The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment for businesses, as part of efforts to attract more local and foreign investments into the state.
Governor Monday Okpebholo gave the assurance on Tuesday during the inauguration of the Diverse Autocare Centre Hub and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) facility in Benin City. Represented by his deputy, Denis Idahosa, the governor described the project as a major step toward industrial growth, innovation, and youth empowerment in Edo State.
Speaking at the event, the deputy governor said the newly launched facility represents far more than a regular automobile workshop. According to him, the centre is designed as a comprehensive automotive hub that combines vehicle sales, maintenance, diagnostics, spare parts fabrication, and technical training under one roof.
He noted that the project aligns with the administration’s vision of building a modern economy driven by private-sector participation and skilled manpower development.
“This project reflects the future we want for Edo State,” he said. “It shows that our people can return home, invest confidently, create employment opportunities, and contribute meaningfully to economic development.”
The state government also reiterated that security remains a top priority in its economic agenda. Idahosa explained that no meaningful investment can thrive in an atmosphere of insecurity, adding that the administration has intensified support for local security operations.
According to him, the Edo State Security Vigilante Network has been strengthened through improved training and equipment to work alongside federal security agencies in safeguarding communities and businesses across the state.
He further stressed that the government’s responsibility is to provide a conducive environment for enterprises, while the private sector drives job creation and economic expansion.
“The era when everyone depended solely on government jobs is gradually fading,” he said. “Today’s Edo encourages entrepreneurship, rewards hard work, and supports skills acquisition.”
The inauguration was performed by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, who praised the initiative as a timely contribution to Nigeria’s transition toward cleaner and more affordable energy alternatives.
Ekpo commended Greg Ogbeifun, Chairman of Diverse Autocare Centre Ltd., for investing in a project that supports the Federal Government’s gas expansion agenda under President Bola Tinubu.
He explained that the facility demonstrates growing private-sector confidence in CNG technology as Nigeria seeks to reduce dependence on expensive fuel sources and promote more sustainable transportation systems.
According to the minister, the launch also supports the Federal Government’s “Decade of Gas” initiative, a national programme aimed at transforming Nigeria into a gas-powered economy through increased adoption of natural gas solutions.
Earlier in his remarks, Ogbeifun said the establishment of the centre was motivated by the need to create opportunities for young Nigerians while also increasing awareness about the benefits of CNG-powered transportation.
He encouraged investors across the country to consider Edo State as a destination for business and industrial expansion, insisting that the state remains peaceful, secure, and open for investment opportunities.
