By DADA AYOKHAI
Benin City — The Edo State Government has signed an agreement with a Chinese firm for the establishment of a 10 million metric tonnes cement plant in the Owan axis of the state.
Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kasim Afegbua, disclosed this to journalists at a press briefing in Benin City.
“By the middle of next month, the first step towards realising the dream of producing 10 million metric tonnes of cement will commence,” Afegbua said. “We are hopeful that when completed, and even at take-off, the project will generate employment and help tackle social vices.”
The Commissioner also said the state has boosted its internally generated revenue to between ₦9.5 billion and ₦10 billion monthly. “The state IGR is hovering around ₦9.5 to ₦10 billion every month. Everything that needs to be done has been done. We have a very proactive IGR system which is monitoring revenue issues digitally,” he said.
Afegbua commended Edo civil servants for their continued support in ensuring the success of the SHINE agenda of the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration.
He noted that the administration has promoted civil servants who had been stagnated in one position for 7 to 8 years, and has also carried out fresh recruitment to replace retired personnel. “This administration has engaged about 3,000 people into the service across different MDAs, and 5,000 teachers have also been employed,” he said.
On infrastructure, the Commissioner said government has renovated, remodelled, and completed 83 schools across the state. He added that about 85 Primary Healthcare Centres have been completed and equipped with drugs.
He assured Edo people that every project commenced by the administration will be completed in record time, and appealed for prayers and support to enable government deliver the dividends of democracy.
Owan to Host 10m Tonnes Cement Plant, Edo Signs Chinese Deal
