Edo State Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa has stated that Governor Monday Okpebholo's security policies have created a safer environment for investment and agriculture in the state. This, according to him, has restored confidence and contributed to the state's economic recovery. Idahosa made these remarks when a delegation from the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta, led by its Programme Director, Dr Effiong Essien, paid him a courtesy visit.
Idahosa attributed the reduction of crime and strengthening of the justice system to the administration's people-oriented policies, programmes, and legislative reforms. He noted that the SHINE Agenda, with security as a top priority, has positioned Edo as one of the more peaceful states in the Niger Delta. The agenda's firm stance against kidnapping, cultism, and other forms of criminality has been instrumental in achieving this feat.
According to Idahosa, security remains critical to the state's economic development, as investors and farmers can only operate effectively when they are confident about the safety of their lives, businesses, and farmlands. He emphasized that the government's security drive is closely linked to its efforts to achieve food sufficiency, stressing that farmers need safe communities and farmlands to maximise agricultural production.
The deputy governor appreciated the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta for choosing Edo as a base for its human capital development programmes and assured the organisation of the state government's readiness to collaborate with it. He noted that several corporate social responsibility interventions by multinational companies have been implemented through partnerships involving the foundation.
Dr Effiong Essien said the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta is a non-profit initiative committed to promoting peace and equitable economic growth in the Niger Delta. He outlined the organisation's interventions, which focus on reducing poverty, strengthening coastal communities, promoting youth employment, fostering stability, and supporting sustainable development across the region.
Essien appealed for the state government's collaboration in establishing safe farm corridors, strengthening agricultural value-chain actors, and reactivating the Udo Skills Development Centre for practical training, entrepreneurship, and youth employment. He also requested the designation of a government focal person to receive early-warning information from peace actors across the 18 local government areas to help prevent conflicts and unrest.
The collaboration between the Edo State government and the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta aims to drive sustainable development and economic growth in the state. With a focus on security, agriculture, and human capital development, the partnership is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of residents and contribute to the state's overall economic recovery.
Key points
- Governor Okpebholo's security policies have restored confidence and created a safer environment for investment and agriculture in Edo State.
- The SHINE Agenda has positioned Edo as one of the more peaceful states in the Niger Delta.
- The state government's collaboration with the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta aims to drive sustainable development and economic growth.
