Premium Trust Bank, in collaboration with the Hallelujah Challenge Corporate Social Responsibility team, has awarded a total of N50 million in business grants to 13 entrepreneurs and small business owners. The grant award ceremony took place at the Hallelujah Challenge Centre in Lagos, underscoring the bank's commitment to improving lives and strengthening economic foundations across Nigeria.
Strategic Partnership for Economic Growth
The initiative reflects the bank's belief that small businesses are the engine room of the Nigerian economy. By investing in the people who run these enterprises, the bank is investing in the nation's future. The partnership aligns with Premium Trust Bank's mission to enrich lives and strengthen communities through targeted, practical initiatives.
The Hallelujah Challenge, recognized globally as a forum where faith and community intersect, has become an agent of social change. It has previously facilitated payment of school fees, hospital bills, and supported humanitarian programs. For Premium Trust Bank, aligning with this platform was a strategic decision.
Bank CEO Highlights Commitment
Commenting on the initiative, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Premium Trust Bank, Emmanuel Efe Emefienim, noted that the bank is intentional about strategic partnerships. He stated, "We believe that it is a platform where lives are impacted and dreams are birthed. As a bank, we felt it was compelling to associate with the initiative in partnership with Hallelujah Challenge."
Emefienim further explained that beyond the financial grants, the bank ensured that the 13 beneficiaries received structured business training. This training was designed to equip them with the tools and insights needed to scale their enterprises sustainably. "Apart from the business grants given to the winners, we have also trained them adequately to give them a sense of how to deploy their resources in upscaling their businesses. This will also help them to be more focused and more intentional whilst we support them all the way," he added.
Hallelujah Challenge Founder Applauds Partnership
Convener and Founder of the Hallelujah Challenge, Nathaniel Bassey, expressed deep appreciation for the bank's involvement. He noted that the partnership elevates the NGO's vision to new heights. Bassey explained that it has always been the goal of the Hallelujah Challenge to go beyond singing and praising God, to genuinely touch lives and create positive impacts in the real world. He acknowledged Premium Trust Bank's full support in bringing that goal to life, stating that with this partnership, more lives will be touched and more communities will be positively impacted.
Rigorous Selection Process
The 13 beneficiaries were selected through a rigorous and unbiased process, following an online business pitch that attracted entries from millions of Nigerians. The final selection was made without bias or prejudice, ensuring equal opportunity for all participants.
Grant Recipients
- Overall Winner: Inya Michael Irem, a poultry farmer, received N5,000,000.
- First Runners-Up: Samuel Sunday Oton, Yaya Olayinka Precious, Mirriam Bwalya, and Lois Mazi each received N2,500,000.
- Other Beneficiaries: Nomuoja Edesiri, Omolola Subair, Samson Aderibigbe Adewale, Numa Satu Jakitay, Favour Christopher Uchechi, Adeboye Oluwapelumi Adepeju, Gbenga Mike Olaosebikan, and Ilesanmi Oluwafunke Deborah each received N1,000,000.
The winners expressed deep gratitude to Premium Trust Bank, with many noting that the grants would serve as a turning point, not just for their businesses, but for their individual communities.
