By Benjamin OMOIKE I Tuesday, Nov. 04, 2025
BENIN CITY, NIGERIA — The newly-appointed Edo State Commissioner for Business, Trade and Investment, Honourable Omoh Anabor, has challenged the ministry’s management to embrace innovation and creative thinking as the state seeks to reposition itself as a prime destination for enterprise and investment.
Speaking at his inaugural meeting with management staff in Benin City, Commissioner Anabor, who brings extensive global private sector experience to the role, pledged to leverage his background to enhance efficiency and eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks.
He stressed that the move is crucial to delivering Governor Monday Okpebholo’s economic mandate, encapsulated in the state’s “SHINE Agenda.”
“We must eliminate bottlenecks, work smarter and faster,” Anabor stated, urging the staff to align their focus with the Governor’s vision. “We must be visible, we must do better.”
Anabor outlined a clear strategic focus for the ministry, highlighting its core mandate to create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive in Edo. This includes providing critical support and training for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and collaborating across government agencies to actively attract both local and foreign direct investment.
The Commissioner announced plans for regular performance-driven meetings aimed at identifying gaps and fostering greater accountability within the ministry to improve service delivery.
He further underscored the importance of youth empowerment through entrepreneurship, noting the dual benefit of stimulating the economy while curbing social vices, such as internet fraud, by offering productive engagement.
”This ministry is the business hub of government, and we must play our part in empowering our youths to become innovative entrepreneurs,” Anabor emphasised. “There are smarter ways of doing business, and we must embrace them to position Edo State as a leading destination for investment and enterprise.”
The meeting was attended by the Permanent Secretary, Barr. (Mrs.) F. N. Edokpolor, and other key management personnel, signalling a clear directive from the top for a strategic shift in the state’s approach to economic governance.
