The Edo State Government has unveiled plans to establish a dedicated Diaspora Investment Desk, signaling a significant step towards attracting foreign direct investments and leveraging the expertise and resources of the expansive Edo diaspora community.
The initiative, introduced during the inauguration ceremony of the House Standing Committee on Commerce and Industry, aims to foster a seamless engagement with the diaspora for the advancement of the state’s economic landscape.
Led by Mr Kelvin Uwaibi, the head of the Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO) Ease of Doing Business Secretariat, this ambitious undertaking calls for a fortified partnership between the esteemed 8th Edo State House of Assembly and the governmental investment entities. The committee, chaired by Hon. Mariam Edeko, is tasked with creating an environment conducive to economic expansion and empowering investors.
During the ceremony, Mr Uwaibi highlighted the need for legislative support on upcoming policies such as the MSMEs Policy and Digital Economy policy. Emphasizing the importance of harmony between local communities and growing enterprises, he called for engagement with grassroots levels to ensure a friendly environment for investors, ultimately benefiting host communities.
Mrs. Sarah Esangbedo Ajose-Adeogun, the Special Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki, outlined the State Government’s comprehensive initiatives to enhance residents’ quality of life. These include transformative projects such as the Benin Port Project, Benin Enterprise Park Project, and housing schemes like the Coral City Project and Emotan Gardens Project. She underscored the necessity of intergovernmental cohesion and transformative reforms to realize Edo State’s vision of becoming the quintessential place to live and work by 2050.
Hon. Lecky Hussein Mustaphan, Chairman of the Standing Committee on Commerce and Industry, expressed his hands-on approach to understand the intricacies of various government bodies. He pledged to visit Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) alongside committee members to gain firsthand insights into operations, challenges, and provide legislative support where needed.
The committee, consisting of members Hon. Lecky Hussein Mustapha, Hon. Uyi Frank Omosigho, Hon. Ahmed Oshomah, and Hon. Emankhu Isibor Addeh, is poised to drive impactful change for Edo’s economic future with their expertise and dedication.
The unveiling of the Diaspora Investment Desk heralds a new era of collaboration between the Edo State Government and its global community, solidifying Edo’s reputation as a beacon of investment opportunity. With joint efforts from legislative and executive forces, Edo State is primed for a thriving economy and harmonious society, fueled by a shared commitment to progress.
