The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) Edo State chapter has encouraged the state’s government, led by Governor Monday Okpebholo, to give priority to important areas of state governance.
At NIPR’s third monthly public lecture, which had as its theme “Governance and Prosperity in Edo State: Options and Challenges,” in Benin City, state chairman James-Wisdom Abhulimen made the call.
Among other important sectors, Abhulimen mentioned infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and agriculture in his welcome speech. In order to promote inclusive growth and raise the standard of living for all Edo residents, he further encouraged the governor to give economic diversification top priority.
He believed that setting sectoral priorities would improve the state’s socioeconomic standing and increase its gross domestic product (GDP). While congratulating the governor on his election victory and swearing-in, the NIPR pointed out that the people’s confidence and optimism were reflected in his victory in the September 21, 2024, gubernatorial election.
He reaffirmed NIPR’s dedication to advancing professional ethics, openness, and efficient governance while wishing the Governor insight, foresight, and resolute support for revolutionary leadership.
He proposed that the institute’s role in encouraging cooperation would improve the state’s socioeconomic development, highlighting the significance of sound governance as a tool for promoting prosperity.
He, however, called on all stakeholders in Edo project to collaborate with the state government in building a prosperous state where governance and prosperity are not just goals, but attainable realities.
Abhulimen noted that the importance of infrastructure development, particularly road networks, and youth empowerment are vital for sustaining economic growth and achieving long-term prosperity.
In his lecture, Felix Oriakhi, a Professor in the Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa State called for a transparent, ethical leadership that prioritises the public good over personal interests, with a focus on combating corruption and alleviating economic hardships.
In order to properly prepare kids for the future, Oriakhi also demanded that immediate improvements be made to school facilities, that qualified teachers be hired, and that technical education be given more attention.
In order to enhance public health services, the guest lecturer promoted the construction of easily accessible, first-rate healthcare facilities throughout communities. The political science professor also suggested making large investments in agriculture, including giving farmers financial assistance and building silos to guarantee food security.
The use of e-governance to minimize inefficiencies and stop income leakage, the adoption of creative ways to diversify the economy, and improve revenue sources, and utilizing the state’s tourism potential to spur economic growth and draw in investments are a few more.
