Edo Assures Investors of Conducive Business Environment as FG Inaugurates CNG Centre

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has assured investors that his administration will continue to provide a conducive environment for both local and foreign businesses to thrive in the state.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, gave the assurance on Tuesday during the inauguration of the Diverse Autocare Center Hub and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion centre in Benin City.

Okpebholo described the facility as more than just a building, noting that it would serve as a one-stop hub for vehicle sales, servicing, diagnostics, spare parts fabrication, as well as training and skills acquisition.

According to him, the project reflects the vision of the present administration to promote innovation, create jobs and encourage Edo indigenes to invest back home.

“This hub speaks to the future we are building for Edo. It is bold and modern, and it shows that our sons and daughters can return home to build, create jobs and inspire the next generation,” he said.

The governor stated that security remains a major priority of his administration, stressing that no meaningful investment can thrive in an atmosphere of fear and insecurity.

He said the government had strengthened community policing through proper equipping and training of the Edo State Security Vigilante Network to work alongside federal security agencies.

Okpebholo added that the state government’s development model focuses on creating an enabling environment, while the private sector drives job creation.

“The era of waiting for government jobs alone is over. The new Edo rewards skills and encourages hard work,” he added.

Inaugurating the facility, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr. Ekperikpe Ekpo, commended the Chairman of Diverse Autocare Center Limited, Mr. Greg Ogbeifun, for establishing the project in line with President Bola Tinubu’s vision for alternative energy and affordable transportation.

He described the centre as a practical demonstration of private sector confidence in natural gas as a cleaner, cheaper and more sustainable means of transportation.

Ekpo noted that the project aligns with the Federal Government’s “Decade of Gas” initiative aimed at transforming Nigeria into a gas-powered economy.

Earlier, the Chairman of Diverse Autocare Center Limited, Mr. Greg Ogbeifun, said the initiative was designed to create awareness about CNG adoption and provide employment opportunities for youths.

He also urged more investors to take advantage of the peaceful and business-friendly environment in Edo State.