The Chairman of Sterling Bank Plc, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, has stated that the economic reform by the Edo state government has made the state’s economy to grow by 140 per cent in 7 years to $25.8bn.
Ighodalo, who was speaking at the Alaghodaro Summit in Edo State said the state can become a first world economy regardless of the challenges of Nigeria.
The event is organised annually by the Edo State government, in partnership with the private sector.
Ighodalo said the Summit alone has attracted $4 billion since 2016, noting that the state can drag Nigeria out of its untapped potential, re-directing the nation to a point of development.
Why my wedding with Otedola’s daughter isn’t a secret – Mr Eazi
Escaped victims of hijacked Benue Links narrate ordeal
“Edo State must set out at dawn to make progress and pull other parts of Nigeria and other regions up. We must continue to show in Edo that there is great hope for Nigeria through Edo State. The state can drag Nigeria out of its untapped potential, re-directing the nation to a point of development.”
In a statement, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, said Edo State has comparative advantage over every other state in the area of agriculture and agro-processing as well as culture and tourism.
He said the Obaseki-led administration has repositioned the state, leveraging its comparative advantage to drive growth and development across all sectors.
Aliko, who was represented by the Dangote Group’s Managing Director, Olakunle Alake, said the safety and security as well as reforms in the agriculture and tourism sectors have repositioned Edo State as a tourist hub and investors’ haven.
On his part, Obaseki said his government has reengineered Edo State for growth and development in the past seven years and consciously laid a solid foundation for the state’s future.