Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki on Monday said his administration would in the next few weeks reeled out plans to create over 200,000 jobs in the state.
BusinessDay reports that the governor had during his electioneering promised to create over 200,000 jobs in the next four years. Obaseki made the remarks during a courtesy visit to the palace of the Benin monarch, Ewuare II.
The governor who called on the palace for a more friendly land administrative system that would be investors friendly in line with his administration’s desire for more development for the state disclosed that he would in no distant time, unveil the plans to achieve his promise of creating over 200,000 jobs for the people of the state.
He assured that his administration would ensure a friendly environment to make Edo one of the cleanest states in Nigeria.
He also promised to strengthen existing community policing structures like vigilance groups to share information with conventional security agencies with a view to have a safer society.
“This kingdom used to have the best land tenure system in Nigeria; unfortunately we have lost that pride today. We want to deal with the issue of land properly so that we can attract private investment to the state, we need your support to do this”, he said.
In his remarks, the Benin monarch decried the activities of community development associations who have taken over sales of lands with very unfriendly conditions.
“May I use this opportunity to seek the state government’s support in eradicating the menace of Community Development Associations in Edo South in particular and Edo state in general? Most of their actions have impeded the development of our communities. For the avoidance of doubt, CDAs are not supposed to be involved in land matters. Community lands as in other matters of the community are under the enigie or odionwere as the case may be”, he stated.
He however charged the governor to ensure that he fulfills his election promises to the people as well as assist in setting up cottage industries in the seven local government areas that make up the kingdom that would take the youth off the streets.
“I have no doubt in my mind that you will deploy all your wealth of experience both in the private sector and in the immediate past administration of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole to effectively utilise the human and material resources in Edo state to take it to greater heights through good governance and provide the good people of Edo state the good dividends of democracy.
“May I use this opportunity to appreciate the state government for its unprecedented support in the successful completion of my coronation ceremony and I pray the good relationship will continue to exist between the state government and the palace.
“Please Your Excellency, endeavour to deliver on your campaign promises and attract more federal support and presence particularly my initial appeal to the federal government to transform Gelegele into an Export Processing Zone for agro allied industries”, he stated.
According to him, “The palace will partner with the state government on the establishment of cluster industries otherwise known as mini industrial parks in the seven local governments of Edo South. Mr Governor may wish to set up a working committee in conjunction with the palace to actualize this idea”.
Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date
Open In Whatsapp
