Edo Communications Office - ECO

Obaseki Lauds State Security Council for Support, Urges Cooperation with Successive Administration
..admonishes incoming government to prioritize security over politics

Violet Osatohanmwen Obamwonyi

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has expressed appreciation to members of the Edo State Security Council, commending the Council for providing the State with adequate security and necessary surveillance.

The Governor noted that their collaborative efforts with the government and citizens of the State have gone a long way in improving security situation in the State.

Obaseki made this known on Friday November 8, 2024, at the valedictory Security Council Meeting by his administration, held at the State Government House, with representatives from the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Prisons Service, Immigration Service, Department of State Services (DSS), Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Federal Fire Service, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) and other relevant security agencies.

According to the Governor, “We are blessed to have worked with these agencies who by adopting the right technology were able to provide a security blanket over Edo State, such that today, we have a Security Information Management System second to none in this country.

“It is one thing to have security but what is also important is the perception of security. I would say that the giant strides made by my administration in the last few years speak to the fact that the capacity to deal with security issues in Nigeria exists; the people to do the job exist; it is all about working with them and supporting them to perform their duties. We are hoping that the successive administration will continue to work with them.

Obaseki added: “The only thing I can do is to thank you, because we cannot reward you enough. When I look back, I want to say thank you for all you did, because I am leaving Edo much better security-wise. And my advice to the incoming administration is to take security seriously.

"Do not prioritize politics over security, and the citizens too must continue to demand for a secure environment, because we have shown over the last 8 years that it is possible; shown that we have men and women who have the capacity and training to offer security services to the people.

“As I step out of office, I know my success has been largely due to the support I received from you to ensure that we have a safe and secure State. Please keep it up. Continue with the structures we have put on ground. Keep that cooperation that made you very effective, so we can continue to provide security to our people.”

Obaseki Commissions Post-Production Center, Edonimose Residence, for Creatives, Artistes

…urges youths to ensure sustainability of creative projects pioneered by administration

Violet Osatohanmwen Obamwonyi

In a bid to unlock the creative potential of youths in the State alongside the restoration of the State’s cultural heritage, Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has commissioned the Victor Uwaifo Hub Post Production Center and the Edonimose Residence, for creatives.

Speaking at the commissioning on Monday November 4, 2024, Obaseki noted that his administration has committed substantial investments and financial support to arts, culture, and the creative industry, aimed at driving economic growth, noting that both facilities are envisioned to bring together artists, filmmakers, researchers, curators, and creatives, thereby inspiring collaboration, fostering innovation, and celebrating Edo's rich cultural heritage.

He stated that the facilities underscore his administration’s dedication to empowering the creative industry and establishing Edo State as a center for film excellence and cultural exchange.

He further observed that the Post-Production Center would complement the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub and Soundstage, thereby completing the film production cycle and strengthening the Edo Film Project which has produced over 80 films, attracted investments to the state and benefited numerous families.

He also revealed that the Edonimose Residence which combines culture with comfort is strategically located in a prime area, standing as the first-of-its-kind in the region, providing a unique space for cultural exchange, learning, and personal growth.

According to him, the innovative residence would foster a supportive community that encourages experimentation and creativity, making it a hub for innovation in the arts and culture sector.

The facilities, he emphasized, aim to make Edo a cost-effective and logistically supportive destination for film production, noting that the industry now has access to affordable filming locations and logistics in Edo State, along with highly subsidized accommodation through the Edonimose Residence.

“Edo has become the Venice of Africa. The number of creatives and artistes that have come into the city over the last 8 years is highly impressive. This shows that there is hope for Nigeria. By putting in place the right infrastructures, we have enabled our youths express themselves. We have hope that, if as a government we continue to do what we need to do; create an enabling environment, support the creatives, our society would turn around again.

“We have changed the fortunes and narratives of Edo State, giving hope to the youth by showing them that they are innately creative. We have made investments across the spectrum. They have seen that it is possible to have jobs at home. So, if they do not make use of these facilities that we have built for their development, it would be their fault.

“The challenge that has been thrown to Edo people today is; if you allow things to go back to what it seemed to be before I came, it is your fault. I have shown you what you can be. Don’t allow anybody to come and make you feel that you are less than what you are. Because you have seen the light, you now know that your life can be better. You must stand your ground and fight for yourself. If you do not, do not blame anybody.

“We are not saying this is the end; this is the beginning. So if you allow anybody to terminate the beginning, then we cannot make any progress," Obaseki said.

In a keynote address, the former Governor of Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha, noted that Edo State has become a major talent hub, while recognizing Obaseki’s impactful leadership in various sectors, including power, education, arts, healthcare, and industrialization, likening his legacy to that of Late Gen. Samuel Ogbemudia, while commending him for transforming Edo into a cultural and tourist destination, creating jobs, and preserving Ogbemudia’s vision.

In the same vein, the former Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke, congratulated Obaseki for his vision and perseverance in advancing the State's development. Criticizing the winner-takes-all approach in governance practiced by many politicians, he warned that undermining previous projects from one's predecessors, only brings harm to the citizens. Duke expressed hope that Obaseki’s projects would endure and positively impact Edo’s future, emphasizing the importance of sustainability of the projects by the incoming administration.

Earlier in a welcome address, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism, Hon. Uyi Oduwa Malaka, highlighted the administration's Heritage 100 project, aimed at training and employing over 100 Edo youths to manage the Benin Cultural District and attract artistes to the State, describing the new facilities as a platform for filmmakers and creatives to produce world-class content and gain skills, contributing to job creation and celebrating Edo's rich culture and resilience.