By Betty Idialu
In a bold step toward reviving abandoned industries and accelerating economic growth, the Edo State Government under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo has commenced a statewide, on-the-spot assessment of moribund and non-functional industrial facilities across the state’s three senatorial districts.
The inspection exercise is being led by the Commissioner for Business, Trade and Investment (MBTI), Mr. Omoh Anabor, in alignment with the administration’s SHINE Agenda, which focuses on sustainable industrial development, job creation, and enhanced revenue generation.
During an inspection visit to the Edo State Pharmaceutical Store located along Medical Stores Road in Benin City, Oredo Local Government Area, the Commissioner expressed deep concern over the level of deterioration at the facility, attributing the situation to years of neglect by previous administrations.
“What we are seeing here is unacceptable. These facilities, if properly maintained and put to use, would have employed thousands of Edo youths, reduced crime and other social vices, and generated substantial revenue for the state,” Anabor said.
He emphasized that the Okpebholo administration is committed to reversing the culture of abandonment and waste, stressing that all viable public assets must be repositioned to serve the economic interests of Edo people.
According to the Commissioner, the inspection tour forms part of a broader plan to conduct a comprehensive audit of state-owned industrial assets, identify facilities with revival potential, and attract strategic public-private partnerships capable of driving industrialisation and economic sustainability.
“Our goal is simple: to turn abandoned structures into productive assets that will work for the people of Edo State. This exercise will continue across other facilities statewide,” he affirmed.
“The Okpebholo administration will not allow public investments to rot away. We are here to assess, document, and ensure that these assets are either revived or properly integrated into our industrial development strategy,” Anabor added.
While conducting the Commissioner around the facility, the Head of Accounts, Essential Drugs Department, Mr. Daniel Oshiobugie, explained that the premises currently house units of the Ministry of Health, Primary Health Care Department, and the Essential Drugs Unit.
He further disclosed that some sections of the facility are presently undergoing renovation by the Federal Government.
“The Federal Government is currently rehabilitating some of the blocks here. Whenever government agencies need to store items in this facility, they formally notify the management before accessing the premises,” Oshiobugie said.
Also speaking, the Chairman, Protection of Public Properties, Edo State, Mr. Eugene Okoloise, stressed the importance of protecting public assets from vandalism and illegal occupation.
“These properties belong to the people of Edo State. Our responsibility is to safeguard them while the government takes concrete steps to bring them back to life,” he stated.
Other facilities inspected during the tour include the cement factory in Ikpeshi, an industrial plant in Irrua (Esan Central Local Government Area), the Auchi Textile Mill in Auchi (Etsako West Local Government Area), and the Ehor Fruit Juice Processing Industry in Ehor, Uhunmwonde Local Government Area.
The Commissioner was accompanied by key management staff, including the Director of Policy and Statistics, Mr. Alaba Okun; Director of Media and Publicity/PRO, Betty Idialu; Mr. Justice Osagiie of the Department of Policy and Statistics; and his Personal Assistant, Engr. Donald.
