EU, Benin monarch seek partnership on job creation

The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II has assured of the palace readiness to work with the European Union (EU) to provide cultural renaissance and build tourism potentials in Edo State.

He made this known when the European Union (EU) Ambassador and Head of delegation to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Michael Arrion paid a working visit to the palace.

While receiving the delegation, Ewuare II expressed concern over the difficulties in assessing EU funds, and called on the Ambassador to do everything within his powers to make the criteria for accessing its funds less cumbersome to enable Edo state and Nigeria benefit from it.

He also informed the EU Ambassador of his interest in the development of agro- allied industries in the state and sought ways of providing jobs for the unemployed youths in the state to address illegal migration and youth restiveness.

On his part, Arrion said he visited the palace to discuss issues of mutual interest with the Edo people and Benin Kingdom, stressing that the partnership between the EU, Nigeria and Benin Kingdom spanned over 40 years.

Arrion noted that the partnership would also include areas of job creation, farming, healthcare, power and water supply, adding that the policy dialogue was key to achieving its success.