Edo Government Woos Local, Foreign Investors, Reaffirms Commitment to Security and Growth

... distances govt from Emmanuel Egogo's Statement 

By Chris Akhabue, Benin City

The Edo State Government has called on both local and international investors to take advantage of emerging opportunities in the state, citing ongoing reforms, improved security architecture, and expanding economic prospects.

The Commissioner for Communication and Strategy, Kassim Afegbua, made the appeal on Monday while briefing journalists in Benin City. 

He emphasized that the state has become increasingly conducive for business, with strengthened safety measures and investor-friendly policies.

According to him, Edo offers vast opportunities across multiple sectors, particularly in agriculture. He noted the availability of large expanses of arable land suitable for rice cultivation, alongside ongoing investments in cassava, palm produce, and maize farming.

 Existing agro-industrial players such as Okomu Oil Palm Company and Presco Plc were cited as examples of successful large-scale operations in the state.

Afegbua also disclosed that the government recently signed an agreement with a Chinese firm to establish a 10 million metric-ton cement production facility. He said preliminary work on the project is expected to commence soon, adding that the initiative would create jobs and contribute to reducing insecurity, including kidnapping.

He stressed that the administration of Monday Okpebholo has prioritized practical development over rhetoric. “The people can see and feel the impact of governance. Projects are ongoing across the state, and progress is evident,” he said.

The commissioner attributed the state’s improved financial capacity to increased revenues, noting that internally generated revenue now averages between ₦9.5 billion and ₦10 billion monthly. He also linked recent fiscal gains to the effects of subsidy removal, which has expanded available resources for development.

On governance, Afegbua acknowledged that developmental and security challenges remain part of Nigeria’s democratic landscape but maintained that the Edo government has demonstrated the capacity to address them through effective policies and programmes.

Addressing a recent controversy, Afegbua distanced the state government from comments made by a Senior Special Assistant, Emmanuel Egogo, who had called for the redeployment of the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, in a viral video.

The video, which drew widespread criticism, included remarks perceived as politically charged and suggestive of interference in security operations. Egogo also made references to opposition figures, including Peter Obi, which further fueled public concern.

Afegbua described the statements as personal opinions that do not reflect the position of the government. He reiterated that law enforcement agencies remain independent and responsible for maintaining order without political influence.

Earlier, the Edo State Police Command had issued a disclaimer, clarifying that the Commissioner of Police neither endorsed nor aligned with the remarks. Police spokesperson Eno Ikoedem stated that the comments were being reviewed for any potential security implications.

Condemning the tone of the statements, Afegbua said the government was “shocked” by what he described as incendiary rhetoric, emphasizing that such views are inconsistent with its principles.

He reaffirmed the administration’s openness to opposition and constructive criticism, noting that democratic engagement strengthens governance. “We welcome robust and constructive engagement. Opposition plays a vital role in helping governments refine their policies and perform better,” he added.