The Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, His Royal Majesty Michael E.O. Sado, has declared that the Edo North community is ready for accelerated economic growth, inviting local and foreign investors to take advantage of its peaceful environment, expanding infrastructure and improving security to establish businesses.
The monarch made the call during the celebration of his first coronation anniversary and the maiden edition of Okpella Day, where he highlighted achievements recorded within one year of his reign and unveiled a development agenda aimed at positioning the community as a major investment destination.
The event, held in Okpella, attracted traditional rulers from across Edo State, government officials, corporate executives, community leaders and sons and daughters of the kingdom.
Reflecting on his first year on the throne, the royal father said the pace of development across the community demonstrates that Okpella has entered a new phase of progress.
“As I look back at what we have done in a space of one year, I can boldly say that Okpella is on the way to a greater future. The takeaway from this occasion is a message of hope. Okpella is investor friendly. Come and invest in Okpella, a land flowing with milk and honey,” he said.
The Okuokpellagbe said his administration had fulfilled the major commitments made during his coronation by implementing strategic projects designed to improve infrastructure, strengthen security, enhance access to justice, promote education, stimulate economic activities and improve residents’ welfare.
According to him, the projects were deliberately conceived to create an enabling environment for sustainable development and attract more private investment into the community.
Among the completed projects commissioned during the anniversary were the 1.5-kilometre MCC concrete road, the Police Area Command headquarters, the Okpella Vigilante Office and Okpella Finance Limited.
He disclosed that construction is also progressing on the Iddo internal roads, the Imiegiele and Awuyemi concrete roads, as well as a Chief Magistrate’s Court and an Area Customary Court.
The traditional ruler said his administration has equally prioritised security by procuring surveillance drones, training drone pilots, improving funding for local vigilante personnel and strengthening collaboration with conventional security agencies.
He commended the major cement manufacturing companies operating in Okpella for supporting educational scholarship schemes and creating employment opportunities for residents, while urging them to consider more qualified indigenes for management positions.
The monarch also revealed that discussions with major investors and the Benin Electricity Distribution Company had yielded arrangements for free electricity supply to domestic consumers in the community.
He described the initiative as another milestone in efforts to improve the quality of life of residents and support local economic activities.
As part of programmes to promote social development, the royal father announced the establishment of the Okpella Royal Palace Foundation and the rollout of empowerment initiatives targeted at women.
The celebration featured colourful cultural performances, homage by various groups to the monarch and the commissioning of completed projects by dignitaries.
Reaffirming his vision for the kingdom, the Okuokpellagbe pledged to continue pursuing policies that would make Okpella a model community anchored on peace, inclusive development and sustainable investment.
