Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has said that the Benin City and Edo State Regional Development Plan is designed as a long-term guide for future administrations, rather than a political tool.
Speaking at an event celebrating Edo State’s 33rd anniversary in Benin City, themed “Education: Our Children, Our Treasure,” Obaseki highlighted that the plan is intended to ensure the continuous development and growth of the state.
“The Edo State Regional and Benin City Master Plan is not a political document but a blueprint for continuity,” the governor stated. “It’s a resource that will assist any future politician or leader in the state, providing direction based on their chosen policies or strategies.”
He explained that the plan is forward-looking, designed to prepare young people for the future and to ensure that Edo continues to prosper over the next 30 years. “This document is a living resource, intended to be reviewed and updated every five years,” he added. “The true wealth of a nation or state lies not in its natural resources but in its people.”
Obaseki clarified that the master plan was not simply created by consultants, but is a vision shaped by the aspirations of the people of Edo. He reflected on the reforms his administration has initiated over the past eight years, stating, “We began with difficult but necessary policy changes because we refused to let Edo remain as it was in 2016. What we started is an ongoing process, and our administration alone cannot accomplish all that is needed to develop the state.”
He continued, “We have created a roadmap that will guide future leaders in advancing the state. Edo has all the resources needed to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s greatness. Edo existed before Nigeria and will continue to play a crucial role as the heartbeat of the nation.”
In her welcome address, Dr. Joan Osa Oviawe, the Commissioner of Education, expressed her excitement about integrating the education sector into the Edo State master plan. She emphasized the importance of incorporating the 15 sections of the master plan into the school curriculum, ensuring that everyone in the education system understands and supports the plan’s vision.
Additionally, Commissioner for Physical Planning, Housing, Urban and Regional Development, Isoken Omo, noted that Edo had been without a master plan since 2012 until Governor Obaseki intervened to reestablish this critical tool for development.
