…says summit ‘ll sustain conversation on improving business environment, boosting inflow of investment

The Executive Secretary to Alaghodaro Company Limited by Guarantee (GTE) and Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Social Development and Humanitarian Affairs, Mrs. Ifueko Alufohai has said the sixth edition of the Alaghodaro Summit will focus on bolstering the efforts of the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration at improving the business environment and boosting the inflow of investments into the state.

The 2022 edition of the summit, themed, “Edo’s transformation: partnerships, resilience, impact,” is scheduled to take place in Benin City between Friday, November 11 and Sunday, November 13, 2022.

Speaking to journalists in Benin City, Alufohai said businesses, as well as local and international investors who are beneficiaries of the Governor Obaseki-led government’s ease of doing business reforms are gearing up for the annual summit, a policy think-tank that rallies the private investor and captains of industry in a bid to make Edo the most investment-friendly sub-national in Nigeria.

Noting that this year’s summit will provide a fine platform to sustain the conversation at improving the business environment in the state, the Focal Person of Edo State SDGs said various businesses have declared interests to wholly participate in the event.

According to Alufohai, “Every effort made by this administration to make the business environment better and friendly seems to be appreciated by businesses owing to the quality of ongoing conversations with businesses in the state ahead of the forthcoming Alaghodaro Summit.

“We are convinced that when these efforts are sustained, things will become better and businesses will thrive. When businesses thrive, it will boost the economy. There will be more jobs and wealth for the people.”

“It is important to understand that some businesses had left this state in the past as a result of the unfriendly business environment. It is on record that we had businesses like Michelin Manufacturing Company, Kia Motors, and Ewu Flour Mills, among others in Edo State. If the situation was what it is now, they may not have left. So, this government has engaged quality businesses through Alaghodaro Summit and will continue sustain this effort in line with its vision of making Edo great again.”

She added, “One of the important aspects of this forthcoming summit is the power sector reforms. The Managing Director of Ossiomo Power, a 95MW power generation and distribution facility in the state, Dr. Uwa Igiehon, will share insights at the summit. And this is important to the private sector and business community. We are determined to make Edo great again.”