By Ebenezer Adurokiya, Reporting
EDO State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has reaffirmed his administration’s strong support for Presco PLC, stating that the state remains one of Nigeria’s most attractive hubs for agricultural investment.
The Governor gave the assurance on Monday while receiving the management of Presco PLC, led by the Chairman, Mr Rasheed Sarumi, and the Managing Director, Mr Raji George, during a courtesy visit to Government House, Benin City.
The visit came as SIAT and its parent company announced a landmark $100 million Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into Presco’s operations—an investment Mr Sarumi described as historic and unprecedented in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Welcoming the delegation, Governor Okpebholo praised Presco’s longstanding contribution to Edo State’s agricultural development and dismissed recent controversies surrounding portions of land previously flagged for revocation.
“Presco has been here for a very long time. A few days ago, there was a misunderstanding which someone tried to politicise. There was nothing sinister about it. Certain areas were reviewed due to natural resource considerations,” he said.
The Governor stressed that his administration prefers open dialogue to speculation or misinformation.
“If I have an issue with you, I will call you. When communities raised concerns about compensation, I immediately contacted your Managing Director because I believe in addressing issues directly,” he added.
Highlighting his commitment to revitalising the agricultural sector, Governor Okpebholo noted that upon assuming office, he increased the agriculture budget from ₦5 billion to ₦70 billion, signalling an aggressive drive for food security and agro-industrial growth.
“Agricultural revolution is the way forward, and it aligns fully 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 safe,” he stated.
He condemned claims suggesting that Edo State is hostile to investors, describing such narratives as misleading and “satanic.”
“I am an investor myself; I cannot be the one driving investors away. That impression is completely false. You are here by the grace of God, and you will prosper here,” the Governor assured.
Earlier, Presco Chairman Mr Rasheed Sarumi commended the Governor for ensuring stability in governance, enhancing security, and creating a business-friendly environment that encouraged SIAT’s decision to commit $100 million. He noted that Nigeria attracted only about $250 million in FDI this year, making Presco’s investment a significant boost to the national economy.
Senior government officials present at the meeting included the Deputy Governor, Rt Hon Dennis Idahosa; Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilo, Esq.; Chief of Staff, Mallam Gani Audu; and the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Jerry Uwangue, among others.
Mr Sarumi expressed confidence that the fresh investment would strengthen Presco’s expansion drive and further consolidate Edo State’s status as the hub of Nigeria’s agro-industrial revolution.
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