Edo: We Traveled to Scotland for Summit, Sent Letters to PM — Ogboro-Okor

The pioneer Director-General of the Edo State Diaspora Agency, Loretta Ogboro-Okor, has stepped forward to clarify longstanding doubts surrounding the recent trip by the governor and senior state officials to Scotland. She confirmed that the delegation indeed travelled for a formal summit, not for leisure, and that official correspondence had been dispatched ahead of that trip to key Scottish authorities.

Clarification of the Visit

Ogboro-Okor emphasized that before departing, they had written to Scotland’s First Minister and also to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs months earlier, contesting claims that the journey was impromptu or unplanned. According to her, these preparatory letters were sent three months before the summit, thus underlining the official nature of the mission.

She maintained that the summit was registered as an international investment gathering and was not disguised as a vacation. She dismissed assertions that the trip was merely for personal enjoyment.

Investment Intent and MOU Signing

To further substantiate the trip’s purpose, Ogboro-Okor noted that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed as an expression of intent among investors interested in Edo State. While the MOU is non-binding, it served as a framework to define the direction and goals of partnership ahead of full feasibility and due diligence processes.

She explained that multi-sectoral investors (including those from Europe and Africa) had already indicated interest in investing in areas such as agriculture, mining, education, and capacity development in Edo State.

Role of the Summit & Reception

The summit in Glasgow, held between September 20 and 22, 2025, was convened under the theme “Catalytic Partnerships: Global Funding & Local Impact.” It aimed to attract serious global investments and forge sustainable partnerships.

During the summit, the acting Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK attended, and the governor had engagements spanning cultural interactions, investor sessions, and diaspora dialogues. Ogboro-Okor asserted that the trip was far from a holiday, and involved scheduled programs across multiple days.

Responses from the Governor & Diaspora Stakeholders

Governor Monday Okpebholo, speaking at the summit, reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to robust partnership with Edo indigenes abroad. He underscored themes of innovation, transparency, and accountability in his governance agenda.

In parallel, the UK/Ireland chapter of the Edo APC expressed strong backing for the state government’s diaspora investment initiatives and pledged collaboration with the Diaspora Agency led by Ogboro-Okor.

Refuting Misconceptions & Underscoring Local Confidence

Ogboro-Okor challenged what she described as a “colonial mindset” by some critics, who tend to doubt local leadership unless foreign validation is present. She argued that, just as citizens invest in their own countries, Edo indigenes and Nigerians should trust and back domestic-led initiatives.

She insisted that advancement cannot be partisan or superficial but must reflect a collective assertion of national capacity and local leadership.