By Jethro Ibileke
Adds: Edo now leads in technology in Nigeria – Obaseki
The outgone governor of Edo, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has expressed happiness that the state now parades the most advanced public service in Nigeria.
He stated this in his final speech as governor, to residents of the state.
He said he embarked on a very radical transformation of governance and politics in a manner they had never anticipated when he assumed power in 2016.
“When we came into office in 2016, it was clear that the social, economic and political structures of Edo State were weak and needed to be fixed.
“However, it was not until we commenced the process of reform that it became clear that what was required was an entire system reset.
“A key priority for us was to rebuild the institutions of state so that we can return a dough to its past glory. To do so, we needed to build strong institutions, not strong men or godfathers. Over the last eight years, we have undertaken a total overhaul of how the government works in Edo.
“Today, I’m very proud that Edo parades Nigeria’s most advanced public service. Our investments in human capital development, the working environment, digitisation and institutional reforms have resulted in a civil service that is a nimble, fast, responsive, future-focused, private sector facing and technologically compliant,” he said.
Obaseki while recounting his various achievements as governor in eight years, said the state government now recruit staff on merit and workers are now constantly upskilled and are well motivated to deliver best-in-class service to the citizens and investors.
He added: “We invested in building a state-of-the-art secretariat complex and other hubs. We built the John Odigie-one gun Public Service Academy and other such institutions that will ensure that the gains made are sustained and our workers are motivated to perform optimally.
“We ensured that they receive the highest minimum wage in Nigeria. That is before the recent increase across some states and we provide all other incentives to boost performance.”
The former governor described “reclaiming governance and land administration from non-state actors, who had, in the past, undermined the progress and development of our dear state.
“We dislodged them from land administration and also from revenue collection by deploying technology, and we cut red tape and other corrupt practices.
“With these steps, law and order was reinstated in Edo, thereby creating the enabling conditions to attract investments and engender growth.”
He added that he built well over 850 kilometres of roads across the 18 local government areas and also generated 1000mw of electricity daily.
Obaseki finished his two terms of eight years as governor of Edo by 12 midnight Tuesday, 12 November, while Senator Monday Okpebholo of the APC took over as Governor.
Okpebholo had defeated the candidate of the PDP, Asue Ighodalo in the 21 September governorship election in the State.
Edo now leads in technology in Nigeria – Obaseki