Six days after the controversial revocation of Certificate of Occupancy of about 13,545 hectares of land belonging to Presco Plc by the Edo State Government, Governor, Monday Okpebholo has said as an investor he cannot be the one sending investors out of the state.
DAILY POST recalls that the State Government had on November 22, 2025, in an advertorial on a national daily announced the revocation of the hectares of land belonging to the palm oil giant.
The revocation order which later became controversial was allegedly done for over-riding public interest as well as two oil wells on the land.
The Governor spoke while receiving the chairman and the managing director of Presco Plc, Mr Rasheed Sarumi and Mr Raji George during a courtesy visit to the Government House on Monday in Benin City.
“I am an investor myself. I cannot be the one sending investors away. That impression is completely wrong. You are here by the grace of God, and you will prosper here.
“Presco to me has been here for a very long time. Just a few days ago, there was a misunderstanding which I believe someone tried to politicise. There was nothing in it. There were reasons tied to natural resources why certain areas were reviewed.
“If I have anything against you, I will call you. Last time I received complaints from communities on compensation, I called your MD immediately because I believe in addressing issues directly,” he said.
Okpebholo who condemned narratives portraying Edo as hostile to investors, described such claims as “misleading and satanic”.
He noted that whenever there are issues, his administration prefers dialogue rather than speculation or misinformation.
He, however, assured the management team of the company of his government’s support, noting that the state remains a prime destination for agricultural investment.
The Governor, who opined that Presco has been a long-standing partner in Edo State’s agricultural development, however, dismissed recent controversies surrounding portions of land for revocation.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to agricultural expansion, adding that upon assuming office, the government increased the agriculture allocation in the inherited budget from N5 billion to N70 billion.
He said the increment signaled his administration’s determination to drive food security and agro-industrial growth.
“Agricultural revolution is the best way to go, and it aligns perfectly with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. For food security, we must grow what we eat and export what we grow. Edo has fertile land, and your investment here is not a waste,” he stated.
Earlier, Presco Chairman Mr Rasheed Sarumi commended the Governor for providing a stable governance structure, improved security, and an enabling environment that encouraged SIAT’s $100 million investment decision.
Sarumi noted that Nigeria received only $250 million in FDI this year, 2025, making Presco’s share a significant boost to the national economy.
He expressed confidence that the new investment will strengthen Presco’s expansion plans and reinforce Edo State’s position as the centre of Nigeria’s agro-industrial revolution.