Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, has announced the State Government’s commitment to provide land for the development of NOVA Bank’s regional head office for the South-East/South-South region in Owerri, marking a significant milestone in the Bank’s long-term dominance in the region.
The announcement was made during the commissioning of NOVA Bank’s flagship regional office in Owerri, an event that drew top government officials, prominent business leaders from across the South-East and South-South regions, as well as Nigerians in the diaspora who returned home to witness the landmark occasion.
Governor Uzodinma noted that NOVA Bank’s entry into Imo State aligns with the State’s deliberate efforts to lay a solid foundation for sustainable growth through strategic infrastructure development, improved road networks, and targeted market-driven initiatives. He described NOVA Bank as one of the “smart first movers,” identifying emerging economic opportunities in the region and positioning itself early to lead the next phase of growth.
He further commended the Bank’s phygital strategy, which seamlessly integrates physical banking infrastructure with advanced digital platforms to deliver efficient, transparent, and customer-centric financial services. According to the Governor, this approach mirrors Imo State’s zero-tolerance stance for outdated, analogue systems and its commitment to technology-driven governance and commerce.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,” the Governor stated.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of NOVA Bank, Phillips Oduoza, expressed gratitude to the Government and people of Imo State for the warm reception and strong show of partnership.
“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,” he said. “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.”
He added that for investors and the wider business community, NOVA Bank’s expansion is driven by disciplined growth anchored on strong fundamentals, innovation, and sustainable value creation.
“NOVA Bank is not merely expanding its physical footprint. We are deploying scalable digital infrastructure and innovative financial solutions designed to support SMEs, retail businesses, corporates, public-sector institutions, HNI’s and the mass market, he said.
According to the Chairman, the establishment of the regional headquarters at Owerri will catalyse job creation, stimulate enterprise growth, create easy access to credit, and deepen financial inclusion across the South-East and South-South, while delivering exceptional service and superior value to 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 concluded.
With this milestone, NOVA Bank reinforces its commitment to redefining banking in the South-East and South-South, positioning itself as a long-term partner in driving innovation, enterprise growth, and sustainable economic development across the region.
