From Bisi Olaniyi, Benin
Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has said his government is committed to working for the people and lifting their wellbeing.
He spoke yesterday at his second term inauguration which held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin.
Obaseki said it was time to heal. He promised to grow the state into a globally-competitive economy, enabled by technology, for the benefit of all.
His inaugural speech reads: “This is the time to heal. We are kith and kin with a common destiny. Let us now stop dwelling on the past. It is now time to take our collective destinies in our own hands as Edo people and begin the arduous task of Making Edo Great Again (MEGA).
“Together, as a people propelled by a common zeal in pursuit of progress and advancement, there is nothing that we cannot overcome if we have a consensus on how to move our state forward. What we need is a unity template.
“The social contract between government and the people, which you redefined in the September 19 election, calls for trust and reciprocity. We do not claim to have the solutions to all our problems, but what we guarantee is to provide value for your money (tax revenues) by utilising it judiciously, transparently and with accountability.
“Your government is committed to working for every Edo citizen and lifting their wellbeing by ensuring that the state grows into a globally-competitive economy, enabled by technology for the benefit of all.
“Before 2025, Edo will develop and grow its digital economy and operate a digital government. The digital government we are building will plug into the new digital age and ensure we deliver better and efficient services to all our citizens.”
Obaseki’s Aide-de-Camp (ADC) and a female para-military officer collapsed during the inauguration.
The para-military officer collapsed as Obaseki made to inspect the guard of honour but she was quickly revived. The ADC wobbled before slumping while Obaseki was midway into reading his speech.
Commissioner for Health Dr. Patrick Okundia and some operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) lifted the ADC and he was rushed to an undisclosed hospital.
The ceremony was attended by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (represented by his aide Edobor Iyamu); Governors Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto) and Douye Diri (Bayelsa); Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta); Nyesom Wike (Rivers, and represented Deputy Governor Dr. Ipalibo Harry-Banigo).
Also in attendance were Health Minister Dr. Osagie Ehanire; National Vice Chairman (Southsouth) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Dan Orbih; Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) Prof. Lilian Salami; among others.
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