Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has received the Prime Minister of the State of the African Diaspora, Louis-Georges Tin, and his delegation for the signing of a strategic development partnership and implementation framework agreement, aimed at attracting investment and driving development across key sectors of the state’s economy.
The proposed partnership covers several areas, including the development of the Gele-seaport, agriculture, railway infrastructure and other projects identified as having the potential to boost economic growth and improve the well-being of Edo residents.
Receiving the delegation at the Government House in Benin City, Governor Okpebholo expressed appreciation to the State of the African Diaspora for choosing Nigeria, particularly Edo State, as a destination for its proposed investments.
The governor said the partnership is significant because it would provide an opportunity for Africans in the Diaspora to reconnect with their ancestral homeland and contribute directly to its development.
He also emphasised the importance of diaspora investment, stressing that Edo State must create an environment that encourages people of African descent living abroad to return home and contribute to development.
Governor Okpebholo said he is committed to developing Edo State and ensuring that investment opportunities are created for people willing to contribute to its growth.
He highlighted the role of the Edo State Diaspora Agency in strengthening the relationship between the state and its citizens and people of African descent living outside the country.
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According to him, although the agency was established through legislation before his administration, it was not properly operationalised by the previous administration.
He said his administration has taken steps to establish and strengthen the agency because of the importance of diaspora engagement to the state, particularly in view of the huge financial remittances sent home by Africans in the diaspora.
Louis Georges Tin, who led the delegation, expressed appreciation to Governor Okpebholo for the hospitality extended to his team, stressing that the proposed partnership goes beyond conventional economic development.
According to him, the State of the African Diaspora represents about 350 million people of African descent across the world.
He explained that many members of the diaspora were descendants of Africans who were forcibly taken from the continent, stressing that their return should be viewed as a process of reconnection rather than tourism.
Tin disclosed that his delegation has visited various locations in Edo State and examined existing and proposed development projects with a view to identifying areas where the State of the African Diaspora can contribute.
He specifically mentioned the proposed seaport, railway development and agriculture as areas of interest to the partnership.
He said teams from both sides have been constituted to work together on the identified projects, adding that the State of the African Diaspora has also formally commenced the process of nominating its representatives
