At the recently concluded Edo State Investment Forum, organised by Foreign Investment Network in Dubai, a major turning point was set in motion, with plans to attract investors to the state.
Organisers of the forum disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, adding that the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Ewuare II, the 42nd Oba of Benin, also affirmed the royal institution’s commitment to sustainable food security and economic advancement, especially in Edo State.
The Oba of Benin was also honoured with the FIN Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his unwavering dedication to cultural preservation, national unity, peacebuilding, and economic diplomacy.
“It is important to note that the Oba of Benin has, over the years, championed inclusive development, supported youth empowerment, and consistently used his revered voice to attract investments to Edo State and beyond,” the statement stated.
During the investment forum facilitated by Mr Ahabue Borha, an expert in foreign direct investment and a member of Oba Ewuare II’s international investment delegation, top-tier global investors pledged strong support to partner with relevant bodies and invest in Edo State and Nigeria.
The initiative equally has the backing of the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, whose administration has prioritised agricultural transformation.
The Managing Director of the Edo State Investment Promotion Office, Amen Odigie, who represented Okpebholo, accepted the Distinguished FIN Emerging Governor Of The Year Award on behalf of his boss.
Okpebholo was recognised for his performance within 100 days in office, particularly in revitalising the state’s investment climate, initiating key infrastructural projects, and driving food security initiatives like the poultry megaproject.
The award serves as both a celebration of his early success and an encouragement for him to continue delivering impactful governance.
Among the international investors who took part in the meeting, according to the statement, were Jayesh Chandra Gupta, founder of Peptomist, and Anirudh Pathak, Co-founder of AnimStok.com, who are anchoring a groundbreaking poultry megaproject in the state.
In collaboration with leading engineering consultant Coruscate Engineering & Consulting, and under the technical leadership of the Managing Director, Jad Abinader, the initiative will implement unified systems solutions to seamlessly integrate infrastructure, technology, and operational processes.
The proposed project, titled “Edo Feeds the Nation”, is spearheaded by AnimStok and advised by Peptomist, aiming to build the world’s largest digitally integrated, low-cost poultry ecosystem.
The statement stated that the ambitious five-year master plan will reduce chicken prices by up to 40 per cent, create over 3,000 jobs annually, totaling 15,000 jobs in five years, and position Edo as Nigeria’s poultry leader with strong export potential to neighboring West African countries.
Key components of the project include a 1000-hectare poultry mega zone, on-site feed mills, hatcheries, and processing plants, and a full cold-chain distribution network.
Others include the use of global best breeds like Cobb 500 and Isa Brown, and export-focused free-range clusters and branded “Benin Gold” chicken for regional markets.
