BENIN CITY — Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for private-sector investment, describing businesses as critical partners in the development of the state.
The governor stated this on Thursday at the commissioning of the Gbelebu Mini Solar Grid Project, developed for Gbelebu Community by Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc in partnership with the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) and ETIN Power.
Represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, Okpebholo used the occasion to extend an open invitation to investors, assuring them of the state government’s readiness to support legitimate businesses.
“The Edo State Government recognises the private sector as a critical partner in development. Through our SHINE Agenda, we are committed to improving infrastructure, strengthening security, supporting agriculture and human development, and creating an enabling environment for businesses and investors to thrive,” the governor said.
Okpebholo commended Okomu Oil Palm Company and its development partners for the corporate social responsibility initiative, describing the solar project as an investment that goes beyond the provision of electricity.
“It is an investment in the people, their livelihoods, economic opportunities and quality of life,” he said.
The governor also called on businesses operating in Edo State to continue supporting their host communities, while urging communities to protect legitimate investments and regard responsible businesses as partners in development.
The Acting Chairman of Ovia South-West Local Government Area, Hon. Nosakhare Edobor, who witnessed the commissioning, urged members of Gbelebu Community to protect the project and other development initiatives provided for their benefit.
Managing Director of Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc, Mr. Graham Hefer, said the company, which began operations in 1976 as an ambitious oil palm and rubber plantation project, had grown significantly over the years and was marking 50 years of operations in Nigeria’s agribusiness sector.
In his welcome address, the Amanawei of Gbelebu Community, High Chief Enoch Sulubor, expressed gratitude to Okomu Oil Palm Company for the various projects it had provided in the community.
He said the interventions had strengthened the company’s relationship with its host community while contributing to the welfare and economic development of residents.
Sulubor also thanked the Edo State Government and the project partners for facilitating the mini-grid project.
Residents turned out in large numbers for the commissioning, expressing optimism that a steady electricity supply would stimulate economic activities, support small businesses and improve living conditions in the community.
