The Oredo Federal Constituency House of Representatives candidate in Edo State, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, has said Governor Monday Okpebholo’s recent working visit to the United Kingdom will strengthen diaspora remittances and attract greater support for community development across the state.
Iyamu, a former commissioner in Edo State, made the remarks on Tuesday during an interview with journalists in Benin City.
He said the governor’s engagement with Edo indigenes and business leaders in the United Kingdom had renewed confidence among members of the diaspora and strengthened their connection with the state.
According to him, closer ties with Edo people abroad would translate into increased financial inflows, investments and support for development projects in their communities.
“The visit will improve diaspora remittance and support because stronger ties with Edo people abroad mean more support for community projects and increased inflows back home,” Iyamu said.
“The governor’s engagement was aimed at expanding opportunities for economic growth.”
Iyamu said Governor Okpebholo also used the visit to showcase the achievements of his administration under the SHINE Agenda, highlighting progress in security, healthcare, infrastructure and education.
He added that the governor presented Edo State as an emerging destination for both local and foreign investment.
The House of Representatives hopeful said Okpebholo assured Edo indigenes in the diaspora of his administration’s readiness to support genuine investors, including providing land to sons and daughters of the state with viable plans to establish industries.
Iyamu further disclosed that the governor outlined plans to deepen investment in agriculture and technology, including the proposed establishment of a Cisco Academy to equip young people with globally competitive digital skills.
He maintained that improvements in the state’s security architecture would encourage more members of the diaspora to return home and invest.
According to him, the Okpebholo administration is repositioning Edo as a safe and business-friendly state capable of attracting investors from within and outside Nigeria.
Iyamu also commended the governor for engaging directly with participants during the London meeting despite the excitement that surrounded the event.
He said the gesture demonstrated a leadership style built on openness, accessibility and direct engagement with the people.
The former commissioner expressed confidence that the benefits of the governor’s international engagements would translate into sustainable economic opportunities for Edo residents.
He insisted that the visits were designed to attract investment, create jobs and improve the overall well-being of the people of the state.