Edo Intensifies Effort in Investment Promotion Drive, Onboards Staff, LGAs of One-Stop-Investment Centre

By Abdul-Kadir Abdullah 

In a bid to attract more investments and improve the ease of doing business in the state, the Edo State Government, through the Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO)-Ease of Doing Business Secretariat, has commenced a three-day onboarding session for staff and local government liaison officers of the Edo State One-Stop-Investment Centre (ES-OSIC).

The training session, which is expected to end today Friday 11th October is supported by the German Development Cooperation (GIZ-SEDIN), and it aims to equip participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively facilitate investments in the state.

In a presentation on the Roles and Responsibilities of Staff and Liaison Officers, " the Managing Director Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO), Mr. Kelvin Uwaibi outlined the state's investment priorities, emphasizing sectors such as technology, agriculture (particularly oil palm), and infrastructure development, healthcare, energy, and solid minerals.

Uwaibi underscored the importance of simplifying processes and creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.

According to him, "The inclusion of local government liaison officers in the training reflects the state's commitment to fostering a decentralized approach to investment promotion.The establishment of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Office in Edo State with the executive order signed by His Excellency, Mr Governor Godwin Obaseki in 2023 was a strategic move to attract private sector investment. 

Uwaibi emphasized the need for continuous engagement with stakeholders to understand their needs and expectations. He noted that the state's achievements in attracting investments, particularly in the oil palm sector, were showcased as evidence of its progress.

 "Our Edo State Oil Palm Programme (ESOPP), which has attracted over 500 million dollars, is a success story, and about four other states are currently under studying Edo." He noted.

In a goodwill message by the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government, Community & Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Monday Osaigbovo, who was represented by his Public Relations Officer, Lucy Daniel-Nwosu, described the onboarding session as a significant step in transforming the business environment.

 He said,: "I would like to extend my heartfelt greetings to all of you at this onboarding session for the Edo State One Stop Investment Centre for Staff and Local Government Liaison Officers. Today marks a significant step towards transforming our business landscape and enhancing the ease of doing business in our state."

"As public servants, you are on the front lines of creating an environment that encourages investment and innovation. Your roles are crucial in streamlining processes, providing guidance, and ultimately paving the way for both local and foreign investors to thrive."

"The establishment of the One Stop Investment Centre signifies our commitment to positioning Edo State on the global marketplace as a destination for business. It embodies our collective vision of building a sustainable economy, creating job opportunities, and improving the overall quality of life for our people."

The training session also featured presentations from experts from the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Mrs Bolanle Baba, Assistant Director NIPC who shared insights on the concept of One-Stop-Investment Centers and best practices from other regions and Mr. Adejumobi Fashola, a One-Stop-Shop Expert who facilitated a hands-on session on "Investment Procedures and Approval Processes."

Mr. Osahon Okoh, Policy Advisor to GIZ, who was one of the facilitators, spoke on GIZ work through its SEDIN programme on ease of doing business and investment facilitation in the state. He also shared learnings from Edo State One-Stop-Investment (ES-OSIC) User-research Feedback, which was carried out recently in preparation for the onboarding session.

The Edo State Government's commitment to investment promotion is evident through initiatives such as the onboarding session and the establishment of the ES-OSIC. By enhancing the capacity of its officials and creating a favourable business climate, the state aims to attract more investors and drive economic growth.

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