BENIN CITY – Governor Godwin Obaseki has made another bold step to boosting the business environment in Edo State assuring the Equipment Leasing Association of Nigeria (ELAN) a seamless business environment in the State.

Represented by the Head of Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO), Mr. Kelvin Uwaibi, at the 17th National Lease Conference held in Benin City on Thursday 21st of November 2019, the Governor said that the state is open to business.

“…as a government, we are open to businesses. We want to be able to change the narrative. We are welcoming our investors…”

Mr. Uwaibi added that a lot is going on currently in the state in terms of investments, urging all to see this period as an incubation period, hence the need for another opportunity for Governor Obaseki to consolidate to a reaping period.

He said: “…in business, there is an incubation period. I believe that is the period we are into right now in Edo State. That is why the Governor needs another term to consolidate to a reaping period. This is our paying time so that we can gain at a later time. We will continue to work towards the ease of doing business…”

The head of ESIPO who also gave a presentation titled “The Future Edo”, noted that the Governor is serious about developing the economy of the state adding that he is doing everything possible to achieve that.

He said: “…Mr. Governor has changed a lot of things. He has cut down the bureaucracy. He has put in place the Private Property Law, Edo Geographical Information System (EdoGis) that helps to fast track registration of properties. We are also developing Sapele Road axis as our industrial zone. The Benin Enterprise Park(BEP) is also ongoing. Edo State is the second largest in Nigeria with the sale of second-hand vehicles after Lagos State, hence we are developing an Auto Park. We have the Uwelu and Evbareke motor Spare Parts Market. All these are happening to boost the investment and business environment in Edo State.”

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Speaking earlier in his opening remark, the Chairman Board of Directors ELAN, Dr. Olutoyin Okeowo commended Edo State for the three years achievement of the Governor noting that ELAN is partnering with the State Government to promote the economy.

He noted: “… I want to use this opportunity to congratulate the Governor and people of Edo State on the recent Alaghodaro Summit. I want to say that it is highly commendable. When I watched a documentary in the economic summit last week in Edo State, in three years I think the Government of Edo State is able to create about 157,000 jobs. The target is to create about 200,000. So if one state in three years can create 157,000 jobs, and in four years are able to create 200,000 jobs, and if thirty States will create 200,000 jobs each on the average, that means a lot to the Nigeria economy.”

“In Edo State, we are in strong partnership with the State Government and business community so as to support the economy of the State in enhancing productive capacity through leasing…”

Other persons who also spoke at the conference include the MD/CEO LAPO Microfinance Bank Limited, Dr. Godwin Ehigiamusoe, and MD/CEO Lecon Financial Services Limited, Ibrahim Bisallah.

Others are ED/Chief Financial Officer, C&I Leasing PLC, Alexander Mbakogu, MD/CEO Cypress Leasing & Investments Limited, Wole Olomojobi, and a representative of MD/CEO Ecobank Nigeria Limited, Patrick Akinwuntan.

*Abdullah Abdul-kadir, PRO ESIPO.