Obaseki: “I don’t want to be remembered for my many fights”

The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has said that he will not want to be remembered for his many “fights.”

Obaseki made the statement on Friday while responding to the questions asked by newsmen after he commissioned the Airport Road Parks and Garden in Benin City, the capital city.

When the newsmen asked Obaseki what he would like to be remembered for after his tenure, he expressed his desire to be remembered for more than just the conflicts that have marked his tenure, stating “certainly not for the fights.”

The governor outlined his plans to ensure the long-term sustainability of the garden project in Edo State, which aims to draw in residents daily.

The Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), reported that the initiative is part of his administration’s efforts to promote economic growth and development in the state.

Obaseki revealed that his administration has developed a comprehensive plan for managing public spaces, incorporating a sustainable revenue model to ensure their long-term viability.

According to Punch, “the approach demonstrates the governor’s commitment to creating thriving community hubs while maintaining fiscal responsibility.”

“For example, all the revenue from billboards around here will be managed and Prestige Hotel will also support the park,” Obaseki stated.

“The military has also assured us to give support in terms of security.”

“I believe in first doing the work before rejoicing.”

“We will try to commission as much as we can, but I’m not sure we can commission as much as 10 percent of what we have done.”

“I feel appreciated. The response from our people is quite applaudable, and no wonder people came out to show their support by voting for us the way they did in the last election.”

“I can’t get enough of saying thank you for the privilege given me to serve.”

The Governor-elect, Monday Okpebholo, will be sworn into office on November 12, marking an end to Obaseki’s eight-year reign in Edo State.

Who is Obaseki?

Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki is a Nigerian politician and businessman born on July 1, 1957, in Benin City, Edo State.

Education

Godwin had his Bachelor’s degree in Classics from University of Ibadan in 1979, his Master’s degree in Business Administration from Columbia University in 1991, and obtained his certificate in Finance, Harvard University in 2005.

Career

Obaseki worked at various financial institutions, including International Merchant Bank and AVC Funds Limited.

He served as the Executive Chairman, Edo State Economic and Strategic Planning Commission between 2009 and 2016.

The Nigerian politician got elected as the Governor of Edo State in 2016 and got re-elected in 2020.

Politics

Nogheghase joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2008 and became the Chairman, Edo State Economic and Strategic Planning Commission between 2009 and 2016.

He was elected as the Governor of Edo State under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2016 and he defected to the PDP in 2020 and was re-elected as Governor.

Governorship

Obaseki’s administration focuses on economic development, infrastructure growth, and education reform (Edo BEST).

Also, his administration focuses on healthcare improvement, job creation (Edojobs), investment promotion (ESIPO), and technology advancement (Edo Tech Park).

Governance Style

Obaseki is known for his technocratic approach to governance and his focus on economic development, infrastructure growth, and human capacity building.

Notable projects

Godwin’s notable projects include Benin River Port Project, Benin Industrial Park, Modular Refinery Project, and road infrastructure development (over 737 km).

Awards and Recognition

The Edo man received the Nigeria Union of Teachers award as the Best Performing Governor in 2019 and Vanguard Newspaper’s Governor of the Year in 2018.

Personal Life

He is married to Betsy Bene Obaseki and they have children.

Vision

To make Edo State one of the top 20 economies in Africa by 2050, develop human capacity and natural resources, and foster economic growth and job creation are all Obaseki’s vision.

Challenges

The Edo Governor faces challenges which include managing political tensions and opposition, addressing security concerns, and balancing economic development with social welfare.

Legacy

Transforming Edo State’s economy and infrastructure, improving education and healthcare outcomes, and creating jobs and opportunities for residents are all Godwin’s legacy.

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