Oba of Benin receives African, European business partners

From Tony Osauzo, Benin

The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has received a delegation of business development partners from Africa and Switzerland, exploring new areas of sustainable investment opportunities and deepening collaboration in Edo State and Nigeria.

During the visit, the Group Managing Director of Arco Group Plc, Alfred Okoigun, introduced John Davenport — President of Sulzer Services, Europe, Africa and the UK — and Henry Craukamp — Head of the SSA region and Managing Director of Sulzer Pumps in South Africa — at the Oba’s Palace in Benin City.

Welcoming the delegation to his palace, Oba Ewuare acknowledged their long-standing commitment to excellence, which has consistently helped boost Nigeria’s GDP and reposition the oil and gas sector.

He underscored the importance of developing strategic business plans to navigate complex economic challenges with precision.

The Oba also commended the leader of the delegation for staying the course, building networks, and investing in relationships that have led to opportunities with great determination and sustained effort over the past 40 years.

“We pray almighty God and our ancestors that we reap the fruits of our labour. We have been working day and night since last year.

“I know you are a hard worker. I am sure your contribution to Nigeria’s GDP is immense. It must be very significant from what you have been doing. We want to thank you for the vision. And this is the beginning. A new feather in your cap,” Oba Ewuare stated.

In his goodwill message earlier, the group managing director of the public liability company, Alfred Okoigun, said working with the foreign partners represents a remarkable milestone in local content development in Nigeria.

The Managing Director of Arco Maintenance and Engineering, Michael Okoigun — the driver of the partnership — accompanied the delegation to the palace during the historic visit.