Edo, South Africa to partner on infrastructure development

The Republic of South Africa has announced its interest in establishing close working relationship with Edo State.

South Africa’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Bobby Moroe, disclosed this in Benin, when he led a delegation of top diplomats on a courtesy visit to Governor Monday Okpebholo.

He announced his country’s readiness to collaborate with the Edo to develop its infrastructural potentials.

He said: “My team is happy to be in Benin City, Edo State, and we appreciate your administration for the warm reception. We are here to collaborate with your administration.

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“We are here to revive the collaboration we established about three years ago. We have visited various agencies in your government to seek partnership and collaboration between Edo State and Gauteng Province in South Africa. Gauteng is the economic hub of South Africa.

“Gauteng is like Lagos in Nigeria in terms of population and economy. We have chosen Edo State because of the great potential it possesses. The infrastructural development potentials attracted us to Edo State.

“We have an insatiable appetite to work with the Edo State Government. We waited until the election was over, and now we are here to collaborate. We are making fresh commitments as we collaborate with you.

“We are focusing on deliverables as we meet with various Permanent Secretaries across various ministries. We have a number of projects to be focused on.”

Responding, Okpebholo said Edo and South Africa have a lot in common.

He expressed the State’s readiness to do business with South Africa.

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“South Africa and Nigeria have many things in common, especially Edo State. In business, collaboration is possible because if we do things in common.

“Our doors are open, and we are ready to collaborate with you and ensure the collaboration yields positive results that will develop the State. We are set for investments, development, and growth,” Okpebholo said.