Edo State is currently undergoing a lot of changes under the government of Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki. When he began campaigning for the exalted post promising to do the little he could in alleviating the suffering of the people of Edo State in 2016,, many took him to be unserious and that he was only wasting his hard earned money in order to meander through the unfamiliar terrain of politics little did we know that it was a step that will eventually change the historical value of the state. His laudable contributions to the socio- political and economic growth of the entire State since then emboldened the people to add more feathers to his cap by reelecting him again in 2020.

Since he was elected as the Governor of the State, Obaseki has not shifted from his quest to re-sharpen the State to become one of the best in the Country. When he was seeking for reelection, there was the fear of betrayal due to the people experiences, but on their recollection of some feet performed during his first tenure, the people of the state summoned courage and elected him for a second term. Thank God, what the people thought was sort of risk in electing him is now yielding tremendous achievements. His Excellency, Obaseki has made everyone believe about the commitment and sincerity of his administration as the Governor of Edo State, he was faced with the arduous task of moving the state forward and as well as reconciling the interest of its various groups in the state to ensure peaceful harmonious coexistence. From the onset, He understood his aims and objectives to revolutionize the functions of Government, which will impact on the service delivery to the people of this noble state. He had the unique luck to serve as the Chairman of Edo State Economic and Strategy team in 2009, during the tenure of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole it was like a call to understudy, and he did luck, handwork and blessing of God beckoned on him. In 2016, he was elected as the Governor of the state. He therefore, had the opportunity to possibly practicalise what he has studied, with his various other experiences as complement.

Pursuant to his philosophy the state has grown in leaps and bounds with in six years through the collective and tremendous cooperation of Edo people and has developed from the biblical mustard seed into a giant Oak tree. Obaseki managed to record the wide specter of activities and the extent of achievements with the limited funds at his disposal. What follows is by all standard revelations of many achievements. The projects are numerous, the demands are many and varied, but the value and purpose remain constant – uplifting the living standard of the people to conventionally accepted level. Against this backdrop, it is obviously clear that Obaseki and his team are determined to leave Edo State better and greater than they met it. He is carving a niche for himself, leaving his print in the sand of history in this great state. At the personal level, those who know the Governor clearly attest to his good nature, gentlemanship, commitment to duties and love for mankind, in the manner in which his oath as a historian would encouraged.

Because of the pressure, people thought the easy going Governor could shove aside the people: whose back he was appointed into the office, the surprises within this periods is that the Edo State helmsman is still and to be his usual self, down to earth, friendly and focused, a normal gift to successful public officers. His knack for direction is reportedly phenomenal, his disposition is said to be calm and calculated has rather given his grace for achievements. Obaseki’s integrated development so far suffice it to say that developments have touched education, health, road, transportation, commerce and industry, judiciary, environment, sports, human resources etc. These developments are on ground, verifiable and not just a creation of the press. We urge sincere appreciation of His Excellency Obaseki administration which has come to salvage the state. The records of ‘Governor Obaseki Six Years of Landmark achievements’ is a reflection of the Governor’s achievements in pictures. You will be quick to notice that even with the volume of achievements as recorded the administration of Obaseki has remained rather silent on publicity. I think one can go on and on to highlight areas of achievements , what about the internet road network, provision of electricity and water supply. Obaseki also made education as one of his cardinal point, the Governor’s commitment to the sector is legendary as he gave it the topmost priority it deserved, culminating to array of achievements that are manifest in tertiary institutions down to primary and secondary schools and with the flagship of the government’s intervention in education known as the Edo best initiatives, Edo best is a programme focused on retraining the education sector that target public primary and junior secondary school government teachers of about one thousand five hundred (1500) and over thirty thousand pupils (30,000) In housing : with the construction of the Benin Central park, the completion of Edo State secretariat complex, Block B and Block D, has also helped to relocate several ministries to the new secetariat complex Emotan Garden housing units, Edo State library, the sport complex with all the relevant facilities, the construction of the High court buildings, John Odigie Oyegun civil service training centre etc With the consciousness and commitment to the accelerated physical development of the state, the governor has launched a roadmap to meet its 30 years development plan for the future of the state by 2050. To this end, Obaseki has vigorously pushed Edo State as a viable investment destination in 2018, his administration established the Edo State investment promotion office to facilitate investment and stakeholders engagements so as to improve the business environment.

In the area of workers welfare Obaseki has been paying the new #40, 000 minimum wages to Edo State workers, he realised that the increase was germane to help workers overcome the nation economic challenges and I am not surprised that he is also called ‘The people Governor’ Salaries are paid promptly including allowances.

Another remarkable area where the visionary leader has recorded 70% success is the area of job creation; indigenes and non-indigenes have been employed to strengthen the workforce of various departments, in Edo State. .Obaseki has become first among equal in the area of focus and energy to work, leadership vision, sensitivity to people’s expectations, dedication to duty, loyalty and contribution to the unity of Edo State, the administration of Obaseki promotes a healthy sports culture because of the gigantic achievements in areas of sports development this was noticeable during the rebuilding of Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, mini stadia , rebranded Bendel Insurance , F C, sports and so many others activities we are proud to say that the myriad of problems in the state are happily being tackled frontally by the present administration, with the benefits of peculiarity prudence, conviction to serve this most peaceful and progressive State is gradually transforming and putting it in a buffeting status commensurate with the possibilities available in the State around the World. It is obvious that our “Wake and see Governor” is determined to kick Edo State back to work, truly, it is believed that since its creation it has never worked to the standard this administration can accept. The administration of Obaseki has been lucky to assemble the best available hands to serve the best interest of the people. The journey of Obaseki administration so far could be broken into social- political, welfare, housing, health, roads, education, transport etc in order to have a good grasp of his achievements and getting the right vision for the panoramic summative evaluation of his administration,

His period as the Executive Governor of Edo State has boosted our sense of self-worth and self-actualization, he has taken the image of the State right from the inner room of national reckoning to the forefront of political and economic significance. He has made invaluable contribution in the services of mankind. Very accommodating, accessible and operates a real- open door policy. He is always fair to all manner of people and has listening ears, above all, he is close to his community. “Our resolve is to leave positive landmarks on the sand of time, we have determined to leave behind achievements that would take a long time to surpass” these remarks were the exact words of Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki when the Minister of Education of Rewanda Dr Eugene Mutimura visited Edo State to understudy EDOBEST implementation “I need to add that many of these projects, have been funded from buildups from internally generated revenue, the others from the Federal Government allocation. The challenges ahead are still herculean and enormous, with the special grace – of God and the support of’ Edo People, we are resolved to sustain a legacy of non- abandonment of projects. It is against this moral background that we hereby appeal fervently to Government and non-Governmental Organizations, stakeholders and interest groups for Prayers, cooperation, assistance and support to our modest effort” because we are not done yet in the accelerated development of the state. As you can see for yourself, the state is a beehive of construction activities”.

“By all standards, we have come a long way, we have not merely sloganized that Edo State is the “fastest growing” State in Nigeria, we have lived it as a reality and consistently too, thus central to the accomplishment of our mission as set out in our manifestos in 2016 and 2020 respectively, Here “I feel proud to publicly acknowledge that the state is blessed with highly talented experienced and gifted administrators. Where some see difficulties, we perceives opportunities. Where others see obstacles, wee sees stepping-stones’ All these attributes is because he has been faithful to Edo people, since he assumed office as the Executive Governor of Edo State. Based on the idea to make a difference to the qualities of life of his people, for the selfless and honest service to better the living condition of the people, today we can point to the catalogue of achievements in his administration. His Excellency, Obaseki is an enigma in the life history of Edo people for his contributions to the socio- political and economic awareness, for his love, which transcended his humanity, for his honesty, integrity and kindness to all, for his commitments to the cause of the State. It is also significant to mention that Obaseki is not on1y excelling in the development process, also in good relationship with the State Deputy Governor Comrade Philip Shaibu, The Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly Hon Marcus Onobun, the Secretary to the State Government, (SSG) Barr, Osarodion Ogie, The Chief of Staff, Hon Iyoha Osaigbovo, Dr (Mrs) Joan Osa-Oviawe, The commissioner of Education, (The Icon of our time) She is the brain behind the success of EDOBEST. The traditional rulers, must especially the Omo ‘N’Oba N’ Edo’ UkuAkpolopolor. The Oba of Benin, the Enigies and a host of others. By the time he leaves office at the end of his tenure, Obaseki’s shoes would have expanded so considerably that it would be difficult to find somebody who would fit nearly into them.

Conclusion. In six years of his democratic leadership in Edo State, His Excellency, Mr Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki , has change the landscape of this state whose people have given their mandate at the polls twice. He has acquitted of himself excellently the challenge of turning around Edos fortunes to that of rapid development of the state and its peoples, all with the meagre resources available to him. Obaseki’s efforts have been recognized by observers both within and outside the country, and this recognition has often come in the form of awards, honours and accolades.

The beautiful people of Edo State should know that this man “The wake and see Governor”, Mr Obaseki is still in the office as the Governor of Edo State, take your DRUMS , let honour this great son of Edo State. All the traditional rulers of Edo State should please jointly give this main. Obaseki an appropriate title on behalf of the great people of Edo State. Edo people honour your son to encourage others to place service above self.

It is indeed pertinent to jealously guard against the euphoria of his achievement in the Governance of Edo State. Although, Obasekihas proved to be a builder of progressive ladders, a repairer of broken bridges, restorer of standards and harbinger of good hope. We shall continue to pray for his administration, as better standards are being set for us in this most peaceful and progressive State EDO STATE

Dr. Anthony Emhenya Iyoha is a lecturer in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration, Edo State University, Uzairue