Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has assured members of the Welders Association of Nigeria (Edo State Chapter) of his administration’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment that will enable artisans and other entrepreneurs to thrive.
The governor gave the assurance on Tuesday while receiving the President of the association, Mr. Peter Osagie, and other executive members during a courtesy visit to the Government House in Benin City.
Speaking during the meeting, Okpebholo said his administration was already taking concrete steps to address the persistent power supply challenges affecting businesses across the state.
According to him, a 100-megawatt power project currently under construction in Ologbo is expected to become operational before November, providing a major boost to electricity supply in Edo State.
“We are already working on it. A 100-megawatt power project is in the pipeline, and I am confident that between now and November it will be ready. It will be one of the biggest power projects in Edo State,” the governor said.
He added that similar power projects were being planned for Edo North and Edo Central Senatorial Districts to decentralise electricity supply and improve access across the state.
Okpebholo also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development, noting that the rehabilitation of the Benin-Sapele Road was about 90 per cent completed.
“I have made up my mind to leave Edo better than I met it in terms of infrastructure and security. We are building an Edo where everyone has equal opportunities,” he said.
The governor further disclosed that the state government would soon provide new official vehicles for all the 18 local government councils and introduce about 200 buses under an instalment payment scheme to improve transportation and create economic opportunities for residents.
Commenting on national issues, Okpebholo praised President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, describing the policy as necessary for national development.
He also expressed support for the President’s tax reform initiative, saying it was designed to benefit low-income earners.
The governor urged members of the association to continue supporting the government and avoid being used to foment violence or engage in activities capable of disrupting the electoral process.
Earlier, the President of the Welders Association of Nigeria, Edo State Chapter, Mr. Peter Osagie, commended the governor for improving the business environment and tackling insecurity in the state.
Osagie disclosed that the association had developed designs for the construction of bus terminals along the ongoing Benin-Sapele Road reconstruction project.
He identified poor electricity supply as one of the major challenges confronting members and appealed to the state government to establish a dedicated welders’ village to accommodate artisans.
The association’s president also said the group had developed a skills acquisition programme across the 18 local government areas aimed at reducing the number of out-of-school children through vocational training.
He appealed to the state government to partner with the association in expanding the initiative to empower more young people with technical skills.
Osagie also pledged the association’s continued support for the administration, expressing confidence in the government’s programmes and policies.
The governor’s assurances came during a courtesy visit by the association to Government House, Benin City, where both parties discussed opportunities for collaboration in business development, youth empowerment and infrastructure growth.
