BEFORE a huge crowd of dignitaries, workers, politicians and ordinary folk, Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole yesterday began his second term with a pledge to continue with his achievements.
The Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin-City venue of the ceremony was filled to capacity.
Yesterday was declared a public holiday by the Edo State Government to mark the event.
The Government House and the streets leading to the Government House got some facelift.
Traffic was high on major streets, especially those leading to venue of the event and security was tight.
Former House of Representatives member Patrick Obahiagbon, who was a compere at the ceremony, held the audience spell bound with his high sounding words.
Oshiomhole came into the venue in a long convoy. He was accompanied by some governors, including The Delta’s Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and his Rivers counterpart Chibuike Ameachi.
Deputy Governor Pius Odubu was dressed in a white Benin traditional attire. Oshiomhole was decked in his trademark short-sleeve khaki.
The crowd was entertained by a special ceremonial parade by the police, led by Bassey Etim, a Superintendent. Traditional dancers from across the state performed.
Ambulances were on stand-by to attend to emergency cases.
Members of Nigerian Union Teachers who last week threatened to boycott the event over the sack of some of their members were present.
Professional Wood Workers Association members, who wanted Oshiomhole to fullfill his promise of establishing a furniture park, were there.
The secretary of the association, Lucky Nagbama, is sure that Oshiomhole would perform better.
Chairman of Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, Osakpamwan Eriyo, said a central motor park, in line with the on-going construction of roads in Benin City, was needed.
This, he said, would enable members of the association removed their vehicles from the streets.
After the oath of office was administered on him and his Deputy, Dr. Pius Odubu, by the Chief Judge, Justice Cromwell Idahosa.
Oshiomhole said tertiary education would get a big boost.
He also said he would ensure massive development of industries and attract direct foreign investments that would ensure that youths are gainfully employment.
The governor thanked the people for their massive support at the July 14 governorship election, saying that he would not renege on his electioneering promises.
“I salute all co-contestants during the election whose roles have helped to deepen and strengthen democracy in our state.
“We continue to count on your support to take Edo State to the next level. I use this opportunity to invite all of you to join me to transform and reposition our dear state,’’ he said, adding:
“I believe that it is very critical that we take full advantage of our renewed mandate to build a solid future without forgetting the past.
“We must realise that at the end of the day, it is our responsibility to leave lasting legacies that will continue to promote the general good.
“Our people deserve the best and must, therefore, not be treated as objects of manipulation, but as citizens that participate robustly in the politics of their communities to advance their interests.
“It is under such conditions that politics can throw up good leaders, democratic policies and programmes that would benefit our people.’’
Oshiomhole praised traditional rulers for their immeasurable goodwill, prayers and support before, during and after the July 14 elections.
He also paid tribute to his late wife, Clara, his assassinated principal private secretary, Olaitan Oyerinde, and four journalists who died during his campaign.
Among the dignitaries at the inauguration were former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon and the leadership of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Oshiomhole’s party, led by National Chairman Chief Bisi Akande and National Leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Governors Rochas Okorocha (Imo), Emmanuel Uduaghan (Delta), Peter Obi (Anambra), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Babatunde Fashola (Lagos) and Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun) attended the ceremony.
Business tycoon Alhaji Aliko Dangote represented the business community. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) team was led by its President Abdulwaheed Omar.
There were also former Minister of Defence Maj-Gen Godwin Abbe and Senators Chris Ngige and Daisy Danjuma. Ex-governors Aremo Olusegun Osoba and Otunba Niyi Adebayo also attended.
From the royalty came the Oba of Benin, who was represented by palace chiefs and Benin crown Prince Eheneden Erediauwa. The Sultan of Sokoto was represented by the Magajjin Sokoto.
Oshiomhole said: “With the power of God on our side and our sheer determination to change a situation we began the journey of mobilising and inspiring the people to accept that if something is wrong, time cannot make it right.”
“With the support and guidance of God, we are here as free people to participate in the swearing in ceremony. Only God in his infinite powers could have helped us to defeat those forces of darkness so that its light can shine. So I ask you to join me to give thanks to Almighty God for all his mercies and for all he has done, not only for me, not only for Action Congress of Nigeria, but indeed for the good people of Edo State and Nigeria,” he said.
Outlining his blueprint for the second term, the governor said: “We are now determined to shift focus to industries. We are now determined to do all of those things we need to put in place, not only to retain the investors that are already here but also to attract new foreign direct investment.”
He expressed joy that with the positive and enabling environment that government is creating, private investors are responding positively.
On water supply, Oshiomhole said: “We are determined to rescue the water supply in Benin City and sustain our borehole projects in our rural communities.”
The Ekiti State Governor said he is convinced that Edo people would witness greater development in Governor Oshiomhole’s second term given Oshiomhole’s genuine concern for the development of the state and his people-oriented policies.
Fayemi who was among prominent national leaders that graced the inauguration ceremony Oshiomole occupies a special place in the hearts of Edo people through excellence performance.
Describing Oshiomhole as a performer and achiever in governance, Fayemi said his second term in office would afford the people of Edo State to reap more dividends of democracy.
Fayemi said “ The Edo election has taught us some lessons and has set a precedence for us in Ekiti to follow. The Edo people have shown that good performance will always be rewarded. I have no doubt that Edo State will witness greater development during this second term and through good performance, ACN will win more states in next election.
