Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has expressed readiness to partner with Edo indigenes in the diaspora to engender social economic growth, especially in empowering women and girls in the state.
Obaseki disclosed this when he hosted Ms. Blessing Itua, a United States of America-based Edo indigene and Gender and Development Advocate/Founder, Blessing of Africa Empowerment, who was on a courtesy visit to the governor, at the Government House, Benin City.
Governor Obaseki said the state government is ready to partner with the diaspora community, in empowering women to open up the space for women participation in efforts to transform the state into an economic hub.
Obaseki said, “the state government will take advantage of the human resources in the diaspora community to promote socio-economic growth and development, and to make life better for Edo people.
He said the state is not only blessed with natural resources but with human resources, noting, “This administration is designing a development roadmap that will enable the state partner investors, including the indigenes of the state who are in the diaspora, in specific areas of need, especially women empowerment.”
Obaseki said, “As a state, our destiny is in our hands and we will ensure that we utilise the opportunity to create wealth and prosperity for the people. The roadmap for development being designed will enable the state partner with the diaspora community. This will enable the indigenes of the state who are based abroad to come and undertake projects. We are creating the right environment for things to work as we also plan to generate correct information and data for effective planning.”
The governor commended Ms Itua, a recipient of the President Barack Obama Award of Service, for her determination in undertaking projects that have positively impacted lives.
Ms. Blessing Itua, earlier, said she was in the state to support the laudable achievements of the governor and seek areas of collaboration with the state government on women empowerment, human trafficking, training, medical tourism and aviation.
