Newly sworn-in Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, on Saturday declared his intention to hit the ground running in delivering on the promises he made to the people of the state, during his governorship campaign.
Obaseki also described his emergence as Governor, few week after the coronation of the Oba of Benin, Omo n’Oba n’Edo Uku Akpolopkolo, Oba Ewuare II, as an honour and a reminder of the enormous task before me in in guiding the pursuit of the good and well-being of the people and the state, with vigour and diligence.
He spoke during his inaugural address shortly after taking his oath of office as the fifth elected governor of Edo at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin.
He said, “The responsibility of leading the match of Edo people is mine, that of my deputy governor and that of my government I would be announcing shortly. Many of the fundamental, major socio-economic development have been put in place by (Adams) Oshiomhole.
“I am looking forward to you to make our government accountable every step of the way. As we have always said, our message is simple – let’s go further together. Our work starts immediately.”
Obaseki and his deputy, Philip Shuaibu, took their oath of office, which was administered by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Cromwell Idahosa, and later inspected a guard of honour before receiving cheers as he (Obaseki) rode in a motorcade.
The ceremony was graced by important personalities drawn from all walks of life, including a former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd.); the immediate past governor, Adams Oshiomhole, and his wife, Lara; the immediate past deputy governor, Dr. Pius Odubu; National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; Deputy National Chairman (South) of the APC, Segun Oni, and a former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba.
Also present were APC governors, including Akinwumi Ambode (Lagos State) and Rochas Okorocha (Imo State), who was represented by his deputy, Prince Eze Madumere; Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Mohammed Abubakar (Bauchi) and Abdul-Aziz Yari (Zamfara).
Among the captains of industry at the ceremony were the Chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote; Hakeem Bello-Osagie, Tony Elumelu and Capt. Hosa Okunbor (retd.).
Obaseki promised to focus on human and material infrastructure, even as he assured that he would build on the foundation laid by his predecessor, whom he lauded for his developmental efforts across the state.
PUNCH
