Edo State Government has threatened to revoke the sale of Edo Cement factory, Okpella to private investors by past administrations if the factory does not bounce back to production in the next two weeks. The Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole gave the indication when the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, His Royal Majesty, Alhaji (Dr.) A.Y.E Dirisu and a team of eminent Okpella indigenes paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House in Benin City.

“The Edo Cement factory has become an embarrassment. I will direct the Attorney-General of the state to look at the terms of the contract and if they cannot operate it or give convincing explanation as to when they will start production we will revoke the sale of the cement factory and Edo state will take it over”, he noted. The governor maintained that: “We will find the resources to re-capitaliee it and put it back to production. We have had enough of explanations. It is irresponsible for people who do not have the knowhow to take over businesses and shut them down. That is part of the things compounding the problem of unemployment in Nigeria”.

While assuring the traditional ruler that Edo state government will make a difference under his reign in the socio-economic life of the people, Comrade Oshiomhole observed that traditional rulers should take steps to canvass for good governance in the state. According to him, the traditional rulers are abreast with the problems confronting their people therefore they should be concerned about those who are elected into political offices.

The governor promised that two schools will be completely rebuilt in Okpella, as well as the provision of water, health centres and roads.

“We need vigilante to complement the efforts of the police. We will support them with vehicles and they will be on monthly stipends to fuel and maintain the vehicles,” he said, adding that, the construction of roads will also be embarked upon but it will be in the next budget. The Okuokpellagbe of Okpella Kingdom, Alhaji A.Y.E Dirisu commended the courage of the governor which has enabled him to continue to govern the state effectively in spite of the irreparable loss of his wife, the first lady.

“True to type and prediction, I am delighted to assert without contradiction that just as facts speak for themselves, you have by your various developmental projects in various parts of the state in past two years, sent signals of your desire to positively transform the state in its entire ramification,” he noted.

He said this range from construction of roads, resuscitation of decayed and dilapidated infrastructure in schools and hospitals, provision of safe drinking water, reversal of unemployment situation in the state, adding that “I therefore make bold to state unequivocally that, these are commendable landmark achievements worthy of attention.