As Edo State marks its 33rd anniversary, Governor Godwin Obaseki has called on people of the state to pray for the sustained peace, unity, progress and development of the state.
The governor also called on the people to offer prayers for the smooth transition of power beginning with the forthcoming governorship election on September 21, 2024 to the main handover in November.
Speaking at a thanksgiving event held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, the state capital, Obaseki urged the incoming administration to build on progress his administration has made in the last eight years to ensure continuity.
The governor was joined by his wife, Betsy; the State Deputy Governor, Marvellous Omobayo, his wife, Sandra, and other top government functionaries and Christians from different faiths across the state.
Obaseki said: “We have amazing prospects ahead with the foundation we have laid. 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.
“However, 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."
Speaking further on the state's development, he said: “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.
“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.
“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.
“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."
Highlight of the event was the guest preacher, Bishop Oriname Oyonnude Kure, leading the prayers for the governor and his cabinet, and also commended him for all he has done in almost 8 years in office.
