Governor Obaseki Visits Oba Of Benin, Seeks Support For Reforms

Edo state governor, Godwin Obaseki, Monday paid his official visit to the palace of the Oba of Benin Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Ewuare II where he called for support from the Benin Kingdom to have a more friendly land administrative system that would be investors friendly and in tune with his administration’s desire for
more development for the state.

Obaseki led members of his government including his deputy, Philip Shaibu, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Osarodion Ogie, Chief of Staff, Taiwo Akerele and other top government functionaries on the visit to the monarch. Besides, he said his administration would ensure a friendly environment to make Edo one of the cleanest states in Nigeria. Obaseki said on security, he would strengthen existing community policing structures like vigilance groups to share information with conventional security agencies like the police and DSS to have a safer society just as he said that in the next few weeks, he would unveil the plans to achieve his promise of creating 200,000  jobs for the people of the state.

“This kingdom used to have the best land tenure system in Nigeria, unfortunately we have lost that pride today. We want to deal with the issue of land properly so that can attract private investment to the state, we need your support to do this.”

In his response, Oba Ewuare carpeted the activities of community development associations who have taken over sales of lands with very unfriendly conditions.

“May I use this opportunity to seek the state government’s support in eradicating the menace of Community Development Associations in Edo South in particular and Edo state in general. Most of their actions have impeded the development of our communities. For the avoidance of doubt, CDAs are not supposed to be involved in land matters. Community lands as in other matters of the community are under the enigie, odionwere or owhien as the case may be.”

He however charged Obaseki to ensure that he fulfils his election promises to the people.

He said, “I have no doubt in my mind that you will deploy all your wealth of experience both in the private sector and in the immediate past administration of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole to effectively utilise the human and material resources in Edo state to take it to greater heights through good governance and provide the good people of Edo state the good dividends of democracy.

“May I use this opportunity to appreciate the state government and for its unprecedented support in the successful completion of my coronation ceremony and I pray the good relationship will continue to exist between the state government and the palace.

“Please Your Excellency endeavour to deliver on your campaign promises and attract more federal support and presence particularly my initial appeal to the federal government to transform Gelegele into an Export Processing Zone for agro allied industries.”

He called on the state government to assist in setting up cottage industries that would take the youth off the street in the seven local government areas that make up the Benin kingdom.