By Amos Aar
BENUE State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has assured business owners and investors that his administration will remain committed to creating a friendly environment for businesses to thrive, irrespective of political affiliations.
Governor Alia gave the assurances on Friday when he commissioned Ekason Signature Lounge located opposite Radio Benue, along Old Otukpo Road, Makurdi, the state capital.
Represented by his deputy, Barr Sam Ode, the governor described Makurdi as the safest state capital in Nigeria where commercial activities can run round the clock. Ode added that the capital is well lit at night to further encourage business growth and safety. “We are not compelling anybody to come. But once the place is safe and neat, it will attract people because people want to put their investment where they will be able to recover it and also manage their investments. So, we are going to provide platforms that will secure businesses. Our tax policies are also not going to be too stringent so that people can come here and have some level of comfort in investment,” Ode stated.
Speaking to a crowd that graced the event, Ambassador Dickson Ekah, Group Managing Director of Ekason Group of Companies, thanked Governor Alia for honoring the occasion despite his busy schedule. He said the new lounge was established not only to offer entertainment services but to inspire young people into entrepreneurship. “My life is to motivate the younger ones to stop looking for jobs but create jobs by themselves. I didn’t have so much before I started this business. The essence of establishing this place is even to motivate them about entrepreneurship instead of waiting for white-collar jobs. Start something small and grow. We started very small and today, we are here by the grace of God,” Ekah disclosed.
Commissioner for Energy, Science and Technology, Hon. Nick Eworo, in his goodwill message, appreciated Governor Alia for creating an enabling environment for businesses grow. He hailed Ekah for setting a worthy example and urged others to emulate him by investing back home. “Business is about the people. What makes America what it is today is not the military might, it is the entertainment industry. For us in Benue State, we have great potential in the entertainment industry. So, I encourage every son and daughter of Benue to come into this industry. This is our potential, and we must explore it,” Eworo emphasized.
Also speaking, Hon. Blessed Onah, who represents Oju1 state constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly, praised Ekah for his efforts in empowering the youth and taking many off the streets. He promised government support for the venture and called on other sons and daughters of Igede to establish businesses that will positively impact others, especially the Igede people.
In a brief remark, a guest identified as Government Gadgets, who flew in from China for the occasion, described Dickson Ekah as an honourable man whose determination and charitable gestures should be emulated. He urged the youths to shun enmity and learn from the entrepreneurial skills of others.
Also lending his voice, retired General Ode called on the public to patronize the entertainment industry, stressing that ventures like Ekason Signature Lounge are homegrown assets that deserve support. “This is our own,” he said.
