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.
The Presidency has reacted to the ongoing dispute between former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and the state government over the state’s finances.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, said Obi had claimed he left Anambra debt-free and promised to stop his presidential campaign if proven wrong.
Onanuga said the Anambra government had presented figures showing outstanding obligations to workers, pensioners and contractors under Obi’s administration.
Obi, however, denied the claims, saying his administration cleared over ₦35 billion in historical gratuities and arrears before leaving office.
“If anybody can establish anything to the contrary, I will stop campaigning,” Obi said.
Nigerian socialite Cubana Chief Priest has spoken about why he believes Igbos are supporting President Bola Tinubu’s bid for re-election in the 2027 presidential election.
He said the president’s son, Seyi Tinubu, has given Igbos greater access to the president.
He said “We Igbos now have access to Mr. President Tinubu through his son, Seyi Tinubu. That’s why we’re doing everything to make sure he’s re-elected.”
Cubana Chief Priest also spoke about the growing support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State, saying “Thousands of Imolites are trooping in for registration for APC. Ndi Imo don’t just love the City Boys Movement, they believe in it. Let’s do politics with lifestyle. On Asiwaju’s mandate, we shall stand. Imo is APC. Here, it’s zero competition.”
Spiritual leader Primate Elijah Ayodele warns the APC against being too confident ahead of the 2027 election.
He shared “Overconfidence will kill APC; they will be too overconfident, and that will be the party’s weakness in the election. They will turn Tinubu to a demi-god, but it will make them lose the election. They believe money can do everything, but it will fail in the 2027 election,” Ayodele said.
Ayodele has repeatedly warned the APC not to assume that its current political strength will automatically translate into victory in 2027.
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