Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, has attributed the state's economic recovery to the security policies implemented by Governor Monday Okpebholo's administration. According to Idahosa, the administration's people-oriented policies, programmes, and legislative reforms have contributed to the reduction of crime and strengthened the justice system, particularly in dealing with criminal elements. This, he said, has created a safer environment for investment and agricultural production in the state.
Idahosa made these remarks when he received a delegation from the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND), led by its Programme Director, Dr Effiong Essien, on a courtesy visit. He stated that the administration's commitment to the SHINE Agenda had positioned Edo as one of the more peaceful states in the Niger Delta, citing its firm stance against kidnapping, cultism, and other forms of criminality. The SHINE Agenda, he emphasized, prioritizes security as a critical component of the state's economic development.
The deputy governor stressed that 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 noted that the government's security drive was closely linked to its efforts to achieve food sufficiency, stressing that farmers needed safe communities and farmlands to maximise agricultural production. This, he believes, will encourage more people to engage in farming and other productive activities.
Idahosa appreciated PIND 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 described PIND's interventions as needs-driven, saying its projects were designed around the specific needs of communities and beneficiaries while strengthening relevant value chains. This partnership, he believes, will help to sustain the state's economic growth and development.
Dr Effiong Essien, Programme Director of PIND, said the organisation was a non-profit initiative committed to promoting peace and equitable economic growth in the Niger Delta. He outlined PIND's short- and long-term development plans, training programmes, and interventions already implemented in rural communities across Edo. 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.
Essien 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 before they escalate. This, he believes, will help to sustain the peace in the state and ensure that economic growth and development are not disrupted by conflicts. The state government's collaboration, he emphasized, is crucial to the success of PIND's programmes and interventions.
Idahosa and Essien's discussions highlight the importance of collaboration between government, organisations, and communities in promoting peace, economic growth, and sustainable development in Edo State. The state government's commitment to security and economic development, as well as PIND's interventions, are expected to have a positive impact on the lives of residents and the state's economy.
Key points
- The Edo State government is working to strengthen its security and economic development through various policies and programmes.
