help reduce the level of poverty and want among Edo people
Obaseki said this as he took the oath of office for his second term as
governor of Edo on Thursday, the highpoint of the high-stakes election
he won in September.
The Chief Judge of Edo, Mrs. Esther Edigin, administered the oath on the
governor and the Deputy Governor, Mr. Philip Shaibu.
The governor said that he used his first term to seek a partnership that
would drive the economy of the state through numerous memoranda of
agreements.
He said that his second term would be used to consolidate and bring
about a better Edo for the benefit of the people.
“We have used the last four years to change how government works with
the introduction of memoranda of understanding and memoranda of
agreement with organisations and communities, which assist the
government in allocating responsibilities and relating with the people
and other partners in development.
“Our government is committed to working for every Edo State citizen and
lifting their wellbeing by ensuring that Edo State grows into a globally
competitive economy enabled by technology for the benefit of all her
citizens.
“Before 2025, Edo State will develop and grow its digital economy and
operate a digital government.
“The digital government we are building will plug into the new digital
age and would ensure we deliver better and efficient services to all our
citizens.
“In realising our vision as reflected in the MEGA manifesto, we will
focus on the following priorities areas:
“Grow our Social Sector by constantly improving our Education,
Healthcare System, provision of social security and safety nets, caring
for the vulnerable and the disadvantaged in our state.
“Rapidly develop our critical energy, housing, digital, and road
infrastructure, which provides a framework to drive inclusive growth.
“Build the Economy and drive Industrialization, Trade, and Investment,
to solidify our state’s status as the choice investment destination in
the country.
“Preserve the Environment and Public Utilities, to make our state more
functional and adapt to the challenges of climate change and rural-urban
migration.
“Our major drive will be the clean and green Edo initiative and
sustaining our campaign to plant trees and restore the forest.”
Among the sectors he also planned to invest in include:
“Exploiting agriculture and natural resources, by tapping our God-given
resources to provide food security, create wealth, and improve the
livelihoods of our people.
“Strengthen Public Service, Public Finance and Public Revenue, by
recalibrating our workforce for the future world of work.
“Sustain Law, Judiciary, and Legal Reforms, to ensure justice, equity
and fairness in private and public dealings.
“Promote Arts and Culture, to preserve the past, document the present,
envision the future, and use our arts and culture as a springboard to
develop tourism.
“Revamp the Transport sector, by developing transport infrastructure to
a more modern and affordable system.’’
Dignitaries at the ceremony included the Governor of Rivers, Mr Nyesom
Wike, Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta, Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State,
Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa.
Mr Dan Orbih, the Vice-Chairman of the PDP, South-South, and a former
Minister of Works, Mr. Mike Onolememen, were also in attendance.
Others are PDP National Chairman Uche Secondus, former Chief of Staff to
President Goodluck Jonathan, Mr. Mike Ogiadome, the Senator representing
Edo Central District, Mr Cliford Ordia, Sen. Matthew Urhohide and a PDP
Chieftain, Mr Kenneth Imasuagbon, among others.(NAN)