Jethro Ibileke/Benin

In the spirit of the season, Edo State Government on Saturday, hosted members of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at the International Christian Centre, in Benin, Edo State, to a Christmas party where Governor Godwin Obaseki and his Deputy, Comrade Philip Shaibu, played the role of ‘Father Christmas’ to the admiration and excitement of the children.

Governor Godwin Obaseki (Left) and Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, Deputy Governor (Right) as Father Christmas at the IDP Children Christmas party

The event, which was hosted by wife of the Governor, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, is unique in this part of the world if not the first in recent history.

Governor Godwin Obaseki (Left) and Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, Deputy Governor (Right) waving to the children at the IDP children Christmas party

The event also afforded the children the opportunity to engage in various fun-sports activities such as bouncing castle, merry-go-round, coconut ride, electric train, mountain climber, giant water slide, swimming pool, giant shark attack, aeroplane rocking ride, dolly coin machine, princess castle, superman castle, children boogie bike, octopus, inflatable football among others.

Mrs. Maryann Shaibu, wife of the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, Deputy Governor, Governor Godwin Obaseki and his wife Mrs. Betsy Obaseki appreciating the children at the IDP Children Party

It was also not in short supply of assorted food and drinks with gifts for everyone.

However, a new dimension was introduced with the pleasant surprise of Governor Obaseki and his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu emerging from the ‘blues’ posing as ‘Executive Santa Claus’.

: Governor Godwin Obaseki in a warm handshake with the IDP camp Director, Pastor Solomon Folorunsho

On hand to support Mrs. Betsy Obaseki was wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Maryann Shaibu.