The Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has led a distinguished delegation to Glasgow, Scotland, for the highly anticipated Edo State Global Investment Business Summit, scheduled to take place from September 20th to 22nd, 2025. This summit is a pivotal initiative aimed at fostering robust bilateral trade and forging dynamic business partnerships between Edo State, Nigeria, and Scotland, United Kingdom.
Organised by the Edo State Diaspora Agency under the visionary leadership of Dr Loretta Oduware Ogboro-Okor, the event aims to strengthen international partnerships, attract substantial foreign investment, and showcase Edo State’s unique potential across vital sectors, including agriculture, technology, energy, and infrastructure. With global discussions focused on sustainable development, this summit represents a strategic platform for both regions.
Chief Josephine Oboh-Macleod, a significant member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) and a candidate for the Scottish Parliament, has played a crucial role in this initiative. As the Chief Executive Officer of Jom Charity—a prominent art and wellbeing charity dedicated to uplifting underprivileged communities in Glasgow—Oboh-Macleod effectively bridges her rich Nigerian heritage with active participation in Scottish politics and the local community. She holds distinguished titles such as Adonor of Emu Kingdom in Esan, Edo State, and Atayese of Ikateland, Elegushi in Lekki, Lagos State, reflecting her deep commitment and influence in fostering ties between her ancestral homeland and her adopted country.
In her keynote address on the summit’s opening day as one of the guest speakers, Oboh-Macleod extended sincere gratitude to Governor Okpebholo for his visionary approach and leadership. She articulated that the proposed bilateral trade initiative embodies a significant opportunity for both nations to leverage their complementary strengths, encouraging economic growth, job creation, and facilitating the exchange of knowledge and expertise. “This partnership transcends mere trade; it represents the groundwork for sustainable economic ecosystems that can benefit both regions,” she asserted.
Oboh-Macleod elaborated on the multifaceted advantages of this strategic collaboration. “For Edo State, this initiative signifies expanded access to lucrative markets for our abundant agricultural products, rich natural resources, and vibrant creative industries. Simultaneously, Scotland stands to benefit immensely from engaging with Edo State’s youthful, innovative population that is eager to contribute meaningfully to the global economy,” she noted. She underscored the necessity of forming partnerships based on mutual respect and reciprocity, as opposed to dependency.
With earnest fervour, she urged the Edo people to embrace this historic opportunity to showcase their creativity, skills, and entrepreneurial spirit. To the Scottish populace, she encouraged viewing Edo State not merely as a market but as a valuable global partner rich in potential, diverse culture, and a plethora of opportunities waiting to be explored.
Oboh-Macleod reiterated the mutual benefits anticipated from this collaboration, which include opening new markets for Edo State’s agricultural products and natural resources, granting Scotland access to a vibrant, youthful workforce brimming with innovation, promoting job creation, and advancing knowledge exchange. She emphasised that the ultimate goal of this partnership is to build a sustainable future founded on mutual respect and collaborative success.
A Bright Future Ahead
“As we embark on this transformative journey, I firmly believe that our partnership will flourish, ushering in prosperity for both nations,” she stated with optimism. She extended her best wishes to all participants involved in this pioneering initiative, hoping for continued success and abundant blessings for all stakeholders.
In her closing remarks, Oboh-Macleod expressed her earnest hopes for Governor Okpebholo’s success in this ambitious venture. She is convinced that this partnership has the potential to uplift families in Edo State globally, while also presenting valuable opportunities for the Scottish people and their businesses. “Together, Edo and Scotland can exemplify that when communities connect through trust and a shared vision, there are no limits to what we can achieve,” she passionately declared.
