…award a recognition of bold transformation, strides in eight years, says Obaseki

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has been honoured with the 2023 Vanguard Personality of the Year Award in recognition of his remarkable achievements as Edo’s helmsman in the last eight years, transforming various sectors of the State’s economy and placing the State on a steady pedestal for sustainable growth and development.

Obaseki received the award, at the weekend, at a very colourful ceremony which was held at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Receiving the award, Obaseki, represented by his deputy, Engr. Marvellous Omobayo Godwins, said the award is a reflection of the government’s outstanding multi-sectoral performance over the past eight years, which has repositioned the State as one of Nigeria’s leading investment destinations.

On the entourage were the Edo State First Lady, Dr. Mrs. Betsy Obaseki; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Osaigbovo Iyoha; Edo State Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa, among other top government functionaries.

Other Governors honoured include Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa), and Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Also recognized were the Founder of Air Peace, Dr. Allen Onyema and the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, among others.

According to Obaseki, “We are indeed very proud to be honoured by the Vanguard Newspapers with this prestigious award today. Over the years, they have been able to demonstrate the true essence of journalism, and when an award of this nature is given to an individual or a State by such a reputable news media, it just tells you the story.

“Ours is a story of the positive transformation that has happened in Edo State over the past seven and a half years. The story of the bold and impactful initiatives and reforms by His Excellency, Mr. Godwin Obaseki in the area of education, public sector digitalization, and infrastructural renewal, among others that have continued to better the lives of millions of Edo people and put the State on the path of accelerated growth.

“The Governor has transformed Edo to a State of delight; one that today, everyone wants to invest in. The indices are there and our economy has continued to grow, emerging as one of the top five economies in the country.”

He added, “This just tells you the story-that the economic outlook of the State has been greatly transformed. It is only a few leaders that have what it takes to do that and Vanguard has demonstrated once again that the government has done so well in these past few years. We hope that we will have a successor that will surpass these laudable achievements by Governor Obaseki.”

On his part, The Edo State Head of Service, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa said the award is in recognition of the indelible strides of Governor Obaseki in education, public service, health, among other sectors, with his unique approach to governance and efforts at positioning the State as a first world economy.

According to him, “The Government of Edo State under Governor Obaseki has done fantastically well and this award is an attestation to that fact. We have been applauded by everyone, both within and outside the country for the transformation that has happened in the basic education sector, which was extended to other sectors.”

He added, “There is so much that this government has done in the past seven and half years, which has continued to get local and international recognitions. The transformation that has happened in the public service in Edo State, for example, is second to none in this country. For the first time in the history of this country, the government of Edo State has totally gone paperless in operations. There is no other State in this country at the moment that has been able to match that record.”

Also, the State Commissioner for Roads and Bridges, Ethan Uzamere said, “If you follow His Excellency in the last few years, you will realize he’s someone that deals with planning. When he got in as Governor of Edo State, he identified the root causes of some of the problems we have in Edo State and Nigeria. He focused a lot on planning and fixing the basic issues like the basic education system, which is one of the awards he’s been recognized for here today. So, it’s been a journey of meticulous planning and tackling the problem from the root cause.”

“This award shows that people have seen what we have done and appreciate what we have achieved in the last few years which is visible with the influx of investors and the rising interests and attention in Edo, especially in the education sector.”