PremiumTrust Bank,
PremiumTrust Bank has partnered with the Hallelujah Challenge Corporate Social Responsibility team to provide N50 million in grants to support entrepreneurs and small business owners across Nigeria. The initiative benefited 13 entrepreneurs selected through a nationwide business pitch competition designed to encourage innovation and business growth.
The grant presentation ceremony took place in Lagos and highlighted the bank’s commitment to helping small and medium scale enterprises grow sustainably. According to the organisers, the programme was created to strengthen local businesses and improve economic opportunities for Nigerians.
Speaking during the event, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of PremiumTrust Bank, Emmanuel Emefienim, explained that the bank intentionally supports initiatives capable of changing lives and creating long term impact.
He said, “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.”
The bank also revealed that the support extended beyond financial assistance. Beneficiaries were given business training aimed at helping them manage resources effectively and expand their operations in a sustainable manner.
“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 while we support them all the way,” Emefienim added.
Founder of the Hallelujah Challenge, Nathaniel Bassey, praised the collaboration and noted that the platform has always aimed to create real social impact beyond worship gatherings.
According to him, the partnership would help the organisation touch more lives and positively affect communities through economic empowerment and humanitarian support.
Reports showed that millions of Nigerians participated in the online application process, while successful applicants emerged after a detailed screening and business pitch exercise. A poultry farmer, Inya Irem, received the top grant prize of N5 million. Four other entrepreneurs received N2.5 million each, while the remaining beneficiaries got N1 million each to support their businesses.
Beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the opportunity, describing the grants and training as a major boost for their businesses and communities. Many of them noted that the intervention would help them expand operations, employ more workers and improve productivity.
