Economic Expert, Nevin, Singled Edo Out To Lead Key Sectors In Tech Industry
…As Nehikhare says Edo has a good story to tell
By Simeon OSAJIE
As economic analysts across the globe review trends in the past year and make sound projections for the new year, 2023, the Chief Economic Adviser, PwC Nigeria, Andrew Nevin, has singled out Edo State to lead in key sectors such as agriculture, tourism and in the flourishing technology industry.
Nevin’s positive projection for Edo State, a sub national, is coming at a time the global economy is grabbling with the attendant economic challenges of the post-Covid era, the consequential inflationary trend and socio-economic dislocations trailing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a weak local currency (naira) among other national challenges.
The PwC Chief Economic Adviser said: “Edo State is a good example. Let me give you an example of the economic policies Governor Obaseki has in place. One of them is the development of agriculture and agro value chains and being able to attract investment, especially in palm oil.”
According to Nevin, “The second is the cultural industry. A new museum is opening up in Benin City and is focused on the Benin bronzes. There is an incredible story to tell about the Benin Empire.
“The third one is about upskilling young Nigerians to be able to assert themselves in the global value chain as developers. The governor is training thousands of developers in the state.
“The point I am trying to make is that the state has an economic strategy and it is being executed excellently. Every state has attributes which it can draw on to drive growth.”
Reacting to the expert validation of Governor Godwin Obaseki’s developmental policies, Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Osa Nehikhare, said: “We have always believed that we have a good story to tell and Mr Nevis’s position synchronizes with our conviction.
“The PwC Economic Adviser is not a politician. He is not a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and he is not biased in any way. We are confident about the impact Governor Obaseki is making across all sectors of the State.
“The interesting thing about his projection is that it was based on key economic policies in the agricultural sector, the tech industry and the tourism sector. We are excited about the high rating and we are humbled by the verdict because most of us didn’t know that very serious private sector organizations like the PwC and others are watching the steps we are taking to rebuild the Edo of our dreams.” he said
