The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said his government will sustain efforts at providing infrastructure, security and other incentives to boost business growth and the inflow of investments into the state.

Obaseki gave the assurance while commissioning Oti Hotel, owned by a former governor of the state, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, at Sapele Road in Benin City.

He said, “This facility alone will create over 100 direct jobs and that of indirect jobs will even be higher. I urge more people to invest in Edo State. As a government, we will do our best to provide the support to reduce the risk entrepreneurs take in the state. We will continue to provide the infrastructure, electricity and security to enable investors to succeed.

“There is enough traffic now in the state following our developmental strides and the enabling environment created for businesses to thrive in Edo State. We are strategically located and a link to other parts of the country and this is a unique advantage for us and we are utilizing it effectively to grow and develop our economy.

“Hospitality is a vital business in the state as we ensure comfortable, decent and world-class facilities to make people come to the state. We are creating a business-friendly environment to woo investors into the state. This facility has all its approval sorted out and we didn't spare him as former governor of the state but rather he passed through the normal process of our building policy to erect the structure.”

Commending the former governor for raising the bar in the hospitality sector in the country, Obaseki noted, “This holiday season alone, about four hotels with capacity of above 60 rooms will be opened in Benin City and Chief Igbinedion is setting the pace. We see a turning point for businesses in Edo State and by extension in Nigeria.

“As a government, it's our responsibility to make our people rich. There is nothing wrong with being rich as we must have a shift in our thinking. The wealthier the people, the more developed the cities. As a government our goal is to make our people rich.”

On his part, Chief Lucky Igbinedion who commended Obaseki for his developmental strides in the state, applauded him for his government’s ease of doing reforms.