Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, says his administration will continue to promote private sector investments to enhance economic prosperity.

Mr Eno, who stated this at the inauguration of a new Zenith Bank branch in Uyo on Thursday, said that private sector growth was critical to employment generation and the overall development of the state.

He said that his long-standing business relationship with Zenith Bank exposed him to the critical roles that banks could play in supporting private sector growth.

“The bank played a laudable role in the growth of Royalty Hotels, a brand I pioneered and led until I joined public service.

“It is my hope that the bank will accord the same support to other private sector investments in the state, be it micro, small or medium-scale enterprise,” he said.

Earlier, the group managing director of Zenith Bank PLC, Adaora Umeoji, described the new business office as a significant milestone in the life of the bank.

She thanked successful administrations in the state for their support to the bank over the years, saying, “We thank the governor for creating a conducive environment for business to thrive.

“We opened our first branch in Akwa Ibom about 25 years ago; we have enjoyed a very good relationship with the government and people of the state.

“Akwa Ibom stands out as a major business-friendly state. The state is clean, accommodating, and fast developing; we commend the government for this.”

The Zenith Bank chief reiterated the bank’s commitment to sustaining its partnership with the government and people of Akwa Ibom to make mutually impactful and meaningful progress.

She urged business owners in the state, especially women, to leverage the initiatives being offered by the bank to grow their businesses.

(NAN)