As the festive season approaches, Edo State is rolling out the welcome mat, promising a memorable and secure yuletide for residents, visitors, and its global diaspora. In a joint press conference over the weekend, the dynamic heads of the state’s Diaspora and Tourism agencies laid out a vision of a thriving, connected, and vibrant Edo.
Dr. Loretta Ogboro-Okor of the Edo State Diaspora Agency (EDSDA) and Lady Vivian Elabor of the Edo State Tourism Agency (EDTA) spoke with unified confidence, crediting Governor Monday Okpebholo’s proactive leadership for setting the stage for a spectacular holiday experience.
Building Bridges Home
For Edolites living abroad, the message is clear: your home is closer than you think. Dr. Ogboro-Okor shared how the EDSDA is transforming its connection with the global community. The newly launched Diaspora Help Desk has become a vital lifeline, flooded with over 20,000 inquiries in its first two weeks from Edo citizens worldwide seeking to invest, reintegrate, or simply reconnect.
“We are building a comprehensive global family,” Dr. Ogboro-Okor explained, highlighting a network of over 300 volunteers across the globe who are helping to map the diaspora community. The agency is also working hand-in-hand with traditional rulers and local governments to ensure that projects and support reach the grassroots, strengthening the bond between Edo citizens abroad and their home communities.
“From Italy to Canada and the UK, we are promoting sustainable partnerships for Edo’s development,” she said. “It’s about making sure every Edo son and daughter feels seen, heard, and valued, no matter where they are.”
A Destination of Confidence and Culture
On the tourism front, Lady Vivian Elabor delivered a powerful message of reassurance. She praised Governor Okpebholo’s unwavering focus on security, noting that significant investments have rebuilt public confidence and made the state safer than ever.
“Come to Edo with full assurance,” Lady Elabor urged visitors. “Robust measures are in place to safeguard lives and property, so you can focus on enjoying the festive season.”
This newfound security is the foundation for the state’s ambitious tourism goals. Powered by the governor’s “SHINE Agenda,” the EDTA is crafting a fresh narrative for the state, encapsulated in the motto: “Edo Rising.”
“This aggressive commitment to ‘Edo Rising’ is the wind beneath our agency’s wings,” she declared. The goal is not just to preserve Edo’s world-renowned heritage, but to celebrate its cultural soul and expand its appeal as a leading tourism destination where history and modernity meet.
