Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State said on Tuesday that he would be leaving office with a high sense of satisfaction.
The governor explained that his satisfaction stems from the bold reforms and projects he has undertaken, which he noted have transformed critical areas of the state, including education, healthcare, the economy, infrastructure, and job creation, among others.
These efforts have improved the livelihoods of the people and set the state on a path of growth and economic prosperity.
Governor Obaseki made these remarks while leading his Enugu State counterpart, Dr. Peter Mbah, the former governor of Sokoto State and Senator for Sokoto South Senatorial District, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, and other dignitaries to commission various projects in the state.
Some of the projects commissioned included the Benin Technical College and some internal roads within the college spanning over 12 kilometers, as well as the Edo State Education Hub, which houses the Ministry of Education, Directorate of Educational Quality and Accountability, Directorate of Higher Education, the State Examination Board, Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (Edo SUBEB), Library Board, and Board of Technical and Vocational Education and Training, among others.
Others present at the event were the deputy governor, Marvellous Godwins Omobayo; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Osaigbovo Iyoha; commissioners; and other members of the State’s Executive Council, traditional rulers, and education stakeholders.
At the commissioning of the Benin Technical College, Obaseki said his government had restored hope for the people of the state, rebuilt Edo’s economy, and empowered and equipped young people in the state for the future.
“This project is something I had to do because when I ran for governor of Edo State in 2016, we were facing existential threats. Our children didn’t want to go to school but preferred to travel for greener pastures.
“The rate of irregular migration and human trafficking was very alarming for me. At that time, over 30,000 young Edo boys and girls were in Libya, trying to cross into Europe; we had the data. You can imagine how many died on their journey.” Obaseki noted.
The governor added, “While campaigning, I promised to restore hope and did what politicians don’t usually do: I promised to create over 200,000 jobs, and by God’s grace, we have surpassed that.
“These jobs were not created by the government or the civil service; instead, we focused on developing skills and training our young boys and girls in institutions like the Benin Technical School, who just wanted hope and opportunity in life.
“When I took office on November 12th, 2016, I visited the Secretariat, and the next day, I was at the Benin Technical College. If I was to create 200,000 jobs, I needed this institution to do so. But what I saw when I arrived was heartbreaking, and I made a commitment that restoring and renovating this school would be my priority.”
“I am glad that a week before my exit from office, I can see a rebuilt technical college offering hope to thousands of young boys and girls. This is a greater joy and gift from God as I leave office feeling deeply satisfied. I came, saw the state of the college, and did my best to revamp and rehabilitate it.”
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At the commissioning of the education hub, Obaseki said the facility was a testament to his administration’s revitalization of the education sector.
The governor also named the hub after Chief Tayo Akpata, a prominent educationist and Commissioner for Education in the old Midwest State.
He said, “Today, we are here to commission the Edo State Education Hub, a facility that summarizes what we have achieved in Edo State. When we arrived, our educational system was in disarray, but today we are leaving a well-organized education system. This hub represents that, as it embodies everything related to education.
“In this facility, we have created a hall of fame for our teachers. The entire reform in Edo’s education sector was anchored on the teacher. The EdoBEST program succeeded because we focused on teachers who, in turn, taught the children. Teachers should be at the core of any education reform.”
Commending teachers in the state for supporting the reforms in the education sector, Obaseki added, “As I leave, I want to thank all the teachers and educationists who laid the foundation for education in Edo State.”
Describing the governor as a transformer, the Enugu State governor said Governor Obaseki had not only transformed Edo’s education sector but also enhanced the learning abilities of the Edo people.
He noted, “I am deeply honored to be invited to commission this landmark project. It’s a testament to Governor Obaseki’s commitment to transforming the education sector.
“The governor has had an outstanding term in office, marked by various remarkable transformational projects that not only improved the education sector but also enhanced the learning abilities of the Edo people.
“In the past eight years, the governor has been planting, and we hope that the young people of Edo State will reap the bountiful harvest of your selfless work.
“It’s our hope that when the history of this state and Nigeria is recounted, posterity will not only be kind to you but will also honor you for the great work you have done in Edo State.”
On his part, Senator Tambuwal, while celebrating the governor’s achievements over the past eight years, described Governor Obaseki as an achiever and trailblazer.
He stated, “I am impressed with what I have witnessed today, seeing Governor Godwin Obaseki’s vision in action. In no time, Edo people will miss you.
“I commend you for the initiative of the education hub. It’s yet another first and unlike anything seen in Nigeria. I urge those who come after you to continue this good work because it’s not just about politics but about governance and the well-being of the people of Edo State and Nigeria.”
