Edo's Mineral-Rich Okpella: Monarch Michael Sado Extends Investment Invitation

The Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, His Royal Highness Michael Sado, on Sunday issued a call to investors, urging them to leverage the abundant mineral resources, tranquil environment, and burgeoning infrastructure present in the community for establishing new enterprises. Okpella, situated in Edo North, is renowned for its substantial solid mineral deposits, particularly limestone, which has earned it the moniker “Home of Cement.” The area also boasts significant reserves of other minerals, including gold, granite, marble, clay, feldspar, and talc.

During the celebration of his first coronation anniversary and the inaugural Okpella Day event, held within the community, the monarch declared Okpella’s readiness for progress and its trajectory towards enhanced prosperity. The vibrant ceremony drew traditional rulers from across Edo State, government officials, corporate sector leaders, community stakeholders, and indigenes of Okpella.

Reflecting on his initial year on the throne, the Okuokpellagbe noted that the evident transformation throughout the community underscored Okpella’s embrace of a new era of development. He affirmed that his administration had fulfilled key commitments made during his coronation, executing strategic initiatives aimed at bolstering infrastructure, security, justice administration, education, economic empowerment, and the general welfare of the populace.

"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 stated, adding that “The projects embarked on were designed to create an enabling environment for sustainable development and attract more investments into the community.”

Among the completed projects inaugurated were a 1.5-kilometre MCC concrete road, the Police Area Command headquarters, the Okpella Vigilante Office, and Okpella Finance Limited. Furthermore, construction is actively ongoing for internal roads in Iddo, concrete roads in Imiegiele and Awuyemi, as well as a Chief Magistrate’s Court and an Area Customary Court.

The royal father also detailed efforts to enhance security, including the acquisition of surveillance drones, training for drone pilots, increased financial support for local vigilante personnel, and enhanced cooperation with security agencies. He commended the major cement companies operating in Okpella for their contributions to educational scholarships and job creation, while also appealing for greater consideration of indigenous residents for management roles within these companies.

Additionally, discussions with prominent investors and the Benin Electricity Distribution Company have led to arrangements for providing free electricity to domestic consumers in the community, an initiative the monarch described as a significant stride in improving residents’ quality of life. He also announced the establishment of the Okpella Royal Palace Foundation, alongside various empowerment programmes specifically designed for women.

The anniversary festivities featured captivating cultural displays and homage paid to the monarch by diverse groups, as dignitaries joined him in formally commissioning the recently completed projects. The Okuokpellagbe concluded by reaffirming his dedication to transforming Okpella into a model community, characterized by peace, progress, and robust investment.