Gov. Monday, Okpebholo has said that his administration would continue to formulate and implement policies and programs aimed at improving the future of the younger generation.
He was speaking on Wednesday to a delegation of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) led by Brig.-Gen. Abdulrahman Idris, who paid him a courtesy visit.
The governor thanked the delegation for recognising Edo’s longstanding contributions to Nigeria’s entertainment and creative sectors and said the state government would sponsor some students to attend programs at NIPSS.
In addition, he promised to consider other requests made by the institute and determine how best Edo could support its activities.
Brig.-Gen. Abdulrahman Idris who described Edo as the headquarters of the orange economy among the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) said the conclusion was based on the institute’s study on Orange Economy and Sustainable Growth in Nigeria.
He said the institute initially considered Lagos as the headquarters of the orange economy but changed its position after observing Edo’s contributions to sports, entertainment, and the creative industry.
“Back at the institute, we were arguing that Lagos is the headquarters of the orange economy. I said no, Edo is the headquarters of the orange economy; Lagos is just the route through which we channel our products to the outside world.
“For the past three days, the team has taken us around different places, and we have confirmed my stand on Edo being the headquarters of the orange economy,” he said.
According to him, Edo has produced several personalities who have made significant contributions to Nigeria’s sports and entertainment sectors.
He recalled that in the 1980s, nine Nigerian internationals from New Nigerian Bank (NNB) and Bendel Insurance represented the country as members of the national football team.
Idris also listed former Super Eagles coaches, including Stephen Keshi, Paul Bazuaye, and Amodu Shuaibu, among notable personalities produced by the state.
He added that contemporary entertainers from Edo, including Rema, had also continued to put the state on the global map.
The NIPSS delegation leader commended the Edo Government for its initiatives aimed at strengthening the creative economy, urging other state governments to emulate the administration.
Idris said the delegation was impressed by developments witnessed in the state, particularly in the areas of security, healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
