Governor Monday Okpebholo has called on Edo indigenes living abroad to return home as investors, professionals and development partners, declaring that his administration is creating a safer, more prosperous and investment-friendly environment for business and economic growth.
The governor made the appeal on Friday night during a diaspora engagement in London tagged “Shine Beyond Borders,” where he urged Edo people overseas to move beyond remittances and become active contributors to the state’s transformation.
Addressing the gathering, Okpebholo described the meeting as a family conversation rather than a formal government event, acknowledging the enduring emotional connection many Edo indigenes abroad still maintain with their ancestral home.
He particularly appealed to those who have never visited Edo State to reconnect with their roots.
“Some of you left Edo as children. Some of you have never even seen Edo, but you grew up hearing the names of your communities from your parents. That is true love that has survived oceans,” the governor said.
“To those of you here who have never seen your ancestral home, I invite you to come back—not as visitors, but as owners.”
The governor said his administration is strengthening institutional engagement with Edo communities across Europe, North America and other parts of the world through the establishment of a Diaspora Agency and the appointment of a Special Adviser on Diaspora Affairs, with more appointments expected.
According to him, the state is seeking strategic partnerships that will encourage Edo professionals abroad to contribute their expertise in healthcare, education, technology, agriculture, manufacturing and entrepreneurship while creating opportunities for younger generations.
Reiterating his administration’s development philosophy, Okpebholo declared that “A New Edo Has Risen,” describing it as the driving force behind his SHINE Agenda, which focuses on security, healthcare, infrastructure, natural resources and agriculture, and education.
He highlighted the Ramat Park Flyover in Benin City as a landmark achievement and the state’s first flyover, saying it reflects the government’s commitment to modern infrastructure and has boosted public confidence in the administration.
The governor also listed ongoing strategic road projects, including the reconstruction of the Ekpoma-Auchi section of the Benin-Okene Highway with concrete pavement and the extension of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway through Edo State after the state was initially omitted from the original alignment.
He said the projects would improve connectivity, stimulate economic activities, reduce travel time and attract private investment.
Okpebholo attributed the state’s growing capacity to execute capital projects to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy.
“The era of governors queuing up for bailouts in Abuja before they could pay workers’ salaries is over. Today, states have more money not only for salaries but enough to undertake infrastructural development as can be witnessed in Edo State in recent times,” he stated.
On security, the governor said his administration has taken decisive steps to combat kidnapping, cultism, armed robbery and other violent crimes through the establishment of an Army Forward Operating Base, the creation of MOPOL 82 Squadron, recruitment of 500 Forest Guards and the recent federal approval for a new Army Division in Edo State.
He maintained that improved security remains fundamental to attracting both local and foreign investments.
The governor further urged Edo indigenes abroad to become ambassadors of the state by projecting its strengths and opportunities instead of dwelling on negative narratives.
“Avoid always speaking negative about the land of your forefathers because there is no place like home,” he advised.
He also appealed to the diaspora community to assess his administration based on visible performance rather than misinformation on social media.
“Judge our administration by our performance and not from online mischiefs and propaganda,” he said.
While acknowledging that governance is a continuous process, Okpebholo said his administration remains committed to delivering sustainable development through collaboration with citizens, the private sector and the diaspora.
He encouraged Edo professionals and investors overseas to support the state’s development with their capital, expertise, technology and international networks, assuring them that government institutions are being strengthened to provide structured channels for investment and engagement.
The interactive session also enabled members of the Edo diaspora to engage directly with the governor, raise concerns and explore areas of collaboration aimed at accelerating the state’s economic and social development.
The London engagement, according to the governor, forms part of the Edo State Government’s broader strategy to deepen ties with Edo communities abroad and harness their knowledge, investments and global exposure in driving sustainable growth.
Concluding his address, Okpebholo urged Edo people across the world to unite in rebuilding their homeland.
“Edo State belongs to all of us, and there is no better place than home. We were not raised to destroy our home; we were raised to build it,” he said.
