Edo State government has taken steps to bolster foreign direct investments by unveiling plans to establish a dedicated Diaspora Investment Desk.
The initiative aims to facilitate seamless engagement with the expansive Edo diaspora community, tapping into their expertise and resources for the advancement of the state’s economic landscape.
During the inauguration ceremony of the House Standing Committee on Commerce and Industry, managing director, Mr Kelvin Uwaibi, who heads the Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO) Ease of Doing Business Secretariat, officially introduced the ambitious undertaking and called for a fortified partnership between the esteemed 8th Edo State House of Assembly and the governmental investment entities.
The committee was inaugurated by the deputy speaker of the House, Hon Mariam Edeko, representing Esan North-East constituency, with its members charged with the paramount task of fostering an environment conducive to economic expansion and investor empowerment.
Mr Uwaibi emphasized, “As our lawmakers, there are some other policies that we would need you to support us with, which will soon come to your table. Such as the MSMEs Policy. We have done it with the help of our development partner, GIZ. It will soon come to your table for legislative backing. That and the Digital Economy Policy are some of the priorities we are vigorously pursuing at the moment.”
Further accentuating his commitment to the synergy between stakeholders, Uwaibi expressed his aspirations for a harmonious coexistence between local communities and burgeoning enterprises.
“We also hope to see you also engage with the local government, by starting from the grassroots. We want a situation where businesses and the host communities live in harmony. This will create a more friendly environment for investors which will directly benefit the host communities,” he said.
He urged the legislature and executive arms to unite in spotlighting Edo State’s multifaceted investment prospects. This collective effort, he surmised, would serve as an enduring testament to the state’s dedication to fostering investment-driven prosperity.