THE Okuokphellagbe of Okpella Kingdom, Alhaji Yusuf Dirisu, has stated that Africa’s richest investor, Aliko Dangote’s decision to establish a cement factory in Okpella, Edo State, will create employment opportunities and bring infrastructural development to the people of the kingdom and its environs.
The traditional ruler added that the entire community had been looking forward to such an investment for a very long time, maintaining that the company’s plan to invest in the community was expected to spur economic and industrial development in the state.
The youth of the community have similarly pledged their 100 per cent support to Dangote, saying that they could hardly wait for the company to begin operations.
The monarch, according to a statement on Sunday, said during a forum to restate the community’s support to Dangote’s planned investment, “I want to say that the purpose of this gathering today is to create an opportunity for the world to see the Okpella community reacting and appreciating the good news from the Dangote Group stating their interest to establish a cement factory in Okpella. We want to say that the news reached us with joy and this is why we are here today to say to him that that decision he has taken is highly appreciated.
“We want to tell the world that the Dangote Group is very much welcome to Okpella community to do business and to say that every support that he will be needing from time to time, he will be getting it at all times. Here present today are the traditional councils of Okpella. We also brought in the youth so that they can have their own say.”
The Secretary, Okpella Traditional Council, Mr. Richards David, was quoted as saying in a statement by the firm that Dangote’s decision to invest in the community would be a blessing to the area, adding that the whole community was behind the laudable investment.
The former Chairman, Esako East Local Government, Edo State, Mr. Godwin Eshieshie, also stated that during the course of operating in the community, the investment was assured of a peaceful and hitch-free business environment, saying that the Okpella community was glad to be part of Dangote’s investments.