Photo: Godwin Obaseki Sworn In As Edo State Governor

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo state has promised to harness the programmes of his successor to develop the state and ensure the well-being of the people. 

In his post inauguration address at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium where he was sworn-in on Saturday, Obaseki said he would continue with all the projects inherited from former governor Adams Oshiomhole. Obaseki Obaseki He said that the task was to pursue the wellbeing of people of Edo state and that there was no going back in the task to uplift the status of the people. 

“The ship has sailed, and the destination is uncertain, but we are full of promises,’’ he said. Succeeding a governor who provided dedicated and indefatigable leadership, he said was a huge task but assured the people of quick transformation of the state. 

“From one and only comrade leader and mentor I will always treasure,’’ he said. He described the wisdom of Oshiomhole as inspiring and said he would build on the legacy inherited from the former governor. 

The governor said that the building of a greater tomorrow was his and that of his deputy, Mr. Pjhillip Shuaibu and the collective ideas of Edo people irrespective of their political affiliation. 

The programme of the new administration, he said, would be unveiled shortly, but restated that he would expand infrastructure in the widest sense and build a robust human, intellectual and metaphysical infrastructure for significant progress of the state. He said that he remained committed to his promise to create 200,000 jobs in four years. 

The governor said that attention would be focused on vocational skills, production, commerce and agriculture in employment creation. Making agriculture business, he said, was necessary to ensure food sufficiency and job creation. 

Obaseki said that the people would be encouraged to key into business through value chain of cocoa, palm oil, rubber, rice and produce in which the state has comparative advantage. The government would introduce low interest financing for small scale industries, concentrate in electricity generation and provide the enabling environment for industry to thrive. 

The government would focus on urban renewal initiative of the past administration, especially building more schools and construction of intra-city road network and complete all on-going projects. 

“Our development and social plan will be successful if we pay attention to women. “Health women, build healthy and prosperous community, Women’s women programme will be taken seriously.’’ Also attention would be paid to low maternal health care, education and curriculum development especially on technical and vocational education and ICT. 

“Health is a compelling and Edo will be made centre of excellence in health care and so will partner private sector to ensure health is given due attention. 

“I plan to expand the dream of my predecessor and deploy good science and technology and involve communities in policies.’’ Those who competed against us but have genuine intention to uplift the state would part of our destiny and common purpose. 

Aside Senate President Bukola Saraki who represented represented Presdient Muahmmadu Buhari, the wife of Kogi governor Rashidat Bello, represented Aisha Buhari. Former Head of State, retire Gen. Yakubu Gowon; APC National Chairman, Odigie Oyegun; Speaker of House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara and many senators attended the ceremonies. 

Captains of industry, including Alhaji Aliko Dangote were attended the inauguration. Mr Godwin Obaseki was on Saturday sworn-in as the new governor of Edo state for the next four years at the expiration of the term of office of Adams Oshiomhole. His Deputy, Mr. Phillip Shuaibu was also sworn-in. 

The oath if office was administered by the Chief Judge of Edo state in the presence of top government functionaries, political office holders and politicians. The ceremony officially puts to an end, the tenure of the incumbent, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole who had been two- term governor spanning eight years. 

Obaseki was elected governor on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Shortly before the oath was administered, Oshiomhole reviewed the parade mounted by the state police command. The new governor will run for four years. 

He defeated Pastor Ize Iyamu of the People’s Democratic Party. Obaseki is from Benin and attended the University of Ibadan. He also attended the Colombia University in the United States. He started with Capital brokers in 1983. After traversing the financial market sector as chief executive in various categories, he joined the government of Oshiomhole.