By Emman Okuns
Appearing unyielding, but resolute and resilient, Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, seized the moments at the annual Edo National Association Worldwide (ENAW) convention on Saturday to shine the light on his performance since assuming office.
This year’s convention (28th)with the theme: Preserving and Promoting Edo Cultural Legacy was hosted by Edo Association of Washington D.C. Metropolis, led by Dr. Dickson Jesuorobo and held at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington Virginia, the United States of America.
The occasion, which was chaired by Dr. (Engr.) Gregory Omosigho Ero, had Dr. Alphonsus Osarobo Obayuwana as guest speaker who spoke extensively on theme of the convention. It started Friday August 30 and ended Sunday September 1, 2019.
Prior to his arrival, tongs were wagging as to whether or not Governor Obaseki, who had not attended any convention since coming into office in 2016 would show up this time around.
Even the arrival of first Lady, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki the previous day for the ENAW Women Affairs activities, organized by Women Affairs Coordinator, Mrs. Adesuwa Obasohan was not enough to convince a lot of people that the Governor would attend the convention.
The reported numerous activities Obaseki attended on Friday in Edo State, including the birthday ceremony of the Esogban of Benin, Chief D.U Edebiri who turned 90, made it more doubtful that he would honor the convention invitation.
Despite all that, Alltimepost.com was reliably informed that the Governor would be at the convention, but would, out of caution not report it.
By his sudden appearance after lunch, Governor Obaseki illuminated the convention hall as enthusiastic Edo sons and daughters went into jubilation and overwhelming reception mood in his honor.
Members of the cultural groups, assembled by the ENAW Cultural Director, Mr. Osagie Igbinosun gave a wonderful performance which included the rendition of Edo cultural songs, supported by the mammoth crowd of Edo people attending the convention.
Obaseki and his wife were led into the convention hall by ENAW National President, Mr. Edison Oyiboke Osifo and some other members of the Executive, including the host club president, Dr. Jesuorobo.
It was a great opportunity for the governor to reconnect with Edo people in the Diaspora, explain, defend his policies and deliver a strong message to his opponents.
Obaseki started by first apologizing for not attending previous conventions since he came into office and thanked the organizers for the great assemblage of Edo people in the Diaspora, insisting that their importance in the socio-political and economic development of their homeland of Edo State cannot not be overemphasized.
He said he ran for Governor only to serve the interest of Edo people, saying unfortunately, that his people-oriented governance style had pitched him against certain interest groups who are used to the old way of doing things where they got money easily.
The Edo State Chief Executive Officer identified several areas of priority in his desire to transform the heartbeat of the nation, including quality education, agriculture, industrialization, security, infrastructural development, all these he said constitute the engine that drives a peaceful, egalitarian and prosperous society.
Watch out for more reports.
