Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has expressed delight at the rapid rise of Afrobeat sensation, Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, from a backstage artist at his inauguration in 2016 to a global superstar.
Speaking at a banquet to celebrate the state’s 33-year anniversary, Obaseki said, “Rema told me that at my inauguration in 2016, he was one of the backstage artists at that event, and eight years later, he is now a global superstar. This is a testament to the greatness of Edo people and our ability to conquer the world.”
The governor continued, “When I became governor in 2016, the image of the Edo girl and woman was at its lowest, but today, as I leave office, the Edo women are the West Africa champions and will become African champions before I leave. Nothing can stop us from celebrating our successes.”
Obaseki also launched the Benin City and Edo Regional Development Master Plan, which will guide the state’s development over the next 30 years. He expressed confidence in the bright future of Edo State, saying, “We are now beginning to see the resurgence of greatness in the new generation. You have seen it in Rema, Edo Queens, and in the children that we have been training in our EdoBEST program.”
Rema, who arrived in his hometown of Benin on Tuesday, is scheduled to perform at his highly anticipated homecoming concert on Friday, August 30, 2024.
In his remarks, Obaseki thanked Rema and the Edo Queens Football Club for their contributions to the state’s greatness, saying, “I want to thank our global icon, a young Edo man we are so proud of, who has made such a difference in the world of music. We are looking forward to your first home performance on Friday.”
