Monarch urges investors to establish businesses in Edo community

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The Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, Michael Sado, on Sunday urged investors to take advantage of the mineral-rich community, peaceful environment and growing infrastructure to establish businesses.

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Okpella, located in Edo North, is rich in solid mineral deposits, most notably limestone, which has earned it the nickname “Home of Cement.” The area also holds abundant reserves of gold, granite, marble, clay, feldspar and talc.

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The monarch also declared that Okpella is ready for development and on the path to greater prosperity during the celebration of his first coronation anniversary and the maiden edition of Okpella Day, held in the community, where he reflected on the achievements recorded within one year of his reign.

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The colourful ceremony attracted traditional rulers from across Edo State, government officials, corporate leaders, community stakeholders, and sons and daughters of Okpella.

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Reflecting on his first year on the throne, the Okuokpellagbe said the transformation witnessed across the community was a clear indication that Okpella was embracing a new era of development.

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He said his administration had fulfilled the major promises made during his coronation through the execution of strategic projects aimed at improving infrastructure, security, justice delivery, education, economic empowerment and the welfare of the people.

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He said, “As I look back at what we have done in a space of one year, I can boldly say that Okpella is on the way to a greater future. The takeaway from this occasion is a message of hope. Okpella is investor-friendly. Come and invest in Okpella, a land flowing with milk and honey.

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“The projects embarked on were designed to create an enabling environment for sustainable development and attract more investments into the community.”

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Among the projects inaugurated were the 1.5-kilometre MCC concrete road, the Police Area Command headquarters, the Okpella Vigilante Office and Okpella Finance Limited, while construction is ongoing on the Iddo internal roads, Imiegiele and Awuyemi concrete roads, as well as a Chief Magistrate’s Court and an Area Customary Court.

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The royal father also highlighted initiatives to strengthen security, including the procurement of surveillance drones, the training of drone pilots, improved funding for local vigilante personnel and collaboration with security agencies.

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He commended major cement companies operating in the community for supporting educational scholarships and employment opportunities, while appealing for more indigenous people to be considered for management positions.

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He further disclosed that discussions with major investors and the Benin Electricity Distribution Company had resulted in arrangements for free electricity supply to domestic consumers in the community, describing the initiative as another milestone in improving residents’ living conditions.

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He also announced the launch of the Okpella Royal Palace Foundation, alongside empowerment programmes targeted at women.

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The anniversary celebration featured cultural displays and homage by various groups to the monarch, while dignitaries joined him in commissioning the completed projects.

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The monarch reiterated his commitment to making Okpella a model community driven by peace, development and investment.

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