Obaseki: We’ve laid foundation for economic growth, devt in Edo state

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said his government has over the past seven and half years focused on transformative reforms across various sectors of the State’s economy, repositioning the Edo State as a leading subnational in terms of GDP growth.

Obaseki, who spoke to journalists in Benin City, the Edo State capital, said the reforms in agriculture, energy, technology, economy, security and manpower development, among others, have laid the foundation for economic growth and development in the State and nation.

Reeling of some of his government’s achievements over the last seven years, Obaseki stated, “We have built institutions, empowered our people with skills, and ensured they are gainfully employed and seven years after, we are ranked as one of the top States in terms of GDP growth in Nigeria.”

He continued: “In the last seven years, we have improved our security architecture, ensuring our people walk freely as the ability to restore security gives confidence to our people who come back home to invest in our State.

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“Before now, our young ones traveled at will to seek greener pastures but our administration in 2017 got the report about how desperate our youths are traveling out but we have changed the narrative.”

According to him, “As I wind down as governor, I am leaving a strong State economically; agricultural production has been ramped up significantly. We are leaving a State that is the most digitally connected in Nigeria today as we have laid over 2,000km of fiber optic connection across the State and we have connected the 18 LGAs in our State.

“We are leaving a State that is leading in terms of electricity generation. We have Azura Power contributing to the stability of the national grid and we also have Ossiomo Power.  Investors are ready to support our initiatives in the State. We have the Edo State Electricity Regulatory Law that allows us to regulate those who want to generate and distribute electricity in Edo State.”

He added, “We have made considerable progress as we have laid the basis for economic growth and development in Edo State and Nigeria.”