Ismail Abdulazeez Mantu Reporting
Benin City, Edo State
In recognition of his tremendous leadership attainment and rapid transformative policies, the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has been awarded the prestigious 2023 Vanguard Personality of the Year Award.
Obaseki received the award, at the weekend, at a very colourful ceremony which was held at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Receiving the award, Obaseki, represented by his deputy, Engr. Marvellous Omobayo Godwins, said the award is a reflection of the government’s outstanding multi-sectoral performance over the past eight years, which has repositioned the State as one of Nigeria’s leading investment destinations.
On the entourage were the Edo State First Lady, Dr. Mrs. Betsy Obaseki; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Osaigbovo Iyoha; Edo State Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa, among other top government functionaries.
Other Governors honoured include Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa), and Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Also recognized were the Founder of Air Peace, Dr. Allen Onyema and the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, among others.
According to Obaseki, “We are indeed very proud to be honoured by the Vanguard Newspapers with this prestigious award today. Over the years, they have been able to demonstrate the true essence of journalism, and when an award of this nature is given to an individual or a State by such a reputable news media, it just tells you the story.
Also, the State Commissioner for Roads and Bridges, Ethan Uzamere said, “If you follow His Excellency in the last few years, you will realize he’s someone that deals with planning. When he got in as Governor of Edo State, he identified the root causes of some of the problems we have in Edo State and Nigeria. He focused a lot on planning and fixing the basic issues like the basic education system, which is one of the awards he’s been recognized for here today. So, it’s been a journey of meticulous planning and tackling the problem from the root cause.”
“This award shows that people have seen what we have done and appreciate what we have achieved in the last few years which is visible with the influx of investors and the rising interests and attention in Edo, especially in the education sector.”