By Ozioruva Aliu
BENIN CITY – THE governor of Edo State, Sen.
Monday Okpebholo on Wednesday inaugurated a mini solar power grid where he called on investors and businesses operating in the state to partner with government in driving development.
He assured them of an enabling environment to thrive.
He made the call 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 (PIND) and ETIN Power.
Represented by his deputy, Hon Dennis Idahosa, Okoebholo 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 including creatung an enabling environment for businesses and investors.
In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Friday Aghedo, Okpebholo said the solar project was beyond providing electricity to the community, as it represents an investment in the people, their livelihoods, economic opportunities and quality of life.
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.
Okpebholo also appealed to communities to protect legitimate investments and regard responsible businesses as partners in development.
Also speaking, the Acting Chairman of Ovia South West Local Government Area, Mr Nosakhare Edobor, urged the people of Gbelebu to protect developmental projects located in the community.
He said such projects were intended to improve the living conditions of residents and promote economic activities in the area.
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.
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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