The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said his government will sustain reforms and programmes to improve the livelihood and welfare of the people, ensuring the right infrastructure and other incentives to place the State on the path of sustainable economic growth and development.
Obaseki, who spoke during a hangout with journalists in Edo State at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Benin City, said his government will continue to advance infrastructural development, industrial growth, job creation opportunities and economic prosperity for the State.
He said, “In the last six years, we have been in a battle ground fighting, not because we like it but because it’s one of the ways to get real transformation and change. We know change is the most difficult thing to accept.
“We can sit back today and show you the benefits of the fight we have engaged in. What we have done and achieved in terms of governance is clear for all in the State to see. We have had a good fight and are ready to fight more for Edo people, carry them along and make life better for them all. Thanks for joining us in the fight for our future and not eating our future today.
“We are working to reduce suffering, give hope to our people, and take advantage of our God-given opportunity to position the State and its people for the future.”
He continued: “You are all part of my Constituency and I give the body special consideration. My absence from this Secretariat is deliberate so that I am not seen as patronising you because I know you are independent-minded people, well-trained professionals who are always ready to do the right thing and positively criticize my administration to put us on our toes to work for Edo people.
“We are in a stage where we are talking of sustaining all the reforms we have undertaken as a government. We are looking at Edo in the next 30 years. We are not concerned about the next election because our people know what to do but are more focused on the next generation.
“We are more focused on the next generation of Edo people, strengthening education and making our children learn and have the skill to live in a digital stage. We are creating the environment to woo people here to invest in the State. We are connecting the youths with technology, helping them take charge of the future.”
While congratulating the Edo NUJ Chairman, Festus Alenkhe for the achievement since he took over the leadership of the body in Edo, Obaseki said: “I congratulate you for your achievement as Chairman of Edo NUJ. You have followed the path of our government in developing the State. You are undertaking the kind of transformation we are taking in government.”
Hailing the governor’s development strides across all sectors of the State, Alenkhe said the journalists in the State are beneficiaries of the government’s reforms in the power sector as the union is connected to the 24-hour Ossiomo Power supply, improving the efficiency of the journalists in the State.
He noted, “Thank you for your achievement in education, health, sports and civil service. We commend you for your commitment to worker’s welfare, ensuring an increase in the minimum wage to N40,000, regular payment of pension and salaries, as well as adequate and prompt promotions.”
