The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Wednesday, joined Muslim faithful in the State to celebrate Eid-El Fitr after the successful completion of the Ramadan fast.

Obaseki, who hosted the Muslims at the Government House in Benin City, assured them of better collaboration and support.

Obaseki was accompanied by the Edo State Head of Service (HOS), Dr. Anthony Okungbowa and Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare and other top government functionaries.

The governor said, “As a government, we must continue to work with religious leaders because citizens in distress can easily meet religious leaders as they know and can deal with issues swiftly. So, we must cooperate with religious bodies.

“We know things are difficult for citizens but we will continue to pray to God to see us through this trying period and will overcome like we did during COVID-19. There is hunger in the land and we will continue to support palliatives and others.

“I thank the Chief Imam of Benin and Muslim faithful in Edo as in the last seven and half years, you have been a pillar and have helped us consolidate and renew our beliefs as Edo people. I thank you for the peace you have continued to help us maintain in our State.”

According to him, “Listening to the Chief Imam made me realize that all of you are close observers of what we have done in the State. One government can't finish all the work and what we have been doing in the last seven and half years was re-directing the path Edo must go.

“What we met was not what it ought to be but we have tried to change the narrative and now instead of our young people travelling out for greener pastures, people are coming to Edo for livelihood.”

Assuring on efforts to ensure sustainability of the government’s projects and achievements in the seven and half years, Obaseki noted, “When the time is right, by the grace of God, I will bring my successor to you, so that you will understand how we have come along in this last seven years so that we can build on what we have achieved and not go back to the situation we met.”

Commending Obaseki for his inclusive style of governance, the Chief Imam of Benin Central Mosque, Alhaji Fatai Enabulele hailed the Governor’s developmental strides across various sectors of the State’s economy.

He assured that the Muslim community in the State will continue to support the governor to finish well and strong.