The Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO) recently hosted a meeting with representatives from Reading Bakery Systems and Technopark Group, two companies keen on investing in Edo State’s agricultural sector.
Held at ESIPO’s office in Benin City, the state capital, the meeting was a follow-up to discussions initiated at the Nigeria Agrofood and Plastprintpack conference in Lagos.
Reading Bakery Systems, a producer of bakery equipment for the snack food industry, and Technopark Group, a packaging machine and equipment company, were introduced to ESIPO by Hon. Austin Atakpu, the president of the Benin Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BENCCIMA).
The delegation, including Ahmed Kamel, manager of Technopark Group, and Rustice Shirima, product manager of Reading Bakery Systems, met with Mr. Kelvin Uwaibi, Managing Director of ESIPO, and his team to discuss the companies’ investment plans in Edo State’s agricultural sector.
Hon. Atakpu highlighted the success of Edo State’s team in attracting these investors following the Agro Food Conference facilitated by GIZ in Lagos. He mentioned that the companies have been allocated land in Ikpoba Okha and received security assurances from the local community. Their plans include cultivating crops such as cassava, coco yam, sweet potatoes, and maize, with an aim to venture into processing as well.
Mr. Uwaibi welcomed the delegation and expressed gratitude to GIZ for supporting the Edo State team at the conference. He assured the investors of the Edo State government’s commitment to supporting their ventures.
“I must express gratitude to GIZ for the support of our team from Edo to participate in the agrofood conference. And as a government, we are happy for such positive results that we are seeing just a few weeks after the conference. Let me assure you that we are ready to support you to operate and expand in Edo,” Uwaibi said.
He also discussed the incentives available at both state and federal levels to facilitate their endeavors, emphasizing that Edo State is open for business and fortunate to have a governor with the political will to ensure a seamless experience for investors. “We are happy to handhold you and ensure you prosper,” he added.
Hon. Austin Atakpu underscored the significance of the visit and the commitment to advancing the project.
This visit marks a crucial step towards fostering economic growth and agricultural development in Edo State through strategic partnerships and investments.
