Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has officially declared the state a prime and welcoming destination for investors, emphasizing his administration's commitment to fostering a conducive business climate. The governor made this declaration on Friday, December 5, 2025, during a high-level engagement with business leaders from the South-South region.
Governor's Assurance to the Business Community
The meeting was held with delegates from the South-South Coalition of the Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (COSSCIMA). Governor Okpebholo, who received the group through the Office of the Deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, stated that his government has deliberately created an enabling environment for businesses to expand and thrive.
He expressed his appreciation to COSSCIMA for selecting Edo State as the host for its annual general meeting. "It is not surprising that you picked the state as a choice because we have provided the enabling environment by investing in infrastructure and reducing insecurity to the barest minimum," Governor Okpebholo stated. He further gave a firm assurance to potential investors, saying, "We assured potential investors that the state is safe, secured for all to come and invest."
Private Sector Partnership is Key
Echoing the governor's sentiments, the State Commissioner for Business, Trade, and Investment, Hon. Omoh Anabor, confirmed that Edo State is ready and willing to partner with any interested firm. The importance of such public-private collaboration was strongly emphasized by the visiting business leaders.
The President of COSSCIMA, Hon. Indutimi Komonibo, praised the governor's efforts, noting, "The Edo State Governor is doing a great job." However, he pointed out a universal truth for governance: "No government can succeed without partnering with the organised private sector." Komonibo explained that the coalition, which represents chambers of commerce across all six South-South states, actively seeks collaboration to drive national development, stating, "Investors are looking for where their business will thrive. We understand the language of the business."
Administrative Shuffle in Government Communication
In a related development, Governor Okpebholo has made a significant change in his media team. The governor relieved Mr. Fred Itua of his duties as Chief Press Secretary (CPS). In his place, Dr. Patrick Ebojele has been appointed as the new CPS.
This announcement was made in an official statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor. The statement described Dr. Ebojele as a renowned journalist, public administrator, researcher, and lecturer with an extensive career spanning major Nigerian media houses.
His professional background includes serving as:
- Edo/Delta Correspondent for Channels Television.
- Correspondent for the New Nigerian Newspaper.
- Correspondent for Champion Newspaper.
- Correspondent for Comet Newspapers.
The government stated that this appointment underscores its commitment to strengthening communication channels with the people of Edo to ensure clarity, transparency, and effective dissemination of government policies and programmes. The statement thanked the outgoing CPS, Mr. Itua, for his service and noted that he will "await a new reassignment to be communicated in due course."
