The Edo State Government has commended the Chinese Business Community for donation of food items worth N70 million to support the vulnerable in the state during the yuletide season.
The items were received by the Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq. as the community’s contribution to the Edo State Public/Private Sector Humanitarian Initiative in 2022.
Commending the Chinese Business Community for the support, Ogie said the state government set up the initiative considering the impact of COVID-19 on the economy, which made life generally uneasy for the people.
According to him, “We are pleased with this support. We appreciate the Chinese Business Community in the state. I urge other stakeholders, our brothers and sisters in Diaspora and other interest groups to emulate the Chinese community in supporting government initiatives so as to make life better for Edo residents.
“As a government, we are providing the right incentives to support businesses. Our support is however within what the law permits.
“The government will ensure that these items are distributed to the vulnerable in the society this festive season.”
Presenting the food items on behalf of the Chinese Community, Mr. Sun Yu, a representative of Youngxing Steel Company, noted that the Association of Chinese Community in Edo State is particularly happy with the kind of friendly business environment in the state.
He added that the items were donated in the spirit of the Christmas season in order to support the initiative by the government.
According to him, “The government has been able to create a safe investment environment which has continued to attract Chinese enterprises. In addition, the people of the State have been friendly and welcoming. As a result, more and more expatriates, especially Chinese people, are seeing Edo State as an important investment destination.
“Chinese enterprises have become partners in progress in the development of the economy of the State and Nigeria. We have been direct employers of labour and have also created a large number of local employment opportunities through supporting businesses. We will continue to contribute to the development of Edo State and the wellbeing of the people.
“Today’s donation is a demonstration of our support for the development of Edo State and our love for the people. This is also our way of saying to the government and people of Edo State – we appreciate your love for the Chinese community in Edo State.”
The items donated include bags of rice, beans, and cartons of noodles and tomato paste.
