By Ozioruva Aliu

BENIN CITY — Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has pledged to revive all moribund industries owned by the state government as part of efforts to boost economic growth and reposition the state as a hub for trade and investment.

Okpebholo made the commitment at the pre-launch dinner of the 2026 Trade Fair organized by the Benin Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BENCCIMA).

Represented by the Commissioner for Business, Trade and Investment, Omoh Anabor, the governor said the initiative to resuscitate dormant state-owned enterprises was already underway.

“This gathering is not just ceremonial; it is strategic. It reflects our shared vision to position Edo State as a hub for trade, innovation, and sustainable growth,” he said.

He also assured stakeholders of the administration’s commitment to delivering a world-class trade fair in 2026, promising it would be the best ever organized in the state.

In his welcome address, BENCCIMA President, Engr. Omoregie Eki, emphasized the need for strong collaboration between the public and private sectors to drive economic prosperity in Edo State.

“The economic prosperity of Edo State will not be built by the government alone, nor by the private sector alone. It will be built through deliberate, strategic, and sustained partnership,” Eki stated.

He urged the government to provide an enabling environment for businesses through policy stability, improved infrastructure, enhanced security, and ease of doing business.

Eki disclosed that the 2026 trade fair is scheduled to hold between November and December, describing it as a key driver of economic growth for the state.

Also speaking, the Director of Trade and Second Deputy Vice President of BENCCIMA, Dr. Jonathan Oboite, revealed plans to construct a modern trade fair complex that would host round-the-clock social and commercial activities.

According to him, the initiative aims to transform Benin City into a vibrant economic hub and dispel the perception that the city shuts down early at night.

Oboite added that the trade fair would create market access for farmers, reducing post-harvest losses and ensuring their produce reaches wider markets.

“Tonight is more than just a gathering; it marks the beginning of a shared vision — one where the hard work of our farmers, artisans, and producers extends beyond local markets to gain global recognition,” he said.

He noted that despite the abundance of resources and talent across communities, many local producers remain underrepresented in international trade, adding that the trade fair seeks to bridge that gap by connecting local potential with global opportunities.