Okpebholo woos investors as Edo inaugurates solar grid

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The Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has called on investors and businesses operating in the state to partner with the government in driving development, assuring them of an enabling environment to thrive.

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Okpebholo made the call on Thursday through his Deputy, Dennis Idahosa, while inaugurating a mini solar power grid established for Gbelebu Community by Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc, in partnership with the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta and ETIN Power.

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This was made known in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the deputy governor, Mr Friday Aghedo.

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The governor said his administration recognised the private sector as a critical partner in development, noting that the government’s SHINE Agenda was designed to improve infrastructure, strengthen security, support agriculture and human development, and create an enabling environment for businesses and investors.

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According to him, the solar project goes beyond providing electricity to the community, as it represents an investment in the people, their livelihoods, economic opportunities and quality of life.

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He commended Okomu Oil Palm Company and its development partners for the initiative, urging other businesses operating in the state to emulate the gesture by supporting their host communities.

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Okpebholo also appealed to communities to protect legitimate investments and regard responsible businesses as partners in development.

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He said, “The state government is using this opportunity to call on investors and businesses operating in the state to partner with the government in driving development.

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“The solar project goes beyond providing electricity to the community, as it represents an investment in the people, their livelihoods, economic opportunities and quality of life.”

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Also speaking, the Acting Chairman of Ovia South West Local Government Area, Nosakhare Edobor, urged the people of Gbelebu to protect developmental projects located in the community.

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He said such projects were intended to improve the living conditions of residents and promote economic activities in the area.

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Earlier, the Managing Director of Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc, Mr Graham Hefer, said the company, established in 1976 as an ambitious venture to cultivate oil palm and rubber, had grown into a major agribusiness enterprise in Nigeria.

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Hefer said the company, which is marking 50 years of operations, remained committed to contributing to the development of its host communities.

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The Amanawei of Gbelebu Community, High Chief Enoch Sulubor, expressed appreciation to Okomu Oil Palm Company for its numerous development projects in the community.

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Sulubor said the projects had strengthened the relationship between the company and the host community while contributing to the welfare and economic development of residents.

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He also thanked the Edo Government for supporting the realisation of the solar power project.

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Residents of Gbelebu turned out in large numbers to celebrate the commissioning, expressing optimism that the availability of electricity would stimulate economic activities and improve their quality of life.

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The project is expected to provide a more reliable electricity supply to the community and create opportunities for small businesses and other economic activities.

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