By Henry Oqua
Edo State Governor Mr Godwin Obaseki has lauded public servants in Edo State for their dedicated and hardworking efforts in his six and a half years as governor. At the BusinessDay Good Governance Awards ceremony, when he received the Recognition Award for the Development of Democracy in Nigeria, he dedicated the award to Edo State public servants, who he described as brilliant, resilient, and supportive.
The ceremony which held in Abuja on Thursday May 4, 2023, recognised notable Nigerians and federal institutions for their excellence in public service in the year 2022. Receiving the award, Mr Obaseki said it was an acknowledgement that Edo State has captured the attention of the world. The Governor was accompanied by a delegation that included his Chief of Staff, Hon. Toni Iyoha; Senators Clifford Odia and Francis Alimikhena representing Edo Central, and Edo North; State 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 emphasised the significant contributions his administration has made to improve the State’s education and public service sectors. He noted that Edo State was the foremost state in terms of digitisation, with over 2000km of fibre optic connections linking every Local Government Area in the State. Additionally, he highlighted the state’s efforts to improve service delivery, guaranteeing the audience that they can have their Certificates-of-Occupancy in less than 30 days in Edo State, a feat which takes much longer for other states and the Federal Government.
In his speech, Mr Obaseki said: “This award is not for Governor Obaseki but for the very hardworking public servants in Edo State who have journeyed with me since I got into office in 2016. I don’t know how I would’ve done it without brilliant, hardworking, resilient men and women. I’m very proud of what we have achieved.”
He also recognised the impact of the public servants’ dedication and hard work, stating that it made the achievements possible. “This award is an acknowledgement that the country is watching,” he added.
Overall, the BusinessDay States Competitiveness and Good Governance Awards 2022 was a celebration of the excellent achievements of public servants and public institutions who have dedicated themselves to service in Nigeria.
