By ebosele@hotmail.com
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has reaffirmed the State Government’s unwavering support for Presco Plc, describing Edo as a preferred destination for agricultural investment and a thriving hub for agro-industrial growth.
The Governor made the commitment on Monday while receiving the management team of Presco Plc, led by Chairman Mr. Rasheed Sarumi and Managing Director Mr. Raji George, during a courtesy visit to Government House, Benin City.
The visit coincided with the announcement of a landmark $100 million Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) by SIAT and its parent company into Presco’s operations—an investment Mr. Sarumi described as unprecedented in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Governor Okpebholo praised Presco’s longstanding contributions to Edo State’s agricultural development and dismissed recent controversies over a purported land revocation as politically motivated and misinterpreted.
“Presco to me has been here for a very long time. Just a few days ago, there was a misunderstanding which I believe someone tried to politicise. There was nothing in it. There were reasons tied to natural resources why certain areas were reviewed,” he clarified.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the Governor stressed that his administration prioritises transparency and engagement.
“If I have anything against you, I will call you. Last time I received complaints from communities on compensation, I called your MD immediately because I believe in addressing issues directly,” he noted.
Highlighting his commitment to agricultural transformation, Okpebholo revealed that upon assuming office, he raised the agriculture budget allocation from ₦5 billion to ₦70 billion—a strategic push to enhance food security and advance Edo’s agro-industrial capacity.
“Agricultural revolution is the best way to go, and it aligns perfectly with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. For food security, we must grow what we eat and export what we grow. Edo has fertile land, and your investment here is not a waste,” the Governor said.
He condemned narratives suggesting Edo is hostile to investors, describing such claims as “misleading” and “satanic.”
“I am an investor myself. I cannot be the one sending investors away. That impression is completely wrong. You are here by the grace of God, and you will prosper here,” he assured.
In his remarks, Presco Chairman Mr. Rasheed Sarumi commended Governor Okpebholo for fostering stability, strengthening security, and providing the conducive environment that encouraged SIAT’s $100 million investment. He noted that Nigeria recorded only $250 million in FDI this year, making Presco’s share a significant contribution to the national economy.
The delegation was received by top government officials including Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa; Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilo, Esq.; Chief of Staff, Mallam Gani Audu; and Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Jerry Uwangue.
Sarumi expressed optimism that the fresh investment will accelerate Presco’s expansion and further position Edo State as the nucleus of Nigeria’s agro-industrial revolution.
