…as global superstar Rema hosts homecoming show at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium
By Violet Osatohanmwen Obamwonyi
Governor Godwin Obaseki has asserted that Edo State under his administration has made significant strides in revitalizing its unique heritage and nurturing the creative potential of young people, while describing the global superstar, Divine Ikubor, professionally known as Rema, as a symbol of the creative spirit and instincts innate in Edo people.
The Governor emphasized that Edo has distinguished itself, built its own unique civilization with a zest that has rekindled the hope and confidence of young people in their abilities, bringing back to life the creative instincts that once flowed in the vein of its ancestors.
The Governor made these remarks during the Homecoming Concert hosted by Rema at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, on August 30, 2024.
According to Obaseki: “I am very happy and excited about tonight. What is happening here today is very historic. It is about reconnecting with the souls of Edo and Nigerians. It is about using the creative instincts of our young ones to reach the majority of people in the country.
“This is a global standard. To be able to make this connection is amazing. It is a record tonight; there are very few instances and places in the world where the stadium can be full to capacity because of an entertainment event.
“This is what Edo used to be, 50 years ago. The only difference now is that it is our young ones that are now able to attract this kind of audience; that was unimaginable years ago. It is our young people doing this; every music played here was created and performed by young people. We have in excess of 10,000 people here watching our own global superstar, Rema, and they are doing so in a very relaxed and safe environment. The infrastructure here is world-class; this could have been anywhere else in the world.”
He added: “We did not manufacture this crowd; it had always been here; they just needed a leadership that understands the people, have enough concern and care for them; a leadership that is interested in bringing out the potential in our people. So, I am very glad that we have shown that this is possible.
“Rema defines the creative spirit and instincts of Edo. He defines hope, hard work, creativity, innovation and the can-do-spirit that young people of Edo State have. Today, as we are celebrating talents, he should serve as an inspiration to all of us here tonight, because it could be any of us. It just tells that every one of you has something special and distinct in you. Rema has expressed his and the world has seen a creative genius. All of you here tonight, just know that there could be a Rema in you.”
Obaseki noted that prior to his administration, there were very few opportunities available for young people to express their talents within the state, leading many to seek opportunities abroad, often risking their lives through irregular migration.
He stated that over the past 8 years however, his administration has demonstrated that remarkable feats in the creative and entertainment industries are indeed possible within the state.
He said: “When you look back, this could not have happened eight years ago; the young people wanted to leave. To them, it was anywhere else but home. But I am glad that the systematic steps we took to rebuild the entertainment scene in Edo is now bearing fruits. I feel very fulfilled. But this is just the beginning and we must ensure that we sustain this path.
“My take away tonight is from that rendition by Rema, ‘Believe’. I believe that as Edo, we are cut out for greatness and if we continue at this pace and ensure that we get the majority of Nigerians who are young people to participate and take an interest in what is going on, we will be able to realize the full potential of what we have and who we are.”
“The point I want to leave you with is that everything is possible. I want to say thank you Rema and the great Edo people. I would be leaving the office as a happy and fulfilled Governor. I came desperate but I am leaving in an optimistic note that Edo will be great again”, Obaseki said.
