More commendations have continued to pour in for the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, following his recent recognition with the prestigious Zik Prize for Good Governance, in acknowledgement of his government’s sterling performance across all sectors of the State over the past seven years.
The Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa, the State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and an Edo-based pro-development group, Esan Agenda, among others, have joined the chorus of commendations, applauding the governor for taking deliberate steps to improve the lives of millions of Edo people and undertaking numerous projects and policies to put the State on the path of sustainable and accelerated growth and development.
Okungbowa who spoke to journalists, while congratulating Obaseki on the well-deserved honour, highlighted the governor’s nuanced initiatives in the State’s civil and public service aimed at improving public service delivery, creating a conducive environment for workers, and ensuring a seamless operation.
The HOS said, “This shows that good work pays. If you work well, the people will reward you. Mr. Governor has scored many firsts; the first State to embrace paperless governance, among others. He has done outstandingly well across all sectors of the State; he has performed well in the civil/public service. Governor Obaseki is reputed for doing quality projects without making much noise; he deserves it. He has worked for it and those of us working with him must double our efforts.”
On his part, the Chairman of the Edo PDP, Anthony Aziegbemi, said the party is proud of the governor and his accomplishments over the past seven years, emphasizing the positive impact of Obaseki’s policies on the lives of citizens, particularly in education, healthcare, economy, and infrastructural development, among others.
According to him, “This award was not unexpected. It’s an award that meets what the governor is doing for Edo State. It's an award that just shows that when you do the right thing, people will notice. This Zik Award is so prestigious; the party is so excited. It's so rewarding and we thank the governor for always making us proud.”
Also, the convener of the pro-development group, Esan Agenda, Mr. Akhere Obozele, while praising the governor for the honour, said the recognition is a testament to Obaseki’s unwavering dedication to excellence, transparency, and inclusivity in governance.
“We heartily congratulate our performing Governor on this well-earned honour in recognition of his accomplishments over the past seven years. His bold and transformative reforms and projects are there for everyone to see. He is an achiever and a man of vision and we have seen that in his policy choices, educational programmes, empowerment and skills acquisition programmes as well as the big ticket investments, such as the modular refinery, the Ossiomo power project and the Benin Port project, amongst others.”
Obozele added, “Governor Obaseki is a man that believes in equity and fairness and treats every Edo man and woman the same way, without discriminating on the basis of tribe, religion or any other such retrogressive consideration.”