By Eghonghon Eigbiremolen
The Osuan of Benin Kingdom, High Chief Ambrose Osuan, has called on Edo State Governor, Distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo, to intensify efforts in repositioning the state’s economy as he marks his first year in office.
Speaking from his palace in Benin City, Chief Osuan noted that while the governor has made noticeable progress within his first year, several key sectors still require greater attention to ensure economic stability and improved livelihood for residents of the state.
He identified Agriculture, Food Security, and Reforestation as priority areas where the Okpebholo administration can significantly “up the game” to accelerate development.
Commending the governor’s SHINE Agenda, the High Chief emphasized that Edo’s fertile landscape provides unique opportunities for large-scale cultivation of cash crops. He urged the governor to adopt a more deliberate focus on cash crop production and export, describing it as a reliable pathway to achieving food security and sustainable economic growth.
According to him, the expansion of cash crop cultivation will not only boost the state’s internally generated revenue but also attract direct foreign investments and ultimately contribute to an increase in Nigeria’s national GDP once the export chain becomes fully operational.
Chief Osuan also appealed to Governor Okpebholo to revisit a proposal he previously submitted and which was formally acknowledged at the Government House. The proposal, titled “The Proposal for Cultivation and Harvesting of Gamalana (Gmelina Arborea) Tree Plantation Across the 18 Local Government Areas of Edo State, and the Exportation of Processed and Unprocessed Tree Logs Internationally,” outlines a plan capable of yielding billions of naira annually for the state.
He explained that Gmelina trees, with their four-year maturity cycle, have vast industrial uses comparable to palm plantations, making them a viable economic asset for Edo State.
The Benin High Chief further urged the state government to invest more intentionally in infrastructure renewal, particularly the rehabilitation of roads across the state, to stimulate commerce and ease the movement of goods and services.
Chief Osuan congratulated Governor Okpebholo on his one-year anniversary and wished him success in the years ahead.
