Politics
Obaseki Reflects on Edo’s Growth, Development and Legacy as His Tenure Ends
The outgoing Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has taken a moment to reflect on the significant progress made under his leadership, particularly in terms of the state’s economy.
In his final statewide address, Obaseki proudly pointed out that during his eight-year tenure, the state’s economy grew from a modest N10 billion to an impressive N25 billion plus.
Obaseki delivered the address on the eve of his departure from office on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, as he prepared to hand over the reins of leadership to Senator Monday Okpebholo of APC.
Reflecting on his achievements, the governor outlined the remarkable strides made in key sectors such as agriculture, oil and gas, and manufacturing, all of which he credited for the state’s economic transformation.
One of the key highlights of his administration, according to Obaseki, was the agricultural revolution that took place in Edo State.
Through the Edo State Oil Palm Program, the government allocated over 120,000 hectares of land for the development of oil palm estates.
So far, about 40,000 hectares have been cultivated, positioning the state to become a leading player in Nigeria’s palm oil industry.
Additionally, the governor mentioned the state’s commitment to developing cassava as a critical feedstock for the two ethanol plants in Edo, further strengthening the state’s agricultural base.
Obaseki also emphasized the strides made in the energy sector, particularly in oil and gas.
His administration successfully attracted investments, including two modular refineries: the Edo Refinery and Petrochemical Company, which operates a 6,000-barrel per day refinery, and the DuPont Energy Park, with a 5,000-barrel per-day modular refinery.
These investments have not only bolstered the state’s oil and gas sector but also contributed to the broader petrochemical industry, creating new job opportunities and expanding the state’s economic footprint.
Beyond hydrocarbons, Obaseki pointed out Edo’s growing manufacturing sector, which has attracted billions of dollars in investments.
These investments span industries such as ceramics, tiles, glass, iron and steel, cement, and wood, positioning the state as an emerging hub for manufacturing in Nigeria.
The governor emphasized that these developments were the direct result of his administration’s efforts to create an environment conducive to business, making Edo State an attractive destination for both local and international investors.
In addition to the economic achievements, Obaseki also took pride in the infrastructure improvements his administration had overseen across the state.
He noted that over 850 kilometres of roads had been constructed, benefiting all local government areas.
The governor also pointed to the progress made in the energy sector, with the state now generating nearly 1,000MW of electricity daily.
Edo State’s new electricity law, he said, had paved the way for the development of an electricity market, attracting further investments in digital infrastructure.
One of the standout achievements mentioned by Obaseki was the state’s advancements in digital connectivity.
Edo State now has a network of nearly 2,500 kilometres of fibre optic cables, the largest in Nigeria.
This development, he noted, was crucial in laying the foundation for the future of technology and digital innovation in the state.
As his term came to a close, Obaseki reflected on the journey he had undertaken with the people of Edo.
He expressed pride in leaving behind a roadmap for the future—a plan that would guide the state’s continued development long after his departure.
The outgoing governor shared that, while he hadn’t inherited such a plan when he first assumed office, he was now confident that Edo was in a much stronger position for sustained growth.
Obaseki credited the collective effort of the people of Edo and other stakeholders for their role in achieving these milestones.
He hopes that the state will continue to build on the foundation laid during his tenure and that future leaders will carry forward the vision of turning Edo State into a beacon of hope and prosperity for all Nigerians.
Media personality Dele Momodu reacts and shares his thoughts regarding First Lady Remi Tinubu interrupting the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, during a recent event.
The event was the 10th coronation anniversary of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi. In the scene, while Governor Adeleke was giving a speech, he began with a worship song. But while singing, the First Lady stood up and met him to inform him to stop singing and go directly to his speech instead.
Media personality Dele then reacted and questioned why she would do something like that, asking if she would have done the same kind of interruption if it were the recitation of the Qur’an.
First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has shared that she has forgiven those who betrayed her husband during the 2023 general elections.
She revealed this as she marked a new age, reflecting on what the future holds. She emphasized that she holds no grudge against anyone.
“I do not have anything against anyone. The question is how I stopped feeling the betrayal? I knew the grace factor was evident, and the Holy Spirit continually comforted me. I chose never to avenge myself, understanding that it is God’s prerogative. Mine is to thank Him for fighting for us. If God decides to fight your battles and you have won, is there anything else that God missed and you wanted to fix? Nothing. So, let it go.”
Paul Ibe, spokesperson to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of laying the groundwork to manipulate the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during a YouTube interview, Ibe alleged that the ruling party, led by President Bola Tinubu, has run out of achievements to show after more than two years in office. This has resorted to silencing opposition voices and critical institutions.
According to him, APC is working to weaken independent media, civil society groups, and political opponents. They insists that the clampdown is part of a wider strategy to retain power.
“They have nothing to offer after two years of holding on to the mandate,” Ibe said. “The only way left for them is to start preparing to rig, and the process is already in motion.”
Additionally, he went on to describe Nigeria’s current political climate as a drift into dictatorship, recalling the heavy price paid by activists who fought for democracy in the past.
“The democracy we’ve had since 1999 came at a huge sacrifice. Many lives were lost in the struggle,” he said. “Those heroes would be turning in their graves to see what is happening now. People like Sowore are being harassed and intimidated, and that shows where we are heading.”
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