The Director General of the Edo State Tourism Agency, Lady Vivian Elabor, has declared that Edo State is open for business following the historic courtesy visit of the Oba of Benin to the Governor.
In an interview at the event, Lady Elabor stated that the visit signifies unity. It signifies collaboration. It signifies that Edo state is ready for business for the international world.
She praised Governor Monday Okpebholo as a simple man that brings everyone together, adding, our governor is a man that respects culture and heritage. He doesn’t take it for granted.
On the significance of the Oba’s visit, she said, Today is remarkable. Our king, our revered king, is coming to government house. It just shows you how he takes this current governor.
He sees him as a man that listens. Elabor outlined the lessons from the event, stating, There are so many lessons to be learned.
Lessons of patience, to be preservative, to push the word, preservative of our culture and heritage. Lessons of respect, lessons of kindness.
She emphatically promoted the Edo brand, saying, We don’t have to bend for other people. We are who we are. We are a people. We are unique in every way. Edo is number one. We do not follow. Others come and copy from us. We are a center of excellence.
The event, which also saw the resolution of the MOWAA controversy in favor of the Benin Royal Museum, was described by the DG as proof that the state is about culture, heritage, and doing business in a serious manner. We are not playing. Edo is ready for the world. Are you ready for us? she concluded.
