By Henry Oqua
Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has been honoured with a Recognition Award for the Development of Democracy in Nigeria at the latest BusinessDay Good Governance Awards 2022 in Abuja, on Thursday, May 4, 2023.. The Governor expressed his gratitude to the organisers for recognising the State’s achievements and also used the opportunity to emphasise the importance of political power, which he believes should be used to serve the people.
The Governor was accompanied by a delegation that included his Chief of Staff, Hon. Toni Iyoha, Senators Clifford Odia and Senator Francis Alimikhena representing Edo Central, and Edo North, State party Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dr Tony Aziegbemi, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Markus Onobu, Special Adviser Strategy, Policy, Project and Performance Management (SPPPMO), Mrs Sarah Ajose-Adeogun, the Members-elect of the State House of Assembly representing Egor and Oredo East Constituencies, Natasha Osawaru, and Omosigho Frank, the Edo State SUBEB Chair, Ozavize Salami, and former commissioners Isoken Omo, Ethan Ozamere, Adaze Emwanta.
Mr Obaseki also acknowledged the silent but robust contributions of federal institutions such as those responsible for aviation safety and domestic research in promoting national development. He commended BusinessDay for spotlighting the work of these institutions and their dedicated employees.
The Governor reiterated his administration’s focus on creating an enabling environment for Edo residents to thrive, stating that the “Capacity of government is limited to the extent that it cannot do everything for everybody but it must provide the right environment for people to do the things they would ordinarily not do for themselves.”
He also highlighted his administration’s achievements in education and the overall improvement in Edo State’s public service delivery made possible through digitisation, which he said has made Edo State globally competitive and the foremost State in digitisation.
Mr Obaseki attributed the award to the hardworking public servants in Edo State who have journeyed with him since he got into office in 2016. He expressed pride in their achievements and dedication, emphasising that the award is not just for him but for the entire team.
In conclusion, the Governor stated that the award is an acknowledgement that the country is watching and that his administration remains committed to delivering quality service to the people of Edo State.
