Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that his administration would continue to build on the sterling legacies of the former governor of the defunct Mid-West and Bendel States, the late Dr. Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia.
Obaseki made the pledge at the weekend during a visit to the family of the late Ogbemudia, as part of the activities to mark the one-year anniversary of the former governor’s death.
The late Samuel Ogbemudia was born on September 17, 1932. He served as an officer in the Nigerian Army and was the military administrator of the defunct Mid-West State between 1967 and 1975.
Ogbemudia also served as a civilian governor in the old Bendel State in 1983. His tenure was cut short by the December 1983 military coup. He died on March 9, 2017, aged 84 years.
According to Obaseki, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Chief Taiwo Akerele, “We would not forget in a hurry, the fond memories of the late ex-governor, whose outstanding achievements and contributions in all sectors of the state’s economy are still standing today.”
The governor assured the family of the late Ogbemudia of the state government’s continued support.
He said, “The emergence of Eghe Ogbemudia as chairman, Egor Local Government Area shows that the people appreciate and trust the late governor’s family in delivering dividends of democracy.”
The Chairman, Egor Local Government Area and daughter of the late governor, Eghe Ogbemudia, expressed appreciation to Edo and Delta states for their continued support, noting, “The Ogbemudia family appreciates the goodwill of Edo and Delta people.”
On his part, first son of the late Elder statesman, Samuel Ogbemudia Jr. said, “The family will continue to celebrate the legacies of our father. I appreciate Edo and Delta states, which formed the old Bendel State for their commitment to keeping the legacies of our father.”
Meanwhile, Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has urged the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) to prioritise the mainstreaming of inclusive policy reforms that will reach the widest spectrum of people in the 24 All Progressives Congress (APC)-controlled states in Nigeria.
He gave the advice when he hosted the Secretaries to State Governments (SSGs) of the PGF to a dinner during its 5th Quarterly meeting, held at the weekend, in Benin City.
The governor, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, urged the forum to keep the APC states in check, to ensure that they don’t veer off the targets set in the party’s manifesto.
He pointed out that if the reforms were implemented across board, they would impact the lives of the people and mark the party out as a development-focused platform.
“We appreciate the PGF’s effort to foster discourse around policies and reforms, as it is a platform to share success stories and exchange ideas. This interaction will help resolve problems and overcome challenges facing the APC states across the country”.
Obaseki called on the participants to ensure they implement the action points arrived at during the various sessions. He added that the change that the party’s new policies have been tested and can truly transform states and the lives of the people.
He said that the paper presentation on primary healthcare is apt, as primary healthcare is one of the pillars Edo State government has been pursuing.
According to him, “Primary healthcare is key to this administration’s success. We are focusing on improving our healthcare system through the primary healthcare. If the primary healthcare is upgraded, the people are sure to have better healthcare.”
On behalf of other SSGs, SSG to the Kogi State Government, Folashade Ayoade, thanked the Edo people for their hospitality, care and the love with which they were received.
“The 24 APC SSGs in this meeting thank the government and the people of Edo State for their hospitality, care, love and their show of support during the 5th quarterly meeting of APC SGSs”.