Ogbemudia turns 84, urges support for Obaseki

Two-time Governor of the state, Dr Samuel Ogbemudia, has endorsed the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Godwin Obaseki.

He spoke in Benin City at the weekend, when he celebrated his 84th birthday. The state government hosted the celebration.

Ogbemudia, who was governor in the old Midwest region and Bendel State, urged the people to vote for Obaseki. According to him, the APC’s candidate has the capacity to continue from where Governor Adams Oshiomhole would stop.

He explained that only someone like Obaseki, who understands the meaning of good governance, could continue the good works of Oshiomhole.

The two-time governor lauded the strategic position of women in an election and urged them to participate in the September 28 polls to decide their future.

He said: “I have always appreciated the need to work with women because on the political field, they are very useful. Once they tell you that they are with you, they would remain faithful to the end.

Ogbemudia tasked the women to reflect on the polls and ensure that on the day of election, each of them would have at least, 100 voters queuing behind them.

The celebrant said visionary leadership was crucial in governance, which was what guided his decisions in 1970, when he was a military administrator of Midwest region.

He cited the establishment of the then New Era College, which was informed by his street experience.

He said: “I was coming from the University of Benin one morning in 1970 and along New Benin Lagos Road, I saw a girl lifting tyres and loading them into a lorry.

“I stopped and took her straight to the Ogbe Stadium where other people were training and I asked the coach to train her on weight lifting. What she achieved at the end was a record higher than the best at that time. That girl eventually won gold medals for this country.”

Oshiomhole described Ogbemudia as a great man of wisdom, whose advice had helped him tremendously.

“We celebrate you because we speak for the Edo people. When I visited Igbanke, the people said the last time they were remembered for development was during the Ogbemudia era.