Obaseki bags Zik Good Governance award

By Michael Egbejule, Benin City

21 November 2023 | 5:50 am

Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has been awarded the Zik Prize for Good Governance, in recognition of his government’s performance in all sectors of the state over the past seven years. The award ceremony was held in Lagos.

President, African Export-Import Bank, Prof. Benedict Oramah (left); Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, and Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, during the 2021/2022 Zik Leadership Award, in Lagos.

Says it’s motivation to do more for Edo people

The governor has described the recognition as a call to do more for the people of the state, pledging to sustain the developmental strides across various states.

Obaseki was accompanied to the event, held in Lagos, by his wife, Betsy; Secretary to Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie; Chief of Staff to the governor, Osaigbovo Iyoha; state Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa; Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, and other members of the EDHA; Chairman of the People Democratic Party (PDP), Edo State chapter, Anthony Aziegbemi.

Also at the event were the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Oti; Chairman of Sterling Bank, Dr. Asue Ighodalo; former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi; former Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke, and former Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, among others.

Obaseki, after receiving the award, said: “It’s not difficult to govern well, it could be inconvenient but it’s not impossible; just do the right thing and what is just. This award has given me a renewed energy to strive and finish well.

“I am happy to be here to receive this prize for good governance from this distinguished group, the Public Policy Research and Analysis Center (PPRAC).”

It’s very humbling to be honoured amongst the awardees tonight and it’s a privilege for me.

“This award comes to me at a very interesting time in my political career as I wind down my term in office. I am undergoing introspection, asking: ‘is it worth it? Has it been worthwhile? Is it being appreciated? Did you make a mistake?’ Coming here tonight to be awarded this prize for good governance, makes one feel that it is worth it, making all the sacrifices.”

In his welcome address, the chairman of the Advisory Board of Public Policy Research and Analysis Centre (PPRAC), organisers of the Zik Award, Prof. Jubril Aminu, said the award remains a reference point on the continent to honour and recognise leaders, who have distinguished themselves in their chosen areas of specialisation.

Obaseki was also commended, yesterday, for developing the state and transforming its economic base to create prosperity for its citizenry, particularly reducing the impact on poverty by creating more employment opportunities.

Commissioner for Business, Trade and Cooperatives in Edo State, Patrick Uanseru, gave the commendation during an event to commemorate the 2023 Africa Industrialisation Day, with the theme “Renewed Commitment Towards Inclusive and Sustainable Industrialisation and Economic Diversification.”

The commissioner urged Edo people to support Obaseki’s administration in his last one year in office to enable the Governor to finish strong. He said the state government instituted reforms to address bureaucratic constraints in the business environment and drive the industrialisation process in Edo State.

“We have embarked on many initiatives to simplify business processes within Edo State by taking active steps to digitalise the processes and introduce targeted reforms,” he added.

Obaseki bags Zik Good Governance award

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