By John Mayaki
Edo Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo seems to have been quiet but focused in scripting a new chapter in Nigeria’s subnational economic diplomacy – at least, details from the 2025 Spring Meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund in Washington, D.C., has revealed Okpebholo’s mission – a chapter built not on loans and liabilities, but in bold partnerships and forward-looking investments.
In the midst of this global buzz in Washington, Okpebholo’s mission and those of his economists who were in attendance are clear – to reposition the state for sustainable development and magnet for capital inflows across vital sectors such as healthcare, infrastructure, education, agriculture, and manufacturing. Okpebholo’s strategy is rooted in one principle – build, don’t borrow. And, if you must borrow, it must be tied to development.
And so, a high level delegation of men was deployed to lead the state’s economic pitch and her efforts in Washington and they showcased the State as the most investment-ready subnational economy in Africa.
At the forefront of this global investment campaign is a carefully assembled trio of technocrats and professionals whose combined experience spans international finance, strategic governance, and policy innovation.
Leading the team was Hon. Emmanuel Okoebor, the Commissioner of Finance for Edo State, who has to his credit, over 25 years of experience in banking and public finance.
Before his appointment as the Commisioner for Finance, he previously held senior leadership roles at Standard Trust Bank and United Bank for Africa (UBA), where he served as Deputy General Manager and Regional Manager, overseeing 15 branches and over 500 employees across Edo State.
A seasoned financial strategist, Emmanuel combines deep industry knowledge with technical expertise, holding a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering and an MBA in Finance from the University of Benin. He is a COREN-registered engineer and member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, HCIB, and Nigerian Institute of Management.
His career tells of a strong commitment to operational excellence, fiscal innovation, and economic development.
On this delegation was Hon. Kizito Okpebholo, Special Adviser to the Governor of Edo State, Nigeria on Finance, Investments, and Revenue Generation. A seasoned financial services professional with nearly two decades of experience across commercial and investment banking, capital markets, and the public sector.
He has held leadership roles in regional and globally recognized institutions, including Zenith Bank, Canaccord Genuity, and Morgan Stanley, where he served as Vice President.
His public sector experiences span two continents, having worked with the Government of Ontario, Canada, and currently serving as the State Portfolio Focal Person for World Bank-financed programs in Edo State.
A certified Project Management Professional (PMP), Scrum Master, and Business Continuity Professional, Kizito is passionate about building resilient financial systems and delivering impact-driven reforms in governance and development finance.
Also among the delegation was Hon. Chief Comrade Taiwo Akerele – the third pillar of the team. He is a policy economist and global thinker whose academic background includes stints at Harvard, Carleton, Stellenbosch, and Ibadan.
A former Chief of Staff in Edo State and the immediate past Project Coordinator for the World Bank’s Public Financial Management and Youth Employment Program, Akerele is also the Country Representative of Policy House International.
Together, this trio which representations a blend of pragmatic experience, academic excellence, and strategic foresight had their unambiguous assignment cut out for themselves and that was to pitch Edo state as Africa’s rising investment hub.
From boardrooms to bilateral summits, the team showcased a robust portfolio of bankable projects in mining, oil and gas, Agro-processing, SME development, and housing. Their message was clearly clear – Edo is open for serious business.
Most importantly and central to these engagements in Washington was the Multi-Sector Global Partnership Summit, co-hosted by the Edo State Government in collaboration with ReadyToLead Africa and Policy House International. This summit was not a talk shop; it was a marketplace for meaningful connections, where intentions are matched with capital, and rhetoric is replaced by results.
According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Fred Itua, “This isn’t the Edo of hopeful proposals and unending PowerPoints. This is a government that has done its homework. We’re offering transparency, vision, and projects that are ready for takeoff.”
Okpebholo’s administration is also positioning the state to benefit from the World Bank’s $50 billion Africa-focused investment pipeline scheduled for 2025–2026. Through strategic tools like Investment Project Financing (IPF), Multilateral Investment Guarantees (MIG), and Technical Assistance (TA), Edo hopes to secure support for public-private infrastructure ventures, academic exchange programs with Ambrose Alli University, social protection initiatives, and housing development.
This renewed global engagement tells of a deliberate departure from the outdated reliance on debt-heavy models. Governor Okpebholo is pioneering a smarter pathway; I mean one that promotes equity-based partnerships and fiscal responsibility.
“It’s a bold shift,” said Itua. “We are not asking for handouts or loans with punishing conditions. We’re offering value – for investors, for partners, and most importantly, for the people of Edo.”
No doubt, the global economy is undergoing realignment and international capital seeking stable, growth-ready destinations, Governor Okpebholo is making sure that Edo State is not left behind. This Washington offensive is more than a diplomatic visit – it’s a declaration of intent.
One thing is certain – the Okpebholo administration is not just chasing investments; it’s building a future where prosperity is planned, growth is shared, and development is measured not in borrowed billions, but in empowered citizens.
I have no doubt that with this bold step into the corridors of global capital, the Edo story is changing – I call it, “one investment at a time”.
