Leading Nigerian lender PremiumTrust Bank has partnered with Hallelujah Challenge Corporate Social Responsibility team to empower 13 entrepreneurs and small business owners with a total of N50 million in business grants as part of efforts to support grassroots enterprise development and community growth.
The grant presentation ceremony, held at the Hallelujah Challenge Centre in Lagos, highlighted the bank’s broader commitment to improving livelihoods and strengthening local economic participation through targeted support for small businesses.
The initiative reflects growing collaboration between financial institutions and social impact platforms aimed at expanding opportunities for entrepreneurs and fostering inclusive economic development across Nigeria.
What the bank is saying
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of PremiumTrust Bank, Emmanuel Efe Emefienim, said the partnership aligns with the bank’s commitment to supporting initiatives that create measurable social impact and empower communities.
▪ He noted that the bank deliberately partnered with the Hallelujah Challenge because of its track record in positively impacting lives through humanitarian and community-based interventions.
▪ “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,” he stated.
▪ Emefienim added that beyond providing financial support, the bank also organised structured business training for all beneficiaries to equip them with the knowledge and skills required to scale their businesses sustainably.
▪ According to him, the training programme was designed to help beneficiaries deploy resources more effectively while building stronger and more focused enterprises.
More insights
Founder and Convener of the Hallelujah Challenge, Nathaniel Bassey, commended the bank for supporting the initiative, describing the partnership as a major boost to the organisation’s vision of creating social impact beyond worship activities.
▪ He explained that the Hallelujah Challenge has consistently sought to combine faith-based engagement with practical interventions capable of transforming lives and communities.
▪ According to him, the collaboration with PremiumTrust Bank would enable the initiative to extend support to more individuals and underserved communities across the country.
The organisers disclosed that the 13 beneficiaries emerged through a transparent online business pitch competition that attracted entries from millions of Nigerians nationwide.
▪ Poultry farmer Inya Michael Irem emerged as the overall winner and received a N5 million business grant.
▪ Samuel Sunday Oton, Yaya Olayinka Precious, Mirriam Bwalya, and Lois Mazi each received N2.5 million as first runners-up.
▪ Eight additional 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 million grants.
Several beneficiaries described the intervention as a major turning point for their businesses and local communities, noting that the grants would help expand operations, create jobs, and improve livelihoods.
What you should know
PremiumTrust Bank has continued to expand its corporate social responsibility initiatives across healthcare, education, entrepreneurship, and community development.
▪ The bank recently carried out a healthcare intervention programme at Massey Street Children’s Hospital as part of its broader community impact strategy.
▪ The Hallelujah Challenge has also become increasingly recognised for combining faith-based engagement with humanitarian support initiatives, including assistance for education, healthcare, and vulnerable groups across Nigeria.
