Alaghodaro 2023 Summit: Dangote, Presco, Okomu, Nosak, Saro Africa, Others Lead Private Sector Participation

The Alaghodaro Summit 2023 in Edo State is set to bring together big-ticket investors and key players in the state’s economy, including the Dangote Group, Okomu Plc, Nosak Group, and Presco Plc. This economic summit has gained significance over the past seven years as one of Nigeria’s important platforms for discussing investment and economic development.

Some notable outcomes of previous summits include; the establishment of Edo State Oil Palm Programme (ESOPP) Project. The summit played a role in the launch of the N69 billion ESOPP Project, which aims to boost oil palm production in the state. Oil palm is a key agricultural commodity and plays a vital role in the state’s economy.

Other projects are a significant outcome of the Summits, include the establishment of two modular refineries in the state, which are currently involved in crude oil refining. This contributes to the development of the energy sector within Edo State.

The summit has been instrumental in the ongoing development of the Benin Port Project. A well-functioning port can have a substantial impact on trade and commerce in the region.

Further, the setting up of two ethanol plants in the state is also a noteworthy achievement. Ethanol production has various applications, including in the production of biofuels, and it can contribute to the state’s energy and economic diversification.

The theme for the 2023 edition of the Alaghodaro Summit is “The Edo Story: Creating Shared Opportunities into the Future.” This theme highlights the achievements of the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led government over the past seven years. It showcases how the state government has leveraged strategic partnerships across various sectors to build a strong socio-economic foundation that positively impacts the lives of Edo State residents.

This summit is an anchor to continue fostering collaboration between the private sector and the government for further economic growth and development in Edo State.

In a statement, the Chairperson, Local Organising Committee and Executive Secretary, Alaghodaro Economic Summit Limited/Gte, Eire Ifueko Alufohai, said this year’s summit promises to be exciting, as it will showcase a number of the transformative policies and programmes by the state government that has eased up the space for private investment and placed Edo State on the path of sustainable and accelerated growth and development.

He stated, “Over the past three years, we’ve successfully drawn numerous businesses to the state, concurrently enhancing its business-friendly environment, fostering expansion, and boosting productivity.”

According to her, “Governor Obaseki has been relentless in his pursuit to attract investments into Edo State, ensuring a conducive and business-friendly environment to boost business growth and stimulate economic growth and development.

“Businesses and several investors have benefitted immensely from these efforts by the State Government, benefitting from the reforms in education, investment promotion, infrastructure and energy that have been implemented over these seven years.

“Some of these people have thrown their full weight behind the 2023 Alaghodaro Summit, including key players in the local economy like Dangote Group, Presco Plc, Okomu Plc, Nosak Group, Saro Africa and a long list of others.

“These companies have confirmed their attendance at this year’s summit to share insights on how they have gained from the business-friendly policies and reforms by the Government with a strategic focus on expansion and sustainability of these investments for long-term economic prosperity and advancement.”

Alufohai noted that the 2023 Alaghodaro has been packed with several activities to make it exciting and memorable, with the desired goal of engendering sustainable development in Edo State for future generations.

Some of the activities include the Edo Women Conference scheduled for Wednesday, November 8, 2023, which will be followed by the Benin City Tour and Cocktail on Thursday, November 9, 2023.

She added, “On Friday, November 10, 2023, will be the main Alaghodaro Summit, Muslim Prayers, Award and Dinner, while the Governor’s Golf Tournament, Food Tour and Youth Concert will take place on Saturday, November 11, 2023. The event will end on Saturday, November 12, 2023, with the Thanksgiving Service.”