As Edo State marked its 33rd anniversary, Governor Godwin Obaseki expressed his hopes for sustained peace, unity, and continued development in the state. The governor, alongside his wife Betsy, Deputy Governor Engr. Marvellous Omobayo and his wife Sandra, joined other government officials and Christians across the state in celebrating the milestone on August 27th.
During the celebration held at the Table Tennis Court in Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, Governor Obaseki urged the incoming administration to build on the foundation his government has established over the past eight years. “We have amazing prospects ahead with the foundation we have laid,” Obaseki stated. “We have never been this united. When we came into office eight years ago, we were the joke of all in terms of the menace of human trafficking. All fingers pointed to Edo State as people who wanted to leave Nigeria by all and every means.”
Obaseki highlighted the progress made under his administration, noting the improvements in property values as people return to the state due to better opportunities. “Today, people are coming back, driving up property values. This is because there is something to do here. When we talk of the prospects, we are just beginning. We have laid the bases for growth and development in Edo State with the infrastructure we have built,” he said.
The governor also pointed out significant developments in the state’s infrastructure, mentioning the recent approval for Edo State to establish its electricity market. “Last week, we got the authority to set up our electricity market. This is what we have been working on for the last 8 years. With the gas reserve we have, we are likely to become the electricity powerhouse in Nigeria. We will attract a lot of industries to the State,” he explained.
Obaseki emphasized the state’s strides in digital connectivity and security, making Edo more attractive for investment. “In terms of fiber optic investment, no State has invested as Edo State in digital infrastructure. With electricity and connectivity, our access to the world is limitless. We have been able to take charge of security and we have been able to ensure citizens’ participation. When you have security and safety, people will surely come to invest in the State,” he noted.
Speaking on education, the governor mentioned the success of the EdoBEST initiative, which has been recognized globally for its impact on improving educational outcomes. “We have done a lot of work in building human capacity. EdoBEST is real and has been acclaimed globally. These children who have been properly educated will do well globally. We have so much hope for Edo people and the State,” Obaseki added.
As he approaches the end of his tenure on November 12th, Governor Obaseki expressed his commitment to completing ongoing projects. “My tenure ends on November 12th, and we had things set out to do for Edo. We have projects, and a lot of things we need to finish. I must work harder to complete all that,” he affirmed.
Bishop Oriname Oyonnude Kure, who led prayers for the governor and his cabinet during the anniversary celebration, commended Obaseki for his achievements during nearly eight years in office, highlighting the progress and hope he has brought to Edo State.
