Governor GodwinObaseki assures increased investment in infrastructure to grow economy, drive development

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki,

   Obaseki

 has said his administration will focus on infrastructural development to boost economic growth, create wealth and jobs for Edo people and drive the state’s industrialisation plan.

Obaseki, who spoke to journalists in Benin City, said the government will continue to push for more projects and programmes to ensure that Edo has the requisite infrastructure to attract and keep investment and also engender inclusive growth.

According to the governor, “Our industrialisation policy is targeted at opening up the space for investment to facilitate big-ticket projects to site in the state so as to create wealth for our people and diversify our economic base.

“The commissioning of CCETC-Ossiomo Power Plant will be the catalyst for our industrialisation. The project would make ready and reliable electricity available for manufacturers. It will provide power to critical government assets including street lights, government hospitals, the state secretariat, Government House, the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium and other key public buildings, including this State House of Assembly.”

Obaseki continued: “We are on course on the Benin River Port and Edo Enterprise Park projects, as the Edo Production Centre shows us signs of things to come. At the centre, which enjoys 24-hour electricity, we have seen the explosion of the Edo enterprising spirit. At the facility, we have artisans and SMEs involved in polythene production, furniture making, shoe making and leather works, toothpick and cotton wool production, welding (iron and brass) and fabrication, ice block production, cosmetic production, hair extensions production, garments production, waste recycling etc.

“The Edo Modular Refinery was the cynosure of all eyes this year as our partners on the project made immense progress and are on course to commission the plant, which would play a significant role in recalibrating the state’s economy.

“This project offers us a chance to be a leader in building modular refineries with the fabrication yard at the facility, we would also benefit from the increased economic activity in the state’s oil and gas scene, leading to more tax and growth in Gross Domestic Product (GDP).”

“We would continue to push for more of such projects to ensure that we have the requisite infrastructure to attract and keep investment and also engender inclusive growth,” the governor assured.