Edo Diaspora Leader Hails Gov. Okpebholo's SHINE Agenda Summit In London, Calls It Milestone For Investment And Development
A United Kingdom-based Edo businessman and Chief Executive Officer of Itohan Global Ltd, Comrade Nosa Jerry Avanrenren, has commended Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for the successful hosting of the SHINE Agenda Across Borders Summit in London, describing it as a landmark initiative that has strengthened the relationship between the state and its diaspora community.
In a statement issued after participating in the summit, Avanrenren said the event represented a defining moment in Edo State's engagement with its citizens abroad, noting that it provided a strategic platform for professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, development partners, and policymakers to deliberate on practical strategies for the state's economic transformation.
He praised Governor Okpebholo for his visionary leadership and commitment to positioning Edo State as a preferred destination for investment, innovation, and sustainable development.
According to him, the summit demonstrated that the present administration recognizes the importance of global collaboration in driving meaningful development and creating opportunities for the people of Edo State.
Avanrenren described the Governor's SHINE Agenda—anchored on Security, Health, Infrastructure, Natural Resources, and Education—as a comprehensive roadmap for the state's development. He said the Governor's presentation before members of the international community inspired confidence among Edo indigenes in the diaspora and renewed their willingness to contribute meaningfully to the development of their homeland.
He noted that one of the major outcomes of the summit was the renewed commitment by members of the Edo diaspora to invest in critical sectors of the state's economy, including healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, technology, infrastructure, youth empowerment, and skills development.
"The discussions reflected a collective determination to transform goodwill into practical investments that will create employment opportunities and improve the standard of living of our people," he said.
Avanrenren further stated that the summit strengthened relationships between Edo State and international investors while showcasing the vast economic opportunities available across the state.
"As an Edo-born businessman based in the United Kingdom and Chief Executive Officer of Itohan Global Ltd, I witnessed firsthand the enthusiasm and optimism generated by Governor Okpebholo's engagement with the diaspora community. There is now renewed confidence that Edo State is entering a new era of purposeful governance, accountability, and economic transformation," he stated.
While applauding the initiative, he urged the Edo State Government to sustain the momentum by establishing effective follow-up mechanisms to ensure that commitments made during the summit translate into tangible projects.
He recommended the creation of a dedicated diaspora investment framework, regular stakeholder engagements, and transparent progress reports to strengthen confidence and encourage greater participation from Edo professionals and investors around the world.
Avanrenren concluded that Governor Okpebholo had demonstrated courage, foresight, and statesmanship by taking the SHINE Agenda beyond Nigeria's borders, adding that the initiative had sent a strong message that every Edo son and daughter, irrespective of where they reside, has a role to play in building a prosperous and globally competitive Edo State.
He reaffirmed the commitment of responsible members of the Edo diaspora to support the Governor's vision through investments, expertise, professional networks, and partnerships aimed at advancing sustainable development across the state.
