Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has said his administration is creating an environmentally friendly ecosystem that will support manufacturing, job creation, and sustainable economic growth across the state.
Governor Okpebholo made the statement in Ologbo, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, during the groundbreaking ceremony for the establishment of a 100MW Power Generating Plant and a 300 Metric Tons Per Day LNG Facility at the Taihu Industrial Park.
The governor described the project as another milestone in the state’s drive toward industrial growth, energy security, and economic transformation, noting that it would open new opportunities for investment and prosperity for the people of Edo State.
He stated that his administration is focused on implementing policies that attract investors and promote sustainable development.
“We are happy that this great investment is happening in our time. Our administration does not sign fake Memoranda of Understanding; we follow the law to develop Edo State,” he said.
Okpebholo explained that the state government moved quickly to support the project when it was first proposed, including providing land for the development.
“When we were approached on this power plant project, we did not waste time in partnering with the company and offering land for the project. What matters to us is the investment and the development it brings to Edo people.”
The governor also aligned the project with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that reliable electricity remains the backbone of industrialisation.
“Power is the backbone of industrialisation. With this power plant, we are creating an environmentally friendly ecosystem for manufacturing, job creation, and sustainable economic growth in Edo State.”
He urged the host community to support and protect the project to ensure long-term development and economic benefits.
“I encourage the host community to continue to demonstrate the hospitality Edo people are known for. Support this project, maintain peace, and protect this investment for the benefit of our people.”
In his welcome address, the Chairman of Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Hon. Eric Osawaru, described the groundbreaking as a major milestone for the council, Edo State, and Nigeria’s energy sector.
According to him, the project demonstrates what can be achieved when visionary leadership, private sector investment, and community partnership come together for development.
“For the people of Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, this project represents jobs, skills development, infrastructure growth, and community empowerment,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the host community, Deacon Osazuwa commended Governor Okpebholo for creating a conducive environment that has boosted investor confidence in Edo State.
“We thank you for choosing Ologbo for this investment. Your name will remain on our lips because this project will boost economic activities in our local government area,” he said.
Also speaking, Edo State Commissioner for Power, Paul Usebor, said the project marks another bold step toward transforming the state into a hub for reliable power generation, industrial growth, and sustainable economic development.
He noted that the 100MW power plant would significantly strengthen electricity supply within Edo State and surrounding areas, while the 300 metric tons per day LNG facility would enhance cleaner energy production, improve gas utilisation, and increase energy security.
A representative of Taihu Industrial Park, Jiang Fan, explained that the temporary shutdown of the Ossiomo power plant was necessary to facilitate upgrades and assured that the new power generation facility would deliver reliable electricity to industries and communities when completed within six months.
Phase one of the Taihu Benin Industrial Park project will occupy about 29 hectares of land in Ologbo, and is being developed by CCETC, which is also the major contractor.
Upon completion, the project is expected to provide stable and reliable energy supply to support regional industrial development.