Olumide Lawal
Godwin Obaseki was on Saturday sworn-in as the new governor of Edo state alongside Phillip Shuaibu as the deputy governor.
The ceremony officially puts to an end to the tenure of Adams Oshiomhole, who had been two- term governor spanning eight years in the state.
The oath of office was administered by the Chief Judge of Edo state in the presence of top government functionaries, political office holders and politicians that include Senate President Bukola Saraki, former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd); All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Odigie Oyegun; Speaker of House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, Aliko Dangote and others.
In his post inauguration address at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium where he was sworn-in, Obaseki assured millions citizens that he would continue with all projects inherited from Oshiomhole.
The governor argued that of his administration was would pursue the wellbeing of people of Edo state and that there was no going back in the task to uplift the status of the people.
He described the wisdom of Oshiomhole as inspiring and said he would build on the legacy inherited from the former governor.
The governor said that the building of a greater tomorrow was his and that of his deputy, Shuaibu and the collective ideas of Edo people irrespective of their political affiliation.
The programme of the new administration, he said, would be unveiled shortly, but restated that he would expand infrastructure in the widest sense and build a robust human, intellectual and metaphysical infrastructure for significant progress of the state.
He said that he remained committed to his promise to create 200,000 jobs in four years, saying attention would be focused on vocational skills, production, commerce and agriculture in employment creation.
Obaseki said that the people would be encouraged to key into business through value chain of cocoa, palm oil, rubber, rice and produce in which the state has comparative advantage.
The government would introduce low interest financing for small scale industries, concentrate in electricity generation and provide the enabling environment for industry to thrive.
The government would focus on urban renewal initiative of the past administration, especially building more schools and construction of intra-city road network and complete all on-going projects.
“Our development and social plan will be successful if we pay attention to women. Health women, build healthy and prosperous community, Women’s women programme will be taken seriously.”
He said attention would also be paid to low maternal health care, education and curriculum development especially on technical and vocational education and ICT.
“Health is a compelling and Edo will be made centre of excellence in health care and so will partner private sector to ensure health is given due attention. I plan to expand the dream of my predecessor and deploy good science and technology and involve communities in policies.’’
