Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has assured that his administration will continue to work for the good of all in the state, saying the primary essence of governance is to bring happiness to the citizens.
He said his administration would take advantage of opportunities in the agricultural sector and provide requisite support to communities ready to open up their land for agricultural investment.
He said the state was driving economic growth by encouraging investments in agriculture and allied industries so that Edo would not only become self-sufficient in food production but also diversify its revenue base.
Obaseki, represented by Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu, at this year’s Sobe Day in Sobe, Obaseki had expressed happiness at the unity in Owan West Local Government Area as demonstrated by the huge support and presence of guests at this yearly celebration.
He noted that the state government identified the resolve of Sobe people, who are ready to welcome investments in agriculture, and stepped in to provide them with the necessary support to expand their operations. He commended Sobe community for contributing to economic development by actively promoting and investing in agriculture.
According to Obaseki, the community’s appeal for qualitative health care and education aligns with his government’s priorities, adding:’’Primary healthcare and basic education are part of our priorities as an administration and we are working to develop primary health care centres in the state as well as laying a good foundation in basic education for our children at the early stage in their life.’’
He said: “The primary essence of governance is bringing happiness to the people, which isthe utilitarian essence of governance.You don’t constitute mortal danger to your people and you don’t drive people to desperate solutions. When all these are on ground, obviously there won’t be much problem. I am particularly happy with the unity of our people of Owan West as demonstrated by the presence and support of guests such as State House of Assembly member Hon. Victor Ojo Asein, Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Reginald Okun, All Progressives Congress Chairman, Mr. Tunde Omoruan and Angelina Aigbokhae at this year’s Sobe Day celebration.”
Chairman of the occasion Prof Smart Uhakheme urged the people to be alive to their civic responsibility, especially as it affects choosing their political leaders during elections and holding them accountable.
According to him, Sobe Day has come to stay as it has not only occupied a major spot on the community’s festival calendar but it has also become a permanent feature of their lives.
“We now plan our annual leave or vacations around it. In fact, many people come home from America and other faraway places for Sobe Day celebration than during xmas or New year. Also, it has become a shining example, which other neighbouring communities emulate,” he said.
Uhakheme noted that time had come to refocus efforts on setting a new agenda which should include economic development and effective political participation. Achievement of these two goals, he said, will put the community in a strong position to tackle the most pressing issues which include security, health care and management of resources. ‘
’As a community we must get involved in the political process. It is important for all of us to participate actively. By doing so, we can affect the outcome any election and bring about the desired change. Perhaps, more important, effective participation can forestall the general tendency of putting round pegs into square holes,” he added.
His Royal Highness Anthony Ero Aleburu 1, the Odion-Ibiado of Sobe, called for the continued maintenance of peace, security and unity among the people, noting that it is only in the atmosphere of peace and unity that Sobe community can develop as government cannot do it alone.
“It is on record that most of the development efforts in Sobe were done by our illustrious sons and daughters. We can still do it again if we are united. It is on this light I call on those still aggrieved to come and join the fold because the more we are the merrier,’’ he added.
Sobe Forum President-General, Mr. Tony Akerele, who called on state government to provide adequate health facilities for Sobe lamented the non-functioning of the state owned health centres in the community. He therefore called on the state government to consider establishing a general hospital in the community, which he said, will serve all the adjoining communities in the area.
Akerele pleaded that the primary, junior and senior secondary schools in the community should be adequately staffed and equipped for maximum results. “Our secondary school is in need of laboratory equipment for the teaching of science subjects. Once we educate our teeming youth population each will be able to confront poverty and rebuff cultism,” he said.
He commended the prompt response by the governor to the community’s request for more teachers to the community secondary, noting that Sobe is glad that the state has planned to construct the abandoned Sobe-Ora road project. He, however, also appealed for the construction of Sobe Market that was demolished and abandoned for years.
Chief launcher and APC leader (Owan East) Alhaji Abdulganiu Lawani and other guests made hand some donations towards the health project.
The event witnessed presentation of awards by the Lagos-based Ohiame Social Club to Apostle Funsho Osoro and Hon. Jimfred Aigbologa Obaidiku for their selfless sevices to the community. Also, over N1 million worth of small scale business equipment, such as two motor cycles, four hair dryers, four grinders, four sewing and two vulcanising machines wre won through raffle draws.
Among guests who attended the event were representatives of Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, and Acting Chairman Owan West Local Government, Dr. Owolabi, the SSA to Governor, Hon. Oni Enahoro; Hon. Tony Ohimai Ikhianvbode, Chief Isewede Ovude, Alhaji Sufiunu Igbafen.
