BENIN CITY – In an effort to encourage local production thereby working towards realization of the industrialization revolution agenda of the Edo State Government, the state Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has pledged to support and promote made in Edo products.
Represented by the Managing Director, Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO), Mr. Kelvin Uwaibi at the launch of a new brand, made in Edo beverage, ‘Joe-No-Cocoa Tea,’ the Governor expressed readiness to support processors in the state to achieve profitability in their businesses.
According to him, local processing would bring more returns on investment than selling raw materials.
He lamented that Nigerians have been too dependent on crude oil, while encouraging everyone to begin to depend on non-oil sector.
According to him, “Nigeria is the third largest producer of cocoa in Africa and Edo State is among the fifth.
“This product, Joe-No-Cocoa Tea has added value. It is important to note that processing brings more return than just selling the cocoa.
“For those who have made in Edo products, be assured that we are ready to support you so that you can make more profits.
“Looking at COVID-19, a lot of movement has been restricted around the world, with digital economy, you can sell online. That is why we are also thinking towards that direction for businesses in Edo.
“We want to see made in Edo products everywhere around the world,” he added
The Governor encouraged SMEs to take advantage of the Bank of Industry for funding, saying that the state recently signed a #2 billion SMEs fund with the bank.
He said that “for us as a government, we want to see businesses in Edo thrive. We want to be able to support businesses in the state. As you know, Edo is becoming a retail hub for super markets and super malls; Hallmark, Market Square, Jara supermarket are in Edo.
“Many more are coming. The #2 billion SMEs fund recently signed by the state government are to ameliorate the challenge of funding being faced by businesses.”
Dr Chris Osazuwa, one of the directors of the company, Irabor and Sons Nigeria Limited, appreciated the state government for creating the enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
Mr. Efezino Abel, a food scientist and lecturer in Food, Science and Nutrition, University of Benin who analysed of the new product, said that “Joe-No-Cocoa Tea, opined Joe-No-Cocoa is good for your heart. It is full of antioxidants. It is a strong source of magnesium, which is essential for heart health and also aids the muscle and nerve function.”
