BENIN CITY — Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has welcomed federal lawmakers, policy experts and key stakeholders to Edo State for a three-day management retreat aimed at advancing regional development across Nigeria, describing the choice of Benin City as host as a significant honour.
The retreat, organised by the Federal Ministry of Regional Development and holding from April 15 to 18 at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub, draw participants from across the country, including representatives of regional development commissions and the federal civil service.
Speaking on behalf of the governor, Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa conveyed the state government’s appreciation to the Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, for selecting Benin City as the venue for the landmark gathering.
“We are deeply honoured that Benin City, a city of history, culture and commerce, has been chosen to host this retreat,” Idahosa said, noting that the theme, “Fresh Ideas to Unlock the Potentials of the Region,” aligns with ongoing efforts to address disparities in development across Nigeria.
He stressed that the retreat comes at a critical moment in the nation’s history, where uneven development has left some regions with advanced infrastructure and industrial growth, while others continue to lag behind.
According to him, the forum provides an opportunity to chart a more balanced national development framework.
Idahosa highlighted Edo State’s development strides under the administration’s MEGA Agenda and Project SHINE, which he said have strengthened security, boosted commerce, and positioned the state as a growing hub for industry and tourism.
He added that the state is focused on building a production-driven economy, while calling for stronger federal support to sustain sub-national successes.
The deputy governor urged participants to collaborate in advancing the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasising that inclusive development must reach all regions of the country.
In his remarks, the minister, Momoh, said the retreat was designed to generate innovative ideas and harness untapped resources to drive regional growth, while the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mary Ada Ogbe, underscored the importance of collaboration among development institutions to achieve impactful results.
Ogbe noted that the retreat would strengthen policy implementation by equipping leaders of the regional development commissions with the tools and frameworks needed to effectively discharge their mandates.
Participants at the retreat include representatives from the South-East, South-South, North-West, South-West, North-Central and North-East Development Commissions, as well as the Niger Delta Development Commission.
A resource person, Emeka Ezeh, presented a paper on public procurement procedures, warning against breaches of official budgetary limits and emphasising compliance with established guidelines.
