BENIN CITY – The Edo State Government has engaged members of the Edo Licensed Exporters Association to develop a roadmap aimed at boosting export activities, empowering farmers and stimulating inclusive economic growth across the State.
The meeting, held at Government House, Benin City, was presided over by the Special Adviser to Governor Monday Okpebholo on Finance, Investment and Revenue Generation, Mr. Kizito Okpebholo, who said the administration is committed to forging strategic partnerships that would expand export opportunities, strengthen local businesses and raise the State’s revenue base.
He identified insecurity as a major challenge facing farmers but assured that government is addressing it through the distribution of security vehicles and hundreds of motorcycles to Local Government Areas to aid security patrols.
Okpebholo disclosed that the administration is collaborating with the Bank of Industry (BOI) to provide affordable loans to small and medium enterprises, and is working with the institution to establish a dedicated Exporters’ Fund to further support local exporters.
He added that market women had also benefited from financial assistance programmes, with plans to expand such interventions to sustain rural and urban economic activities.
The Coordinator of the Edo Licensed Exporters Association, Mrs. Rhone Peters, described the engagement as timely, noting that exporters are ready to partner with the government to boost employment, particularly for women, youths and rural farmers.
She said the Association requires funding for certification processes to enable Edo products gain access to global markets, and disclosed plans for a common facility hub and BOI-backed loans for 200 exporters.
Highlights of the event included the presentation of certificates to Amina Izuagbe, Founder of Amineru Nigeria Enterprise Limited (Amineru Foods), and Stella Ereyukomhen, Founder of Royal Winosa Industry Limited (Winosa Foods), winners of the WEIDE Fund Booster and Discovery Grant Programmes in partnership with the World Trade Organization and the International Trade Centre
