… pledges support for Made-in-Edo Products
By Abdul-kadir Abdullah, Information/media officer ESIPO
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has tasked manufacturers in the State to double their efforts in manufacturing products that are exportable in order to promote made-in-Edo goods for the international market and attract more foreign exchange.
Governor Obaseki made the call at the 36th Annual General Meeting of the Edo/Delta Chapter of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) which held recently in Benin City.
The Governor who was represented by the Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Cooperatives, Afishetu Braimoh, noted that the State has taken some made- in-Edo products to international trade fairs in Lagos State and will be taking more to international fairs in the United States in the coming months, adding that the State is one of the highest cashew producers in Nigeria.
In his words, “We are looking at building centers of excellence in each of the three Senatorial Districts. As a government, we will continue to do everything within our reach to ensure that we position the State for industrialization, promote policies and programs that will create the enabling environment that supports the growth of businesses in the State.”
Obaseki added that the Small Claims Court, the Industrial Court, the Production Centre, the Edo Geographic Information Service (EDOGIS), the Benin Enterprise Park, among others, have been put in place to enable businesses to thrive.
According to him, “Over the last five years, the State Government has instituted several reforms to address the bureaucratic constraints in the business environment. We have embarked on many processes to support businesses. One of the processes to support businesses is the introduction of the small claims court.
“Another initiative of this administration for industrial development to facilitate the ease of doing business is the creation of the Edo Production Centre, which is a place for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs); those in light manufacturing and other production activities. The plan is to replicate this in the three Senatorial Districts.”
Other supporting innovations and infrastructures include the Ossiomo Power Plant, changing of the Ministry of Wealth Creation to the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Cooperatives, the ongoing Benin Inland Dry Port, the Benin Industrial Park, the Benin City Mall, amongst others.
The Managing Director, Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO), Mr. Kelvin Uwaibi, noted that as the State realized the critical nature of electricity to manufacturing, went into agreement with Ossiomo Power Plant which makes Government offices to enjoy 24 hours power supply.
He added, “Edo State is the only State which has passed the Electricity Bill. The diversification of electricity is already going on in the State. We are looking at feeding some clusters of businesses right now.”
The Chairman of the Edo/Delta Chapter of MAN, Engr. Dr. Okwara A. Udensi, commended the State Government for the reforms in the business environment and called on the Governor to persuade the MDAs to fully comply with Executive Order 003 which provides for patronage of Made-in-Nigeria products.
Other speakers at the AGM include Prof. Mrs. Mercy Anyiwe, a Professor of Economics from the University of Benin.
