By Abdul-Kadir Abdullah
The Edo State Government has signed an agreement with a Chinese firm for the production of 10 million metric tons of cement, in a move aimed at accelerating industrial growth and economic revival in the state.
The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kasim Afegbua, disclosed this during a press conference in Benin City, noting that the project will be sited in the Owan axis of the state.
According to him, preliminary work is expected to commence by the middle of next month, with immediate economic benefits anticipated.
“By the middle of next month, the first steps towards realizing the production of 10 million metric tons of cement will begin. Even the commencement phase will generate employment and help address social challenges,” he said.
Afegbua also highlighted improvements in the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR), which he said now averages between N9.5 billion and N10 billion monthly, driven by digital reforms and enhanced revenue monitoring systems.
He explained that the state’s e-governance structure has been retooled with cloud-based platforms, with ministries, departments, and agencies being integrated to improve efficiency and reduce bureaucracy.
As part of broader economic recovery efforts under Governor Monday Okpebholo, the commissioner pointed to the rapid reconstruction of the Police Officers Wives Association (POWA) Shopping Mall in Ekpoma, which was rebuilt and commissioned within two months after being destroyed by fire.
He said affected traders were also supported to restart their businesses, describing the intervention as a clear demonstration of the administration’s commitment to restoring livelihoods and strengthening the local economy.
Further highlighting government efforts, Afegbua noted that about 3,000 workers have been employed across various MDAs, alongside the recruitment of 5,000 teachers to boost the education sector.
He added that 83 schools have been renovated and completed, while about 85 Primary Healthcare Centres reconstruted have been equipped with essential drugs to improve healthcare delivery.
On security, he said a major security camp in Edo Central is nearing completion to support military and police operations, particularly in tackling kidnapping and safeguarding investments.
Afegbua also disclosed that 100 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses have been procured, with 50 to be deployed for free public transportation to cushion the effects of economic hardship.
He assured residents that all ongoing projects would be completed within record time and called on both local and international investors to take advantage of the state’s improving security and business-friendly environment.
“With these initiatives, Edo is positioning itself strongly for economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development,” he said.
