IDAHOSA LINKS EDO SECURITY GAINS TO ECONOMIC ACTIVITY

Edo State Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, has said the state government’s security measures have helped create a safer environment for investment and agricultural activities.

Idahosa made the statement on Monday when a delegation from the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta, led by its Programme Director, Effiong Essien, paid him a courtesy visit in Benin City.

According to the deputy governor, the administration’s security policies, programmes and legislative reforms had contributed to efforts to reduce crime and strengthen the justice system.

He said security was important to economic development because investors and farmers needed confidence in the safety of their businesses, communities and farmlands.

Idahosa also linked the government’s security efforts to its agricultural plans, saying safer farming communities would allow farmers to increase production and support the state’s food-sufficiency goals.

He said the administration’s SHINE Agenda places security among its key priorities and cited its efforts against kidnapping, cultism and other forms of criminality.

Earlier, Essien said PIND remained committed to promoting peace and economic development in the Niger Delta through partnerships involving governments, communities, businesses and development organisations.

He called for collaboration with the Edo State Government on safe farm corridors, agricultural value chains, youth skills development and early-warning systems to help prevent conflicts across the state’s 18 local government areas.