By Elvis Eromosele
As Governor Godwin Obaseki prepares to step aside and hand over the reins of leadership, I find myself reflecting on the past eight years with a changed perspective. I have always been cautious about businessmen entering politics, fearing they would prioritise private interests over public good. However, Obaseki’s tenure has proven me wrong. He brought the accountability, professionalism and goal-oriented mindset of the private sector into governance, and Edo State is undeniably better for it.
One of the most remarkable achievements of Obaseki’s administration was in healthcare. When he took office, Edo’s health sector was in dire need of reform. Through the Edo Health Improvement Programme, Obaseki spearheaded a comprehensive overhaul of the state’s healthcare system. He revamped primary healthcare centres, ensuring they were adequately staffed and equipped to serve local communities. This intervention significantly improved access to quality healthcare for thousands of residents across urban and rural areas. His administration also focused on maternal and child health, upgrading facilities to reduce infant and maternal mortality rates. Edo became a model for other states looking to implement similar healthcare initiatives, a testament to Obaseki’s results-driven leadership.
It would be fair to say that Governor Obaseki understood the potential of agriculture as a key driver of economic growth and job creation in Edo. Under his leadership, the Edo Agripreneur Programme was launched, which focused on empowering smallholder farmers and boosting local food production. By providing farmers with access to improved seeds, training and financial support, the programme not only increased agricultural output but also created thousands of jobs in the sector. His administration further developed large-scale farms and agro-industrial parks, attracting private sector investments to drive agricultural commercialisation. This focus on agriculture ensured that the state played a crucial role in contributing to Nigeria’s food security.
In addition, his commitment to economic growth was evident in his strategy to attract investments and create jobs. When he took office, the unemployment rate in Edo was a pressing challenge. In response, his administration implemented policies that stimulated the local economy, creating over 200,000 jobs in sectors such as agriculture, technology and construction.
Through initiatives like the Edo State Skills Development Agency, known as EdoJobs, the governor provided vocational training and upskilling programmes to thousands of young people, equipping them with the skills needed to thrive in a modern economy. His government also partnered private investors to create job opportunities in industries ranging from manufacturing to entertainment, further expanding the employment base in the state.
Governor Obaseki’s embrace of digital technology has been one of the most forward-thinking aspects of his administration. Recognising the need to modernise governance, he implemented sweeping reforms that digitised public service operations, making Edo one of the most technologically advanced states in Nigeria. By integrating digital solutions into governance, Obaseki’s administration streamlined bureaucratic processes, eliminated inefficiencies and enhanced transparency. This digital transformation made government services more accessible to the people and attracted tech-savvy investors to the state. The most obvious success of these projects is in the civil service, where digitisation enabled the discovery and eradication of ghost workers, saving the state enormous resources and boosting accountability.
Further, Obaseki drove massive improvements to infrastructure by investing in road construction and rehabilitation, thus significantly reducing travel times across the state. Key arterial roads were expanded and modernised, facilitating the transportation of goods and boosting commerce. The construction of the Benin River Port stands out as one of his administration’s most transformative projects. The port is poised to enhance Edo’s connectivity to global markets, positioning the state as a strategic logistics hub and a gateway for international trade. The governor equally prioritised urban renewal projects in Benin City, tackling long-standing flooding issues by rehabilitating drainage systems and expanding road networks. These infrastructure improvements have not only improved the quality of life for Edo residents but have also increased investor confidence in the state’s future.
To be honest, I watched his every move closely. While some may accuse him of being high-handed or uncompromising, I see these traits as part of his unwavering commitment to achieving results. Obaseki proved to be a leader who does not shy away from difficult decisions, and this firmness has been crucial in driving progress across various sectors. In a political system often marred by inefficiency and compromise, his ability to stay focused on the bigger picture was exactly what Edo needed. His approach may not have endeared him to everyone, but there is no denying the transformative impact of his leadership.
As Obaseki prepares to leave office, his legacy is defined by bold decisions and significant progress. He successfully combined private sector efficiency with public sector accountability, positioning Edo for sustainable growth. His leadership demonstrated that businessmen, with the right approach, can effectively serve the public good. The next administration now faces the challenge of maintaining and building upon these foundations to ensure Edo continues to prosper and stand out as a model of progress in Nigeria.
Eromosele, a corporate communication professional and public affairs analyst, wrote via: elviseroms@gmail.com