Edo 2020: Is Obaseki Getting Governance Right? By Osas Igbinoba

By Osas Igbinoba

Governor Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki won 2016 Edo State Governorship Election convincingly due to pedigree, solid education background, vast experience in business circle and his ability to connect with the people irrespective of their social status.

The election was an endorsement for a man of courage, character, integrity and foresight. Obaseki, the founding secretary of a US-based Africa Chamber of Commerce and Director of Junior Achievement of Nigeria- the local affiliate of international Not For Profit Organisation designed workable blueprint for development of Edo State.

Governor Obaseki is indeed redefining governance and delivering dividends of democracy to good people of Edo State, irrespective of affiliations and tribe.

He has justified the glowing encomiums poured on him by President Muhammadu Buhari during APC Mega rally for election of the Benin born technocrat turned politician. President Buhari in presence of thousands of Edo residents described Godwin Obaseki, as a seasoned technocrat capable of governing the state. “Obaseki is a seasoned technocrat and I recommend him to you so that you can continue to grow the state,” he affirmed to a resounding applause.

The governor has not disappointed the people that voted for him by implementing impactful and life changing policies as well as projects to improve citizens wellbeing.

Obaseki administration has created over 107,000 direct and indirect jobs; enthroned good governance and making remarkable progress in terms of development. He has brought his expertise to bear on the development facilitating the siting and mobilisation of funding for the Edo-Azura Power project, which has heavyweights like the World Bank Group, Siemens, Julius Berger, among others, on board.

Governor Obaseki within three years has completed major roads including St. Saviour Road, Ugbor-Amagba Road, Lucky Way, Ehaekpen-TV Road, Ikiran-Oke-Ikakhumoh Road, Benin-Abraka Road (the longest road project ever constructed by the state government), Agbede-Awain Road, Uzebba-Okpuje-Akagbor Road, Irhirhi-Aruogba-Obazagbon-Obagienevbosa, among others.

Some township roads across the state are receiving attention simultaneously to ensure every area feel ambient of development and create good roads network to boost business activities and help farmers bring their produce to markets without stress. The rural dwellers are experiencing good days under Governor Godwin Obaseki government.

The Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (Edo-BEST) programme, an initiative of Godwin Obaseki is renovating schools across the state, to ensure that the schools are conducive for learning.

Over 230 schools are being remodeled as part of the state government’s commitment to providing a conducive learning environment for pupils in the state, a major pillar of the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (EDOBEST) programme.

Edo State Government under the purposeful leader’s watch trained 1000 youths at the facility since inception, with not less than a quarter of them being females. Some of the organisations with a presence at the hub include Microsoft, Tech4Dev, LinkedIn, Curators University, Hotels.NG, Siemen’s Impact Hub, Makers Academy, Pan Atlantic University’s Enterprise Development Center, among others.

Furthermore, the governor as part of his efforts to strengthen Edo economy introduced reforms in revenue generation chain and this has increase the state Internally Generated Revenue. The deployment of technology and strict implementation of global best practices changed the narrative in Edo.

Governor Godwin Obaseki has touched Agriculture, Health, Environment, Water, Energy and other sectors just to make life better for every Edo citizen.

It’s therefore apt to conclude that Godwin Obaseki is getting governance right and touching people’s life positively. Giving him four more years would be a win-win deal for good people of Edo State.

Igbinoba is a Benin based engineer and social analyst.