the South-East and South-South in Owerri, a move that underscores the state’s push to attract financial institutions as anchors for regional economic growth.
The announcement was made during the commissioning of NOVA Bank’s flagship regional office in Owerri, an event that attracted senior government officials, prominent business leaders from across the South-East and South-South, and members of the Nigerian diaspora who returned home to witness what the bank described as a strategic milestone in its national expansion.
Speaking at the event, Governor Uzodinma said NOVA Bank’s entry into Imo State aligns with the administration’s broader economic agenda of laying a sustainable foundation for growth through infrastructure development, improved road networks and targeted, market-driven initiatives.
According to the governor, the state has deliberately focused on creating an environment that can support private sector investment and long-term enterprise development.
Uzodinma described NOVA Bank as one of the smart first movers identifying emerging opportunities in the region and positioning itself early to benefit from the next phase of economic expansion in the South-East and South-South. He noted that financial institutions willing to invest ahead of the curve are likely to play a critical role in shaping local business ecosystems and supporting entrepreneurship.
The governor also commended the bank’s operating model, highlighting its phygital strategy, which combines physical banking infrastructure with advanced digital platforms. He said this approach reflects Imo State’s own zero-tolerance stance for outdated, analogue systems and its commitment to technology-driven governance and commerce.
“In recognition of NOVA Bank’s vision and long-term commitment to the region, the Imo State Government will allocate a befitting piece of land in a choice location for the development of its permanent South-East/South-South Regional Headquarters,” Uzodinma said.
According to NOVA Bank, the commissioning of the Owerri regional office represents more than an expansion of its branch network. Phillips Oduoza, chairman of the bank, said the development marks a milestone in the institution’s national growth plan and reinforces its long-term commitment to the South-East and the wider southern corridor.
“The opening of our regional office in Owerri marks a strategic milestone in NOVA Bank’s national expansion and reinforces our long-term commitment to the South-East and the broader South. Owerri is not just another location for us; it is a flagship hub and a launchpad for deeper market penetration across the region, reflecting our strong confidence in its economic potential,” Oduoza said.
Oduoza explained that the bank’s expansion strategy is driven by disciplined growth anchored on strong fundamentals, innovation and sustainable value creation. He emphasised that NOVA Bank is not simply increasing its physical presence but is deploying scalable digital infrastructure and innovative financial solutions to support a wide range of customers.
According to him, the bank’s offerings are designed to serve SMEs, retail businesses, corporates, public-sector institutions, high-net-worth individuals and the mass market, with a focus on improving access to credit and financial services across underserved segments of the economy.
The establishment of a permanent regional headquarters in Owerri, Oduoza said, is expected to catalyse job creation, stimulate enterprise growth and deepen financial inclusion across the South-East and South-South. He added that a stronger regional banking presence would also enhance service delivery and create superior value for customers and stakeholders.
“NOVA Bank remains focused on building a resilient, future-ready institution that delivers sustainable value to customers, partners and shareholders alike,” he said.
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