File photo: Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo.

The Oredo Federal House of Representatives candidate in Edo State, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, on Tuesday, in Benin, said Governor Monday Okpebholo’s recent working visits to the United Kingdom will strengthen diaspora remittances and attract greater support for community development across Edo State.

Iyamu, a former commissioner in the state, in an interview with journalists, said the engagement with Edo indigenes and business leaders in the United Kingdom had reinforced confidence among members of the diaspora, adding that stronger ties with Edo people abroad would translate into increased financial inflows, investments and support for development projects in the state.

He said, “The visit will improve diaspora remittance and support because stronger ties with Edo people abroad mean more support for community projects and increased inflows back home.

“The governor’s engagement was aimed at expanding opportunities for economic growth.”

According to him, the governor also used the visit to showcase his administration’s achievements under the SHINE Agenda, highlighting progress in security, healthcare, infrastructure and education, while presenting Edo as an emerging destination for local and foreign investment.

The House of Representatives hopeful said Okpebholo assured Edo indigenes in the diaspora of his administration’s readiness to support genuine investors, including offering land to Edo sons and daughters with viable plans to establish industries in the state.

He added that the governor also outlined plans to deepen investments in agriculture and technology, including the proposed establishment of a Cisco Academy to equip youths with globally competitive digital skills.

He further noted that the improved security architecture in Edo would encourage more members of the diaspora to return home to invest, saying the state was being repositioned as a safe and business-friendly destination capable of attracting both local and foreign investors.

Iyamu also commended the governor for interacting directly with participants during the London engagement despite the excitement that greeted the event, saying the gesture reflected a leadership style that prioritises openness and engagement with the people.

He expressed confidence that the gains from the visit would translate into sustainable economic opportunities for Edo residents, insisting that the governor’s international engagements were designed to attract investments, create jobs and improve the overall well-being of the people.