By Oladipo Airenakho
Benin City – Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has expressed his administration’s desire to make Edo State the most prosperous economy in the South-South region of Nigeria within the next three years.
Besides, he is confident about his desire to position the State as the number one economy in the country in another seven to ten years, according to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary, Mr. John Mayaki.
Obaseki made the declarations while declaring open a 3-day strategic policy dialogue workshop with the theme: Setting Agenda for the new Administration with Permanent Secretaries in the state civil service as participants as well as political leaders and critical stakeholders in the state.
“15 to 20 years, we want to be the number one investment destination in the continent,’’ adding that to achieve this vision for the state, “first class institutions capable of nurturing transformation policies must be built.”
He noted his administration’s quest to deliver on infrastructure that would be better than what was available in the Federal Capital Territory.
“We must deliver on infrastructure that is better than what is available in the Federal Capital Territory. We must aim at generating revenues much more than Lagos without putting unbearable tax burden on our people.
“We must therefore aim at developing our institutions because in the cause of this workshop, we shall be working on six thematic areas, which are the key pillars of our goal for the state.’’
He said the workshop would address issues such as how the state would achieve economic revolution that would translate to having a developed world class infrastructure.
His words: “How do we ensure institutions are reformed so they can deliver? How do we ensure that we can create a state that is socially conscious and create emphasis on the welfare of our people?
“How do we ensure that our culture which is world class acclaimed is displayed and made available for the world to enjoy our tourism as well as sustain our environment?”
The governor noted that in the case of the economy revolution, the thematic group should focus on how the State would establish investment bureaucracy that could begin to attract world class investment.
He added that focus should be on strategic plan that could create minimum of 200,000 jobs as well as many sustainable small and medium scale enterprise.
Obaseki further urged other thematic groups on their expectations from the government at the end of their three-day brain storming session, adding that their resolution would be the working document for developing the state.
Earlier, the chairman of the occasion, retired Justice Samson Uwaifo, stated that effective leadership required good decision making, describing the workshop as revolutionary approach to governance.
The former Supreme Court Judge therefore urged the people not to misunderstand or abuse the dialogue platform as it was a sign that the governor was ready to serve with the best of intentions.
His words: “I think the move to set the Agenda for the new administration in Edo state is well conceived. No doubt it is the first of its kind and the essence of it is revealed in the vision and mission set out.
The vision for the thematic pillars so systematically analyzed is quite attractive and demonstrates a revolutionary approach to change in the art of governance.
“This is a practical exhibition of this administration to ensure inclusive government. Let me sound an admonition that this new era of governance should neither be misunderstood nor abused by any one in whatever sense. Let it be taken with gratitude that it is a sign that the Governor has offered to serve the people with the best of intention,” he said.
