Edo: Okpebholo Assures Investors of Enabling Environment as FG Inaugurates CNG Centre

The Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Tuesday assured investors that his administration would continue to provide an enabling environment for both local and foreign businesses to thrive in the state.

Okpebholo, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, gave the assurance during the inauguration of the Diverse Autocare Centre Hub and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Conversion Centre in Benin City.

Speaking at the event, the governor described the facility as more than just a building, noting that it would serve as a one-stop hub for vehicle sales, servicing, diagnostics, spare parts fabrication, as well as training and skills acquisition.

“This hub speaks to the future we are building for Edo State. It is bold and modern, and it has demonstrated that our sons and daughters can return home to build industries, create jobs and inspire the next generation,” he said.

He stated that security remained a major priority of his administration, stressing that economic growth could only flourish in a secure environment.

“We understand one truth in government — security is the most important catalyst for economic growth. No investor puts money where there is fear.

“That is why the Okpebholo administration has placed security at the top of its agenda. We have strengthened community policing by properly equipping and training the Edo State Security Vigilante Network to work closely with federal security agencies,” he added.

The governor further explained that the state government’s development model was centred on creating the right environment for the private sector to drive economic growth and job creation.

According to him, “the era of depending solely on government jobs is over, as the new Edo rewards skills, innovation and hard work.”

Inaugurating the facility, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, commended the Chairman of Diverse Autocare Centre Limited, Greg Ogbeifun, for establishing the project in line with the vision of President Bola Tinubu.

He said the facility represented a major step towards affordable and sustainable transportation in Nigeria.

“This facility is more than an automobile conversion centre. It is a practical demonstration of private sector confidence in the future of natural gas as a cleaner, more affordable and sustainable means of transportation,” the minister stated.

Ekpo noted that the project aligned with the Federal Government’s Decade of Gas Initiative, which he described as a strategic programme aimed at transforming Nigeria into a gas-powered economy.

Earlier in his remarks, Ogbeifun said the establishment of the centre was aimed at creating awareness about CNG adoption while also generating employment opportunities for youths.

He urged more investors to take advantage of the business-friendly atmosphere in Edo State, insisting that the state remained safe and conducive for investment.

Signed:
Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele
Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State