By Abiola Olawale
Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo state has offered prayers for sustained peace, unity, progress, and development as the state prepares for a fresh governorship election scheduled for September 21, 2024.
Speaking during an interdenominational service held at the Ogbe Hard Court of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium as part of activities to mark the 33rd anniversary of the creation of Edo State, Obaseki said it was necessary to pray for stability as the state is about to witness a transition in government.
Addressing the press, Obaseki also appealed to the incoming administration to build on the progress his administration has made in the last eight years, ensuring continuity.
He 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 basis for growth and development in Edo State with the infrastructure we have built.
“Last week, we got the authority to set up our electricity market. This is what we have been working on for the last eight 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 fibre 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 the 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.”
