One of the States, widely regarded as Nigeria’s most historically significant and culturally rich states, continues to distinguish itself through its entrepreneurial spirit, educational achievements and global Diaspora community. Home to the ancient Benin Kingdom, Edo state has produced leaders, professionals, academics, investors and innovators who have made lasting contributions to Nigeria and the international community. Across the United Kingdom, Europe, North America and beyond, Edo indigenes remain active contributors to investment, healthcare, education, technology, public service and community development, while maintaining strong ties with their homeland.

That enduring connection between Edo State and its global Diaspora was once again evident as hundreds of Edo sons and daughters gathered in London for SHINE Edo 2026, an engagement hosted by the Edo State Government to deepen partnerships with citizens abroad and showcase the administration’s development agenda.

Governor Monday

The event attracted an impressive delegation led by the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, accompanied by senior government officials including the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, the Secretary to the State Government, members of the State Executive Council, legislators and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Hosted by respected international Masters of Ceremony and Edo indigenes Rose Graham and Charles Kiran, the event blended policy discussions with cultural displays, networking and engagement between government officials and members of the Diaspora.

Senator Adams

One of the evening’s keynote speakers, former Edo State Governor and serving Senator Adams Oshiomhole, delivered a passionate address praising Governor Okpebholo’s administration for its commitment to development and purposeful leadership. He highlighted ongoing investments in infrastructure, governance and public services while encouraging Edo indigenes living abroad to actively support the state’s development aspirations and partner with government in delivering long-term progress.

Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo expressed appreciation for the overwhelming turnout, describing the Edo Diaspora as one of the state’s greatest assets. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering meaningful development, stressing that governance extends beyond constructing roads to improving healthcare, education, security, economic opportunities and overall quality of life.

The Governor noted that improvements in the state’s security architecture have contributed to making Edo one of Nigeria’s safer states for residents and investors, while outlining ongoing infrastructure projects designed to stimulate economic growth and attract further investment. He also called on Edo citizens worldwide to continue supporting both the state government and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.

A major highlight of the London engagement was the presentation of a strategic renewable energy investment proposal by Henry Oriabure, a Governing Council Member of HYPREP under the Federal Ministry of Environment, representing the Niger Delta Communities and the Director General and National Coordinator for YES4APC.

He led the European and United Kingdom consortium committed to supporting sustainable community development.

The consortium presented a proposal aimed at mobilising grants, blended finance and international investment for community-based solar projects across all 18 Local Government Areas of Edo State. The initiative forms part of the wider 774 Community Solar Projects Scheme, designed to deliver renewable energy solutions across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.

The proposal focuses on creating fundable renewable energy projects covering Community Solar Health Hubs, productive mini-grids, solar-powered water and irrigation systems, education and skills centres, as well as integrated planning, digitisation and innovation. The consortium believes the programme aligns strongly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and could significantly accelerate clean energy access, local economic growth and environmental sustainability.

Following discussions, representatives of the consortium held productive engagements with senior Edo State officials, including the Director-General of the Edo State Diaspora Agency, Dr Loretta Oduware Ogboro-Okor; Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Barrister Nosa Adams; Director-General of the Edo State Tourism Agency, Lady Vivian Elabor; Special Adviser to the Governor on Diaspora Affairs, Mr Goddy Francis Okoyo; and Senior Special Assistant on Diaspora Matters, Hon. Osarodion Osagie.

The consortium delegation, comprising Henry Oriabure, Richard Murray, Peter Griffiths and Arek Moreczewski, described the engagements as positive and encouraging. A symbolic endorsement of the proposal was demonstrated when the Governor’s Special Adviser on Special Duties signed a hard copy of the solar funding proposal, signalling the state’s openness to foreign investment and international development partnerships.

Mentoring Cmdt Alistair and DG Diaspora Edo State

Members of the consortium also commended the impressive attendance of Edo indigenes and the vibrant cultural performances that reflected the pride, unity and rich heritage of the Edo people.

Mentoring Cmdt Alistair and Director-General of the Edo State Tourism Agency, Lady Vivian Elabor

As Edo State continues to strengthen relationships with its global Diaspora, SHINE Edo 2026 demonstrated that international partnerships, diaspora expertise and sustainable investment are becoming central pillars of the state’s long-term development strategy. The presentation of the 774 Community Solar Projects proposal further reinforced the opportunities that exist when government, the Diaspora and international partners work together to deliver practical solutions capable of transforming communities and improving lives across Edo State and, ultimately, Nigeria.