The Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II, has assured Edo state Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki of the palace support and praised the governor for the inauguration of the Committee on the Gelegele project.
The Oba, whose first official outing after his coronation blessed Governor Obaseki saying “you have my full support”.
He spoke at the state government house after having a close door meeting with Governor Obaseki.
Oba Ewuare II said they discussed issues of mutual cooperation and that the Benin Palace was ready to partner with the state government for the development of the state.
The Benin Monarch said he was passionate about the establishment of the proposed Export Free Processing Zone in Gelegele, Ovia North East Local Government.
The Benin Monarch explained that instead of Gelegele Seaport, he chose to focus on Export Free Zone because he was so advised by experts, adding that he and governor Obaseki also discussed roads that will link up with the Export Free Zone and the Gelegele Seaport among other things.
According to him, ” I am passionate about the Export Free Processing Zone. That is what the Federal Government will easily accept. The Gelegele seaport will be tied to the Export Free Processing Zone project for the evacuation of proceeds”.
The Oba said the governor is not just a politician. He is a technocrat as he was described. He should match his words with action as he has always done.
On his part, Governor Obaseki informed the Monarch that he has made difficult but necessary decision in the last 70 days of his administration.
Governor Obaseki said he dealt with the issue of financial and and fiscal responsibility by producing a budget proposal that will take the state out of the current economic challenges.
Obaseki said he has secured several investors confidence in China to come and invest in different sectors.
He said he would soon send a bill criminalizing activities of Community Development Associations in the state to the state House of Assembly,
The governor noted that without proper land administration, his administration would not able to create the 200,000 jobs it promised.
His words, “In the last 70 days, we have been able to take difficult and necessary decision.
“We are dealing with issue of financial and and fiscal responsibility. We look at the future and current situation we are facing and we produce a budget we believe will take us out of economic challenges.
